Income Tax

Presumptive taxation — 44AD, 44ADA and 44AE explained

Small businesses and professionals can skip detailed books by declaring 6%/8% (44AD) or 50% (44ADA) of receipts as income. Eligibility, lock-ins and audit triggers.

Key facts

44AD turnover limit
₹3 crore (if cash receipts ≤ 5%)
44AD presumed income
6% digital / 8% cash
44ADA limit
₹75 lakh (if cash receipts ≤ 5%)
44ADA presumed income
50% of gross receipts
Lock-in if opting out
5 years (44AD only)

Section 44AD lets eligible resident individuals, HUFs and partnership firms (not LLPs) declare presumptive income at 8% of turnover (6% for digital receipts) instead of maintaining books. The Finance Act 2023 raised the limit to ₹3 crore provided cash receipts do not exceed 5% of total turnover.

Section 44ADA covers specified professionals — CAs, doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, interior designers, technical consultants — with a ₹75 lakh receipts limit (₹50L if cash > 5%). Presumed income is 50%.

Section 44AE applies to plying/hiring/leasing of goods carriages, presuming ₹1,000 per ton per month for heavy vehicles and ₹7,500/month for others. Limit: 10 vehicles.

Once you opt out of 44AD, you cannot re-enter for 5 years and must maintain books + face tax audit if income exceeds the basic exemption.

FAQs

Can a partner in a firm claim 44ADA on remuneration?

No. Remuneration from a firm is taxed under PGBP but is not 'gross receipts of profession'. 44ADA covers independent professional fees only.

What if my real profit is less than 6%?

You can declare actual lower profit, but you must maintain books and undergo tax audit under Section 44AB if income exceeds the basic exemption limit.

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Last updated: 18 Apr 2026

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