What is Form 10-IEA?
Form 10-IEA is the declaration form that allows individuals with business or professional income to opt out of the New Tax Regime (which is the default from FY 2023-24 onwards) and choose the Old Tax Regime instead.
From AY 2025-26, the New Tax Regime is the default. If you want to opt for the Old Tax Regime and have business or professional income, you must file Form 10-IEA before the due date.
Who Must File Form 10-IEA?
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Individuals, HUFs, AOPs, BOIs | Must have business/professional income |
| Filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 | Form 10-IEA required to opt Old Regime |
| Salaried Only (ITR-1/2) | No need to file Form 10-IEA |
Important Dates
- Non-Audit Cases: 15 Sept 2025
- Audit Cases: 31 Oct 2025
Steps to File Form 10-IEA Online
- Login to incometax.gov.in
- Navigate: e-File → Income Tax Forms → File Income Tax Forms
- Select "Form 10-IEA" and choose AY 2025-26
- Confirm your business income status and submit
- Verify using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or DSC
- Save the acknowledgement number (ARN)
Note: Once you opt out of the New Regime (business income), re-entry is allowed only once in a lifetime.
When is Form 10-IEA Not Required?
If you're salaried only (no business income), you can directly choose the Old Tax Regime while filing ITR-1 or ITR-2 without filing Form 10-IEA.