New tax rules: What Form 10-IEA means for those rejecting India’s default tax regime
Tax experts explain that Form 10-IEA is mandatory for taxpayers with business or professional income, particularly those filing under ITR-3 or ITR-4.
- Jul 26, 2025,
- Updated Jul 26, 2025 9:30 AM IST
Switching to the old tax regime this year? You’ll need Form 10-IEA—a new requirement from the Central Board of Direct Taxes for individuals or HUFs with business income who want to opt out of the default new regime.
Since FY 2024-25, the new tax regime is the default, meaning anyone wishing to continue under the old system must actively file Form 10-IEA before the 15th September 2025 deadline. Missing this filing means automatic enrollment into the new regime.
Tax experts explain that Form 10-IEA is mandatory for taxpayers with business or professional income, particularly those filing under ITR-3 or ITR-4. This option can only be exercised once in a lifetime unless the taxpayer discontinues their business.
Earlier, Form 10-IE served a similar function. But now, with the default regime flipped, Form 10-IEA is the new gateway to the old structure. The form requires details like PAN, assessment year, business status, IFSC units (if any), and a formal declaration.
Who doesn’t need Form 10-IEA? Salaried individuals not involved in business or profession can simply tick the “opt out of new regime” checkbox directly in their ITR forms—no need for Form 10-IEA.
How to File Form 10-IEA Online:
- Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Go to e-File > Income Tax Forms > File Income Tax Forms.
- Select Form 10-IEA and the correct assessment year (e.g., AY 2025–26 for FY 2024–25).
- Confirm you have business income and select the appropriate due date.
- Complete three sections:
- Basic Information (mostly pre-filled)
- Additional Info (only if you have IFSC units)
- Declaration & Verification
- e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP, DSC, or EVC.
- Receive your Transaction ID and Acknowledgement Number—you’ll need this while filing your ITR.
The acknowledgement number from Form 10-IEA must be mentioned in your tax return. Without it, your old regime status may not be recognized.
Form 10-IEA is available only online and must be submitted before the ITR due date. Once verified, your tax regime selection becomes binding—especially for business income taxpayers.
Switching to the old tax regime this year? You’ll need Form 10-IEA—a new requirement from the Central Board of Direct Taxes for individuals or HUFs with business income who want to opt out of the default new regime.
Since FY 2024-25, the new tax regime is the default, meaning anyone wishing to continue under the old system must actively file Form 10-IEA before the 15th September 2025 deadline. Missing this filing means automatic enrollment into the new regime.
Tax experts explain that Form 10-IEA is mandatory for taxpayers with business or professional income, particularly those filing under ITR-3 or ITR-4. This option can only be exercised once in a lifetime unless the taxpayer discontinues their business.
Earlier, Form 10-IE served a similar function. But now, with the default regime flipped, Form 10-IEA is the new gateway to the old structure. The form requires details like PAN, assessment year, business status, IFSC units (if any), and a formal declaration.
Who doesn’t need Form 10-IEA? Salaried individuals not involved in business or profession can simply tick the “opt out of new regime” checkbox directly in their ITR forms—no need for Form 10-IEA.
How to File Form 10-IEA Online:
- Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Go to e-File > Income Tax Forms > File Income Tax Forms.
- Select Form 10-IEA and the correct assessment year (e.g., AY 2025–26 for FY 2024–25).
- Confirm you have business income and select the appropriate due date.
- Complete three sections:
- Basic Information (mostly pre-filled)
- Additional Info (only if you have IFSC units)
- Declaration & Verification
- e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP, DSC, or EVC.
- Receive your Transaction ID and Acknowledgement Number—you’ll need this while filing your ITR.
The acknowledgement number from Form 10-IEA must be mentioned in your tax return. Without it, your old regime status may not be recognized.
Form 10-IEA is available only online and must be submitted before the ITR due date. Once verified, your tax regime selection becomes binding—especially for business income taxpayers.