§ 121
Chapter VII — Set Off, Or Carry Forward And Set Off Of Losses

Submission of return for losses

Income-tax Act, 2025

Business owners must file a return to claim a loss. If not, the loss cannot be carried forward or set off against future income. This applies to various sections under the Income-tax Act.

  • Losses must be determined through a return filed under section 263(1) to be eligible for carry forward and set off.

📜 Official text of the section +
121. Irrespective of anything contained in this Chapter, no loss which has not been determined in pursuance of a return filed under section 263(1), shall be carried forward and set off under section 111(1) or 112(1) or 113(2) or 114(2) or 115(2). CHAPTER VIII DEDUCTIONS TO BE MADE IN COMPUTING TOTAL INCOME A.—General Deductions to be made in computing total income.

Plain-language summary — not the official text. Refer to the bare Act and confirm with a professional for your specific case.