WorkIndex/Capital Loss Set-Off and Carry Forward
Capital gains

Capital Loss Set-Off and Carry Forward
Use losses correctly in ITR

Capital losses can reduce future capital gains only when classified, set off and carried forward correctly under ITR rules.

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Last fact-checked: 2026-05-30
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Fact-check notes

Last fact-checked: 2026-05-30

Tax caution: AY 2026-27 covers FY 2025-26 and continues under the Income-tax Act, 1961. New Act, new section and new form references should be verified against official utilities before filing.

Use this page as preparation guidance. A professional should verify the active law year, notification, portal utility and source records before filing or taking a tax position.

Capital gains

What this covers

Capital losses can reduce future capital gains only when classified, set off and carried forward correctly under ITR rules.

  • Short-term capital loss and long-term capital loss have different set-off rules.
  • Capital losses generally cannot be set off against salary or business income.
  • Timely return filing is important for carry-forward.
  • Prior-year loss schedules must be continued accurately.
Use cases

Who this is for

  • Investor with share market loss.
  • Property seller with capital loss.
  • Mutual fund investor with mixed gains and losses.
  • Taxpayer correcting loss schedule.
Records

Documents and data to verify

  • Capital gains/loss statement.
  • Prior-year ITR loss schedule.
  • Trade and sale documents.
  • AIS/Form 26AS capital gains entries.
Care points

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Setting off LTCL against STCG incorrectly.
  • Missing carry-forward due to late filing.
  • Not reporting small losses.
  • Forgetting prior-year loss expiry.
Action

How to proceed

  • Confirm the applicable financial year, assessment year, taxpayer type, state and portal status before acting.
  • Reconcile portal data with books, AIS/Form 26AS, GST returns, contracts, invoices, bank statements and source documents.
  • Prepare a written computation, checklist, filing note or response with assumptions clearly stated.
  • Download acknowledgements, challans, workings and evidence after filing or submission.
Questions people ask

FAQs

Can WorkIndex help with this?

Yes. Post the facts and documents; relevant experts can quote for filing, advisory, reconciliation, registration, appeal support or ongoing compliance.

Is this page final legal advice?

No. Use it to prepare. A professional should verify the active law year, notification, portal utility and records before filing or taking a tax position.

What should I mention while posting?

Mention the year, state, form, deadline, amount involved, documents available, portal status and whether you need filing, correction, advisory or representation.

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