Under Section 44ADA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, non-salaried professionals can declare 50% of their income as profits without the need to maintain detailed expense records. This provision simplifies compliance, as individuals declaring at or above this threshold are exempt from the rigorous record-keeping mandated for lower declarations. If a professional opts to declare less than 50%, they must keep detailed accounts, including cash books and original bills for significant expenses, and may face a tax audit if their income exceeds the basic exemption limit. It's crucial for professionals to assess their actual income and tax implications, as declaring at the lower percentage could lead to higher compliance burdens. These provisions are applicable for the financial year 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27), with new regulations coming into effect from April 2026 under the Income Tax Act, 2025.