If a person adopts the presumptive taxation scheme of section 44AE, then is he required to maintain books of account as per section 44AA?​​​

Section 44AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 has provisions relating to maintenance of books of account by a person engaged in business/profession. Thus, a person engaged in business/profession has to maintain books of account of his business according to the provisions of ​ section 44AA.

In case of a person opting for the presumptive taxation scheme of section 44AE, the provisions of ​ section 44AA relating to maintenance of books of account will not apply. In other words, if a person adopts the provisions of section 44AE and declares his income at the rate of Rs. 7,500 per goods vehicle per month, then he is not required to maintain the books of account as provided under ​ section 44AA in respect of business covered under the presumptive taxation scheme of section 44AE​.