What is ITR-1 (Sahaj)?
ITR-1, also known as Sahaj, is the Income Tax Return form designed specifically for salaried individuals in India. If you are a resident individual with total income up to Rs. 50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources, ITR-1 is the right form for you.
Who Should File ITR-1?
You are eligible to file ITR-1 for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) if:
- You are a resident individual (not NRI)
- Total income does not exceed Rs. 50 lakh
- Income is from salary or pension
- Income from one house property only
- Agricultural income up to Rs. 5,000
- Long-term capital gain u/s 112A up to Rs. 1.25 lakh
Documents Required
- Form 16 — Issued by employer, shows salary and TDS
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card — Mandatory for e-verification
- Bank Account Statements — For interest income and refund
- Form 26AS / AIS — From Income Tax portal
- Investment Proofs — 80C deductions (LIC, PPF, ELSS, NSC)
- Home Loan Statement — If claiming interest deduction
- Rent Receipts — If claiming HRA exemption
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online
Step 1: Gather All Documents
Collect your Form 16, PAN, Aadhaar, bank statements, and investment proofs. Also download your Form 26AS and AIS from incometax.gov.in to cross-check TDS details.
Step 2: Login to the e-Filing Portal
Visit incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN as User ID. Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return.
Step 3: Select ITR-1 (Sahaj)
Select Assessment Year 2026-27, choose Online mode, and select ITR-1 (Sahaj) from the list of forms.
Step 4: Choose Your Tax Regime
The New Tax Regime is the default for AY 2026-27. To claim 80C, HRA, and other deductions, select the Old Tax Regime in the Personal Information section.
Income Tax Slabs for FY 2025-26
| Income Slab | New Regime Rate | Old Regime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to Rs. 3,00,000 | Nil | Nil |
| Rs. 3,00,001 – Rs. 7,00,000 | 5% | 5% |
| Rs. 7,00,001 – Rs. 10,00,000 | 10% | 20% |
| Rs. 10,00,001 – Rs. 12,00,000 | 15% | 30% |
| Rs. 12,00,001 – Rs. 15,00,000 | 20% | 30% |
| Above Rs. 15,00,000 | 30% | 30% |
Step 5: Verify and Fill Your Details
The portal pre-fills data from Form 16 and 26AS. Verify and update: salary income, house property, deductions (80C up to Rs. 1.5L, 80D for health insurance, HRA), and TDS paid.
Step 6: Pay Self-Assessment Tax if Applicable
If tax liability exceeds TDS deducted, pay the balance via e-Pay Tax → Challan 280 using net banking, UPI or debit card before submitting the return.
Step 7: Submit the Return
Preview the tax computation. Confirm your refund or payable amount and click Submit.
Step 8: e-Verify Within 30 Days
e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP (fastest), Net Banking EVC, Bank/Demat Account EVC, or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Your ITR is not complete without e-verification.
Key Deductions Under Old Tax Regime
- Section 80C — Up to Rs. 1,50,000 (LIC, PPF, ELSS, EPF, NSC)
- Section 80D — Up to Rs. 25,000 for health insurance (Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens)
- Section 24(b) — Up to Rs. 2,00,000 on home loan interest
- Standard Deduction — Rs. 75,000 (available in both regimes)
- HRA Exemption — Based on salary, rent paid, and city
- Section 80TTA — Up to Rs. 10,000 on savings account interest
Important Deadlines – FY 2025-26
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| ITR Filing (without late fee) | 31 July 2026 |
| Belated / Revised Return | 31 December 2026 |
| Late Filing Fee (income above Rs. 5L) | Rs. 5,000 |
| Late Filing Fee (income up to Rs. 5L) | Rs. 1,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory to file ITR if TDS has already been deducted?
Yes. Filing is mandatory if gross income exceeds the basic exemption limit, even if full TDS was deducted. Filing also allows you to claim a refund of excess TDS.
What happens if I miss the 31 July deadline?
You can file a Belated Return until 31 December 2026 with a late fee of Rs. 5,000 (Rs. 1,000 if income is below Rs. 5 lakh). You will lose the ability to carry forward capital losses.
Can I switch tax regimes while filing ITR?
Yes. Salaried individuals can switch between New and Old Tax Regime every year at the time of filing. Choose the one that gives you lower tax based on your investments and deductions.
Need Help Filing Your ITR?
At IncomeTaxReturnIndia.com, our Chartered Accountants file your ITR accurately and on time. Simply send us your Form 16 — we handle the rest within 24 hours.