The Income Tax Return Form ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the most commonly used return in India, designed primarily for salaried taxpayers and individuals with simple income structures. If you earn income from salary, pension, or interest, ITR-1 is usually the form you’ll file.
For the current assessment year, the Income Tax Department has introduced several important updates, making it essential for taxpayers to understand eligibility, exclusions, and the correct filing process.
Below is a complete guide to help you file ITR-1 smoothly and correctly.
What Is ITR-1 (Sahaj)?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is a simple income tax return form for individuals with basic and straightforward income sources.
It is meant for taxpayers who DO NOT have business income, capital gains, multiple properties, or foreign assets.
It is the easiest return form and can be filed online in less than 10 minutes if all documents are ready.
Who Is Eligible to File ITR-1?
You can file ITR-1 if:
✔ Your total income is up to ₹50 lakh
✔ Your income includes:
Salary
Pension
One house property (not multiple)
Interest income (FD, RD, savings account, bonds)
Family pension
Agricultural income up to ₹5,000
✔ You are an Indian resident (not applicable for RNOR/Non-resident)
Who Cannot File ITR-1 (Exclusions)
You CANNOT use ITR-1 if you:
✘ Earn more than ₹50 lakh
✘ Have income from:
More than one house property
Capital gains (shares, crypto, land, gold sale)
Business or profession
Lottery, online games, horse racing
✘ Own foreign assets or foreign bank accounts
✘ Have income from:
Virtual Digital Assets (crypto, NFTs)
Speculative income, futures/options
✘ Are a Director in a company
✘ Have tax deducted under 194N (cash withdrawal above limits)
Documents Needed for Filing ITR-1
Prepare these before filing:
Form 16 from employer
Salary slips
Bank passbook/interest statement (Form 26AS, AIS, TIS)
Form 16A (for TDS on interest)
Investment proofs (if you opted for old regime)
Aadhaar & PAN
Rent receipts (if claiming HRA)
Old Tax Regime vs New Regime
From FY 2023–24 onwards, the new tax regime is the default, but you can still choose the old regime while filing.
✔ New Regime:
Lower tax rates but no major exemptions.
✔ Old Regime:
Higher tax rates but allows deductions under:
80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, home loan interest, etc.
Choose the regime that gives lower tax liability.
Step-by-Step Filing Process for ITR-1
Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
Go to incometax.gov.in → Login with PAN + password.
Step 2: Choose “File Income Tax Return”
Assessment Year
Online filing
Select ITR-1 (Sahaj)
Step 3: Choose Your Tax Regime
New regime (default)
Old regime (optional)
Step 4: Validate Income Details
The portal auto-fills from AIS/TIS and Form 26AS.
Verify details for:
Salary
Bank interest
TDS
Other income
Step 5: Add Exemptions/Deductions (if any)
Old regime only.
Step 6: Verify Bank Account for Refund
Ensure it is pre-validated.
Step 7: Submit the Return
Preview → Validate → Submit.
Step 8: e-Verify ITR
Use:
Aadhaar OTP
Net banking
Demat/Bank account EVC
DSC (for professionals)
Your filing is complete once e-verification is done.
Key Updates in ITR-1 This Year
1. New Default Tax Regime
New regime auto-selected unless changed by taxpayer.
2. Enhanced AIS Integration
More accurate auto-fill of:
Interest income
Dividend income
FD/RD interest
Rent receipts
3. Updated TDS/TCS Sections
Includes:
194B (lottery/gaming)
194S (crypto)
194N (cash withdrawal)
4. Mandatory Bank Account Validation
Refunds will only be processed to validated accounts.
5. New Disclosure for EPF Excess Contribution
Tax on EPF interest above statutory limits to be reported.
Conclusion
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the simplest and most convenient return form for salaried taxpayers.
Understanding eligibility, preparing documents, and selecting the right tax regime ensures a seamless filing experience and avoids future notices from the Income Tax Department.
If your income is straightforward — salary + interest — ITR-1 is likely the right form for you.
❓ FAQs
1. Who should file ITR-1?
Resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, pension, or one house property.
2. Can freelancers or gig workers file ITR-1?
No. They must file ITR-3 or ITR-4 depending on income type.
3. Can ITR-1 be filed under both tax regimes?
Yes. You can choose old or new regime while filing.
4. Can I file ITR-1 if I have capital gains?
No. Any capital gain makes you ineligible.
5. Is e-verification mandatory?
Yes. Without e-verification, the return is not considered filed.
Published on : 22nd November
Published by : SMITA
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