Who Should File ITR-1?
ITR-1 (also called Sahaj) is the simplest ITR form. You can file ITR-1 if all of these apply to you:
- You are a resident individual (not NRI)
- Your total income is up to ₹50 lakh
- Your income is from salary or pension only
- You have income from one house property (or none)
- You have interest income (FD, savings account) or dividends
Documents You Need
| Document | Where to Get It | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Form 16 (Part A & B) | From your employer (by June 15) | Essential |
| PAN Card | Income Tax Department | Essential |
| Aadhaar Card | UIDAI | Essential |
| Form 26AS / AIS | IT portal → View Tax Credit | Essential |
| Bank Account Details | Your bank passbook/app | For refund |
| 80C investment proofs | PPF, LIC, ELSS statements | If Old Regime |
| HRA rent receipts | Landlord | If claiming HRA |
Step-by-Step: Filing ITR-1 Online
Login to the Income Tax Portal
Go to eportal.incometax.gov.in. Click Login and enter your PAN as User ID. If you haven't registered, click Register first — it takes 5 minutes with your PAN and Aadhaar.
💡 Use your PAN as both User ID and during Aadhaar OTP verificationGo to File Income Tax Return
After login, click e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return. Select Assessment Year: AY 2026-27, Mode: Online, and click Continue.
Select ITR-1 (Sahaj)
The portal will suggest the right form based on your profile. Select ITR-1 if you're a salaried employee. Click Proceed with ITR-1.
💡 The portal pre-fills most data from Form 26AS, AIS & TIS — verify it carefullyChoose Your Tax Regime
Select Old Regime or New Regime. For most salaried employees earning below ₹12.75 lakh, the New Regime gives zero tax. Use our Regime Comparator tool to decide.
Verify & Fill Personal Details
Check your pre-filled name, PAN, Aadhaar, date of birth, and address. Update your bank account number and IFSC correctly — this is where your refund will be credited.
Enter Salary Income (from Form 16)
Under Salary section, cross-check the pre-filled salary figure against your Form 16 Part B. Enter Gross Salary, Standard Deduction (₹75,000 is auto-applied), and HRA/allowances if under Old Regime.
💡 If pre-filled data doesn't match Form 16, trust Form 16 and correct itAdd Deductions (Old Regime Only)
If you chose the Old Regime, go to Deductions and enter your 80C (up to ₹1.5L), 80D health insurance, HRA exemption, and any other deductions. Keep your investment proofs ready.
Review Tax Computed & TDS
The portal auto-calculates your total tax payable and compares it with TDS already deducted (from Form 26AS). If TDS > tax, you get a refund. If TDS < tax, you need to pay the balance as self-assessment tax.
Preview & Submit
Click Preview Return, review all sections carefully, then click Proceed to Validation. Fix any errors flagged. Once clean, click Submit.
💡 Download the pre-submission preview as PDF for your recordsE-Verify Your ITR
This is mandatory. Choose Aadhaar OTP (fastest — instant verification). Other options: Net banking, bank ATM, or send signed ITR-V by post to CPC Bengaluru within 30 days. Without e-verification, your ITR is invalid.
✅ E-verification via Aadhaar OTP completes in 60 secondsFrequently Asked Questions
Not sure how much tax you owe? Calculate it free before you file — takes 60 seconds.
🧮 Calculate My Tax Free →