The Income Tax Department has released the income tax return forms for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26). That is, now you can give the account of income and tax paid from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 by filing an income tax return.

Like the previous year, the government has notified seven ITR forms this year too. In this write-up, we will discuss ITR Form 1, also known as ‘Sahaj’ and understand who can file this form and who cannot.

What is ITR-1 (Sahaj Form)?

ITR-1 is a simple, single-page form. It is specially designed for salaried, pensioners or people with limited income like interest. If your annual total income is Rs 50 lakh or less, you can fill this form.

Who can file ITR-1?

You are eligible to file ITR-1 if your income comes from these sources:

-Salary or pension (from one or more employers)

-Rental or personal use income from only one house (and no loss carried forward)

-Income from other sources like interest from bank/FD/PO

-Long-term capital gains up to Rs 1.25 lakh from equity shares or mutual funds under section 112A (and no loss carry forward)

-Clubbed income, like income of spouse or minor children, if it falls within these limits

Keep in mind: Aadhaar card must be linked to PAN. Without this, the return will not be valid.

Also read: 7 ITR Forms with key changes for AY 2025-26: Here’s how to select the right one for you

Who cannot file ITR-1?

You cannot fill this form if:

-Your total income is more than Rs 50 lakh

-You are a director of a company or hold unlisted shares

-You are an NRI or RNOR (Residents Not Ordinarily Resident)

-Your income comes from these sources:

Two or more houses

Lottery, race horses, betting etc.

Capital gains or carry forward losses of more than Rs 1.25 lakh

Agricultural income of more than Rs 5000

Business or freelance profession

Property or bank account abroad

Deferred tax on ESOPs

Income from crypto or virtual digital assets

TDS deducted under section 194N

What are the new changes in ITR-1 this year (AY 2025-26)?

Exemption in reporting long-term capital gains: Now LTCG up to Rs 1.25 lakh can also be shown in ITR-1. Earlier ITR-2 was required for this.

New interface for deduction: Now there will be a dropdown menu to choose exemptions from 80C to 80U.

Foreign Retirement Account: New section has been added under section 89A.

Aadhaar Enrolment ID removed: Now only a valid 12-digit Aadhaar number will be valid.

New column in TDS details: Now it will be necessary to mention the section under which TDS is deducted.

Also read: CBDT notifies ITR-7 form for AY 2025-26: Who should file and what’s changed?

Required Documents – Keep these ready before filing ITR-1:

Form 16 (from all employers)

Form 26AS (for matching TDS)

Investment receipts (80C, 80D, HRA etc.)

PAN card and Aadhaar card

Bank interest details (FD, savings account passbook)

Structure of ITR-1 form:

Part A – General information (name, PAN, address, Aadhaar)

Part B – Total gross income (Income from salary, house property, other sources)

Part C – Deductions and taxable income

Part D – Tax calculation

Part E – Bank details and other information

Schedule IT – Advance tax/self-assessment tax

Schedule TDS – Details of TDS and TCS

Verification section

How to fill ITR-1 online? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Go to Income Tax e-filing portal

Login or register

Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return

Select AY 2025-26 and Filing Mode ‘Online’

Click on ‘Start New Filing’

Select Status – Individual or HUF

Select ITR-1 form

Click on ‘Let’s Get Started’

Select reason for filing – like ‘Original’ or ‘Revised Return’

Now fill these 5 sections:

Personal Info: Name, PAN, Aadhaar, Bank details

Gross Total Income: Salary, interest etc.

Total Deductions: Exemptions like 80C, 80D

Tax Paid: TDS, Advance Tax

Total Tax Liability: Tax is payable or refund

Check all the details carefully, do validation

Finally do e-verification – OTP or Aadhaar based

Also read: Tax talk: Pick the right ITR form this year

Summing up…

If your income is less than Rs 50 lakh in a financial year and falls within the above-mentioned rules, then ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the best and easiest option for you. File on time with the correct information to avoid any hassle.