What is ITR-1 (Sahaj)?

The simplified tax return form ITR-1 operates under the name Sahaj for individual taxpayers who receive their income from basic sources. Each year it stands among the top return formats that salaried people alongside pensioners frequently choose.

Who is Eligible to File ITR-1?

Individuals can file ITR-1 if they meet the following criteria:

• Resident individuals (not applicable for Non-Residents or HUFs)

• A taxpayer has total income below ₹50 lakh for the entire financial year.

• Income sources limited to:

1. Salary or pension
2. One house property (excluding losses carried forward)
3. Other sources like interest income, dividend, and family pension
4. Agricultural income up to ₹5,000

Who is Not Eligible to File ITR-1?

Individuals cannot use ITR-1 if they:

• Earn income exceeding ₹50 lakh

• Your financial income comes from multiple residential properties

• Earn business or professional income

• Have capital gains (short-term or long-term)

• Are a director in a company

• Hold unlisted equity shares

• Have foreign income or foreign assets

• Are assessed under the Presumptive Taxation Scheme (PTS)

Structure of ITR-1 Form

The ITR-1 form consists of the following sections:

• Part A: General Information

1. Name, PAN Card, Aadhar Card number, and contact details
2. Filing type (original/revised return)
3. Employment type (government, private, pensioner, etc.)

• Part B: Gross Total Income

1. Salary, house property income, and other sources

• Part C: Deductions and Taxable Total Income

1. Deductions under Chapter VI-A (Section 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.)
2. Taxable income after deductions

• Part D: Tax Computation and Payment

1. Tax payable/refund details
2. Advance tax and self-assessment tax paid

• Part E: Verification

1. Declaration and signature of the taxpayer

How to File ITR-1 (Sahaj)?

• Step 1: Collect Required Documents

1. Form 16 (issued by the employer)

2. Bank statements for interest income

3. Investment proofs for deductions (PPF, LIC, ELSS, etc.)

4. Aadhaar and PAN card details

• Step 2: demands users to access the Income Tax Portal through their login credentials

1. Visit www.incometax.gov.in

2. Login using PAN and password

3. Select e-File > Income Tax Return > Assessment Year

• Step 3: Choose the Correct ITR Form

1. Select ITR-1 (Sahaj) from the available forms

2. Choose the filing type (Online or Offline JSON upload)

• Step 4: Fill in the Details

1. Enter income details from Form 16 and other sources

2. Claim applicable deductions (Sections 80C, 80D, etc.)

3. Compute total taxable income

• Step 5: Verify and Submit

1. Choose e-verification mode (Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or DSC)

2. Submit the return and download ITR-V acknowledgment

Due Date for Filing ITR-1

• The assessment period starts on the 1st April of the assessment year and ends on July 31st unless the government modifies the date (unless extended by the government).

Penalty for Late Filing

• ₹1,000 (if income < ₹5 lakh)

• ₹5,000 (if income > ₹5 lakh)

• Interest under Section 234A for tax due

Conclusion

ITR-1 (Sahaj) is a user-friendly return form for salaried individuals and pensioners. Filing it on time ensures compliance and avoids penalties. Always verify details before submission and keep an acknowledgment for records.

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