Learn the 'Sahaj' Process for Filing ITR-1: Every Step Explained—What to Do and Where?
The Income Tax Department has made the process of filing the ITR-1 (Sahaj) form for Assessment Year 2026-27 extremely simple and digital. To assist taxpayers, the Department has released a step-by-step video guide. With the help of this guide, salaried individuals, pensioners, and citizens earning income from house property and other sources can file their Income Tax Returns online themselves, without making any errors.
Learn the 'Sahaj' process for filling out ITR-1—every single step, and exactly what to do where—to ensure you never receive an Income Tax notice, even by mistake.
The Income Tax Department has made the process of filing the ITR-1 form for Assessment Year 2026-27 extremely simple and digital. (Representative Image: AI/ChatGPT)
The time for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is a crucial period for taxpayers. To simplify the process of filing returns for Assessment Year 2026-27, the Income Tax Department has released a detailed video guide. The primary objective of this guide is to enable taxpayers to fill out their ITR-1 (Sahaj) forms online from the comfort of their homes, without requiring any external assistance or making any errors.
The Department has clarified that if you are a salaried employee, receive a pension, or derive income from other common sources, this easy digital process will make your filing journey significantly smoother.
Who is eligible to file the ITR-1 form?
The ITR-1 form is also known as 'Sahaj'. According to the Income Tax Department's video, this form can be used to report income from the following sources:
Salary or Pension: Income received as salary from employment or as a pension after retirement.
House Property: Income generated from up to two house properties.
Family Pension: The amount of pension received by the family. Income from Agriculture: Earnings derived from farming and agricultural activities, up to an amount of ₹5,000.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Long-term capital gains falling under Section 112A, up to an amount of ₹1.25 Lakhs.
Other Sources: Interest earned on savings accounts, interest on Fixed Deposits or other deposits, interest received on Income Tax refunds, etc.
How to File the ITR Form: A Step-by-Step Guide?
Here are the steps to file your Income Tax Return:
Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
First, visit https://incometax.gov.in and log in using your User ID and Password.
Step 2: Select the 'File Income Tax Return' Option
After logging in, navigate to the 'e-File' menu and click on 'Income Tax Returns' > 'File Income Tax Return'.
Step 3: Select the Assessment Year
Now, select 'Assessment Year 2026-27' and choose 'Online' as the filing mode.
Step 4: Choose 'New' or 'Resume' Filing
If you have previously saved a draft, you can select 'Resume Filing'. For a new filing, click on 'Start New Filing'.
Step 5: Select Your Status
Here, select your taxpayer status—for instance, 'Individual'.
Step 6: Select ITR-1 (Sahaj) Form
Select 'ITR-1 (Sahaj)' from the dropdown menu and proceed further.
Step 7: Get Help in Choosing the Right ITR (If Needed)
If you are unsure which ITR form is appropriate for you, you can utilize the option: 'Help me decide which ITR Form to file'.
Step 8: Answer Eligibility-Related Questions
Accurately answer the basic questions posed by the system to determine your eligibility.
Step 9: Verify Required Documents/Details
Verify your PAN, Aadhaar, Bank Account details, and other necessary information. Step 10: Review Pre-filled Information
Carefully check the information pre-filled from AIS, Form 26AS, and other sources. Correct any errors if found.
Step 11: Enter Income and Deduction Details
Enter details regarding Income from Salary, House Property, and Other Sources, as well as Deductions claimed under Chapter VI-A.
Step 12: Review Tax Calculation
Carefully review the tax calculation performed by the system. If there is any tax payable, click on 'Pay Now'.
If a refund is due, proceed to the next step.
Step 13: Confirm Declaration
Now, you must confirm the declaration and proceed with validation. If the tax payment data has not auto-populated, enter it manually.
Step 14: Perform Internal Validation
After filling in all the details, click on 'Proceed to Validation'. The system will verify the form.
Step 15: Proceed to Verification
Once the validation is successful, click on 'Proceed to Verification'.
Step 16: E-Verify the Return
Select your preferred method for e-Verification, such as:
Aadhaar OTP
Net Banking
Bank Account EVC
Demat EVC
Thereafter, complete the process.
Points to Remember:
Ensure you reconcile your data with AIS and Form 26AS.
Your bank account must be pre-validated.
In case of any errors, follow the instructions provided by the system.
Double-check all the information before submitting the return.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
