Simplest ITR for salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the simplest income tax return form for resident individuals with salary, pension, and basic other income. For FY 2025-26, ITR-1 now also allows LTCG under Section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh.
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Filing deadline
July 31, 2026 (for non-audit individuals filing FY 2025-26)
Who should file ITR-1
Resident individuals only (not NRIs)
Total income up to ₹50 lakh
Income from salary or pension
Income from one or two house properties (no brought-forward loss)
Income from other sources — interest, dividends (no lottery/horse racing)
LTCG under Section 112A (listed equity) up to ₹1.25 lakh
Agricultural income up to ₹5,000
Who CANNOT use ITR-1
NRIs and persons of Indian origin resident outside India
Directors of a company (listed or unlisted)
Individuals who held unlisted equity shares at any time during FY
Individuals with total income above ₹50 lakh
Any STCG or LTCG above ₹1.25 lakh from equity, or any gains from property/gold/crypto
Individuals with income from business or profession
Individuals with foreign assets or foreign income
Individuals with more than two house properties or house property losses brought forward
Income types covered in ITR-1
SalaryPensionHouse property (up to 2)Interest incomeDividend incomeLTCG (equity) up to ₹1.25 lakh
Frequently asked questions about ITR-1
Can I file ITR-1 if I sold mutual funds during FY 2025-26?
It depends. If you sold equity mutual funds and the LTCG under Section 112A is ₹1.25 lakh or below, you can still file ITR-1. However, if you have STCG, or LTCG above ₹1.25 lakh, or any debt fund gains, you must file ITR-2 instead.
I received a dividend from stocks. Can I still use ITR-1?
Yes. Dividend income is taxed at slab rate as 'Income from Other Sources' and is eligible for ITR-1, provided your total income is within ₹50 lakh and you don't have any capital gains beyond the ₹1.25 lakh LTCG threshold.
What documents do I need to file ITR-1?
Primarily: Form 16 from your employer, Form 26AS (download from Income Tax portal), AIS (Annual Information Statement), bank interest certificates, and your PAN. A CA will compile all of these and ensure nothing is missed.
Is the new tax regime applicable if I file ITR-1?
Yes. Both old and new regime options are available in ITR-1. Budget 2025 made the new regime the default. Under the new regime, zero tax is payable on income up to ₹12.75 lakh (gross, after standard deduction of ₹75,000). A CA compares both options and picks the more beneficial regime.
What is the late filing fee for ITR-1?
If you file after July 31, 2026 (belated return), you pay a late filing fee under Section 234F: ₹1,000 if total income is ₹5 lakh or below, and ₹5,000 if income exceeds ₹5 lakh. Additionally, you lose the right to opt for old regime if a belated return is filed.