EASY STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED

 1) Log in to the e-Filing Portal
Start by accessing the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal.
Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in → Log in with your User ID (PAN) and password
    • Ensure your PAN is active and linked with Aadhaar
    • Keep your registered mobile number handy for OTP verification

 2) Begin Filing Your Return ITR-1 (Sahaj) for individuals with:
   • Income from salary/pension.
   • Income from one house property.
   • Income from other sources (excluding lottery, racehorses).
   • Agricultural income up to ₹5,000.

Navigate to the filing section to start the process.
Dashboard → e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return
  • Select Assessment Year 2025–26
  • Choose Mode of Filing: Online
  • Click Continue

 3) Choose ITR-1 Form
Pick the correct form based on your income type.
 • Select ITR-1 (Sahaj) if your income is from salary, one house property, or other sources within ₹50 lakh limit
 • Click Proceed

 4) Validate Personal Information Step 4: Pre-Filled Data
 • The system auto-fills details from:
  o Form 16 (salary).
  o Form 26AS / AIS (tax credits).
  o Bank interest.
 • Verify each section carefully.
 • Confirm your contact details, bank account, and filing type
 • Opt out of the New Tax Regime if you prefer the Old Regime

 5) Review Income Details
Ensure all sources of income are correctly captured.
 • Salary/Pension income
 • One house property income
 • Interest income and exempt income
 • Long-term capital gains u/s 112A (if applicable)

 6) Add Deductions
Claim deductions under Chapter VI-A.
 • Enter eligible deductions (80C, 80D, etc.) if opting for Old Regime
 • Note: Under New Regime, only limited deductions like NPS employer contribution are allowed

 7) Confirm Taxes Paid
Verify tax credits already available.
 • Check TDS from salary and other sources
 • Confirm Advance Tax or Self-Assessment Tax payments

 8) Check Tax Liability
Review the computation summary.
 • If tax is payable, choose Pay Now to avoid interest
 • If refund is due, ensure your bank account is pre-validated

 9) Preview and Validate Return
Run internal checks before submission.
 • Correct any errors flagged
 • Preview the return for accuracy

 10) Verify Your Return
Complete the mandatory verification step.
 • Use e-Verify Now for instant verification
 • Or send signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru within 30 days if opting for physical verification

Filing ITR-1 online has become much simpler with pre-filled data and a guided process. The key is to validate every section carefully, choose your tax regime wisely, and complete e-verification on time. Once done, you’ll receive an acknowledgement number and confirmation on your registered email and mobile