ITR-1 Return
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TDS and Tax Payments
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Tax Computation
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E-verification
ITR-1 Return
Here’s a brief guide on ITR-1 (Income Tax Return Form-1), also known as Sahaj, which is used by individuals for filing income tax returns in India. This summary provides details about its eligibility, components, and filing process.
ITR-1 Sahaj Form Overview
Eligibility to File ITR-1: ITR-1 is meant for individuals who are:
- Residents (other than not ordinarily resident)
- Having total income up to ₹50 lakh
- Having income from:
- Salary or pension
- One house property (excluding cases where loss is brought forward)
- Other sources (like interest income)
- Agricultural income up to ₹5,000
Who is NOT Eligible to File ITR-1: Individuals:
- With income exceeding ₹50 lakh
- With more than one house property
- Who are directors in a company
- Holding unlisted equity shares
- Having income from capital gains
- Having income from business or profession
- Having agricultural income exceeding ₹5,000
- Non-residents or residents with status ‘Resident but not ordinarily resident’
Key Components of ITR-1
Personal Information:
- Name, PAN, Aadhaar number, address, contact details.
- Filing status (original return or revised return).
- Nature of employment (government, PSU, private sector, etc.).
Income Details:
- Salary income details, including allowances, perquisites, etc.
- Income from house property (only one house allowed).
- Income from other sources (interest, dividends, etc.).
- Agricultural income (up to ₹5,000).
Deductions (Chapter VI-A):
- Section 80C: Investments in PPF, NSC, life insurance premiums, etc.
- Section 80D: Medical insurance premiums.
- Section 80TTA: Interest on savings account (up to ₹10,000).
- Other deductions (80E, 80G, 80GG, etc.).
Tax Computation:
- Gross total income.
- Deductions.
- Total taxable income.
- Tax liability computation based on income slab.
- Rebate under section 87A (if applicable).
- Tax payable or refund due.
TDS and Tax Payments:
- Details of TDS from salary, interest, etc.
- Advance tax and self-assessment tax details.
Filing Process
Preparation of ITR-1:
- Download pre-filled ITR-1 from the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Cross-check personal and income details.
Filing the Form:
- You can file the ITR online through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
- After filing, e-verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed physical copy to CPC Bangalore.
E-verification:
- Once filed, the return must be verified through the online or offline process.
- If using offline verification, submit a signed ITR-V form to CPC, Bangalore within 120 days.
Important Dates
Due Date for Filing:
- Generally July 31st for the relevant financial year.
Penalties for Late Filing:
- Up to ₹5,000 for filing after the due date but before December 31st.
- Up to ₹10,000 if filed after December 31st but before March 31st of the following year.
Structure of the ITR-1 Form
A. Personal Information Section:
This section requires you to fill in details such as:
- Name: As per PAN records.
- Permanent Account Number (PAN): A unique number allotted by the Income Tax Department.
- Aadhaar Number: Linking Aadhaar is mandatory for filing returns.
- Date of Birth: Essential for computing tax slabs (especially for senior citizens).
- Residential Address: Current address for correspondence.
- Contact Information: Mobile number and email ID for communication.
You must also mention:
- Filing status (original or revised return)
- Whether you have opted for the new tax regime or the old tax regime with deductions.
B. Nature of Employment:
- Government Employees
- PSU Employees
- Private Sector Employees
- Pensioners
Income Computation in ITR-1
A. Income from Salary/Pension:
The salary income is auto-populated based on Form 16 provided by your employer. The following are the components:
- Gross Salary: Basic salary, HRA (House Rent Allowance), other allowances.
- Exemptions (Section 10): Exempt allowances like HRA, leave travel allowance (LTA), etc., are deducted from the gross salary.
- Perquisites and Profits in Lieu of Salary: These include company-provided car, rent-free accommodation, etc.
- Net Salary: After accounting for exemptions and perquisites.
B. Income from One House Property:
- If you own one house property, whether it’s self-occupied or rented, the income from this house is declared.
- For self-occupied property, interest on housing loan deduction can be claimed up to ₹2 lakh under Section 24(b).
- For rented property, the rent received is taxable after deducting 30% for repairs and maintenance.
C. Income from Other Sources:
- Interest Income: Interest earned from savings accounts, fixed deposits, and other sources.
- Dividend Income: Dividends received from shares and mutual funds.
- Family Pension: If you receive a family pension, you can claim a deduction of ₹15,000 or one-third of the pension, whichever is lower.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing ITR-1
Mismatch in Personal Information: Ensure the details match those in your PAN card and Aadhaar card.
Wrong Reporting of Income: Verify Form 16, 26AS, and bank statements to avoid under-reporting income.
Claiming Ineligible Deductions: Claim only those deductions that are valid for the financial year.
Skipping the E-Verification Process: Without e-verification, your ITR will remain incomplete.
Incorrect Bank Account Details: Ensure correct bank details for refund processing.
Steps to File ITR-1 Online
- Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.
- Select ITR-1 from the available forms.
- Pre-fill the form with data from your PAN, Form 16, and Form 26AS.
- Enter additional income details not covered in the pre-filled data.
- Review and verify your details.
- Submit the return and select your preferred method of verification (e-verification or sending a physical ITR-V form).
Final Points
- Filing ITR-1 is mandatory for residents with income from salary and other simple sources.
- Ensure all details are accurate to avoid any scrutiny from the Income Tax Department.
- E-verification is essential to complete the process. Without verification, the return will be treated as invalid.
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