Income Tax · 7 min read
How to File ITR-1 (Sahaj) Online for AY 2026-27 — Step by Step
By the India Law Simplified editorial team · Verified against primary government sources (bare Acts & official portals) · Last updated 2026-06-22
Filing ITR-1 online is genuinely doable yourself in 20–30 minutes if your income is straightforward (salary + interest). Here is the exact flow on the income tax e-filing portal.
1Before you start
- Keep ready: PAN, Aadhaar (linked), Form 16 from your employer, bank interest certificates, and your AIS / Form 26AS.
- Reconcile your salary and TDS against Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) so nothing is missed or double-counted.
2Step-by-step on the portal
- Log in at incometax.gov.in with your PAN/Aadhaar and password.
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return; select AY 2026-27 and mode 'Online'.
- Choose status 'Individual', then form 'ITR-1', and the reason for filing.
- Review the pre-filled data (salary, TDS, bank details) and correct anything that does not match your documents.
- Enter deductions (80C, 80D, etc.) if you are on the old regime; check the new vs old regime comparison the portal shows.
- Confirm the tax computation — pay any balance via 'e-Pay Tax' if there is tax due — then submit.
3Don't forget to e-verify
Your return is not complete until verified. e-Verify within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP, net-banking, or a bank EVC — this is instant and free. If you skip verification, the return is treated as not filed.
Frequently asked questions
Is filing ITR-1 online free?
Yes. Filing on the official income tax e-filing portal is free. You only pay any balance tax due, not a filing fee.
What is the due date for ITR-1 for AY 2026-27?
For most non-audit individuals it is 31 July 2026 — but always verify, as the date is sometimes extended by the CBDT.
Is this tax advice?
No. This is general guidance. For anything beyond a simple salary return, confirm with a CA.
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Related guides
Free tools for this
Income-tax regime calculator · Form 16 → ITR computation
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India Law Simplified is an AI-assisted research & drafting tool, not a substitute for a licensed advocate or CA. Verify all figures and steps with a professional before acting. Statutory limits and fees change with each Finance Act / notification.