There are seven income tax return (ITR) forms—ITR-1 to ITR-7—for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26). The ITR form you need to file depends on your sources of income and taxpayer category. For FY 2024-25, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made significant updates to these ITR forms, particularly ITR-1 (Sahaj). If you are filing ITR-1 for AY 2025-26, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria and key changes. Here are the latest updates for ITR-1 to assist you with your income tax return filing for FY 2024-25.
Like what you're reading?
Get our latest, straight to your inbox.
What is ITR-1 (Sahaj), and who should file it for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the most basic form provided by the Income Tax Department for individuals who are residents (not Hindu Undivided Family or company) and have a total income of up to ₹50 lakh. The purpose of ITR-1 is to make the filing process easy and quick for salaried individuals with straightforward income. This income can include salary or pension, income from one house property, and income from other sources such as bank interest, family pension, or dividends. You can also file ITR-1 if your agricultural income is up to ₹5,000 or your capital gains from selling long-term assets are up to ₹1.25 lakh. Even if you do not have taxable income but want to claim a refund, you can use this form.
Who cannot file ITR-1 for FY 2024-25?
ITR-1 cannot be used if your total income exceeds ₹50 lakh, or if you have income from business or profession, capital gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh, or more than one house property. You also cannot use ITR-1 if you are a director in a company, have invested in unlisted shares, are a non-resident, or have foreign income or foreign assets. Taxpayers under the presumptive taxation scheme or those claiming double taxation relief must also avoid ITR-1. You cannot use ITR-1 if there are brought-forward losses or losses that need to be carried forward under any income head, tax payment on employee stock option plan (ESOP) has been deferred, or tax has been deducted on cash withdrawals.
Changes in ITR-1 (Sahaj) for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025–26)
Filing your income tax return is becoming more transparent and streamlined. Here’s a quick overview of the major updates to the ITR forms for FY 2024-25 that you should know:
1) Default country code set as India: The country code in the form is now preset to ’91-INDIA’, making it quicker to fill and reducing chances of errors.
2) Relaxed rules for capital gains: If you earned up to ₹1.25 lakhs from long-term capital gains under section 112A, you can now use the ITR-1 form to file your income tax return for FY 2024-25.
3) A new schedule, Schedule EA 10(13A) for House Rent Allowance (HRA), is added, which asks for details such as:
a) Place of work
b) Actual HRA received
c) Actual rent paid
d) Details of salary
4) For interest on home loans, Schedule 24(b) has been added for you to mention in ITR-1 for FY 2024-25:
a) Whether the loan is taken from bank or other than bank
b) Name of the bank/institution/person from which the loan is taken
c) Loan account number of the bank/institution
d) Date of sanction of loan
e) Total amount of loan
f) Loan outstanding amount as on the last date of the financial year
g) Interest on borrowed capital
5) If you are claiming deductions for life insurance, provident fund, etc. under Section 80C, you will now have to provide the eligible amount for deduction and the policy number or document identification number for FY 2024-25.
6) If you are claiming deductions for pension contributions, the Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) must be provided.
7) For health insurance deductions under Section 80D, you need to disclose the details of insurance, such as the name of the insurance company, policy number, and health insurance amount for FY 2024-25.
8) Claiming deductions under Section 80U or 80DD now needs you to specify the type of disability.
9) For deductions under Section 80DDB, you must mention the specific illness being treated.
10) The loan-based deductions, such as interest on loans for higher education (80E), residential house property (80EE), certain house property (80EEA), and the purchase of electric vehicles (80EEB), are more structured and include:
a) From where the loan is taken from, that is a bank or an institution
b) Name and Loan Account Number of the bank/institution from which the loan is taken
c) Date of sanction of loan
d) Total amount of loan
e) Loan outstanding as of the last date of financial year
f) Interest on such loan
g) Vehicle Registration number in case of deduction of interest paid on purchase of vehicle
11) To claim rent paid under Section 80GG, you now have to enter the acknowledgment number of Form 10BA
12) Now, you will have to mention under which section tax was deducted at source (TDS).
Can you choose between the old and new tax regimes in ITR-1 for FY 2024-25?
For FY 2024-25, the new tax regime is set as the default tax regime. However, taxpayers can still choose to opt for the old regime by selecting it in the ITR-1 form. The old regime allows for deductions and exemptions, while the new one offers lower tax rates but fewer benefits.
What are the common mistakes you need to avoid in ITR-1?
Many taxpayers make errors like choosing the wrong assessment year, failing to report interest income, or missing out on claiming deductions. Some forget to verify the return after filing. Avoiding these mistakes will save time and prevent notices from the tax department.
How to rectify errors in filed ITR-1
If you filed your return but later found a mistake, you can file a revised return under Section 139(5). However, if your ITR was processed incorrectly or shows errors not caused by you, you can file a rectification request under Section 154 of the Act.
How to check ITR-1 status after filing
Once you submit your ITR-1, visit the Income Tax e-filing portal and log in. Under the ‘View Filed Returns’ section, you can track the status. Make sure to e-verify your income tax return to complete the process. Without e-verification, your return will be treated as invalid.
Filing ITR-1 without Form 16 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
Even if your employer has not issued Form 16, you can still file your ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). Use salary slips, bank statements, and Form 26AS to collect income and TDS details. You can also refer to the AIS for a complete picture of your income.
Consequences of not filing ITR-1 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
If you miss the deadline to file your ITR by September 15, 2025, for the financial year 2024-25, you will have to pay a late filing fee of up to ₹5,000. Additionally, you will not be able to carry forward any losses, and interest may apply on the unpaid tax. In some cases, penalties or legal notices may also be issued.
ITR-1 Filing for Senior and Super Senior Citizens for FY 2024-25
Senior citizens (60+ years) and super senior citizens (80+ years) can also use ITR-1 if their income fits the criteria. If they do not have business income, they are even eligible for assisted filing at designated centers.
Filing ITR-1 doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right information, you can file accurately, claim your refunds on time, and avoid penalties. If you are eligible to file ITR-1 in FY 2024-25, start early and double-check your form before submitting it.
FAQs on ITR-1 for FY 2024-25
What is the due date for filing ITR-1 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
The last date to file your income tax return is usually July 31. However, for the financial year 2024-25, the Income Tax Department has extended the ITR filing due date to September 15, 2025.
Is the new tax regime the default for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
Yes, from AY 2024-25 onwards, the new tax regime under Section 115BAC is the default tax regime. Taxpayers who wish to opt for the old tax regime must indicate their choice while filing the return. For salaried individuals, this can be done by selecting the appropriate option in the ITR form.
Can I claim deductions under Chapter VI-A in ITR-1?
Under the new tax regime, deductions under Chapter VI-A are not available, except for deductions under Sections 80CCD(2), 80CCH, and 80JJAA. If you wish to claim other deductions (e.g., under Sections 80C and 80D), you must opt for the old tax regime while filing your return.
Can I claim HRA or interest on a home loan in ITR-1?
Under the new tax regime, exemptions like House Rent Allowance (HRA) under Section10(13A) and deductions for interest on home loans for self-occupied property are not available. To claim these, you must opt for the old tax regime while filing your return.
How can I verify my ITR after filing?
After filing your ITR, you must verify it within 30 days. Verification can be done electronically through methods like Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed physical copy of ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru.
