ITR Filing 2026: Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR-1 for AY 2026-27 Before July 31

Who Can File ITR-1?

ITR-1 (Sahaj) can generally be used by resident individuals whose total income does not exceed ₹50 lakh during the financial year and who earn income from:

• Salary or pension.

• One house property (excluding certain complex cases).

• Other sources such as interest.

• Agricultural income up to ₹5,000.

Taxpayers with capital gains, business income, foreign assets, or other specified incomes are required to use different ITR forms.

Documents to Keep Ready

Before starting the filing process, keep the following documents available:

• PAN and Aadhaar.

• Form 16 issued by the employer.

• Annual Information Statement (AIS).

• Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS).

• Form 26AS.

• Interest certificates from banks and post offices.

• Details of deductions claimed under the Income-tax Act.

• Bank account details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing ITR-1

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your PAN and password.

2. Select File Income Tax Return.

3. Choose Assessment Year 2026-27.

4. Select Online Mode.

5. Choose ITR-1 (Sahaj) if eligible.

6. Verify your personal information and bank account details.

7. Confirm pre-filled income details and edit them if required.

8. Enter eligible deductions and exemptions.

9. Verify tax paid, including TDS and advance tax details.

10. Review the return carefully before submission.

11. Submit the return.

12. Complete e-verification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other approved methods.

Verify Before Filing

Taxpayers should cross-check:

• Salary and TDS details.

• Interest income.

• AIS and Form 26AS entries.

• Bank account information.

• Deduction claims.

• Tax computation.

Any mismatch should be corrected before final submission.

Filing Deadline

For most individual taxpayers not requiring an audit, the due date for filing ITR for AY 2026-27 is July 31, 2026.

Late filing may attract interest, penalties, and restrictions on carrying forward certain losses, subject to the provisions of the Income-tax Act.

Looking Ahead

The Income Tax Department advises taxpayers to file returns well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues and ensure quicker processing of refunds.