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Income Tax & ITR 3 min read Updated on 29 Aug 2026

Top Changes in ITR-1 Form for AY 2025–26 You Must Know Before Filing

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Top Changes in ITR-1 Form for AY 2025–26 You Must Know Before Filing
Quick Summary

The short version

The Income Tax Department has rolled out the revised ITR-1 form (SAHAJ) for Assessment Year 2025–26, and it comes with critical changes you must know before filing your returns. Whether you're a salaried employee, pensioner, or someone earning interest income,…

📘 Introduction

The Income Tax Department Official ↗ has rolled out the revised ITR-1 form Official ↗ (SAHAJ) for Assessment Year 2025–26, and it comes with critical changes you must know before filing your returns. Whether you're a salaried employee, pensioner, or someone earning interest income, these updates affect how your income is reported and how much tax you pay. Let’s dive into the ITR-1 AY 2025–26 changes and understand what’s new.

🔍 What is ITR-1 SAHAJ?

ITR-1 is a simplified return form meant for:

  • Resident individuals (other than not ordinarily resident)
  • Total income up to ₹50 lakh
  • Income from: salary/pension, one house property, and other sources (interest, etc.)
  • Long-term capital gains under section 112A (within specified limits)

🔄 Major Changes in ITR-1 Form for AY 2025–26

Here’s a breakdown of the significant updates compared to last year’s form (AY 2024–25):

FeatureAY 2024–25AY 2025–26What’s New
LTCG Exemption u/s 112A
₹1 lakh
₹1.25 lakh
Increased limit allows more tax-free capital gains.
Opt-Out of New Regime (115BAC)
Limited clarity
Clear Yes/No checkbox
Users can now clearly state whether they wish to opt-out of the new regime.
7th Proviso to Section 139(1)
Minimal prompts
Detailed disclosures on:
– Foreign travel > ₹2L
– Electricity bill > ₹1L
– Other triggers
Expanded reporting requirements for high spenders not otherwise required to file.
Section 89A Reporting
Not clearly separated
Separate rows for:
– Notified countries
– Non-notified countries
Improved compliance for NRIs with foreign retirement income.
Bank Account Details
Basic info
Mandatory to select refund account and exclude dormant accounts
Streamlined refund process.
E-filing Utility Enhancements
Manual entry
Dropdowns for:
– Salary
– Deductions
– House property
– Other sources
Better usability and error reduction.
Section 234C Relief
Basic input
Quarterly breakup needed for dividend/foreign income
Helps calculate accurate interest relief.

✅ Why These Changes Are Important

These modifications are part of a larger effort to:

  • Improve transparency and reduce tax evasion
  • Help non-residents and salaried professionals file accurate returns
  • Increase flexibility in regime selection under Section 115BAC
  • Align reporting with international retirement taxation rules (section 89A)

📂 Filing Checklist for AY 2025–26 (ITR-1)

Make sure you have:

  • PAN and Aadhaar linked
  • Bank details (excluding dormant accounts)
  • Form 16 and interest certificates
  • Details of capital gains u/s 112A
  • Quarterly breakdown of foreign/dividend income (if applicable)
  • Option declaration for 115BAC (if opting out)

📊 Quick Snapshot of New Reporting Requirements

FieldDetails to Provide
Foreign Travel Expense > ₹2L?Yes/No + Amount
Electricity Bill > ₹1L?Yes/No + Amount
Foreign Retirement IncomeCountry type + amount under section 89A
Capital Gains u/s 112ASale value, cost of acquisition, LTCG
115BAC RegimeChoose “Yes” if opting out
🧾 Final Thoughts

The updated ITR-1 AY 2025–26 form simplifies tax filing while also ensuring deeper compliance, especially for taxpayers with capital gains and foreign retirement income. If you're eligible to use ITR-1, be sure to review all the changes before filing to avoid errors and maximize your deductions.

Stay informed and file smart!

Legal & Tax Advisory Disclaimer

This article is published by TaxQue (ARB FinTech LLP) for general informational, educational, and business guidance purposes only. Tax laws, GST rules, MCA circulars, and judicial precedents are subject to frequent statutory revisions. This content does not constitute formal individualized tax, accounting, or legal counsel.

Need customized business compliance solutions?Consult TaxQue Advisory Experts

Top Changes in ITR-1 Form for AY 2025–26 You Must Know Before Filing

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