Answer

1. F

   Facts

   Under the new regime for FY 2025-26, a rebate under Sec 87A makes tax nil for total income up to ₹12 lakh. Since your income is above the basic exemption limit, you still must file.

2. P

   Provisions and law

   • Sec 87A, Income-tax Act 1961 (now Sec 156)Rebate up to ₹60,000 under the new regime where total income does not exceed ₹12 lakh (₹12,500 up to ₹5 lakh under the old regime).
   • Sec 139(1), Income-tax Act 1961 (now Sec 263(1))A return is compulsory when income exceeds the basic exemption limit or a specified condition is met; for salaried people the AY 2026-27 due date was 31 July 2026.
   • Sec 115BAC, Income-tax Act 1961 (now Sec 202)The new regime is the default; a person without business income may opt out in a return filed by the due date.
3. A

   Analysis

   Salary of ₹12,25,000 less the ₹75,000 standard deduction gives ₹11,50,000, so tax after rebate is nil. If the employer deducted TDS, the return gets it refunded. The rebate does not apply to special-rate incomes like listed equity gains, so check those separately.

4. C

   Conclusion

   1. 1Compute taxable income after standard deduction.
   2. 2Check that it is within ₹12 lakh.
   3. 3Confirm no special-rate income affects the rebate.
   4. 4File ITR-1 under the new regime.
   5. 5Claim refund of any TDS.

General guidance from TaxSavvy’s library of money processes. Laws change; your Savvy confirms the answer on your exact case before anything is filed.