Tax forms have a reputation for being written in a language nobody actually speaks. Terms like ‘Name of Assessee’ and references to ‘Assessment Year’ have long made declarations like Form 15G and Form 15H feel more complicated than they actually are – even though their purpose is simply to ensure TDS isn’t deducted when your tax liability is nil.
Happy to say that’s finally beginning to change.
The Income Tax Act, 2025 aims to simplify the tax system that has become increasingly complex over time:
- new forms were added whenever provisions changed
- similar forms existed for slightly different taxpayers
- people had to remember which form applies to whom
To reduce this complexity, the government is retiring older, cluttered formats and moving toward simpler, consolidated forms.
So, instead of choosing between Form 15G and Form 15H based on age, taxpayers will now use a single, simplified declaration: Form 121 to declare that no tax is payable and therefore, no TDS should be deducted.
Here’s what has changed and how Form 121 compares with the old 15G/15H Forms.
Why Form 121 was introduced?
Form 121 has been introduced to simplify how no-TDS declarations are filed. Earlier, taxpayers had to choose between Form 15G (for non-senior citizens) and Form 15H (for senior citizens). That age-based split is now removed, and a single form applies to everyone.
So whether you’re 25 or 75, you now use Form 121.
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Human-friendly language: The wording is simpler and more direct. For instance, instead of the archaic ‘Name of Assessee,’ the form now just asks for your ‘Name’ – the way people actually identify themselves.
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Smart selection: Instead of separate formats for different taxpayers, Form 121 uses a guided selection list (enum list). You choose your category from the list, and the form applies the relevant rules based on that selection.
Now, let’s see how this simplifies things.
Difference between Form 15G, Form 15H and Form 121
To understand the change better, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the old forms and the new Form 121.
| Feature | Form 15G/15H | Form 121 |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Used Assessment Year | Uses Tax Year |
| Language | Asked for ‘Name of Assessee’ | Simply asks for ‘Name’ |
| Age details | Asked for Date of Birth | Asks if you’re 60+ (Yes/No) |
| Identification number | PAN or Aadhaar allowed | Only PAN |
| Previous ITR details | Asked if you filed for the last 6 years | Asks for last 2 years only |
| TDS sections | Required section references | No technical section inputs |
| Investment account number | Required account details | No investment account inputs |
Overall, Form 121 reduces the number of fields, removes technical inputs, and focuses only on the details needed to confirm your eligibility.
How these changes will help you?
Form 121 will help you in three clear ways:
1. No need to choose between two forms
You don’t have to decide between Form 15G and Form 15H. A single Form 121 works for everyone, regardless of age.
2. No TDS section details required
You no longer need to identify or enter specific TDS sections while filing the form, making it easier, especially for first-time filers or senior citizens.
3. No investment account numbers needed
The form doesn’t ask for individual account or deposit details, making it quicker to fill and submit.
From April 1, 2026, Form 121 will become the standard declaration form, replacing both Form 15G and Form 15H.
What this means for taxpayers?
If your income is below the taxable limit and you submit Form 15G or 15H to avoid TDS:
- You need to file Form 121 instead of Form 15G/15H starting April 1, 2026.
- Your eligibility remains the same – if your final tax liability is nil, you can continue submitting the declaration.
- The process remains annual. You’ll still need to submit the form each year to your deductor, whether that’s your bank, post office, or even a tenant who pays you rent.
We’ve attached the draft version of Form 121 below so you can get a head start on what the new format looks like.
Draft Form No. 121.pdf (218.0 KB)
If you want a deeper understanding of Form 121, we got you covered: What is Form 121? How to save TDS on interest and other income