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ITR 1 vs ITR 2 – Which Income Tax Form Should You Use?

When you file your income tax return, one of the most important steps is choosing the correct form. Many taxpayers get confused when it comes to ITR 1 vs ITR 2. Both forms are for individuals. However, they are not the same. Each form has its own set of rules.

If you choose the wrong one, your return might be rejected. You may also have to pay a late fee. To avoid this, it helps to understand the difference between ITR 1 and ITR 2. This article explains both forms in detail so you can file your income tax return filing the right way.

What is ITR 1 & Who Can Use It?

ITR 1 is applicable for salaried resident individuals whose total income for the year does not exceed ₹50 lakh. This form is also known as Sahaj and is meant for those with simple income sources and no foreign connections or business income. You can use this form only under specific conditions.

You can file ITR 1 if:

  • You are a resident individual (not NRI or HUF).

  • Your total income is up to ₹50 lakh in a financial year.

  • Your income is from:

    • Salary or pension

    • Only one house property

    • Agricultural income up to ₹5,000

    • Long Term Capital Gain under Section 112A, not exceeding ₹1.25 lakh

    • Other sources like savings bank interest, fixed deposit interest, etc. (excluding gambling, lottery, horse racing, etc.)

You cannot file ITR 1 if:

  • Your residential status is Non-Resident or Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR).

  • Your income exceeds ₹50 lakh in total.

  • You earn from more than one house property.

  • You have income from business or profession.

  • Your income includes lottery, gambling, horse racing, or any similar source.

  • You want to report capital gains other than the limited 112A exemption.

  • Your agricultural income exceeds ₹5,000.

  • You have invested in unlisted equity shares.

  • You are a director in a company.

  • You have deferred tax on ESOPs from an eligible start-up.

What is ITR 2 and Who Can It?

ITR 2 is meant for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families who are not eligible to file ITR 1, but also have no business or professional income. It supports more types of income, including capital gains, foreign income, multiple properties, and high-value income. Understanding its use is essential for correct income tax return filing.

You should file ITR 2 if:

  • You are a resident or non-resident individual or an HUF.

  • Your income exceeds ₹50 lakh in a year.

  • Your income is from any of these sources:

    • Salary or pension

    • More than one house property

    • Capital gains (short-term or long-term, not limited to Section 112A)

    • Agricultural income above ₹5,000

    • Other sources, including lotteries, gambling, horse racing, etc.

    • Foreign assets or foreign income

You have:

  • Brought forward losses from earlier years

  • Investments in unlisted equity shares

  • Deferred tax on ESOPs from a recognised start-up

  • Directorship in any company

  • Claims under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) — sections 90/91

You cannot file ITR 2 if:

  • You earn income from business or profession (use ITR 3 instead).

  • You are a company, firm, or trust — these must file different forms.

Difference Between ITR 1 and ITR 2

Here’s a side-by-side view of ITR 1 vs ITR 2 to help you decide which one to file. Knowing the difference between ITR 1 and ITR 2 ensures accurate income tax return filing and avoids future issues.

Particulars

ITR 1

ITR 2

Who can file

Resident Individuals only

Resident and Non-Resident Individuals, HUFs

Income Limit

Total income up to ₹50 lakh

No income limit

Capital Gains

Only Section 112A gains up to ₹1.25 lakh

All types of capital gains and losses

House Property

Income from one house only

Income from multiple houses allowed

Agricultural Income

Up to ₹5,000 only

More than ₹5,000

Other Sources

Bank interest, FD interest, etc.

Includes lottery wins, betting, horse racing

Foreign Income or Assets

Not allowed

Required to be reported

Directorship in a company

Not allowed

Must file ITR 2 if you're a director

Unlisted Equity Shares

Not allowed

Allowed

Brought Forward Losses

Cannot claim or carry forward losses

Allowed

ESOP tax deferral (eligible startups)

Not applicable

Applicable

DTAA relief

Not allowed

Allowed

This breakdown will help you clearly understand the difference between ITR 1 and ITR 2 before you begin your income tax return filing.

Income Sources Covered Under Each Form

Let’s look at the type of income each form supports in more detail. If you want to know which form is suitable for your income type, this section simplifies ITR 1 vs ITR 2 for you.

Income Source

Covered in ITR 1

Covered in ITR 2

Notes

Salary / Pension

Yes

Yes

Common to both forms.

Income from one house property

Yes

Yes

Both allow one property.

Income from more than one house property

No

Yes

ITR 1 does not allow this.

Agricultural income up to ₹5,000

Yes

Yes

Both allow it within the ₹5,000 limit.

Agricultural income above ₹5,000

No

Yes

ITR 2 must be used.

Capital gains under Section 112A (≤ ₹1.25L)

Yes

Yes

Both allow it with limits in ITR 1.

Other capital gains (real estate, stocks)

No

Yes

ITR 2 is mandatory for all other capital gains.

Interest from savings, FD, RD, etc.

Yes

Yes

Regular interest income is allowed in both.

Income from lotteries, gambling, betting

No

Yes

ITR 1 excludes these sources.

Foreign income or foreign assets

No

Yes

ITR 2 allows declaration of foreign sources.

Unlisted equity shares

No

Yes

Must be disclosed in ITR 2.

Director in a company

No

Yes

ITR 2 is mandatory.

Deferred tax on ESOPs from start-ups

No

Yes

Must be reported in ITR 2.

Professional or business income

No

No

Neither form supports business income. Use ITR 3 instead.

If your income is straightforward, ITR 1 may be fine. But if you earn from multiple sources or higher-value assets, ITR 2 is the right choice.

How to File ITR Online?

Filing your income tax return online is quick. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit incometax.gov.in

  2. Log in using your PAN and password.

  3. Go to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Return’.

  4. Choose the assessment year and the correct ITR form.

  5. Review the pre-filled income details.

  6. Make changes if needed.

  7. Submit and verify using OTP, Aadhaar, or net banking.

Make sure your details match your income proofs. This helps avoid errors, notices, or delays in claiming any tax rebate.

Conclusion

Now that you understand ITR 1 vs ITR 2, choosing the right form should be easier. Filing the correct form ensures your income tax return filing is valid and complete.

Gather your salary slips, interest statements, and capital gains reports before you begin. Choose carefully based on your income type. Filing on time also helps you get your tax rebate, if any, without delay.

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