ITR-1 (Sahaj) is a simplified return for resident individuals with straightforward income — salary or pension, one house property, and other sources like interest — with total income up to ₹50 lakhs. It is a 4-page form suited to most salaried employees.
ITR-2 is for individuals and HUFs who have more complex income situations. Key differences:
Capital Gains: ITR-1 does not allow reporting of capital gains. ITR-2 covers both short-term and long-term capital gains from stocks, mutual funds, and real estate.
House Property: ITR-1 allows only one house property. ITR-2 covers multiple house properties, including let-out and deemed let-out properties.
Foreign Income/Assets: ITR-1 cannot be used by NRIs or those with foreign assets. ITR-2 is mandatory in such cases.
Income Limit: ITR-1 is capped at ₹50 lakhs. ITR-2 has no such upper income limit.
Directorship: If you are a director of a company, you must use ITR-2 regardless of income level.
In short, use ITR-1 for simple salaried income, and ITR-2 when your financial profile is more complex.