The great salaried dilemma
If you earn a salary, your instinct is ITR-1 (Sahaj): fast and mostly pre-filled. But as you invest more, you may have quietly outgrown it and need ITR-2.
When ITR-1 is perfect
- Total income under Rs 50 lakh.
- Salary or pension.
- Exactly one house property.
- Simple bank or post-office interest.
When you must switch to ITR-2
| Trigger | Why ITR-1 fails |
|---|---|
| Sold shares / MF / property | Capital gains need Schedule CG |
| Two or more houses | ITR-1 allows only one |
| Income above Rs 50 lakh | ITR-1 cap exceeded |
| Foreign assets / RSUs | FA schedule required |
| Unlisted shares | Disclosure needed |
Salaried investors are a fast-growing share of ITR-2 filers as equity participation rises across India (Source: Income Tax Department filing trends).
How to choose (portal path)
- Log in at incometax.gov.in and open Services > Annual Information Statement (AIS).
- Check for any Sale of Securities lines.
- If present, select ITR-2 when you start the return.
What you should do
Read your AIS before picking a form. One share-sale line means ITR-2, not ITR-1.
Common mistake
Forcing capital gains into ITR-1. The automated system flags it and sends a defective-return notice.
How LastMinute ITR helps
LastMinute ITR organises your capital gains so filling ITR-2 on the portal feels straightforward. Start at /file, import at /file/import/documents, and reconcile at /file/import/mismatch.
LastMinute ITR is a companion tool, not affiliated with the Income Tax Department. You file and e-verify your return yourself on incometax.gov.in.