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Is it mandatory for NRIs to file ITR in India?

  • Rajarshi Guha
  • Mar 20, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 2


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This question arises frequently as many NRIs are uncertain about whether filing ITR in India is mandatory for them or not. The answer is not straightforward, but let us explain the process.


Who needs to file an ITR?

There are specific circumstances wherein individual taxpayers are required to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR). The income tax regulations stipulate the scenarios necessitating mandatory ITR filing. It becomes obligatory to file ITR when the gross total income of an individual taxpayer surpasses the basic exemption limit.

For the financial year 2022-23 (Assessment Year 2023-24), if an individual opts for the new, concessional income tax regime, the basic exemption limit stands at Rs 2.5 lakh, irrespective of the taxpayer’s age.

Senior citizens and super senior citizens do not benefit from a higher exemption limit. Conversely, under the old, existing income tax regime, the basic exemption limit varies based on the individual’s age.

Here are some instances where individuals must file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) regardless of their income level:

– Depositing more than Rs 1 crore or Rs 50 lakh in one or more current and savings bank accounts, respectively.

– Incurring expenditure exceeding Rs 2 lakh for oneself or another person for foreign travel.

– Incurring expenditure exceeding Rs 1 lakh toward electricity payment within a year.

– Being a beneficial owner or beneficiary of any asset outside India.

– Being a signatory to a foreign bank account.

– For professionals, if gross receipts exceed Rs 10 lakh, filing ITR is mandatory.

In our opinion, it’s better to file every year even if you do not have significant income in India. This is because if you engage in any transactions like buying or selling property in India and you wish to adjust the capital gain taxes, then it’s mandatory to have filed Income Returns for the last 3 years. As your PAN Number is attached to the NRE/NRO Account, it is advisable to keep the ITR updated at all times.In our opinion, it’s better to file every year even if you do not have significant income in India. This is because if you engage in any transactions like buying or selling property in India and you wish to adjust the capital gain taxes, then it’s mandatory to have filed Income Returns for the last 3 years. As your PAN Number is attached to the NRE/NRO Account, it is advisable to keep the ITR updated at all times.In our opinion, it’s better to file every year even if you do not have significant income in India. This is because if you engage in any transactions like buying or selling property in India and you wish to adjust the capital gain taxes, then it’s mandatory to have filed Income Returns for the last 3 years. As your PAN Number is attached to the NRE/NRO Account, it is advisable to keep the ITR updated at all times.


If you have any queries please feel free to touch base with NRI Assist team here to help you to file your ITR.



At NRI Assist Services, we help NRIs across the Globe to get your income taxes filed on-time and followed all the compliances, At NRI Assist Services, we help NRIs across the Globe to get your income taxes filed on-time and followed all the compliances, currently serving clients in Delhi-NCR & Kolkata, West Bengal. We become the single point of contact for all your needs. We also provide Power of Attorney (PoA) Service, which means you can complete the process without visiting India.


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