NRI Income Tax Compliance

Do NRIs Need to File ITR Even If There is No Income in India?

Hatim Dudhiyawala
Written by Hatim Dudhiyawala
Updated on: May 16, 202611 mins Editorial Standards
NRI Tax Filing without Income

NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) with no Indian income are generally exempt from filing ITR in India. However, there are additional situations where filing an ITR becomes mandatory. Their obligation to file lies on the total income generated in India during a financial year. They must file if their overall income in India exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs in a financial year (old regime). Alternatively, filing is also required when their total income in India exceeds Rs. 3 lakhs in a financial year (new regime). 

Filing an ITR even with zero income can offer several benefits to NRIs. It includes claiming refunds for the excess deducted TDS, carrying forward capital losses, and as proof of financial status while applying for a visa or loans. ITR filing also becomes mandatory for NRIs when their savings account amount exceeds Rs. 50 lakh in deposits and several other scenarios. In this blog, we will cover when ITR filing becomes mandatory for NRIs, even with zero income. 

Key Takeaways
  • NRIs with no Indian income are exempt from taxation in India. It includes business profits earned outside India, salaries earned while working outside India, and rental income received from foreign properties.
  • As per the old regime, NRIs must file ITR if their overall income in India exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs in a financial year.
  • Under the new regime, NRIs must file ITR if their total income in India exceeds Rs. 3 lakhs in a financial year. 
  • Voluntary ITR filing even with zero income can help carry forward capital loss, claim a refund for excess TDS deducted, and for future transactions. 
  • ITR filing becomes mandatory if the aggregate TDS or TCS is Rs. 25,000 or more (Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens) during the financial year
  • If travel-related expenses exceed Rs. 2 lakh from their Indian bank accounts, filing an ITR becomes mandatory. 

When Do NRIs Need to File ITR Mandatorily?

The requirement for filing ITR for NRIs is not mandated only based on their non-residential status. However, liability for NRI taxation relies mainly on their total income generated in India during a specific financial year. The Income Tax Act 1961 specifies the income threshold that requires mandatory income tax filing for NRIs. Let's understand the current scenario:

  • Old Tax Regime (Optional): NRIs need to file ITR if their overall income in India exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs in a financial year. 
  • New Tax Regime: This regime was introduced to offer an easy tax structure. NRIs who select this regime need to file ITR if their total income in India exceeds Rs. 3 lakhs in a financial year. 

Under these two situations, filing an ITR becomes mandatory for NRIs. However, certain sources of income are exempt for NRIs from filing ITR. Let's understand the exempt income for NRIs. 

Exemption for NRIs from Filing ITR with Income in India

The requirement for NRIs to file an ITR relies mainly on their income generated in India. Hence, NRIs who have no income sourced from within India are generally exempt from filing ITR. It means sources of income like:

  • Profits acquired from the business abroad
  • Salaries earned while working outside India
  • Rental income received from foreign properties

NRIs earning from these sources are exempt from filing an ITR. Now, let's look at the benefits of voluntary ITR Filing even with no income. 

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Benefits of Filing Voluntarily Even with No Income

NRIs who have no income in India are generally exempt from submitting an ITR. However, there are some situations where filing an ITR can offer several benefits:

Carry Forward Capital Loss

If an NRI incurs capital losses from stock market investments or the sale of assets in India, filing an ITR can help. It will allow them to carry forward such losses and offset them against future capital gains. It means they can potentially reduce their tax liability. 

Claim Tax Refunds for TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)

NRIs might face TDS deduction on certain payments received in India even if there is no taxable income. It includes interest earned on bank deposits or rental income. They can claim a refund for the excess TDS deducted by filing an ITR. 

Applying for Visas or Loans

Certain financial institutions, foreign authorities, or scholarship programs might need an ITR as evidence of financial status. Filing an ITR will reflect compliance with tax and can expedite the application process. 

NRIs choosing to file ITR online can avail of all these benefits. Moving forward, let's know the mandatory ITR filing situations for NRIs below the income threshold. 

Mandatory ITR Filing for NRIs Below the Income Threshold

Although NRIs with no Indian income are exempt from mandatory ITR filing, there are some situations when an NRI must file an ITR. As mandated by Section 139 (1) and Rule 12 AB of the Income Tax Act 1961, this rule applies even when the NRI is below the income threshold. The situation includes certain financial activities or expenses made within India. The table below lists the additional situations when ITR Filing for NRIs becomes mandatory even when below the income threshold:

High Value Deposits 
  • Aggregate deposits in one or more savings bank accounts exceeding Rs. 50 lakh during the financial year require mandatory ITR filing.
  • Deposits in the current account exceeding Rs. 1 crore in a financial year with a bank or cooperative society in India require filing ITR.

Tax Deductions
  • If the TDS, TCS, or any income received in India exceeds Rs. 25,000 in a financial year, ITR filing becomes necessary. 

Travel Expenditure 
  • NRIs must file an ITR if they incur travel-related expenses exceeding Rs. 2 lakh from their Indian bank accounts. 
  • It can be for themselves or other traveling outside India. 
  • Specific neighboring countries are an exception, such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Maldives, and pilgrimage destinations. 
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Conclusion

NRIs are generally not required to file an ITR in India if they have no taxable income. However, certain high-value transactions and scenarios require reporting, even if they are not linked to income. Filing ITR even when not mandatory can help them with claiming a refund for excess TDS, improve their compliance history, and help with future transactions. If you are still unsure about their obligations, connect with an expert at Savetaxs. 

We are a team of experts who can consult with you when you need to file an ITR. Our team can help you choose the correct ITR form and ensure you follow the correct NRI ITR Filing procedures. We will ensure you file everything on time to avoid the late filing fee & penalty. Contact us right away to avoid any tax-related issues and file NRI ITR with confidence. 

Glossary
  • Exempt Income: Exempt Income, Non-taxable as Per the Income Tax Department, Like Agricultural Income, Etc.
  • Fiscal Year / Financial Year: Financial Year, 12 Consecutive Months, Used for Business, Accounting, Budgeting, Etc.
  • Income Tax Act: Income Tax Act, an Act to Manage and Govern the Direct Taxes, by Levying, Collecting, and Administering.
  • ITR Form: Income Tax Return form, a form to report annual income and taxes, used by taxpayers.
  • Taxation: Taxation, the Process of Collecting Revenue From People, Used to Fund the Public Services by the Government.
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Note: This guide is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this guide are personal and do not constitute the views of Savetaxs. Savetaxs or the author will not be responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by the reader for taking any decision based on the information or the contents. It is advisable to consult either a CA, CS, CPA or a professional tax expert from the Savetaxs team, as they are familiar with the current regulations and help you make accurate decisions and maintain accuracy throughout the whole process.

About Author
Hatim Dudhiyawala
Hatim Dudhiyawala Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Hatim Dudhiyawala is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with SaveTaxs and specializes in Indian and NRI taxation. He advises individuals, NRIs, and businesses on income tax filing, capital gains taxation, DTAA benefits, fund repatriation, and tax compliance. With experience in cross-border tax matters, Hatim helps taxpayers understand complex regulations and make informed decisions. Through his articles, he shares practical insights to help readers stay compliant and manage their tax obligations with confidence. See Full Bio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Although there is no direct penalty for failing to declare their NRI status. However, serious financial and legal penalties may apply under FEMA for not converting savings accounts to NRO accounts. Penalties can include fines up to three times the balance, a potential fine of Rs. 5,000 daily, and other consequences.

In case tax returns are not filed, tax authorities may consider it as an attempt to avoid tax. Failing to submit an income tax return could lead to imprisonment. The potential sentences can range from six months to seven years, according to Section 276CC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Filing an ITR ensures compliance with the tax laws, facilitates tax refunds, provides proof of income for financial transactions, allows for carry-loss forward, avoids default notices, and keeps them updated with the tax regulations.

No, NRIs are not allowed to use ITR-1 regardless of their income level. You must use either ITR-2, ITR-2, or ITR-4 based on the source of their income and foreign asset disclosure.

Some common mistakes include using the wrong ITR form, neglecting interest income, not reporting residential status accurately, and assuming filing is not required because tax was deducted.