Tax Filing

NRI Tax Filing: Step-by-Step Guide for FY 2023-24

December 15, 2024
9 min read

Important Deadline

ITR filing deadline for FY 2023-24 is July 31, 2024 for most NRIs. Late filing attracts penalties starting from ₹5,000.

Do You Need to File ITR?

✅ Must File ITR

  • • Total income > ₹2.5 lakh (₹3 lakh for senior citizens)
  • • Any Indian income (salary, rental, capital gains)
  • • TDS deducted from Indian income
  • • Want to claim refund of excess TDS
  • • Hold assets worth > ₹50 lakh

ℹ️ May Need to File

  • • Carried forward losses
  • • Foreign income if tax resident
  • • Specified financial transactions
  • • Director in Indian company

Choose the Right ITR Form

ITR FormWho Should UseIncome Sources
ITR-1Resident individuals onlySalary, pension, one house property
ITR-2NRIs, HUFs, individuals with multiple income sourcesAll income sources, capital gains, foreign assets
ITR-3Business/professional incomeBusiness profits, professional fees

Documents Required

Basic Documents

  • • PAN Card
  • • Passport copy
  • • Bank statements
  • • TDS certificates (Form 16/16A)
  • • Salary certificate/Form 16

Investment Proofs

  • • PPF statements
  • • ELSS mutual fund statements
  • • Life insurance premiums
  • • Home loan interest certificate
  • • 80C investment proofs

Property & Assets

  • • Property tax receipts
  • • Rental agreements
  • • Capital gains statements
  • • Foreign asset details
  • • Mutual fund statements

Step-by-Step Filing Process

1

Register on Income Tax Portal

Visit www.incometax.gov.in and register using your PAN

First-time users: Complete profile, set password, verify mobile/email

2

Download ITR Form

Select appropriate ITR form (usually ITR-2 for NRIs)

Options: Online filing utility, Excel utility, or manual PDF form

3

Fill Personal Information

Enter personal details, residential status, and contact information

Important: Select "Non-Resident" in residential status

4

Enter Income Details

Fill income from salary, house property, capital gains, and other sources

Indian Income:

  • • Salary from Indian employer
  • • Rental income from property
  • • Capital gains from investments
  • • Interest from FDs/bonds

Foreign Income (if applicable):

  • • Foreign salary
  • • Offshore investments
  • • Foreign property rental
  • • Report even if not taxable in India
5

Claim Deductions & Exemptions

Enter eligible deductions under various sections

SectionDeductionLimit
80CPPF, ELSS, Life Insurance₹1.5 lakh
80DHealth Insurance₹25,000-₹50,000
24(b)Home Loan Interest₹2 lakh
6

Report Foreign Assets (if applicable)

Report foreign financial assets in Schedule FA

Mandatory if: Total foreign assets > ₹50 lakh at any time during the year

7

Verify & Submit

Review all details, calculate tax, and submit the return

Verification options: Digital signature, net banking, Aadhaar OTP, or physical submission

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Common Errors

  • • Selecting wrong residential status
  • • Not reporting TDS certificates
  • • Missing foreign asset disclosure
  • • Incorrect bank account details
  • • Not claiming DTAA benefits

✅ Best Practices

  • • Keep all documents ready
  • • File before deadline
  • • Double-check all calculations
  • • Save acknowledgment receipt
  • • Verify within 120 days

Post-Filing Checklist

  • • Download and save ITR acknowledgment
  • • Complete ITR verification within 120 days
  • • Track refund status if applicable
  • • Keep copies of all supporting documents
  • • Update address/bank details if needed
  • • Set calendar reminder for next year's filing