Is It Mandatory for NRIs to File ITR in India?

One thing I'd suggest is checking your AIS, Form 26AS, and TIS before deciding not to file.

I almost skipped filing because I thought my only income was rent, but my AIS showed additional interest income that I had forgotten about. It changed my tax calculation.

Also, if you've had TDS deducted in India and expect a refund, filing an ITR is generally necessary to claim it. Requirements can differ depending on your income sources, residential status, and applicable DTAA provisions, so it's worth reviewing the official guidance or consulting a tax professional if you're unsure.

My situation was slightly different. I live in Canada and only had interest from my NRE account, which is generally exempt if the eligibility conditions are satisfied. I didn't have rental income, capital gains, or any other taxable income in India.

After checking with a tax professional, I wasn't required to file an ITR because I didn't have taxable income in India that triggered a filing requirement.

However, one of my friends had property income and sold mutual funds in India. He had to file ITR-2 because of the capital gains. That's why it's difficult to compare one NRI's situation with another.

I'm an NRI in Singapore, and I had rental income and bank interest in India during FY 2025-26.

In my case, the bank deducted TDS on the interest, and my tenant also deducted TDS before paying rent. Even though my final tax liability wasn't very high, my CA advised me to file an ITR because I was eligible to claim part of the TDS back as a refund.

From what I understood, NRIs aren't automatically required to file just because they're NRIs. It depends on whether they have taxable income in India and whether they meet the filing conditions. If your Indian taxable income exceeds the applicable exemption limit, filing is generally mandatory. Even below that limit, filing may still be worthwhile if you're claiming a refund or need proof of income.