Should You File ITR Even If You Have No Income Tax Liability?

Individuals who earn less than Rs. 2.5 lakh a year, and have no tax liability, are not liable to pay any taxes as they don’t fall under the tax bracket. However, even if you have no income tax liability, it is generally advisable to file an Income Tax Return (ITR) if you meet certain conditions. Although it is not mandatory to file an ITR if your income does not fall under the tax bracket.

Why you should File an ITR even if You have No Income Tax Liability?

Here are a few reasons why you should consider filing your ITR:

• Documentation and Record-keeping

Filing an ITR helps in maintaining a record of your income and financial activities, even if you don’t have any tax liability. This documentation can be useful for various purposes, such as applying for loans, visas, or government benefits.

• Claiming Refunds

If you have paid taxes through TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or advance tax, and your total tax liability is less than the amount paid, you may be eligible for a tax refund. Filing an ITR is necessary to claim the refund. For instance, your gross income, before considering any deductions, may exceed the taxable threshold; yet even after accounting for deductions, it could fall below the minimum exemption limit of Rs. 2,50,000. In the event that you ended up paying more in taxes than required, you are eligible to file an income tax return and claim a refund.

• Carry Forward of Losses

If you have incurred losses in a particular financial year, such as capital losses from the sale of investments, it’s essential to file your ITR to carry forward those losses. These losses can be adjusted against future gains and potentially reduce your tax liability in subsequent years.

• Meeting Threshold Requirements

Even if your income falls below the taxable limit, there might be certain threshold limits beyond which filing an ITR becomes mandatory. These limits can vary depending on factors such as your age, type of income, and residential status. It’s essential to be aware of the thresholds applicable in your specific situation.

Who should File an ITR?

In India, individuals are generally required to file an Income Tax Return (ITR) if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Mandatory Filing: It is mandatory for individuals to file an ITR if their total income before deductions exceeds the basic exemption limit. The exemption limits can vary based on the age and residential status of the individual. For the financial year 2022-23 (assessment year 2023-24), the basic exemption limits are as follows:
  • Individuals below 60 years: ₹2.5 lakh
  • Senior citizens (60 years to below 80 years): ₹3 lakh
  • Super senior citizens (80 years and above): ₹5 lakh
• Resident with Foreign Assets or Income: Individuals who are resident in India and have assets or financial interests outside India, or have earned income from foreign sources, need to file an ITR.
• Claiming Tax Refunds: If an individual has paid taxes through TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or advance tax, and their total tax liability is less than the amount paid, they can claim a tax refund by filing an ITR.
• Holding Assets Outside India: Individuals who hold assets outside India, such as foreign bank accounts, properties, or investments, need to file an ITR even if their income falls below the exemption limit.
• Mandatory Filing for Specific Transactions: Individuals who have entered into certain high-value transactions, such as buying or selling immovable property, shares, mutual funds, etc., may be required to file an ITR, regardless of their income level.

Additionally, the following categories of individuals are also required to file ITR as per the conditions mentioned in Budget 2019-

• Individuals who have deposited a sum of more than Rs. 1 crore in a current bank account held with any co-operative bank in a financial year
• Individuals who have made a foreign expenditure of more than Rs. 2 lakh in a financial year
• Individuals who have incurred electricity expenditure of Rs. 1 lakh or more in a financial year

What is a NIL Return?

A “NIL return” refers to a type of tax return that is filed when an individual or entity has no income or financial activity to report for a particular period. In other words, it means that there is no taxable income or tax liability during that period.

Here are a few key points to understand about a NIL return:

• A NIL return is filed when there is no taxable income during the specified period. This could be due to various reasons, such as not having any income from a business or profession, no salary income, no capital gains, or not meeting the income threshold for tax liability.
• Even if there is no tax liability, it may be mandatory or advisable to file a NIL return to fulfill your legal obligations. Tax authorities in some jurisdictions require individuals or entities to file tax returns even if they have no income or tax liability.
• Filing a NIL return helps maintain a record of your financial activities for that period. It serves as proof that you did not have any income or tax liability during that time, which can be useful for future references, audits, or financial documentation purposes.
• Failing to file a required tax return, even if there is no tax liability, may attract penalties or legal consequences in some jurisdictions. By filing a NIL return, you fulfill your compliance obligations and minimize the risk of penalties.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for filing a NIL return can vary depending on the tax laws and regulations of your country or jurisdiction. It’s always advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to the relevant tax authority’s guidelines to ensure you comply with the specific requirements in your situation.

Conclusion

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR), even if you have no income tax liability, can bring several benefits and help ensure compliance with tax laws. While it may seem unnecessary at first, there are compelling reasons to consider filing a NIL return. Filing an ITR also ensures compliance with tax laws and helps you avoid penalties or legal consequences that may arise from non-compliance. It demonstrates your commitment to fulfilling your tax obligations, even if you have no taxable income. In conclusion, filing an ITR, even if you have no income tax liability, is a prudent practice that offers advantages like maintaining records, claiming refunds, carrying forward losses, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. By being proactive and fulfilling your filing obligations, you can navigate the tax landscape smoothly while securing your financial future.