ITR Filing 2025: Why You May Need To File Even Without Tax Liability?

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 22-04-2025 at 12:31 PM

The general belief about filing Income Tax Returns focuses on requiring it from taxpayers with taxable income, although the reality is different. The Indian tax system requires citizens to file Income Tax Returns regardless of their tax liability because certain conditions exist. Knowledge of these situations helps taxpayers guarantee their legal standing while they gain access to the advantages of submitting their ITR on time and accurately.

Why File An ITR Even Without Tax Liability?

The benefits of filing an ITR exist even when taxpayers have incomes below the tax threshold because the following reasons apply:

Claiming Tax Refunds: People need to file their ITR to obtain tax refunds when tax deduction happened through the source (TDS), like interest from bank deposits.
Visa and Loan Applications: The process of obtaining foreign visas or financial institution loans requires submitting ITRS because they function as evidence of income.
Carry Forward of Losses: Every individual needs to file their ITR promptly to enable loss carry forward for future tax offset under all applicable income categories.
Proof of Income: ITR functions as an authentic document to verify personal income for multiple types of financial dealings.

Also Read: Form 16 Mismatch with ITR? Here's What To Do

Mandatory ITR Filing Scenarios

The Income Tax Department requires all taxpayers to file ITRS even if they do not have any tax responsibilities in any of these circumstances:

High-Value Transactions: The submission of ITR remains mandatory for all persons who perform transactions that surpass particular thresholds, such as current account deposits above ₹1 crore or foreign travel expenses above ₹2 lakh or electricity bill payments exceeding ₹1 lakh.
Foreign Income or Assets: Foreign income, alongside foreign assets, together with ownership authority over non-Indian bank accounts, requires residents to file income tax returns.
Beneficial Ownership: Any person who holds beneficial ownership or receives benefits from assets located outside India needs to submit an ITR.
Companies and Firms: All companies, as well as firms, regardless of making profits or losses, must submit their returns.

Exemptions For Senior Citizens

Non-taxability under Section 194pp of the Income Tax Act extends to resident senior citizens who have crossed their 75th birthday and receive only pension and interest payments from one bank.

A resident senior citizen receives no income except their retirement pension and income from bank interest earnings.
Senior citizens receive a pension from the same bank institution from which they obtain their interest income.
Senior citizens aged 75 years or older give bank declarations allowing the bank to deduct relevant taxes.

Also Read: Income Below Exemption Limit? Check If You Need To File ITR

Consequences Of Not Filing ITR

People who do not file their ITR as needed will have to face these two important results:

Those who file late encounter costs under Section 234f, amounting to a maximum of ₹5,000 in penalties.
The delayed payment of taxes carries interest according to the guidelines under sections 234a, 234B, and 234c.
When individuals purposefully evade taxation, they might face up to 7 years of imprisonment, together with prosecution.

What Are The Benefits Of Filing ITR?

Even when not mandatory, filing an ITR offers several advantages:

Banks, together with financial institutions, base their loan approval process on income-tested Information Tax Returns as documented evidence of financial capacity.
Taxpayers who want to claim a refund of excessive tax must file an ITR.
The processing of visas by embassies demands financial statements and especially applies to applications for travel destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and others.
The practice of routine ITR filing diminished the possibility that taxpayers would receive notifications from the Income Tax Department.

Conclusion

Income Tax Return submission represents more than tax payment because it functions as a complete record which shows all financial transactions. ITR filing represents a sensible decision because of numerous legal and financial aspects, even though no tax obligations exist. The practice of compliance blocks penalties while creating new financial opportunities and developing a clear financial public record.

Get the latest updates on government schemes and policies with Jaagruk Bharat. Join India's biggest Jaagruk Bharat community. Share your thoughts, questions, and favourite topics with us.

1k Views

Add a comment here...

No comments available

Our Company

Home

About

T&C

Eula

Disclaimer Policy

Code of Ethics

Cancellation & Refund Policy