Do I Need to File Income Tax Returns in India with Zero Income After Returning?

Hi Yamini,

I would like to know whether I am required to file Income Tax even if my financial year income was '0'. I was outside India for the last 2 years and am now back permanently. I have received Form 16 from my employer, and it has all figures on it as '0' since I wasn't earning any Indian salary. Do I need to file Income Tax returns in this case?

If your total income for the financial year is below the taxable limit, which is currently Rs. 2.5 lakh for individuals below 60 years of age, you are not mandated to file an income tax return in India. Since you mentioned that your income was '0' and you were not earning any Indian salary during the financial year, you fall under the category of non-taxable income. Therefore, in this scenario, you are not required to file an income tax return. However, it is advisable to keep all relevant documents and Form 16 for record-keeping purposes.