TL;DR:
- NRIs in the UAE must file Indian Income Tax Returns (
ITR ) bySeptember 15, 2025 , with most usingITR-2 . Filing is done online through the official portal, starting with pre-filled data review, followed by income details, deduction claims, and online verification.- Pay any taxes due via the e-Pay Tax Service; ensure e-verification is completed within 30 days for ITR validity.
With India’s tax filing season underway, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the UAE have until September 15, 2025, to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2024–25 as per a report by Khaleej Times. While NRIs may not have taxable Indian income in some cases, those with investments, rental property, or capital gains in India are obligated to file returns. Using India’s official tax e-filing portal, the process has become more seamless with pre-filled data, digital payment systems, and Aadhaar-linked verification. Most UAE-based NRIs are required to file using ITR-2, with the entire process now digitized for speed and convenience.
What is an ITR? Why do NRI’s need to file one?
An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a formal statement submitted to India’s Income Tax Department, which declares your annual income from various sources including salary, business, property, investments, or capital gains and details of taxes paid and deductions claimed. Filing an ITR is mandatory for Indian citizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) whose total Indian income during the financial year exceeds the prescribed exemption limit, or for those seeking to claim tax refunds, carry losses forward, or comply with regulatory requirements.For NRIs (Indian citizens residing outside India for a specified period as defined by tax laws), ITR filing is essential if they have income sourced in India such as rental income from property, interest on deposits, capital gains from investments, or if they wish to carry forward capital losses or claim tax refunds. Filing ITR also helps NRIs maintain financial transparency, comply with local and Indian tax regulations, and avoid penalties or complications in international transactions.
Step-by-step guide:
- Log in to the e-Filing Portal
Visit the official e-Filing website. Use your PAN (as User ID), password, and captcha code to log in. If your PAN isn’t linked to Aadhaar, a warning appears; you can link immediately or continue (though linking is strongly advised).Navigate through:e-file> income tax returns> file income tax returns If you started a return in the past, you can resume it. Otherwise, select ‘Start New Filing’.Select Assessment Year 2024–25 and click ‘Continue’.Choose ‘Online’. If a draft exists, you can resume or start afresh.Select your category: typically ‘Individual’ for most NRIs. Click ‘Continue’.
- Select the Appropriate ITR Form
Let the portal guide you (“Help Me Decide”), or if you know the correct form (most NRIs use ITR-2), select it manually.Before you proceed, the portal shows a checklist. Gather all needed documents (such as Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs)
- Review/Edit Pre-Filled Data
Check and update your personal details, income sources, and additional necessary fields. Click ‘Confirm’ after each section.
- Enter Income and Deduction Details
Enter all income (salary, interest, property, etc.) and claim deductions under various sections (like 80C, 80D). Complete all relevant sections and click ‘Proceed’.If tax is due: Pay immediately via the ‘e-Pay Tax Service’ (recommended for timely compliance). If no tax/refund: Proceed to preview your return.
- Make Payment (if applicable)
If you selected ‘Pay Now’, you’ll be redirected to complete the transaction, then returned to the filing portal.
- Return to Filing Dashboard
After payment, resume the ITR submission process via ‘Return to Filing’.Carefully review the full summary before moving on.Enter your place of residence, tick the Declaration box, and click Proceed.Double-check your return. Click ‘Proceed to Validation’.If errors are found, correct them as directed; otherwise, move to verification.Choose an e-verification method (Aadhaar OTP, pre-validated bank account, net banking, or DSC). If you select ‘e-Verify Later’, do so within 30 days or your ITR will be invalid.Upon e-verification, you’ll receive a success message, transaction ID, and acknowledgement. A confirmation is also sent via email/SMS to your registered contacts.Filing an Indian Income Tax Return as an NRI may seem complex, but the structured, digitally enabled system now in place greatly reduces the burden for overseas Indians. With pre-filled profiles, online payment of dues, Aadhaar-based e-verification options, and step-by-step navigation, NRIs in the UAE can complete their ITRs with efficiency and accuracy, often without the need for in-person assistance. Most importantly, timely and correct filing ensures you remain compliant with Indian tax laws, avoid penalties, and claim any refunds due to you.As the updated deadline of September 15, 2025 approaches, NRIs are strongly encouraged to begin early, verify all income records, and double-check bank and investment data before submission. With India’s increasing emphasis on transparency and global tax compliance, this guide helps ensure you file correctly, securely, and on time—protecting both your legal standing and financial integrity.
FAQ
- 1. What is the deadline for
NRIs in UAE to file Indian Income Tax Returns for AY 2024-25?
The deadline is September 15, 2025. - 2. Which ITR form should most NRIs in the UAE use?
Most NRIs should file using ITR-2 unless they have business or professional income. - 3. Can NRIs file their Indian Income Tax Returns online?
Yes, NRIs must file their returns online through the official Indian Income Tax e-Filing portal. - 4. What happens if I have tax due while filing?
You need to pay the tax immediately via the online e-Pay Tax Service to avoid penalties. - 5. Is e-verification mandatory after filing the return?
Yes, e-verification must be completed within 30 days of filing to validate the return.
