UAE NRIs: File Indian tax returns by July 31 2026

UAE-based Indians who need to file an Indian Income Tax Return have until July 31, 2026, to submit it for income earned during the 2025-26 financial year. The return relates to Assessment Year 2026-27. India’s Income Tax Department has confirmed that ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 and ITR-4 are live on its e-filing portal, though most non-resident Indians will need ITR-2 or ITR-3. Waiting until the final days can prove costly if your Annual Information Statement (AIS), tax records and bank statements do not match. Capital gains reports, rental documents and proof of time spent in India can also take longer to collect. Being an NRI does not automatically remove your filing obligation. You may need to file if your Indian taxable income exceeds the applicable basic exemption limit. For 2025-26, this is Rs250,000 under the old tax regime and Rs400,000 under the default new regime. Other filing requirements can apply even below these limits, depending on your transactions and circumstances. You should also file if you want to claim a refund of excess Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), report and carry forward eligible investment or property losses, disclose taxable capital gains, or correct information recorded against your PAN.