How to File Indian Income Tax Returns from the US or Canada: A Complete NRI Guide

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the US or Canada, understanding and filing Indian income tax returns can seem daunting. However, the Indian Income Tax Department has made significant strides in digitalizing the process, making it easier for NRIs to stay compliant—even from across the globe.

Here’s a complete step-by-step guide tailored for NRIs residing in the US and Canada, helping you navigate the filing process, eligibility criteria, and the potential benefits of submitting your ITR (Income Tax Return) in India.

Step 1: Determine Your Residential Status

Your tax obligations in India depend heavily on your residential status, as per the Income Tax Act, 1961. You are considered an NRI if:

• You stayed in India for less than 182 days during the financial year, OR
• You were in India for less than 60 days in the current financial year and less than 365 days in the four preceding years.

This status should be evaluated each financial year to determine whether you qualify as an NRI.

Step 2: Know When Filing an ITR is Mandatory for NRIs

You must file an ITR in India if:

• ₹2.5 lakh under the old tax regime, or
• ₹4 lakh under the new default tax regime (note: rebate is not available for NRIs under the new regime).
• Even if your income is below the threshold, you’re required to file if you:
• Have Short-Term or Long-Term Capital Gains (e.g., from shares or mutual funds)
• Deposit more than ₹1 crore in a current account in India
• Spend over ₹2 lakh on foreign travel (from an Indian account)
• Spend more than ₹1 lakh on electricity in India
• Have business turnover over ₹60 lakh or professional income above ₹10 lakh
• Have TDS/TCS of ₹25,000 or more
• Deposit more than ₹50 lakh in savings account

Even if your income is below the threshold, filing an ITR voluntarily can help you claim refunds, build a credit profile in India, and maintain financial transparency.

Step 3: Gather Essential Documents

Before filing, make sure you have:

• PAN card
• Passport (for determining residential status)
• Bank account details (Indian or foreign)
• Form 26AS (to check TDS details)
• Foreign tax credit info (if applicable)
• Details of income sources in India (rental, capital gains, interest, etc.)
• Investment documents for deductions under sections like 80C, 80D

Step 4: Choose the Right ITR Form

• ITR-2 is usually applicable for NRIs with income from salary, rental properties, or capital gains.
• ITR-3 is needed if you earn income from business or profession in India.

Note: ITR-1 (Sahaj) is no longer applicable for NRIs.

Step 5: Calculate Taxable Income and Claim Deductions

Include the following income sources:

• Interest from NRO accounts
• Rental income from property in India
• Capital gains on mutual funds, shares, or property
• Dividends (taxable if from unlisted companies)

You can claim deductions under:

• Section 80C – ELSS, LIC, tuition fees, PPF (if eligible)
• Section 80D – Medical insurance premiums
• Section 80G – Donations

Use the applicable income tax slabs for NRIs to calculate your final tax liability.

Step 6: Check for Double Taxation and Apply for DTAA Relief

If your Indian income is also taxed in the US or Canada, you can avoid paying taxes twice using the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

India has signed DTAAs with both countries. To claim relief:

• Maintain tax residency proof from your home country
• File Form 67 for claiming Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

Step 7: Upload Exempt Income and Other Details

Even if you earn exempt income (like interest on NRE/FCNR deposits, or LTCG on listed shares under ₹1 lakh), it must be reported under the appropriate schedule.

If your income exceeds ₹50 lakh, you’re also required to declare your assets and liabilities in India.

Step 8: File and Verify Your Return

Once your ITR is uploaded on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, you must verify it within 120 days.

Methods to verify:

• E-verification via Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
• Physical verification by mailing signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru

Benefits of Filing ITR as an NRI

Even when not mandatory, filing returns can help you:

• Claim refunds on excess TDS
• Improve credit history in India
• Show tax compliance for visa or loan applications
• Ensure transparency in cross-border financial dealings
• Claim FTC in your resident country

Filing ITR from abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the steps above and staying updated on India’s tax laws, NRIs from the US and Canada can manage their Indian income seamlessly. For complex situations, consult a qualified tax advisor who specializes in cross-border taxation.