Research › Income Tax › Questions & Answers › Do I need to file an ITR — who must file...
Income Tax · ITR filing

Do I need to file an ITR — who must file, and who should anyway?

✍️ Answered by EaseValue Advisors · Updated 17 Jul 2026 · 4-min read
Quick answer

You must file if your total income before deductions exceeds the basic exemption (₹2.5 lakh old regime / ₹3 lakh new), or if you cross certain high-value thresholds even at low income. Even below the limit, filing is often worth it — to claim a refund, carry losses, or as income proof.

When filing is mandatory

  • Your total income before Chapter-VIA deductions exceeds the basic exemption — ₹2,50,000 (old regime; ₹3L for 60+, ₹5L for 80+) or ₹3,00,000 (new regime).
  • Regardless of income, if you: deposited ₹1 crore+ in a current account (or ₹50 lakh+ in savings); spent ₹2 lakh+ on foreign travel; paid ₹1 lakh+ electricity; have foreign assets/income; had TDS/TCS of ₹25,000+ (₹50,000 for seniors); or business turnover over ₹60 lakh / professional receipts over ₹10 lakh.

"My salary is under ₹5 lakh — do I have to file?"

If your total income is below the basic exemption, filing isn't legally required. Between the exemption and ₹5–7 lakh your tax is nil after the rebate, but you should still file: the rebate and any TDS refund are only given through a return. If tax was deducted from your salary/interest, filing is how you get it back.

Why file even when it's not required

  • Refund of any TDS deducted.
  • Carry forward losses (capital/business) — only if you file on time.
  • Proof of income for loans, visas and credit cards.
  • Avoids notices where the department already has your AIS data.
General information based on the Income-tax Act as it stands, not advice on your specific case. Tax outcomes depend on your exact facts and residential status. © EaseValue Advisors LLP.
More questions & answers6
Form 15G for PF withdrawal — when is it required (and when i... Form 15G matters only when TDS would otherwise be deducted o... Setting off & carrying forward losses — capital losses and F... A short-term capital loss can be set off against any capital... My employer deducted TDS but didn't deposit it — what can I... If your employer deducted TDS from your salary but didn't de... How to transfer your PF to a new account — and why it beats... When you change jobs, transfer your EPF to the new account o... PF withdrawal — process, date of exit, timelines and the pen... To withdraw your EPF you need your date of exit updated, the... Which ITR do you file if you have capital gains — ITR-1, ITR... With capital gains you generally cannot use ITR-1 — you file...

Want a CA to handle it?

Not sure if you must file? We check and file it right — and get any refund back.

💬 Ask a CA
💬