Sir, NRI having only LTCG (taxable) and interest income which is less than one lakh. I want to file ITR at the earliest and is ready with details but a part of the interest income is yet to appear in AIS. I presume that the data will get populated by the middle of June. But as I have all the figures, can I proceed with ITR filing NOW or will it be considered contradictary with AIS?

Ans: You can definitely file your ITR now, even though a part of the interest income isn't reflected in the AIS (Annual Information Statement) yet. Here's why:

NRIs with LTCG and low interest income: As an NRI with only LTCG (taxable) and interest income below one lakh, you qualify to file ITR-1 (Sahaj).

Discrepancy with AIS: A minor difference between your reported income and the AIS data might not be a major issue. The income tax department usually sends notices for significant discrepancies.

Here's what you can do:

File with the information you have: Go ahead and file your ITR using the interest income details you possess.

Mention the discrepancy: While filing, you can explain the missing interest income in the ITR form itself. Briefly state that you expect it to be reflected in the AIS by mid-June.

Revise if needed: If the missing interest income gets populated in the AIS later, you can revise your ITR accordingly. There's a window for revising ITRs after the initial filing.

Here are some additional points to consider:

It's always best to report accurate income. Including the estimated interest income demonstrates your transparency.

If you're uncomfortable filing now, you can wait until the AIS data is updated by mid-June. However, there's no penalty for filing early.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Filing now with an explanation or waiting for the AIS update are both viable options.

It's recommended to consult a Chartered Accountant (CA) specializing in NRI taxation for personalized guidance.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in