I am currently employed in the Maldives and my income is approximately USD 4000 a month. I am paying income tax in Maldives. I would like to know if I need to pay income tax in India as well because I will be sending my income back to India. And if I do not have to pay income tax in India do I have to file my ITR?

Ans: Hello, Yes its always better to file ITR even though your income is below the IT limits. The TDS deducted from the bank on FD interest can also be claimed as a refund by filing ITR. No such requirement to show income in India as you are a NRI paying taxes outside India

Ans: As an Indian citizen working in the Maldives, you may need to file income tax returns in both countries. If you've been in the Maldives for over 182 days, you're likely a tax resident there. However, you must file in India if your income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs per year in India.

Utilize the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement to avoid being taxed twice. When applying for a home loan in India, banks may request for proof of income and tax returns, so filing in India could support your application. Seek advice from a tax advisor well-versed in both countries' tax laws to ensure compliance and maximize benefits.

Ans: The statement you found is mostly correct. Here's a breakdown of tax implications for NRIs in India:

Basic Exemption Limit:

Yes, NRIs are eligible for a basic exemption limit of ?2.5 lakhs on their total taxable income earned in India during a financial year. This means if your income from Indian sources (including bank deposits, shares, mutual funds, but excluding PPF interest) is less than ?2.5 lakhs, you generally don't need to pay taxes or file an income tax return in India.
Taxable Income for NRIs:

Interest income earned on NRO accounts is taxable in India.
Dividend income from Indian companies is generally taxable in India at a rate of 20% (plus surcharge and cess if applicable).
Capital gains from selling shares or equity mutual funds in India are taxable depending on the type and holding period of the investment.
Rental income from property in India is taxable.
NRIs and PPF:

NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts, but they can continue to contribute to existing PPF accounts opened while they were resident Indians.
The good news is that interest income earned on PPF and the maturity amount are completely tax-free for everyone, regardless of residential status.
Filing Income Tax Returns:

Even if your total income is below ?2.5 lakhs, you might still need to file an income tax return in India if you want to claim a tax refund on TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) deducted from your income, such as on interest from NRO accounts.
NRIs are advised to consult with a qualified tax advisor or chartered accountant familiar with NRI taxation to determine their filing requirements and tax liabilities.
In summary, while the ?2.5 lakh limit is a general guideline, it's important to consider all your income sources in India and the specific tax treatment of each to determine your tax filing obligations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Most likely, you will not have to pay taxes in India on your income earned in Dubai between May 2022 and June 2024. Here's why:

• No income tax in Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Dubai, does not levy personal income tax on its residents or even foreign nationals living there.
• India-UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): India and UAE have a DTAA in place. This agreement prevents double taxation on the same income earned in both countries.
• NRIs and Indian taxation: Since you're working in Dubai, you're likely considered a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) for Indian tax purposes. NRIs generally don't pay Indian income tax on income earned outside India.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Indian income: This benefit applies only to your income earned in Dubai. If you have any income sources in India (rental income, investments etc.), you might need to pay taxes on those in India.
• Residential status: Your residential status for tax purposes is determined by various factors like stay duration in India. It's best to consult a tax advisor if your situation regarding residential status is unclear.

For a more definitive answer, consulting a chartered accountant or tax advisor specialising in NRI taxation is recommended. They can assess your specific situation and provide personalized advice.

Ans: As your stay in India is more than 182 days; you are resident during the year. I understand that in earlier year also you were resident in India. Accordingly, your status is Resident and Ordinary Resident in India.

Accordingly, you are liable to pay tax in India for Income earned outside India also. However, you can take tax credit for taxes paid outside India.

In the Income tax return, you have to show income under salary head and required to show necessary details in Schedule FSI & TR.