ITR Filing 2025: NRIs facing Aadhaar-linked mobile number issues. Income tax department advises what to do

Many non-resident Indians (NRIs) are facing difficulties while trying to register on the Income Tax Department e-filing online portal.

Vignesh N, an NRI living abroad, recently shared his struggle to do so tagging the tag department, and the Finance Ministry. What was the issue?

His Aadhaar-linked mobile number was inactive, and since he was overseas, he cannot update it to receive the OTP required for registration. This has prevented him from filing his Income Tax Return (ITR).

In response, Income Tax India advised Vignesh to email them his PAN, mobile number, and scanned documents like his passport and employment letter.

Under Section 6 of the Income Tax Act, an NRI is a person who:

⦁ were in India for less than 182 days during the relevant financial year, or

⦁ were in India for less than 60 days during the year and less than 365 days in the last 4 years.

Steps to help NRIs avoid penalties and clear confusion around income tax compliance

Before anything else, NRIs should ascertain their residential status, as defined under the Income Tax Act, according to the number of days stayed in India. It is crucial to keep details of all income sources, both Indian and foreign, organised.

"Digital filing platforms meant for NRIs should be utilised for easy submission and error-free filing. Engaging with tax advisors who deal with NRI taxation assists in compliance with ever-evolving laws and tax planning," said Siddharth Maurya, Founder & Managing Director, Vibhavangal Anukulakara Pvt. Ltd.

Filing the correct ITR form (generally ITR-2 or ITR-3) in a timely manner, along with relevant documents like Form 16A, leads to trouble-free processing and refunds.

These steps help NRIs to avoid penalties, to reduce the confusion experienced in making tax compliant decisions.

"Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are subject to Indian income tax laws but with specific provisions and exemptions tailored to their unique status. While most NRI incomes, like rent, dividends, and interest, are taxable in India, certain capital gains can be completely exempt from tax if strategic reinvestments are made.

The extended deadline to file income tax returns is just 13 days away. Taxpayers should not wait for last moment, or any further extension, and file their return today only without any further delay.