Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Filing ITR: A Responsibility and Pride
Filing an Income-Tax Return (ITR) is important even if you don't owe any tax.
Many people think they don't need to file a return if they don't have to pay tax, but that's not always true.
The rules say you might still need to file a return even if your income is above a certain limit.
Filing a return helps the country and can be useful for you too.
It shows that you are part of the formal economy and can help when you need a loan or a visa.
The tax department uses technology to make filing easier and checks are rare, so there's no need to worry.
It's a good thing to do and you should feel proud to file your ITR.
Filing an ITR is mandatory even if tax liability is nil for incomes above ₹4 lakh under the new regime and ₹2.5 lakh under the old regime.
The basic exemption limit and tax liability thresholds are different, and certain types of income may require filing even if overall income is within the rebate threshold.
Filing an ITR contributes to the formal economy and nation-building, and is increasingly seen as a responsibility and a matter of pride.
The risk of scrutiny is low, with less than 0.3% of returns selected for detailed scrutiny in FY 2024-25.
The digital tax system has made filing easier, with faster processing, quicker refunds, and better transparency through systems like the Annual Information Statement (AIS).
- Who
- Indian taxpayers, especially those in lower- and middle-income groups
- What
- Filing Income-Tax Returns (ITR) even when tax liability is nil
- When
- Applicable for the financial year 2024-25 and beyond
- Where
- India
- Why
- To contribute to the formal economy, nation-building, and for personal financial benefits
- Basic Exemption Limit (New Regime)
- ₹4 lakh
- Nil Tax Liability (New Regime)
- Up to ₹12 lakh
- Basic Exemption Limit (Old Regime)
- ₹2.5 lakh (below 60 years)
- Returns Filed (FY 2024-25)
- 7 crore
- Scrutiny Cases (FY 2024-25)
- 2.5 lakh (less than 0.3%)
- ITRs Filed by August 2026
- 7.5 crore
- Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Consolidates financial information
- Faceless Assessment System
- Reduces physical visits to tax offices