Income Tax Filing Eligibility - FY 2025-26

Understanding Income Tax Filing Requirements

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is mandatory for many Indian taxpayers, but not everyone needs to file. The requirement depends on several factors including total income, age, residential status, types of income sources, and specific financial transactions during the year.

Basic Exemption Limits (FY 2025-26)

Under the old tax regime, basic exemption limits are:

• Individuals below 60 years: ₹2,50,000
• Senior citizens (60-79 years): ₹3,00,000
• Super senior citizens (80+ years): ₹5,00,000

Mandatory Filing Scenarios

Even if your income is below the exemption limit, filing is mandatory if you have:

• Capital gains from sale of property, stocks, or mutual funds
• Foreign assets or foreign income
• Income from business or profession
• TDS deducted from your income
• Deposits, electricity consumption, or other high-value transactions exceeding specified limits
• Want to claim a tax refund

Why Filing Requirements Matter

Understanding your filing obligations helps you:

• Stay compliant with Indian tax laws and avoid penalties
• Claim tax refunds if excess TDS was deducted
• Maintain proper financial records for loans, visas, and other purposes
• Carry forward losses for future tax benefits

Use Our Filing Eligibility Checker

Our Income Tax Filing Requirement Checker provides instant clarity on whether you need to file an ITR. The tool asks about your age, income sources, residential status, and financial activities, then provides a clear yes/no answer with specific reasons based on FY 2025-26 tax rules.