If you’re an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), here’s one tax truth you cannot afford to ignore:
✅ Your residency status decides how you’re taxed in India.
And no, it’s not just about where you live—it’s about how long you’ve stayed in India, and under what conditions. Sounds simple? It often isn’t!
Let’s break it down.
What Is Residency Status, Really?
In India, your tax residency is determined by the number of days you spend in the country during a financial year (April to March). It doesn’t matter what passport you hold or where your salary comes from.
Even if you live and work abroad, a few extra days spent in India could change your status from NRI to Resident—and that changes how much tax you pay.
How Is Residency Status Calculated?
According to the Income Tax Act, you are considered a Resident for a financial year if:
You are in India for 182 days or more, OR
You spend 60 days or more in the year and 365 days or more in the previous 4 years combined
There are certain relaxations for Indian citizens leaving for employment or coming to India on a visit. But these rules can get technical—and that’s where many NRIs get caught off guard.
Why Does This Matter for NRIs?
Because your tax liability changes completely based on your residency status.
If you are a Non-Resident (NRI):
You are only taxed on income earned or received in India. That includes rent from Indian property, interest on NRO accounts, or Indian capital gains.
If you are a Resident and Ordinarily Resident (ROR):
You are taxed on your global income—which includes your salary abroad, foreign property income, investment gains, or even overseas bank interest.
That means a small miscalculation in your travel days could result in:
Unexpected tax on your international income
Risk of double taxation
More complex return filing
Potential notices from the Income Tax Department
All for something that could have been avoided by keeping an eye on your calendar!
❌ Common Mistakes NRIs Make
Ignoring how many days they’ve spent in India
Assuming their passport or visa defines their tax status
Keeping NRE/NRO accounts even after becoming Resident
Using the wrong ITR form for filing
Missing out on Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) benefits
Not consulting a tax advisor annually
✅ What Should You Do Instead?
Track your stay in India every financial year—don’t rely on memory or ticket dates
Reassess your residency status every year—rules can change, and so can your travel
Update your bank accounts and investments when your status changes
File the correct ITR form and disclose your global assets if required
Plan your India visits wisely—especially if you’re close to the 182-day mark
Consult a professional to make sense of the fine print and avoid surprises
The Bottom Line
Your tax residency status isn’t just a label—it’s the starting point for how your entire income is treated in India.
Getting it right means:
✔️ Lower tax risk
✔️ Peace of mind
✔️ Better financial planning
✔️ Fewer compliance issues
Whether you’re visiting India, relocating back, or just managing finances from abroad—knowing your residency status is the smartest financial move you can make.
💬 Still unsure about your tax status or how it impacts your finances?
Drop your questions below. It’s a small check that could save you a big bill.