NRIs in Dubai: 8 Common ITR Mistakes That Can Delay Your Indian Tax Refund
Filing your ITR from Dubai? These 8 common mistakes can delay or derail your Indian tax refund. Learn what to watch out for and how to fix it—expertly explained for UAE-based NRIs.
Filing Taxes from Dubai? Don’t Let These 8 ITR Mistakes Stall Your Refund
Living in Dubai and juggling tax filing back home in India? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of NRIs in the UAE face delays—or even denials—of their tax refunds due to minor filing mistakes. The truth is, filing your Indian Income Tax Return (ITR) from abroad requires more than just clicking “submit.” It demands accuracy, awareness, and timely action.
At Hopohomes, we don’t just help you rent smarter in Dubai—we also believe in helping our community live smarter. If you’re an NRI expecting a refund this year, here’s what you must avoid:
1. Wrong or Inactive Bank Account = No Refund
Let’s start with the biggest reason refunds bounce.
If your Indian bank account is inactive, not linked to your PAN, or is an NRE/NRO account that hasn’t been validated—it won’t work. Your refund simply won’t go through.
Fix it: Ensure your account is active, PAN-linked, and updated on the Income Tax portal. Avoid using dormant accounts.
2. Filing with the Wrong ITR Form
You’re living in the UAE, but your income may come from Indian sources—rental income, capital gains, or interest. Each requires a specific ITR form. Using the wrong one = defective return.
Fix it: Use the ITR form that matches your income type. Consult a CA if you’re unsure.
3. TDS Mismatch or Form 16 Errors
Your ITR must match your Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Even one missed TDS entry or a mismatch with your employer’s Form 16 can cause delays.
🛠 Fix it: Reconcile your ITR with all official records before submitting.
4. Forgetting to E-Verify Within 30 Days
5. Incorrect or Unsupported Deductions
6. Leaving Out “Small” Income
That ₹4,000 interest from your FD? Or ₹12,000 rent from your old flat in Pune? Even small amounts matter. Non-disclosure = red flag.
🛠 Fix it: Disclose all income—interest, dividends, rent, freelance gigs. Transparency is key.
7. Filing Late
The ITR deadline for FY 2024–25 is 31 July 2025. Filing late could lead to penalties, interest, and slower refunds. You may even forfeit interest on the refund amount itself.
🛠 Fix it: File early—especially from overseas, where coordination takes longer.
8. Ignoring IT Department Notices
Got an SMS or email from Income Tax India? Don’t ignore it. It could be a defective return notice. Not responding = refund stalled indefinitely.
🛠 Fix it: Log into your portal regularly and respond to notices promptly.
Quick Checklist for NRIs Filing from the UAE
• Bank account active, validated, and PAN-linked
• Correct ITR form selected
•Form 26AS and AIS matched
• E-verification done within 30 days
• Deductions supported by documents
• All income sources disclosed
• Filed before July 31 deadline
• Checked for portal notices or SMS alerts
Final Thoughts: File Smart, Live Smarter
Living abroad shouldn’t make tax filing a headache. Just like we believe in zero-hassle, verified rentals at Hopohomes, we also encourage NRIs to stay compliant, confident, and in control of their finances.
If you’re managing property in Dubai or earning rental income back home, both require smart paperwork and timely filing. Need help navigating both worlds? Hopohomes has your back—on the ground in Dubai and always thinking global.
Need a checklist or help finding a tax-compliant rental in Dubai?
Comment “TAX” or DM us now.
