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Aadhaar, Indian banks, the income-tax portal and most investment platforms send one-time passwords to the mobile number you registered with them, usually an Indian one. If that number lapses, logging in or approving a transaction from abroad gets difficult.

An Indian number also means banks, property agents and service providers in India can reach you on a local number, and you avoid roaming charges when you visit.

You don’t need an expensive plan to keep a number alive. Annual Airtel plans suited to NRIs:

Yes. Any NRI, adult or minor, with a valid Indian passport can enrol for Aadhaar at an Aadhaar enrolment centre in India, and the usual rule of 182 days’ residence does not apply to NRIs. Details are on the UIDAI website .

Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs, but many banks, property registrations, SIM card providers and government services use it for identity checks. If you manage property or accounts in India, or plan a long stay, enrolling on your next trip saves trouble later.

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) in India is not mandatory if your Indian income is below the basic exemption limit — ₹4 lakh under the new regime, or ₹2.5 lakh under the old regime (FY 2026-27). However, filing ITR every year still offers several advantages.

1. Proof of Income & Financial Stability
Even if you owe no taxes, a filed ITR serves as proof of income, which can be helpful for:

• Loan and credit card applications in India.
• Visa applications, where many countries require tax returns for financial verification.
• Maintaining a financial record, which is useful for future investments.

2. Compliance & Legal Benefits

If you have investments, property, or financial transactions in India, filing ITR ensures:

• Compliance with Indian tax laws, avoiding potential legal issues.
• Smooth property transactions, as past ITRs may be reviewed during sales.

3. Claiming TDS Refunds & Lower Deductions

• If TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is deducted from your income, filing an ITR allows you to claim a refund.
• Regular ITR filing helps reduce or eliminate higher TDS deductions, especially when selling property, as tax authorities check past tax filings before approving lower TDS rates.

4. Claiming Foreign Tax Credit (DTAA Benefits)

• If you are an NRI paying taxes in your country of residence, an ITR helps claim Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) under DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement), ensuring you are not taxed twice on the same income.

Final Thoughts

Even when not required, filing an ITR is a smart financial habit. It keeps your financial records updated, prevents tax complications, and ensures maximum tax benefits in both India and your country of residence.