₹30L Salary, No ITR: Can You Skip Filing?

A Delhi tribunal cancelled a ₹3.74 lakh penalty on someone earning ₹30 lakh who didn't file an ITR. But don't celebrate yet — the court made clear that skipping your return is still illegal and risky for everyone.

Here's what happened: An Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Delhi cancelled a ₹3.74 lakh penalty on a taxpayer earning ₹30 lakh who had not filed income tax returns, citing procedural grounds specific to the case.. The tribunal explicitly clarified that cancelling the penalty does not mean high-income earners are legally exempt from filing their ITR — the obligation under Section 139 remains fully intact.. Tax experts warn that this ruling is case-specific and should not be read as a general exemption; non-filers with significant income remain exposed to scrutiny, interest, and fresh penalties..

What you should do: File your ITR before July 31, 2025 if your income exceeds the basic exemption limit — even if your employer has already deducted full TDS on your salary.. Check Form 26AS and your Annual Information Statement (AIS) on the income tax portal to see what data the department already holds about your income and transactions.. If you have missed filing for previous years, use the updated return window (ITR-U) to file for up to two years back — pay the applicable additional tax to avoid heavier penalties later..

Even if your tax liability is zero after TDS, filing your ITR creates an official income record — essential when applying for a home loan, visa, or credit card with a high limit.