✅ Verified: February 2026 Update In 2026, if you are just "paying" via UPI without getting anything back, you are effectively losing money . The days of random scratch cards giving you "Better Luck Next Time" are dead. The new era of digital finance is about assured returns . Whether you are a student managing an internship stipend or a freelancer worrying about taxable income , optimizing your transaction flow can yield ₹300 to ₹1,000 in monthly savings . This isn't just about saving pennies; it's about building a system. As outlined in our Master Your Finances Guide , small leaks sink great ships. This guide reveals the high-value strategies like RuPay-on-UPI and merchant-specific codes that banks don't advertise. ⚠️ Critical Alert: Before you start earning, ensure you aren't losing money to hidden penalties. Check our new guide on UPI Autopay Rules & Tax Traps for 2026 . The Golden Rule: Merchant (P2M) vs. Perso...
🚀 New for 2026: Want a complete roadmap to money? Read our
Ultimate Financial Independence Guide for Indian Students
to master Tax, UPI, and Investing today.
There is a dangerous myth floating around college campuses in India: "I am just a student, I don't have a full-time job, so the Income Tax Department doesn't care about me."
This misconception is costing Indian students crores in unclaimed refunds every year. Whether you are a freelancer, an intern earning a modest stipend, or a student whose parents invest in your name, staying off the tax radar is no longer as simple as it used to be.
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| Even students with zero income may be legally required to file ITR in 2026 due to high electricity bills or foreign travel expenses. |
As we approach Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, the rules have tightened. Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is no longer just about paying taxes—it is about claiming what is yours and building a financial reputation. In this comprehensive guide for finance.sahityashala.in, we decode the mandatory filing triggers, explain how to get your internship money back, and help you navigate the tax maze without a CA.
Table of Contents:
1. Decoding the "2026" Tax Timeline
First, let’s clear up the confusion about dates. In tax terminology, the "year" can be tricky. When we talk about filing returns in 2026, we are referring to:
- Financial Year (FY) 2025-26: The period when you actually earned the money (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026).
- Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27: The year in which you file your return and your income is assessed (starting April 1, 2026).
Any internship stipend, freelance income, or profits from investments like Digital Gold made right now fall under this bracket.
2. The Golden Rule: When is Filing Mandatory?
The Income Tax Act, 1961, mandates filing based on income thresholds. However, for students, the lines often blur between "pocket money" and "taxable income."
The Basic Exemption Limit
You are legally required to file an ITR if your Total Gross Income exceeds the Basic Exemption Limit. As per the current tax regimes:
- New Tax Regime (Default): Exemption limit is ₹3 Lakh.
- Old Tax Regime: Exemption limit is ₹2.5 Lakh.
If you have been following our Ultimate Financial Guide for Indian Students, you likely have multiple income streams. Be it from stocks or part-time gigs, if the total crosses ₹3 Lakh, you must file.
3. The "Hidden" Triggers: Mandatory Filing Even with Zero Income
This is where many students get caught. Even if you earned zero income, the government mandates filing if you meet certain high-spending criteria.
You MUST file an ITR if:
- Electricity Bill: You paid electricity bills aggregating to more than ₹1 Lakh in the year.
- Foreign Travel: You spent more than ₹2 Lakh on travel to a foreign country (for yourself or any other person).
This data is often tracked via your PAN usage in UPI apps or bank transfers.
4. The #1 Reason to File: Claiming Your TDS Refund
If you take away one thing from this article, let it be this: Filing ITR is the only way to get your deducted money back.
The Internship & Freelance Trap
Companies often deduct **TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)** at 10% under Section 194J before paying your stipend. For example, if you earned ₹50,000, you might only receive ₹45,000.
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| Filing an ITR allows students to claim back TDS deducted on internship or freelance income, even when total income is below the taxable limit. |
Since your total income is likely below the taxable limit, that ₹5,000 belongs to you. But the government won't send it automatically. You must file a return to claim it. We have a detailed breakdown on this specific topic here: Is Internship Stipend Taxable? Understanding TDS Refunds.
💡 Earning Side Income?
If you are looking to increase your income stream to actually reach that taxable bracket (a good problem to have!), check out these resources:
5. Step-by-Step Filing Checklist for Students
- Check Form 26AS & AIS: Log in to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal. These documents show the income the government already knows you have.
- Gather Documents: Keep your PAN, Aadhaar, Bank Account details, and Form 16 (from internship employer) ready. For details on PAN card applications, you can verify via NSDL (Protean).
- Select ITR-1 (Sahaj): This is usually the correct form for students with simple income (Salary/Stipend + Interest).
- Verify Bank Details: Ensure your bank account is "Pre-Validated" on the portal so your refund can be credited directly via secure payment channels.
Watch: How Students Can File ITR (Step-by-Step)
If you prefer a visual walkthrough, this video by MyOnlineCA explains the process specifically for students looking to file for loans, visas, or refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is my scholarship money taxable?
Generally, scholarships granted to meet the cost of education are exempt from tax under Section 10(16) of the Income Tax Act. However, ensure it is documented as a scholarship and not a "stipend" for work done.
Q2: Can I file ITR myself or do I need a CA?
If you have simple income (stipend + interest), you can easily file yourself using the "File Now" feature on the official government portal. However, for complex freelance income, consulting a professional is safer.
Q3: Does filing ITR help with Education Loans?
Absolutely. Banks view ITR filings as proof of financial discipline and stability. It can significantly smooth the process for future education loans or visa applications.
Conclusion: Welcome to Financial Adulthood
Filing an ITR as a college student in India is less about "paying tax" and more about "claiming your rights." Whether it is getting that ₹5,000 TDS refund to reinvest in Digital Gold or establishing a paper trail for your study abroad plans, the benefits far outweigh the effort.
Don't wait for a notice to learn about taxes. Log in, check your 26AS, and take control of your financial narrative today.
Explore the World of Sahityashala:
While you secure your financial future here at Sahityashala Finance, don't forget to nourish your soul with our other collections:
- Dive into the depths of Hindi Literature at Sahityashala (Main).
- Explore global classics at English Sahityashala.
- Experience the sweetness of Mithila at Maithili Sahityashala.
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