Change in residential status

This discussion addresses concerns about changing an individual's tax residential status from Resident to Non-Resident Indian (NRI) for future tax filings. The core question is whether previously filed tax returns as a resident will cause issues when filing future returns as an NRI, particularly if a passport number links the records. The advice given is to file future returns with the correct NRI status. While past returns cannot be amended without a query or notice from the CPC, the Income Tax Department may review old returns based on data discrepancies, not solely on a change in declared status going forward.