Why are hemichordate considered an intermediate group between non-chordates and chordates?
Hemichordates possess a stomochord in the collar region, which is similar in function to the notochord but structurally different. This places them between non-chordates and chordates.
Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook for Class XI and XII (Zoology section), Chapter: Biology - Zoology portion covering relevant system and function.