When is Form 15CB needed?
Form 15CB is needed when the remittance is taxable and the amount in a financial year exceeds ₹5 lakh and you do not have a lower deduction order. For smaller amounts, only Form 15CA Part A is filed. Some payments are exempt from the form entirely.
Who signs Form 15CB?
A practising Chartered Accountant signs Form 15CB with a UDIN. The platform or office staff that collects documents does not sign the certificate. The CA is responsible for the opinion on taxability and the rate of TDS.
Does an NRI need 15CA and 15CB to repatriate NRO funds?
Generally yes. Remitting NRO balances or sale proceeds abroad, up to USD 1 million per financial year, needs Form 15CA, and 15CB where tax is involved, unless the remittance is exempt. We compute the tax on the underlying income as well.
What is the tax rate on a payment to a foreign vendor?
It depends on the nature of income and the treaty. Domestic rates can be as high as 20% to 40% plus surcharge and cess, while the treaty rates for royalty and fees for technical services are often 10% to 15%. We determine the rate on the facts.
Do I need to deduct TDS before sending the money?
Yes, if the remittance is taxable, TDS under section 195 must be deducted at the time of payment or credit, and the remittance is made net of tax unless the contract provides for a gross-up. We guide you on the deduction and deposit.
How long does it take?
If the invoice, the agreement and the remittee's details are ready, we can usually issue the certificate in one to two working days. Delays are mostly from missing treaty documents like the TRC and Form 10F. We tell you what is missing on day one.
How is residential status decided for an NRI?
You are a resident if you stay in India for 182 days or more in the financial year, or for 60 days or more in the year plus 365 days or more in the preceding four years. The 60-day test is relaxed to 182 days for Indian citizens who leave India for employment and, in some cases, to 120 days. We compute your status from passport stamps.
Is NRE account interest taxable in India?
Interest on an NRE account is exempt for a person who is a non-resident under FEMA, and it is generally not taxed in India while you remain a non-resident for income tax. NRO account interest is taxable in India, and banks deduct TDS at 30% plus surcharge and cess unless a lower rate applies under a treaty.
Can I claim relief if the same income is taxed abroad and in India?
Yes. Relief comes through the tax treaty (DTAA) between India and your country of residence, or under section 91 where no treaty exists. You need a Tax Residency Certificate, Form 10F and, for foreign tax credit in India, Form 67. We prepare these with your return and map which country gets the primary right to tax.
