Taxability of Non Resident Indians on Income

Due to globalization and rapid growth in economies of the world, it is quite common to have movement of employees from one country to another in search of jobs and better opportunities. Similar is the case with Indians working abroad or working in India as well as abroad. This leads to NRIs facing 2 tax jurisdictions and therefore need to comply with taxation rules and regulations of both the tax jurisdiction. Accordingly, there may be requirement of filing of NRI Tax return in 2 or more jurisdictions.

In India, any person becomes Non Resident Indian on basis of number of days of stay in India both under Income Tax Act as well as FEMA regulations.

NRI Tax Return

NRI ‘s are required to file tax return in India in case their total income exceeds maximum amount not chargeable to tax in India. Unlike Residents whose global income is taxable in India, NRIs have to pay taxes only on Income earned in India. Therefore, NRI Tax return filing is required only in case of Indian Income.

We at EZYBIZ INDIA CONSULTING LLP provides host of services for NRIs like NRI Tax return filing service, NRI Tax planning and advisory service, NRI investment advisory service etc.

There are lots of tax benefits available to NRIs under domestic laws as well as under DTAAs as mentioned below:

1. When NRIs come to India for working as employee, under domestic law they won’t be charge to tax in case they are working in India only for 90 days. Also, under DTAA, in case their no. of days of stay in India is less than 182 days and they are residents of foreign country then nothing will be taxable in India. Also, any personal income earned outside India is not taxable in India like interest, rent etc.
2. When NRIs goes outside India for working as employee outside India, salary received in India is taxable under domestic law as well as in foreign country on receipt basis. However, as per DTAA, relief may be claimed under dependent personal services clause.
3. In case income of NRIs are taxable both in India as well as foreign country, in that case as per domestic rules as well as DTAA, foreign tax credits may be claimed by NRI i.e there cannot be double taxation on same income. However, for claiming such tax benefits, NRIs need to apply for Tax Residency certificate or TRC for each year for which such benefit is to be claimed.
4. In case NRI has only investment income in India or only long term capital gain income or both, such NRIs is not required to file Income Tax Return in India. Also, in case TDS has been deducted on such income, no need to file tax return in India.
5. Any interest earned in NRE account by NRIs are exempt from tax subject to fulfillment of some conditions
6. As per domestic law, NRIs has been given option to opt for special rate of taxation instead of normal rate of taxation for specified investment income or capital gains from foreign exchange assets.