What types of income earned by NRIs are taxable in India?
NRIs are required to pay taxes on any income generated within India. This includes returns on investments, rental income from real estate, and both long-term and short-term capital gains arising from the sale of assets in the country.
How is tax residency determined for an individual?
The responsibility of determining tax residency lies with the individual, who should consult their Chartered Accountant or personal tax advisor. This determination is made by answering specific questions included in the payout form, which will then guide the application of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source). It is essential to establish tax residency to claim benefits under the relevant Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
What is DTAA, and who can benefit from it?
DTAA, or the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, is a treaty between two countries aimed at preventing the same income from being taxed in both nations. India has comprehensive DTAAs with over 90 countries. To claim DTAA benefits, an individual must be a resident of the other country involved in the agreement with India. Additionally, certain documents must be provided to qualify for these benefits, and some DTAAs may impose further conditions for eligibility.
What documents are required to claim DTAA benefits as a non-resident?
To claim DTAA benefits, non-residents must submit:
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Mandatory: Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and Form 10F.
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Optional: PAN card, passport, and visa copies (if available).
Without TRC and Form 10F, TDS will be applied as per Indian tax laws. These documents must be provided for each policy proceeds request.
Are single premium policies with premiums over ₹5 lakhs exempt under Section 10(10D)?
No, single premium policies with an initial premium exceeding ₹5 lakhs are not eligible for tax exemption under
Section 10(10D) for non-resident individuals.
Will I be notified about the maturity date and amount before my policy matures?
Yes, an intimation letter is sent 365 days before the policy's maturity date. SMS reminders are also sent to ensure pending documents are submitted on time. You can also check the ‘Schedule of Benefits’ in your policy document for details about the maturity date.
Can I receive the maturity amount in my NRE account?
The maturity amount is credited to an NRE account only if all premiums were paid through it.
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All premiums via NRE account: Full payout to the NRE account with supporting bank statements.
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Partial premiums via NRE account: Payout proportionate to NRE account payments; the rest goes to the NRO/savings account.
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No premiums via NRE account: Entire payout to the NRO/savings account with a NEFT mandate.
Can NRI invest in SIP in India?
Yes, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can invest in SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) in India just like resident Indians. They can invest in various SIP plans to benefit from rupee appreciation and grow their wealth over time.
Who is eligible to invest in NRI plans in India?
Anyone who is an Indian citizen residing abroad, be it an NRI / OCI / PIO is eligible to invest in NRI plans in India.
What are the different types of NRI investment plans available in India?
Different types of NRI investment plans available are:
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Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
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Capital Guarantee Solution Plan
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Retirement Plans
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Pension Plans
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Annuity Plans
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Guaranteed Returns Traditional Plans
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Child Plan
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National Pension Scheme
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Mutual Funds
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Fixed Deposits
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Real Estate
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Equity Investments
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Portfolio Management Services (PMS)
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Public Provident Fund or PPF
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Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)
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Pre-IPO investment
What are the benefits of investing in NRI plans in India?
Here are some benefits of considering NRI investment plans in India:
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Diversification of investment portfolio
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High returns
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Tax benefits under certain investment schemes
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Opportunity to invest in sectors with high growth potential
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Professional investment management by experienced fund managers
Are NRI investment plans subject to taxation in India?
Yes, some NRI investment plans are subject to taxation in India. The tax treatment depends on the type of investment and how long it is held. For example, interest earned on NRO accounts is taxable, while interest on NRE accounts is not. Capital gains from equity investments can be taxed at 10% or 15%, depending on how long the investment is held. It's advisable to consult a tax advisor for specific situations.
How can NRIs monitor and manage their investments in India?
You can consider the following points to monitor or manage investments in India:
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Stay updated through online portals and financial news websites.
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Choose the Portfolio Management Service (PMS) investment vehicle to manage the investments.
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Keep track of market trends and stay informed about fund performance.
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Regularly review investment portfolios and adjust based on your financial goals and risk appetite.
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Seek advice from a financial advisor or investment professional.
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Stay updated on regulatory changes and taxation policies that can impact your investment.
Can an NRI invest in a Post Office Scheme?
A Non-Resident Indian cannot invest directly in a Post Office scheme in India. For investment in the Post Office scheme in India, an NRI has to have a joint account with a relative being a resident in India.
Is an NRI allowed to buy property in India?
Yes, an NRI can acquire any commercial or residential property in India.
Is PAN Card compulsory for NRIs?
PAN Card is necessary for Non-Resident Indians who have a taxable income in India as per the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Can NRIs invest in PPF?
NRIs can only contribute to existing PPF accounts opened while they were resident Indians. New PPF accounts cannot be opened by NRIs.
Can NRIs invest in sovereign gold bonds?
According to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999, Non-Resident Indians are not permitted to make investments in Sovereign Gold Bonds.
Can NRIs invest in liquid funds?
Yes, NRIs can invest in liquid funds through their NRE accounts.