Introduction
When an individual or business sends money to a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or a foreign entity, the Indian Income Tax Department requires the sender to file Form 15CA and Form 15CB. These forms help track foreign remittances and ascertain any tax liabilities on such transfers. Filing them is crucial for ensuring compliance with India’s tax regulations. This guide covers the meaning, applicability, and process of filing Form 15CA and 15CB online.
What is Form 15CA?
The remitter (the person making the payment) submits Form 15CA to declare and report payments made to non-residents that may be taxable under the Income Tax Act. This form is a key document that banks or authorized dealers demand before processing foreign remittances. It ensures an effective tracking system for the Income Tax Department to monitor cross-border payments and tax liabilities.
Parts of Form 15CA:
Form 15CA consists of four sections:
- Part A – To be filled for taxable remittances up to Rs. 5 lakh in a financial year.
- Part B – For taxable remittances exceeding Rs. 5 lakh, where a certificate from the Assessing Officer or an order under Section 197 is obtained.
- Part C – For taxable remittances exceeding Rs. 5 lakh, along with Form 15CB (issued by a Chartered Accountant).
- Part D – For cases where the remittance is not chargeable under the Income Tax Act.
What is Form 15CB?
A Chartered Accountant issues Form 15CB to ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act and applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) provisions. The certificate confirms that the remitter has properly deducted the applicable tax on the remittance. This form is not necessary if the payment to the non-resident is not taxable.
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Applicability of Form 15CA and 15CB
Form 15CA Applicability:
- Applicable for all payments made to non-residents, even if the payment is not taxable.
- It must be submitted by residents and non-residents when transferring funds abroad.
- It is used to ensure that tax has been deducted at the source for applicable remittances.
Applicability of Form 15CB:
- Required when remittances exceed Rs. 5 lakh and are taxable.
- It is mandatory when no order has been passed by the Assessing Officer (AO) for tax determination.
- Only a Chartered Accountant can issue Form 15CB.
How to File Form 15CA Online
The process for filing Form 15CA online is straightforward and must be done via the Income Tax e-filing portal. Follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Step 2: Under the “File Income Tax Forms” tab, select Form 15CA from the drop-down list.
- Step 3: Enter the relevant details and choose the applicable part (A, B, C, or D) based on the remittance type.
- Step 4: Verify all the details.
- Step 5: Submit the form after verifying. You will receive a confirmation via email and SMS.
How to File Form 15CB Online
The process for filing Form 15CB requires the assistance of a Chartered Accountant (CA), and it must be filed online. Below are the steps:
- Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax portal and go to the “Authorised Partners” section.
- Step 2: Click on “My Chartered Accountant (CA)” and select the Form 15CB option.
- Step 3: Enter your CA’s membership number and submit a request for adding the CA.
- Step 4: Once your CA accepts the request, they will file Form 15CB on your behalf.
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Information Required While Filing Form 15CA and Form 15CB
When filling out Form 15CA or 15CB, the remitter needs to provide the following information:
- Remitter’s details: Name, Address, PAN, Phone Number, and Status (Individual/Business).
- Remittee’s details: Name, Address, Country, and Principal Business Location.
- Remittance details: Currency, Amount, Proposed Date, and Nature of Payment.
- Banking details: Name of the bank, branch, and BSR Code.
Conclusion
Filing Form 15CA and Form 15CB is crucial for maintaining compliance when making foreign remittances. These forms enable the Income Tax Department to keep track of cross-border payments and ensure that tax liabilities, if any, are correctly addressed. Understanding the purpose and filing procedure for these forms will help businesses and individuals avoid penalties and ensure smooth foreign transactions.