The RBI prohibits inward remittances for the following purposes:
- Online gaming
- Other speculative or illegal activities.
Additionally, beneficiaries receiving domestic remittances must obtain a Foreign Inland Remittance Certificate (FIRC) from the beneficiary bank or for doing foreign exchange business in India. It serves as proof of receipt and helps identify the purpose of internal remittances, including the sender’s name and address, while filing the Income Statement (ITR) in India. Banks will issue FIRC only on the request of the beneficiary and the sender bank will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Documents required
The remitter must provide the following details to their overseas bank or the authorised service provider for an inward remittance,
√Remitter’s name and address;
√Beneficiary’s name;
√Beneficiary’s bank account details, including the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) code;
√Purpose and amount of remittance
After receiving the funds in India, the authorized dealer (bank) converts them into Indian rupees at the exchange rate and internally deposits or transfers the remittance to the recipient in banking in India.
Tax consequences of remittances to India
- If the money received is used to support the family or provide for the family (education, healthcare, etc.), no tax is required.
- As per section 56(2) (x) of the income tax act 1961, payments to a non-relative will be taxed by the recipient if the total amount exceeds Rs. 50,000.
Conclusion
NRIs/PIOs/OCIs (including foreign nationals) can send money to India through various services like online money transfer, bank transfer, and cross-border UPI, IMO and FCC /FCDD. You should choose the option that best suits your needs based on speed, cost and convenience.
In the recent times, the popular Unified Payments Interface or UPI has been marking its presence in the foreign countries. UPI has been dominating online payment transfers in India and the same can be witnesses through astounding transaction numbers each quarter. Owing to its simplicity and security of the payment transfers, it has also significantly increased its presence in foreign countries and cross border receipts directly to India is a very much reality in today’s times.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is the Rupee Withdrawal Arrangement (RDA)?
The Rupee Withdrawal Arrangement (RDA) is a tool for receiving money across borders from foreign jurisdictions. Under this arrangement, Tier 1 banks are allowed to partner with non-resident businesses in FATF-compliant countries to open and maintain Vostro account.
- Who are non-resident Exchange Houses?
These are companies and financial institutions which they have licenced and are regulated by the competent authority in the sending country for sourcing the funds from the remitters.
- Is there a limit to the amount RDA can send?
Business-related transactions are limited to Rs 15 million.
- Can cash payments be made to beneficiaries under RDA?
No cash disbursement is allowed under RDA the remittances must be deposited into the buyer’s bank account.
- Can the money transfer be deposited into the recipient’s bank account even if the bank does not cooperate with the foreign exchange office?
It can be deposited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account in non-AD type banks such as RDA, NEFT, IMPS etc.
- What is Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS)?
Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) is a method of sending remittances from abroad to beneficiaries in India. Only personal remittances, such as home remittances and remittances to foreign tourists visiting India, are allowed in India.
- Is there any limit on the remittance rate under MTSS?
A cap of USD 2,500 has been placed on individual remittances under the scheme additionally, according to the law, 30 refunds can be received to the rightful owner within one year.
- Can cash payments be made to beneficiaries under MTSS?
Amounts up to INR 50,000/- may be paid in cash to a beneficiary in India. These can also be placed on bank-issued prepaid cards. Amounts exceeding this limit can be transferred to cheque/time deposit/cash etc. must be paid by other methods. It is paid into the account or deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest guidelines and regulations. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, it may not reflect the most current legal or regulatory changes. Taxpayers are advised to consult with a qualified tax professional or you may contact to our tax advisor team through call +91-9871990777 or info@semantictaxgen.in the appropriate government authority to verify the accuracy of the information and to obtain advice on their specific tax situations.