Form 15CA and 15CB Filing
If you are sending money abroad from India, you need to comply with tax regulations to avoid unnecessary hassles. The Income Tax Department has mandated the filing of Forms 15CA and 15CB for certain foreign remittances to track transactions and ensure proper tax deductions. The Form 15CA is a declaration that confirms whether tax applies to your transfer, and Form 15CB is a certification from a Chartered Accountant used to verify the tax details. Filing these correctly can be confusing and time-consuming, and if done incorrectly, it could lead to penalties or delays.
What is Form 15CA?
Form 15CA is a declaration form required under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act of 1961. It is filed by any resident who makes payments to non-residents or foreign companies. The primary purpose of Form 15CA is to ensure that the appropriate Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is calculated and deducted on the payment being made. Form 15CA is subdivided into four parts, A, B, C, and D, which are as follows:
PART A: |
The remittance or the aggregate of such remittance does not exceed ₹ five lakhs during the financial year. |
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PART B: |
Where remittance or the aggregate of such remittances exceeds ₹ five lakhs during the financial year and an order/certificate u/s 195(2) / 195(3) /197 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 has been obtained from the Assessing Officer. |
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PART C: |
The remittance or the aggregate of such remittance exceeded 5 lakh rupees during the financial year, and an accountant has obtained a certificate in Form No. 15CB. |
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PART D: |
The remittance is not taxable under the Income Tax Act of 1961. |
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What is Form 15CB?
Form 15CB is a certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India. This certificate is essential in confirming that the TDS deducted on a payment to a non-resident complies with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and any applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs). Form 15CB is the CA’s verification of Form 15CA. For any remittances exceeding INR 5 lakh during a financial year, the CA has to prepare and certify Form 15CB before the remitter can file Part C of Form 15CA.
Who Needs to File Form 15CA and 15CB?
The following Individuals are eligible to file Form 15CA and 15CB:
- Resident Individuals who make any payment for services, royalties, interest, etc. to a non-resident.
- Domestic Companies like Public Limited and Private Limited that remit payments to non-resident individuals or foreign companies.
- Partnership firms and LLPs are where a resident partner is responsible for making payments to a non-resident.
- Non-Resident Entities (in some cases): While the filing requirement primarily applies to residents, foreign companies might need to comply when making certain remittances through an Indian representative.
When is Form 15CA Applicable?
Form 15CA must be filed in the following scenarios:
- Foreign Remittance for Taxable Payments: Any payment to a non-resident or foreign company that is chargeable to tax in India.
- Declaration of TDS Deduction: It is required even if the remittance is not subject to TDS, as a declaration to the Income Tax Department that the funds are being transferred.
When is Form 15CA Not Required?
According to Rule 37BB of the Income Tax Rules:
- Low-Value Remittances: When the aggregate remittance does not exceed INR 5 lakh and is not taxable.
- Exempted Transactions: There are a total of 33 nature of payments where before outward remittance, the approval of RBI is not required.
S. No. |
Nature of Transaction |
S. No. |
Nature of Transaction |
1. |
Indian investments overseas in equity (shares) |
18. |
Travel under the basic travel quota (BTQ) |
2. |
Indian investments overseas in debt instruments |
19. |
Travel for pilgrimage |
3. |
Indian investments abroad in branches and wholly-owned subsidiaries |
20. |
Travel for medical treatment
|
4. |
Indian investments overseas in subsidiary and associate companies |
21. |
Travel for educational purposes (including fees, hostel expenses, etc.)
|
5. |
Indian investments abroad in real estate |
22. |
Postal services
|
6. |
Loans provided to non-residents |
23. |
Construction projects abroad by Indian companies, including the import of goods for the project site
|
7. |
Advance payments for imports |
24. |
Freight insurance related to the import and export of goods |
8. |
Payments made for settling import invoices |
25. |
Payments for maintaining offices abroad |
9. |
Imports conducted by diplomatic missions |
26. |
Maintenance of Indian embassies overseas |
10. |
Trade involving intermediaries |
27. |
Maintenance of Indian embassies overseas |
11. |
Imports valued under Rs.5,00,000 (for use by ECD offices) |
28. |
Remittances by non-residents for family maintenance and savings |
12. |
Payments for operating expenses of Indian shipping companies operating internationally |
29. |
Remittances for personal gifts and donations |
13. |
Operating expenses for Indian airline companies functioning abroad |
30. |
Remittances for donations to religious and charitable institutions abroad
|
14. |
Booking of air travel by airline companies for international routes |
31. |
Remittances for grants and donations to other governments and charitable organizations established by them. |
15. |
Remittances made for business travel |
32. |
Contributions or donations by the government to international institutions |
16. |
Remittances for the payment or refund of taxes
|
33. |
Refunds, rebates, or reductions in invoice values on account of exports |
17. |
Payments by residents for international bidding |
|
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When is Form 15CB Applicable?
Form 15CB is required only in specific cases, which are as follows:
- Taxable Remittances Exceeding INR 5 Lakh: If your aggregate remittance in a financial year exceeds ₹5 lakhs and is taxable in India.
- Absence of AO Order: When you have not obtained a certificate from the Assessing Officer under sections 195(2), 195(3), or 197 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- For Remittances Requiring CA Certification: When the remittance details need independent verification to confirm that TDS has been correctly deducted.
When is Form 15CB Not Required?
- Non-Taxable Payments: If the payment is not taxable in India.
- Payments Below the Threshold: Remittances below ₹5 lakhs where only Part A of Form 15CA is required.
- Specific Exemptions: When a certificate from the Assessing Officer (AO) under section 197 or sections 195(2)/(3) has already been obtained, thereby reducing the need for CA certification.
- Payments Already Covered by DTAA: If the remittance is taxed in the recipient’s country as per DTAA provisions.
Documents Required to File Form 15CA and 15CB
You need the following documents to file Form 15CA and 15CB:
For Form 15CA
- Remitter’s Full name, address, PAN (Permanent Account Number), TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) (if applicable), Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC) information, and contact details, such as email, phone number, and Bank Account details (bank name, branch name, and BSR code) of the remitter.
- Remittee (Beneficiary): Full name and complete postal address, Country of residence, Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) (if claiming benefits under a DTAA).
- Purpose and nature of the remittance (e.g., payment for services, royalty, dividend).
- Amount of remittance (both in INR and foreign currency, if applicable).
- Proposed date of remittance
For Form 15CB
Chartered Accountant’s Certificate, including:
- CA’s name, membership number (as issued by ICAI), and firm details
- CA’s address and contact information
- Certification that TDS has been correctly deducted as per the Income Tax Act and DTAA
Supporting Documents such as:
- Invoice or agreement detailing the nature of the payment
- Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) of the remittee (if applicable)
- Form 10F (if required) – a declaration by the remittee about their tax residency status
- Any relevant approval certificate from the Assessing Officer (for Part B of Form 15CA)
Step-by-Step Process for Filing Form 15CA and 15CB Online
Follow the below-mentioned steps to file Form 15CA and Form 15CB
Form 15CA Filing Online
STEP 1: Log In to the E-Filing Portal
Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal and log in with your PAN, user ID, and password. From the dashboard, click on the “e-File” tab and select “Income Tax Forms.” Then click on “File Income Tax Forms”. Click on ‘Others (Source of Income not relevant)’ and choose Form No. 15CA.
STEP 2: Select the correct Part of Form 15CA
On the basis of your remittance, choose the part:
- Choose Part A if your remittance is below INR 5 lakh.
- Choose Part B if the remittance exceeds INR 5 lakh and you have an AO order.
- Choose Part C if the remittance exceeds INR 5 lakh and you require a CA’s certificate (Form 15CB).
- Choose Part D if the payment is not taxable.
STEP 3: Fill in the details of the Remitter and Remittee
Give all relevant details about the sender (remitter) and recipient (remittee), such as names, addresses, PAN numbers, bank account numbers, BSR codes, and IFSC codes.
STEP 4: Specify the Purpose of Remittance
Indicate in detail the amount (in Indian rupees and, if relevant, foreign currency), the intended date of remittance, and the reason for the remittance (such as payment for services, royalties, or interest).
STEP 5: Verification
Complete the verification by confirming the accuracy of the provided details. Then, you will proceed to e-verify the form using either a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or an Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
STEP 6: Submit the Form
After the form has been verified, submit it. You will receive an acknowledgment with a distinct Transaction ID and Acknowledgement Number.
Form 15CB Filing Online
STEP 1: Chartered Accountant’s Role
Before filing Form 15CB, you must add your Chartered Accountant (CA) as an authorized partner.
STEP 2: CA Login
The CA logs into the e-filing portal using their credentials and selects “File Income Tax Forms.” The CA chooses Form 15CB from the list.
STEP 3: Enter the Required Details
The CA enters the remitter's PAN details, the remittance amount, and other necessary information. The CA also needs to certify that the TDS deducted is accurate and that the remittance complies with the Income Tax Act, 1961 and any applicable DTAA provisions.
STEP 4: Upload XML File (For Offline/Bulk Filing)
If filing offline or in bulk, the CA downloads the utility to prepare an XML file with the required details. Once prepared, the XML file is zipped and uploaded on the portal along with the Digital Signature File (DSC).
STEP 5: E-Verification
The CA verifies the form electronically using their DSC. After successful verification, the form is submitted online, and an acknowledgment is generated.
STEP 6: Provide Acknowledgement Receipt Number (ARN)
The remitter uses the ARN from Form 15CB when filing Part C of Form 15CA.
Why Choose Kanakkupillai?
Filing Form 15CA and 15CB includes multiple steps and thorough documentation. Missing any vital information can have a detrimental impact. That’s where Kanakkupillai makes a difference. We provide:
- Expert Guidance: Our team consists of professionals with extensive experience in income tax regulations and international remittance procedures. We guide you step-by-step through the entire filing process.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Our team of professionals understands the importance of time. Therefore, our efficiency minimizes disruptions to your business operations and saves you valuable resources.
- Submission Without Errors: Tax form errors may result in fines and delays. From PAN and TAN numbers to bank account information and remittance details, our review procedure guarantees that every detail is correct and complies with the most recent standards.
- Coordination with Certified Chartered Accountants: We have a network of certified Chartered Accountants who specialize in Form 15CB certification. Our collaboration guarantees that your CA certificate is prepared and submitted with precision, ensuring smooth filing of Form 15CA Part C.
- Compliance Administration: Our services include continuous monitoring and follow-up with the Income Tax Department, as well as form preparation and filing. This proactive strategy ensures that your compliance record remains spotless and that any difficulties are promptly resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 15CA required for all foreign transactions?
No, Form 15CA is required only for taxable remittances. Under RBI guidelines, certain transactions, such as those related to education, medical expenses, and personal travel, may not need this form.What happens if I don’t submit Form 15CA or 15CB when required?
Failure to file these forms when required can lead to penalties, scrutiny from tax authorities, and potential delays in processing your remittance. In some cases, banks may refuse to process the transfer.Can I file Form 15CA without consulting a CA?
Yes, if your transaction falls under Part A or Part B of Form 15CA (where the amount is ₹5 lakh or below, or if an AO certificate is available). However, if the payment exceeds ₹5 lakh and is taxable, a CA certification (Form 15CB) is mandatory.How do I know if my remittance qualifies for tax exemption?
Certain foreign payments are exempted from tax under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) or RBI's list of specified transactions. Checking the Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and consulting a tax expert can help determine if your payment qualifies.Does every international payment require both Form 15CA and 15CB?
No. Form 15CB is needed only if: • The remittance amount exceeds ₹5 lakh AND • The payment is taxable AND • There is no exemption certificate from the Assessing Officer. For non-taxable payments, Part D of Form 15CA is sufficient, and Form 15CB is not required.Can I file multiple remittances under one Form 15CA?
No, each remittance requires a separate Form 15CA. Even if you make multiple payments to the same foreign entity, each transaction must be reported individually.What makes Us Different

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