India taxes individuals based on a system of income slabs. Different tax rates are assigned to different ranges of income.&nbsp;

Understanding tax slabs is crucial for several reasons.

As a person earns more, the tax liability also increases, creating a fair and progressive tax system in the country. To achieve this, the government regularly updates and announces changes to tax slabs in the Union Budget.

The income tax slabs differ between the old and new tax regimes. Let's explore the specific slab rates applicable to Individuals for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24) and FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25).

Income Tax Slab Rates For FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)&nbsp;

Rates of the old tax regime slabs are categorized into three groups:

The new tax regime applies uniform tax rates to all individuals, eliminating the age-based distinctions in the old system. The new tax regime slabs 2023-24 are outlined below.

Applicability of Surcharge for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)

The income tax <a href="https://incometaxindia.gov.in/charts%20%20tables/tax%20rates.htm">surcharge</a> is an extra fee imposed on top of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-file-taxes-under-44ada?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">regular income tax</a>. An additional tax is applied to individuals with higher income earnings in a specific financial year. Let’s look at the applicable surcharge rate under the Old and New tax regime.

However, 25% or 37% surcharge rates will not apply to income under the following sections.

Consequently, the highest surcharge rate on the tax payable for such incomes will be 15%.

Starting from the Assessment Year 2023-24, the maximum surcharge rate on tax payable for dividend income or capital gain specified in Section 112 will be capped at 15%.&nbsp;

A 4% Health and Education cess will be applied to all cases’ total income tax liability and surcharges.

Comparison of tax rates under the New tax regime and the Old tax regime for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24)

How do you calculate the income tax from the income tax slabs?

Let’s understand the calculation with an example.

Sanjana, aged 35, has a total taxable income of Rs. 8,50,000. She has opted for the old tax regime. Her income includes income from salary, interest and rental income. Deductions under section 80 have been reduced. Now, Sanjana wants to know her <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/gst-requirements-international-service-sales?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">tax liability</a> for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24).

*Sanjana, an individual taxpayer under the age of 60, enjoys an income exemption limit of up to Rs 2,50,000. Other taxpayers, i.e., senior and super senior citizens, have higher income tax exemption thresholds of Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 5,00,000, respectively.

Please be aware that the tax rates in the New Tax Regime are uniform for all categories of individuals, including regular individuals, senior citizens, and super senior citizens.&nbsp;

Individuals with a net taxable income of up to Rs 5 lakh qualify for a tax rebate under section 87A, resulting in zero tax liability in both the New and Old tax regimes. It's important to note that in Budget 2023, the rebate under the new regime has been extended, making income up to Rs 7 lakh tax-free from the FY 2023-24 onward.

Let's delve into effective strategies to maximize your investments while minimizing the associated tax burdens.

ELSS mutual funds provide a dual benefit of potential capital appreciation and tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Investing in ELSS reduces taxable income and offers a path for long-term wealth growth.

2. Explore tax-efficient investment avenues

Health insurance qualifies for tax benefits under Section 80D. You can claim tax benefits on premiums paid - up to Rs 20,000 for senior citizens and Rs 15,000 for others. For example, if you pay Rs 15,000 for your policy and Rs 20,000 for your senior citizen parent, you can claim a total tax benefit of Rs 35,000.&nbsp;

Maturity value is tax-free for sums received under critical illness insurance policies.

This strategy entails selling loss-making assets to realize the capital loss and using it to offset the gains earned by profit-making assets.

For instance, if you have a loss of Rs. 20,000 in Stock A and a gain of Rs. 30,000 from Stock B, you can sell Stock A during a market downturn to offset the gains. This way, you can reduce your taxable income. The saved amount can be reinvested for portfolio growth.

Ensure that tax loss harvesting aligns with your overall financial goals and plan by considering a discussion with a financial professional or tax advisor.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-can-the-right-chartered-accountant-help-your-tech-export-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Consult financial professionals or tax advisors</a> for effective tax planning and strategic advice. Their expertise can provide tailored insights aligned with your financial goals and ensure a well-informed approach to optimize your tax situation.

If you need help deciding what is right for you, we will connect you with our panel of Indian and US-based CA / CPAs. Feel free to reach out to us.

Q1. How is a taxpayer's income categorized?

Ans: A taxpayer's income falls into five categories outlined in Section 14 of the Income Tax Act. These include Income from salary, Profits from a business or profession, Income from House Property, Capital Gains, and Income from Other Sources.

Q2. Is it possible to avail of 80C deductions while choosing the new tax slabs 2023-24?

Ans: No, under the new tax regime, several deductions and exemptions, including those under section 80C, are not permitted. Opting for the new tax regime means foregoing the ability to claim deductions under section 80C.

Q3. What do "Previous Year" and "Assessment Year" mean?

Ans: We have two important terms in income tax provisions: (i) Previous Year and (ii) Assessment Year. Previous Year is when you earn income, typically from April 1st to March 31st. The year right after the Previous Year, from April 1st to March 31st, is called the 'Assessment Year.'

For example, the Previous Year is from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024 (FY 2023-24). The corresponding Assessment Year is from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025 (AY 2024-25).

Q4. What is the tax exemption limit for calculating income tax rebate under section 87A?

Ans: For FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25), the rebate limit has been increased to Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime. This means a resident individual with taxable income up to Rs 7,00,000 will receive Rs 25,000 or the amount of tax payable (whichever is lower) as tax relief. However, the old tax regime's threshold limit will remain the same, i.e., Rs 12,500 if taxable income is up to Rs 5,00,000.

Q5. How much is the standard deduction for FY 2023-24?

Ans: You can claim a standard deduction of ₹50,000 to the income taxable under the head ‘Salaries.’ The standard deduction is a tax benefit that can be claimed irrespective of the amount spent on Transport or Medical Allowance. It applies to individuals earning a salary or pension income.

Prepare for the upcoming year's tax season by understanding the tax slabs for 2023-24 and optimizing your tax savings. 

Tax Slabs in 2023-24: Plan Ahead for Next Year Tax Savings

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Rohit Khuranna

India is fast growing as a gig economy, and projections indicate the gig economy can contribute 1.25% to India’s GDP while creating a staggering <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/indias-gig-economy-navigating-the-path-to-prosperity-and-inclusivity-2430035-2023-09-02">90 million non-farm jobs. </a>While it is natural to assume that gig workers are generally freelancers, that’s not always the case. Professionals and sole proprietors also form a significant contributor to the gig workforce.&nbsp;

Sole Proprietorship and Freelancer may both feel the same. You may picture a one-man (or woman) army juggling all tasks alone. A freelancing business may transition into a sole proprietorship or any other business structure. The same is the case with sole proprietorship. However, there are substantial differences between their features, regulations, characteristics, and growth potential. But to start off, what should be your business structure between <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/exploring-sole-proprietorship-is-it-the-right-business-structure-for-you?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">sole proprietorship</a> and freelancing? The blog sheds light on the key differences, letting you choose the most suitable one.&nbsp;

Freelancers are self-employed individuals who offer their services, skills, or expertise to various clients without being exclusive. Although they provide their services to a host of clients, such as companies, they are not considered salaried employees of the company, i.e., they are not on payroll.&nbsp;

Freelancers are not bound to a long-term commitment with a single employer and have the flexibility to choose their clients, projects, and working hours. A freelance contract is generally time-bound and is specified in the agreement signed by the freelancer and the client before the offering of the service begins.&nbsp;

Freelancers do not have any limitations on the type of service they can offer across industries as long as the nature of work is legal and is offered after signing a valid freelance contract. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-3-freelancing-trends-in-the-gig-economy?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Freelancers offer their services</a> in industries such as:&nbsp;

Freelancing is one such type of business that allows freelancers to earn at their convenience, but it may have some disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of freelancing:&nbsp;

Sole Proprietorship is a business owned, managed, and operated by a single individual. It is one of the simplest forms of business structures and offers simplicity and ease of operation. Since the business owner, called the sole proprietor, operates and manages the business independently, the sole proprietor is held accountable and answerable for all of the business’s debt, liabilities, and losses.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the sole proprietor realises all the profits and can use them for personal or business purposes. Here are some of the most common characteristics of a sole proprietorship:&nbsp;

Similar to freelancing, sole proprietorship also comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages. These are:&nbsp;

Sole Proprietorship vs. Freelancer: What's the difference?

It is important to understand the difference between freelancing and sole proprietorship to choose the ideal business structure. Here is a detailed table to understand the difference between sole proprietorship &amp; freelancing:

Making A Choice: Sole Proprietorship or Freelancer?&nbsp;

Before&nbsp;choosing sole proprietorship or freelancing, consider the following factors: 

How to Build a Website and Portfolio for Your Services

Building a website and portfolio/brochure is crucial for freelancers and small business owners to showcase their services, attract clients, and establish a professional online presence.

Once you have defined your brand, niche, or services, you can utilize numerous tools, such as <a href="https://www.wix.com/">Wix</a>, <a href="https://wordpress.com/">WordPress</a>, <a href="https://webdesigner.withgoogle.com/">Google Web Designer</a>, <a href="https://www.notion.so/">Notion</a>, <a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva</a>, etc., to create a free website. If you find it complex, you can hire a third-party website design agency to make one for you.&nbsp;

If you’re a freelancer in the media/marketing space, you can create an online portfolio to showcase your past work using tools such as Behance, Adobe Portfolio, Dribble, Crevado, etc.&nbsp;

As long as business structures go, both sole proprietorships and freelancing offer simple processes to establish, manage, and operate the business with utmost flexibility. However, the choice between a sole proprietorship and freelancing hinges on various factors, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Sole proprietorships offer a more formal and recognised business structure but lack the flexibility and convenience provided by freelancing. However, it entirely depends on the sole proprietors or freelancers to scale the business to new heights, which may result in higher earnings while retaining all the advantages.&nbsp;

When choosing between the two, you should analyze your personal preferences, career aspirations, and the desired level of involvement in business operations. If your business results in onboarding foreign clients, you can create an account on <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a> to receive foreign currency payments seamlessly.&nbsp;

Q1. Can I transition from freelancing to a sole proprietorship or vice versa?

Ans: Yes, there are no restrictions for transitioning between freelancing and a sole proprietorship and vice versa. Many individuals start as freelancers and later transition into a sole proprietorship. Conversely, some business owners may freelance in specific projects while operating as a sole proprietor.

Q2. Can I earn more in sole proprietorship than freelancing?

Ans: The earning potential entirely depends on the nature of the business and how many clients or customers choose your products or services. You can increase your earning potential in both the business structures by creating a website and portfolio and by marketing your business.&nbsp;

Q3. What factors should I consider when deciding between sole proprietorship and freelancing?

Ans: Consider your long-term goals, the scale of your business, the nature of your services, industry and sector demand, risk tolerance, and financial and legal considerations.

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Outdated financial systems and processes can create significant inefficiencies and costly business errors. Finance Heads are often forced to spend time firefighting instead of strategising. Unfortunately, the role of the modern Finance Head is about more than just overseeing financial operations; it's about leading businesses through uncharted waters.&nbsp;

Platforms like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Skydo</a> offer a solution to these deep-rooted problems through their payment platform. This guide explains how you, as a Finance Head, can make your organisation more agile, and efficient, and stay ahead of the curve with Skydo.

As a key strategic partner in driving growth, you navigate the complexities of a globalised business landscape. Despite this expanded role, there are still numerous challenges that come with being at the top of the finance tier in a company.

Ensuring Data Security and Fraud Prevention

Being a modern Finance head comes with its share of challenges but also great influence and strategic importance. To effectively address these challenges, a combination of technology, process optimisation, and forward-thinking is necessary. With the right approach, you can have a major impact on a company's success.

Overcoming Finance Challenges with Skydo: A Comprehensive Solution

Skydo’s payment platform is designed specifically to address the pain points of Finance Heads iterated above. Here's how we help overcome these challenges and achieve company goals.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance with Ease

1. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Auto-generated FIRAs </a>Operating in international markets includes the daunting task of ensuring compliance with local regulations. But with Skydo, this process is simplified thanks to our auto-generated Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRAs). As soon as the amount reaches the business bank account, the FIRA is available to download to ensure compliance.

Businesses can rest assured that they are always compliant without dealing with manual hassle.

2. Purpose Code according to RBI guidelines

Skydo's purpose code field ensures that every transaction aligns with RBI guidelines, eliminating the risk of non-compliance. This pre-filled field includes the suggested codes relevant to your business, which you can simply select once the invoice is generated. 

Different transactions have different purposes, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates specific codes for each, which must be followed to comply with regulations.

Say goodbye to manual invoicing and chasing clients for payments. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transforming-your-invoicing-experience-with-skydo?Internal%20links%20should%20have%20the%20UTM%20tag%20-%20utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Skydo offers automated invoice creation</a> and timely payment reminders, ensuring a steady cash flow for businesses. This allows you to focus on strategic financial planning without the hassle of administrative tasks.

Gaining a Holistic View of Financial Operations

At Skydo, we understand that every client is unique, and their financial interactions with your business reflect that. Skydo provides a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/make-data-driven-business-decisions-with-customer-level-revenue-analysis?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">client-specific overview</a> to help you gain a deeper understanding of each client's financial footprint.&nbsp;

This insight allows for better relationship management and strategic decision-making to drive success for both your clients and your business.

2. Track international accounts in one place

Businesses operating globally often face the challenge of managing multiple international accounts. Skydo offers a solution that consolidates all international accounts to simplify this process, providing a unified view.&nbsp;

Enhancing Real-time Visibility and Control

1. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/real-time-tracking-of-international-payments?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Real-time payment tracking</a>

Tracking payments in real-time is essential for efficient cash flow management. With our cutting-edge technology, Skydo provides real-time payment tracking, ensuring they are always in the know and can make proactive decisions to drive their business forward.

Financial transparency and accountability are crucial for any business. Thus, Skydo's ledger view is a must-have tool, providing a detailed record of all financial transactions to ensure clarity, accuracy, and informed financial planning.&nbsp;

As finance heads face significant challenges, such as regulatory compliance and real-time data visibility, they can overcome these hurdles with the proper strategy and tools.

Skydo's payment platform is a comprehensive and innovative tool designed for modern finance heads. With features like auto-generated FIRAs and real-time payment tracking, it offers a holistic solution to the challenges faced by top finance officials. With Skydo, you can ensure compliance and efficiency while also utilising real-time data to make strategic decisions.

If you are a CFO or financial leader looking to transform and elevate your financial operations, Take the first step towards a more efficient, strategic approach to financial management with <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a> today.

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The traditional banking experience was a revolution upon discovery. However, the integration of technology in banking has resulted in the need to continuously innovate to make the entire transacting experience easier.&nbsp;

Imagine a financial world where you have the power to mix and match services from various providers, creating a truly personalised banking experience. Enter open banking – the current revolution in the financial industry where the talks around the utilities, possibilities, and risks associated with open banking are reaching a fever pitch.

Open banking attempts to break the monolithic structures of conventional banks and institutions and bring a ‘mix-and-match’ of services from multiple financial providers catered to the consumers. It is a system where customers can securely share their financial data with authorised third-party service providers through APIs to allow greater collaboration and foster the development of innovative, tailored financial solutions.&nbsp;

Open banking shifts the focus of financial services from a single-bank model to a collaborative approach. It helps securely and effectively <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/make-data-driven-business-decisions-with-customer-level-revenue-analysis?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">leverage consumer data</a> to foster an ecosystem based on data portability and interoperability.&nbsp;

This article aims to address some of these opportunities in the context of cross-border payments and international banking.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Open Banking and Global Payments: Bridging Distances

When expanding globally, businesses face major constraints while navigating payment cultures in different countries. For instance, corporate credit cards are most prevalent in the US, but most of Europe relies on wire transfers.&nbsp;

Payments through ACH (Automatic Clearing Houses) can take days to get authorised. The constant back-and-forth between multiple banks and clearing houses painfully limits and slows the process. There are also specific regulatory abidance for each country that businesses need to adhere to.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Open banking makes it possible for fintech services to serve customers at their homestead. It addresses the fundamental problems in traditional payment mechanisms and eases bank-to-bank payments. It automates manual processes to help customers authorise payments in a few clicks.&nbsp;

Open banking further cuts the fluff involved in <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/benefits-of-multi-currency-accounts?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">international banking transactions</a> to help businesses attain global growth.&nbsp;

For instance, assessment, interchange, and processing fees cost<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/merchants-guide-to-credit-card-processing-fees/"> 1.5% to 3.5% of every credit card transaction</a> to merchants in 2020. Open banking cuts out the intermediaries and directly connects customer’s bank accounts. This arrangement saves considerable time and costs for businesses with slimmer margins.&nbsp;

Open Banking: A Pathway to Financial Innovation

Earlier, customers were at the mercy of the banks. Most of the banks provided similar services, often limited in nature. The open banking framework has turned the tide in favour of customers. Fintech service providers compete to build a wide range of products and services that deliver a stupendous experience, ease of use, transparency, and cost efficiency.&nbsp;

Stripe and Braintree have disrupted the payment scenario by granting access to the underserved. In China, WeChat and AliPay are the new digital finance ecosystems serving customers based on their needs.&nbsp;

UPI and mobile wallets are among India's biggest use cases for domestic payment solutions based on open banking. In the US, large banks have struck data-sharing deals with third-party providers. Chase partnering with Intuit and Wells Fargo with Xero and Finicity are a few examples.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Customer Empowerment Through Open Banking

Open banking further empowers customers through data ownership and control. Fintech startups, technology companies, and financial institutions are synergising their efforts to enhance the overall customer experience by leveraging banking data.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Customers can enjoy seamless transactions, personalised financial insights, and transparent pricing frameworks while fully controlling with whom they share their financial data and to what extent.&nbsp;

APIs allow seamless integration of financial services such that businesses get a personalised suite of services for international dealings and cross-border payments. Many fintech service providers provide the dual benefit of the ease and simplicity of bank transactions and cutting-edge services like e-wallets, easy remittances, and currency exchanges.&nbsp;

In fact, the focus of such services and platforms is to provide their customers with the best user experience and innovative financial solutions. Yet, the pressing question remains about the regulatory and security aspects of this revolutionary banking avenue.

Regulatory Navigation in the Open Banking Era

Most apps and platforms based on open banking are built on robust security protocols and comply with their country's stringent data protection regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)&nbsp; is an important EU law that governs data sharing.&nbsp;

PSD2, another set of data protection rules in Europe, explicitly grants the authority to share data to account holders instead of banks. India also passed its new data protection bill in the recently concluded monsoon session. Many regional <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/mastering-compliance-a-step-by-step-guide-to-data-protection-payments-laws-and-industry-regulations-for-tech-exporters?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">regulatory frameworks</a> mandate consumer protection and privacy to the highest degree.&nbsp;

Third-party service providers need to ensure compliance at multiple levels as different data requires different levels of security. Data sharing is mostly risk- and permission-based in financial services. It must have proper audit trails per the regulations and risk management guidelines.&nbsp;

Fintech services can follow enhanced KYC procedures, identity validation, and fraud detection for compliance and regulatory adherence.&nbsp;

Addressing the Risks: Security in Open Banking

Open banking is based on data sharing of personal and sensitive information. Securing such information is the elephant in the room, which needs addressing. It poses risks in the form of increased exposure and vulnerability of data toward potential breaches, frauds, misuse, and hacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fintech services and platforms must implement robust security measures and data protection guardrails such as encryption, monitoring, authorisation, and authentication. Measures like two-factor authentication, KYC norms, in-built security walls, etc., enhance data protection and eliminate manipulation or tampering.&nbsp;

The Horizon of Open Banking: Glimpse into the Future

<a href="https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/ua/pdf/2019/09/future-of-digital-banking-in-2030-cba.pd.pdf">A KPMG report</a> states the banking industry will see more changes in the next decade than it has in the past 100 years.&nbsp;

The Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) with open banking will help customers embark on a journey of autonomous financial experiences. Fintech services and banks will have a greater insight into their customers’ lives, which calls for greater trust and robust security mechanisms. New business models and use cases for financial services will emerge to redefine the service provider-customer relationship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Consolidation of services into a ‘super app’ will occur as AI and other emerging technologies interface with open banking solutions. AI will play a critical role in helping customers overcome their low levels of financial literacy. Technologies such as IoT and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) will create trustless models of customer engagement and automation in financial services.&nbsp;

Businesses need to accept the change if they seek growth and relevance readily. Along with this technology adoption, IT exporters and international businesses need to be at the forefront of compliance and security to provide their customers with the best experience and smoothly functioning business processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, the world relies on heterogeneous modes of payments, and abiding by all can get time-consuming and expensive for small-scale IT exporters and businesses. Open banking is revolutionising the banking sector and creating opportunities for businesses to grow globally.

Furthermore, cross-border payments are expected to reach<a href="https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/payment-and-settlement/cross-border-payments#:~:text=The%20value%20of%20cross%2Dborder,trillion%20in%20just%2010%20years."> $250 billion by 2027</a>. Consequently, the need to smoothen the creases and bumps in the international payments process is more pertinent than ever.&nbsp;

Fintech solutions like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a>, driven by open banking, will be crucial in building and streamlining collaborative <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/seamlessly-accept-international-payments-in-india?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">international payments</a> infrastructure from scratch.

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Sending money abroad can feel overwhelming, especially when understanding the compliance requirements. One key challenge Indian residents face is knowing when and how to file Form 15CA and Form 15CB, essential documents for making international payments to non-residents.

For example, if you run a software company in India and must pay USD 10,000 to a US-based UI/UX consultant, your bank will ask for Forms 15CA and 15CB before processing the payment.&nbsp;

Does that sound relatable? Don't worry. We're here to simplify it for you.

This blog will explain exactly what these forms are, why they matter, and how to file them easily. Let's get started!

Form 15CA is a declaration form required under Indian tax law, specifically <a href="https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/statutory-forms/popular-form/form15ca-faq#:~:text=As%20per%20Section%20195%2C%20every,be%20furnished%20in%20Form%2015CA.">Section 195 of the Income Tax Act</a>. It must be submitted by any person making payments to non-residents or foreign companies when such payments are deemed taxable in India. This form ensures that the correct amount of tax is deducted at source (TDS) before the payment (remittance) is made.

Form 15CA helps the Income Tax Department monitor foreign remittance details and their tax implications. It also assists non-residents in claiming credit for taxes deducted in India.&nbsp;

TDS rate declaration: The form requires disclosing the TDS rate applicable to the payment. This rate may be based on either <a href="https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/statutory-forms/popular-form/form15ca-faq#:~:text=As%20per%20Section%20195%2C%20every,be%20furnished%20in%20Form%2015CA.">Section 195 of the Income Tax Act</a> or any lower rate specified in a relevant DTAA.

Deductions: The payer must ensure that TDS is deducted at the source before paying, reflecting compliance with Indian tax obligations.

Form 15CB is a certificate from a Chartered Accountant (CA) required before filing Part C of Form 15CA. This certificate ensures compliance with the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Income Tax Act for accurate tax deductions on payments. When making taxable payments above ₹5 lakhs to non-residents, you must first obtain this CA certificate and then use it to file Part C of Form 15CA.

Quick note: A DTAA is an agreement between two countries that helps determine the tax rates and obligations when making cross-border payments. For example, when paying a US-based consultant, the India-US DTAA helps decide which tax rate applies to your payment and how much TDS needs to be deducted before sending the money abroad.

TDS rate certification: In Form 15CB, the CA certifies the TDS rate applied to the payment. The rate could be determined as follows:

Deductions overview: The CA also confirms that all necessary deductions have been made according to legal requirements before remittance.

Let's break down Form no. 15CA into simple, digestible parts. Think of it as a document with four versions (A, B, C, and D), each for specific situations.

Part A: For taxable payments up to ₹5 lakhs

Use this version when you've got special permission from the tax officer (Assessing Officer) under <a href="https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/statutory-forms/popular-form/form15ca-faq">Section 195(2), 195(3), or 197</a> to:

Think of it as a pre-approved tax discount. When filing, you'll need to show the official permission letter.

Details required: Payer (remitter) and recipient (remittee) information and the AO's order details.

This is for bigger payments. You'll need to use this when:

Important: You'll need your CA to provide Form 15CB first before filing this part. This extra step helps verify your tax calculations for larger amounts.

Use this when your payment isn't taxable in India. For example:

Even though these payments might be exempt, you must declare them through Part D of Form 15CA.

💡Quick Tip: When you're paying non-resident service providers (like international consultants, developers, or designers):

Remember: These forms are for sending money abroad, not for receiving international payments.

Form 15CA is not required in the following situations:&nbsp;

Form 15CB is not required in the following situations:&nbsp;

Existing AO certificate: If a certificate has been obtained from the Assessing Officer under Sections 195(2), 195(3), or Section 197, indicating that TDS does not apply or can be reduced, then Form 15CB is not required.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;<a href="https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Rules/Income-Tax%20Rules/103120000000007406.htm">Rule 37BB</a>, the following payments do not require Form 15 CA CB:

What Details are Required to File Form 15 CA CB?

The details required to file form 15CA are as follows:&nbsp;

The details required to file form 15CB are as follows:&nbsp;

Note: These supporting documents help your CA verify the applicable tax rates and prepare Form 15CB, but they're not directly submitted with the form.

How to file Form 15 CA and CB Online?&nbsp;

The steps to file Form 15CA online are as follows:&nbsp;

Step 1: Access the e-filing portal. Visit the <a href="https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/">Income Tax forms page in the e-filing portal</a> and log in using your credentials (PAN, user ID, and password).

Step 2: Navigate to form selection. Go to e-File &gt; Income Tax Forms &gt; File Income Tax Forms, and select Form 15CA from the list.

Step 3: Choose the appropriate part of Form 15CA. Once at the instructions page, select the relevant part based on your situation: Part A for such remittances not exceeding ₹5 lakh, Part B if you have obtained a certificate from the Assessing Officer under Sections 195(2), 195(3), or 197, Part C for remittances exceeding 5 lakh rupees that are chargeable to tax (requires prior submission of Form 15CB), or Part D for remittances not chargeable to tax.

Step 4: Fill in the required details. In the selected part of Form 15CA, enter all necessary information as prompted, including details of both sender and receiver, nature of payment, and remittance amount.

Step 5: Verification and submission. Complete any required verification sections and submit Form 15CA online. A confirmation pop-up will appear upon successful submission, and you should receive an acknowledgement at your registered email address.

Step 6: Accessing submitted forms. After submission, you can view your submitted Form 15CA under the "Worklist" tab by selecting "For Your Information."

The steps to file Form 15CB online are as follows:&nbsp;

Step1: Preparation by chartered accountant (CA)&nbsp;

The CA must be registered on the Income Tax e-filing portal and have a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). You must provide your CA with all necessary documentation to pay a non-resident.

The CA prepares Form 15CB, certifying that the payment complies with Indian tax laws and any applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).

Step 3: Log into the e-filing portal&nbsp;

The CA must log in using their credentials to visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.

Step 4: Access Form 15CB. After logging in, navigate to e-File &gt; Income Tax Forms &gt; File Income Tax Forms, and select Form 15CB from the list.

Step 5: Submission process Choose "Online" as the submission mode, enter the PAN of both the taxpayer and the CA, upload the prepared XML file generated from the downloaded utility, upload the DSC file generated using the DSC Management Utility, and click on the Submit button. You can also use the search box for any assistance.&nbsp;

Confirmation: Upon successful submission, a confirmation message and acknowledgment number (or transaction ID) will appear. The CA can view the uploaded Form 15CB under their dashboard. Keep the acknowledgement number for your future reference.&nbsp;