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

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

Rohit

medium_Rohit.png

small_Rohit.png

thumbnail_Rohit.png

Rohit Khuranna

Waiting for your international payments to reflect in your local bank account can be stressful. You want to avoid spending your work hours following up with your payment platform for timelines. A solid understanding of the money transfer process enables you to plan your finances better.

At Skydo, we value transparency and ensure a clear, hassle-free experience so you can focus on your business. With <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">our real-time payment tracking</a>, you're always in the loop about your money's journey.

Here’s a roadmap of the journey your international payment takes from Skydo to your bank account.

Your incoming payment hits <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/seamless-payment-experience-with-international-bank-accounts?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">your international account</a>. This is a temporary holding place in your payer's country. Since your clients transfer their money locally to this account, it is nearly free of cost to them (or is very cheap).&nbsp;

These virtual accounts also eliminate tax and compliance intricacies, making it easy for your clients to process payments.

Skydo initiates a SWIFT transfer to move your funds from the international account to India. Leveraging our partnerships with esteemed banking networks, we ensure the secure transfer of your money, typically completed within 12 hours.

Upon reaching India, your funds await conversion to INR until the forex markets open. Our partner banks play a pivotal role in ensuring you get competitive exchange rates.&nbsp;

With our <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-forex-savings-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">live currency exchange rates</a> and zero FX markup costs, you get the best value for your money. You don't have to pay any processing fee and could <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/cut-international-transaction-costs-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">save up to 10 lakhs per year on your invoice values.</a>

The conversion usually takes between 4 to 6 hours.

Post conversion into Indian currency, Skydo initiates an NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). NEFT transfers take 30 minutes to 24 hours to ensure prompt receipt of funds in your bank account.

Since these transactions follow intense security measures and authentication mechanisms, your funds are safe during transfer.

You get real-time updates and can track your payment just like an Amazon shipment, always knowing where your money is. There are no hidden charges or commissions, just a flat fee structure.

By using efficient payment methods like SWIFT and NEFT, we ensure that your funds move promptly and securely.

With Skydo, you can expect your funds in your virtual bank account to reach your Indian bank account in 18-24 hours. Processing time also depends on the payment method and country of the payer.

Skydo follows <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/online-payment-gateway-service-provider-opgsp?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">RBI’s OPGSP framework</a> and works only with Authorised Bank partners. Your data is fully protected and never shared with third parties.

Whether you are managing your business finances or freelance accounts, Skydo ensures that your financial operations remain crystal clear.

With a flat fee of USD 19 for transactions under USD 2,000 and USD 29 for transactions over USD 2,000, there are no hidden fees or complex charges.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Sign up on Skydo</a> now and go global in 5 minutes with your free international account.&nbsp;

Track Your International Payment Journey from Skydo to Your Bank th

large_Track Your International Payment Journey from Skydo to Your Bank th

medium_Track Your International Payment Journey from Skydo to Your Bank th

small_Track Your International Payment Journey from Skydo to Your Bank th

thumbnail_Track Your International Payment Journey from Skydo to Your Bank th

A foreign client pays $2000, but you get ~$1700 in your bank account, less than what you expected.&nbsp;

Now, you are trying to calculate the foreign transaction fee and foreign exchange rate (FX rate) and understand what other hidden charges have been levied but are facing a hard time doing so.

Many small businesses lose money because of a lack of transparency in foreign payments and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/hidden-fees-in-bank-rates?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">hidden fees charged by banks</a> and other payment platforms.

How can you overcome this challenge? Switch to transparent payment solutions like Skydo that tell the live FX rates. Let’s understand how you can check real-time FX rates with Skydo and reduce unnecessary deductions.&nbsp;

mediaLibraryStrapi

According to a <a href="https://www.swift.com/swift-lvp/assets/pdf/small_payments_big_opportunity_july_2023.pdf">report by SWIFT</a>, the three primary reasons that frustrate small business owners while using an international payment platform are:

Skydo aims to resolve these issues. It provides live FX rates on its dashboard and charges zero-margin on currency exchange so you don’t end up paying extra costs. Moreover, Skydo charges <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/cut-international-transaction-costs-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">flat foreign transaction fees,</a> thus ensuring complete transparency in foreign payments.

Here is how understanding live FX rates on Skydo can help your business.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/why-do-banks-differ-from-live-fx-rates-in-currency-exchange?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Bank FX rates</a> are usually different from the live FX rates. For example, if the $1 amounts to ₹83 as per the prevailing market rate, banks offer ₹80 for every $1. This is called the forex markup fee.

Businesses have to negotiate the FX rates with banks to ensure maximum earnings. However, Skydo offers live FX rates and converts the currency as per the prevailing market rate. This boosts your earnings.

Moreover, many businesses try to negotiate a fixed payment in INR with foreign clients to reduce the FX rate fluctuation risk.&nbsp;

Rapid fluctuations in the foreign exchange market increase business risk. However, by viewing live FX rates, you can analyse when to apply hedging strategies to secure your earnings.

Moreover, you can calculate your exact earnings based on the real-time FX rates and optimise your cash flow accordingly.&nbsp;

Staying updated with currency fluctuations is extremely important for businesses to adjust their pricing.&nbsp;

For example, if the value of the domestic currency increases against the foreign currency, the price of your goods and services will become higher for foreign customers. This will result in low demand.

Therefore, you should track live FX rates to set competitive pricing and boost revenue.

Ensuring Financial Transparency with Skydo

Tracking foreign payments is hard for businesses. Banks and foreign payment platforms make it harder by gatekeeping various costs involved.&nbsp;

But, Skydo offers complete transparency.&nbsp;

You can open an international bank accounts account with Skydo within five minutes and receive payments from foreign clients in international bank accounts.

You can view the live FX rate before transferring the money to your domestic bank account. If the international market is volatile, you can hold the money in your foreign bank account to avoid currency conversion losses.&nbsp;

Use Skydo's <a href="https://fx-calculator.skydo.com/comparison?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=skydohandle&amp;utm_campaign=fxcalculator&amp;utm_content=2">FX calculator</a> to see how much money you can save on your FX rates based on your monthly revenue.

2. View a Clear Breakdown of Exchange Rates and Associated Costs

With Skydo, you are always updated on why your money is being deducted. You can view a clear breakdown of the flat transaction fee levied, the GST application to the transaction fee, and the FX rates for each invoice.

Moreover, Skydo also marks a date and time stamp during currency conversion to ensure that the money is converted as per prevailing market rates.

3. Zero Margin on Currency Conversion&nbsp;

Most payment platforms like PayPal and Payoneer charge a 3-5% currency conversion fee on top of the foreign transaction fee. Moreover, banks also charge forex fees on every transaction.

These additional costs reduce your earnings significantly, especially if you deal with many foreign clients.&nbsp;

However, Skydo charges zero margin for currency conversion. It converts the total amount based on the prevailing market rate without changing any forex fee. This increases your FX savings by up to 50%.

3. Pay Zero Fees to Download FIRA Receipts

FIRA is a mandatory document for exporters for GST compliance. Banks charge ₹500 or more on every foreign transaction to generate FIRA.

However, Skydo automatically generates FIRA receipts for each invoice without charging an additional fee. Therefore, it helps you <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-forex-savings-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">maximise FX savings</a>.

Expanding your business globally helps you increase earnings and scale your business. However, high forex fees, foreign transaction fees and hidden fees charged by payment platforms impact your earning potential and slow down business growth.

Therefore, you can track live FX rates through Skydo to maximise your FX savings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Sign up on Skydo today</a> to receive foreign payments at low costs!

Stop Negotiating for FX: Get Real-Time FX Rates With Zero Hidden Fees th

large_Stop Negotiating for FX: Get Real-Time FX Rates With Zero Hidden Fees th

medium_Stop Negotiating for FX: Get Real-Time FX Rates With Zero Hidden Fees th

small_Stop Negotiating for FX: Get Real-Time FX Rates With Zero Hidden Fees th

thumbnail_Stop Negotiating for FX: Get Real-Time FX Rates With Zero Hidden Fees th

For freelancers, timely and accurate GST filing is non-negotiable. Failure to comply can result in hefty penalties. With two filing frequencies—monthly or quarterly—ensuring you file them during these set durations is crucial.&nbsp;

This blog simplifies GST for freelancers, covering registration, filing returns, and staying compliant.

Under GST regulations, mandatory registration is necessary in the following scenarios.

In 2019, the Union government introduced the <a href="https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/userguide/compositionpoc/optforcomposition.htm">composition scheme</a>, offering freelancers earning less than Rs. 50 lakhs annually to pay GST at a reduced rate. Under this scheme, freelancers must pay a combined GST rate of 6% every quarter, with 3% allocated for CGST and 3% for SGST.

To verify your existing GST registration status, follow these steps.

Monthly vs. Quarterly Filing: Which one should you choose?

Consider the following factors to choose between monthly and quarterly GST filing.

GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return that contains details of outward supplies of goods or services. It is a summary of all sales transactions made by a taxpayer during a specific period.

Timely and accurate filing of GSTR-1 is crucial to claim <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-claim-input-tax-credit-refund-in-india?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Input Tax Credit (ITC)</a> and for reconciliation purposes.

For freelancers who opt for monthly filing, you need to file GSTR-1 every month, generally by the 11th of the next month. If you choose quarterly filing, you must submit GSTR-1 once every quarter, typically by the 13th of the month following the end of the quarter.

GSTR-3B is a self-declared summary GST return filed every month (quarterly for the QRMP scheme). You need to report the summary figures of sales, ITC claimed, and net tax payable in GSTR-3B.

The due date for the monthly filers is the 20th day of the next month, whereas, for quarterly GST returns, it is either the 22nd or the 24th day of the month following the quarter, depending on the state or union territory of the place of business.&nbsp;

Late filing will lead to accumulating interest and penalties. Therefore, choose wisely.

Collect all relevant documents, such as invoices, bills, and bank statements, that will be required for filing GST returns.

#2: Log In to the <a href="https://selfservice.gstsystem.in/">GST Portal</a>

Visit the official GST portal and log in using your credentials.

#3: File GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies Details)

#4: Reconcile and Finalise GSTR- 2A (Auto-populated Supplier Details)

#6: Make Online GST Payments Based on GSTR-3B

After filing GSTR-3B, make online GST payments using the available payment options on the GST portal. Ensure timely payment of tax liabilities to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Staying GST compliant is paramount for freelancers to avoid penalties and maintain financial health. If you need more clarification, it's wise to seek personalised advice from a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/chartered-accountants-approve-skydo-for-seamless-gst-refunds?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">tax professional</a>.

The GST portal is your go-to resource for more help navigating GST for freelancers. It's packed with handy tools, guidelines, and updates to keep you on track with GST regulations.&nbsp;

If you're eager to dive deeper into tax filing strategies tailored for freelancers, don't forget to explore our <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">blog.</a>&nbsp;

Q1. Do I need to pay advance tax if my GST liability is high?

Ans: There is no provision for paying advance tax in case of higher GST liability.

Q2. What are the benefits of opting for the Composition Scheme?

Ans: Benefits of opting for the composition scheme:

Q3. What documents do I need to keep for GST filing?

Ans: Documents Required for GST Filing include:

Q4. What are the different types of GST returns I need to file?

Ans: Here are the main types of GST returns you might need to file.

How to File GST Monthly and Quarterly for Freelancers th

large_How to File GST Monthly and Quarterly for Freelancers th

medium_How to File GST Monthly and Quarterly for Freelancers th

small_How to File GST Monthly and Quarterly for Freelancers th

thumbnail_How to File GST Monthly and Quarterly for Freelancers th

An RBI purpose code is a standardised, alphanumeric label that classifies the reason for a foreign inward remittance (e.g., P1401 salary, P0102 export realisation, P0802 software services). AD banks must capture and report it to the RBI for every incoming transfer under FEMA reporting.

Why the right RBI purpose code is critical (inward remittance)

Picking the correct RBI purpose code for inward remittance isn’t a formality; it directly affects compliance, speed of credit, and your documentation trail.

1) It’s a regulatory must-have (FEMA/RBI).
Authorised Dealer (AD) banks must capture and report every foreign inward transaction to RBI with a valid receipt (“P”) purpose code under FETERS. If the code is missing/wrong, banks can’t file accurate returns, triggering holds or rework.&nbsp;

2) It keeps your paperwork clean (FIRC/evidence).
The purpose you declare flows into your compliance evidence (e.g., FIRC details and audit trails). Declaring the accurate code up front helps your bank issue the right certificate without back-and-forth.&nbsp;

3) It prevents delays, manual reviews, and returns.
A vague or incorrect purpose (e.g., tagging a service payment as goods realisation) often triggers manual checks, queries, or even a return to sender until corrected.&nbsp;

4) It improves accounting clarity and BoP classification.
Purpose codes classify inflows (e.g., P01 goods exports, P08 computer &amp; information services, P10 other business services, P13 transfers, P14 income), allowing clean bookkeeping and accurate national statistics—another reason banks insist on precise coding.

5) It reduces compliance risk later.
If you repeatedly misclassify remittances, you create inconsistencies between invoices/contracts and RBI filings—raising the odds of additional questions or penalties under FEMA. Industry guidance stresses getting the code right at the remitter setup stage (sender’s bank/platform usually captures it) to avoid re-papering.&nbsp;

How to pick the correct code (step-by-step)

Find the right purpose code for inward remittance with Skydo

Our purpose code finder is your shortcut to identifying the correct purpose code for inward remittance and explaining when to use it. You can either search for the activity to find the relevant purpose code or directly look up the specific purpose code for a simple explanation of when to use it.&nbsp;

Please note that this tool doesn't contain the exhaustive purpose code list for inward remittance.&nbsp; For complete compliance and accuracy, it's always advisable to get in touch with your financial advisor for professional advice.

Personal vs. Business: Quick Selector for the Right Purpose Code

Personal / family inflows (individuals):

Business / freelance inflows (exporters, agencies, SaaS, consultants):

Common RBI Purpose Codes for Inward Remittance for Freelancers, Businesses, and Agencies

While there are over 150 RBI purpose codes for inward remittance, we break down below some of the commonly used ones especially for freelancers, businesses and agencies:

RBI Category:&nbsp;Computer &amp; Information Services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Software implementation/consultancy  (other than those covered in SOFTEX form)

When to use:&nbsp;This code signifies a foreign payment in exchange for software consultancy or implementation service, provided to a foreign client. It's important to note that P0802 applies specifically to software consultancy or implementation services that are not reported under the <a href="https://vjmglobal.com/fema/fema-fema/introduction-to-software-export-declaration-softex-form/?no_follow=true">SOFTEX form.</a> If your services fall under SOFTEX, a different code might be used.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Realisation of export bills (in respect of goods) sent on collection (full invoice value)

When to use:&nbsp;This code is used when an Indian company exports goods and receives payment for the full invoice value. Note that this purpose code is applicable only when the foreign client has received the shipment.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Advance receipts against export contracts (export of goods only)

When to Use:&nbsp;This is used when businesses receive advance payment against the contract of the goods to be exported. In other words, here the company receives payment for goods before they are shipped.

RBI category:&nbsp;Other Business services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Business and management consultancy and public relations services

When to Use:&nbsp;This code is applicable when an exporter receives payment against providing a combination of business expertise and/or public image management services to a foreign client.

RBI Category:&nbsp;Other Business services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Advertising, trade fair, market research and public opinion polling services

When to Use:&nbsp;This code is used when exporters receive a payment from a foreign client for providing  advertising, trade fair, market research or public opinion polling services.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Value of export bills negotiated/purchased/discounted etc. (covered under GR/PP/SOFTEX/EC copy of shipping bills etc.)

When to Use:&nbsp;P0101 is used when an Indian company exports goods and receives a foreign payment that is usually backed up by official export documentation like GR, PP, SOFTEX, or EC copy of shipping bills.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Goods sold under merchanting / Receipt against export leg of merchanting trade*

When to Use:&nbsp;This purpose code for inward remittance applies to situations where an Indian company acts as a middleman in an international trade transaction, but the goods themselves never physically enter India.

RBI category:&nbsp;Computer &amp; Information Services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Hardware consultancy

When to Use:&nbsp;This code is used when exporters receive foreign payment for providing hardware consultancy or implementation services abroad.

When to Use:&nbsp;This purpose code for inward remittance is used for foreign exchange transactions related to business travel, particularly when someone converts currency for a work trip abroad.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Off-site Software Exports

When to Use:&nbsp;This code signifies that an Indian company is receiving payment for software development or IT services provided to a foreign client, but the work itself is done in India.

How and Where to Declare the RBI Purpose Code

Choosing the right RBI purpose code for inward remittance is only half the job, you also need to make sure it’s declared at the right stage of the transfer so banks can process it smoothly.

Most international transfers require the sender to enter a purpose when initiating the payment.

(Example: HDFC Bank’s wire transfer form from the US specifically asks for the purpose of remittance and provides a dropdown of RBI-approved codes.)

2. If the bank asks you (as the recipient) later

Sometimes, the bank receiving the funds will seek additional confirmation from you. In this case:

Banks may ask for basic proof to ensure your RBI purpose code for inward remittance matches the transaction. Here’s what’s typically needed:

Tip: Make sure your invoice or declaration clearly matches the selected purpose code, as it reduces bank queries and speeds up credit.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong RBI Purpose Code?

Using the wrong RBI purpose code for inward remittance can create more problems than most exporters, freelancers, or individuals expect. Because banks are required to match the declared purpose with supporting documents and report it to RBI under FEMA, any mismatch immediately slows things down.

Likely outcomes of an incorrect purpose code

Always share the correct purpose code with your payer before the transfer starts. Many international platforms ask the sender to select the code at setup, so confirming it upfront avoids mismatches and saves you from unnecessary compliance hassles.