NRO and NRE Account Tax Implications: A Comprehensive Guide

October 16, 2024

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NRI Accounts offer a seamless platform for NRIs to manage their money in India. There are primarily three types of NRI Accounts - FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident Account), NRE (Non-Resident External) Account and NRO (Non-resident Ordinary) Accounts.

In this blog, we have decoded tax benefits/implications of NRE and NRO Accounts. Let’s dive in.

NRE Account Tax Benefits

An NRE Account allows NRIs to deposit their foreign earnings in India. The account is maintained in Indian Rupees (₹). One of the significant advantages of an NRE account is that the interest earned is entirely tax-free in India. However, the income earned via such accounts can be taxable at the NRI's country of residence depending on the stipulated rules and regulations as set by the Government of that particular country.

NRO Accounts: Taxation and Flexibility

NRO Accounts allow NRIs to manage their income earned in India, such as rent, dividends, or pension. However, the interest earned on an NRO Account is taxed at 30% of the income accrued, as per Income Tax Act, 1961. Kindly check the taxation details below for better clarity:

The bank deducts Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the interest earned from your NRO account at a rate of 30%, plus any applicable Cess and surcharge.
After deducting the TDS, the bank credits the remaining amount to your account.

However, there's a way NRIs can reduce the tax burden in their country of residence via DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement). DTAA is a treaty signed between India and other countries that ensures NRIs don't face excessive international tax burdens due to the same income taxed in multiple countries.

NRO Tax Benefits Under DTAA

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you can utilise the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) signed between India and 90+ countries to reduce your tax liability in your country of residence. Here's how the DTAA benefits NRIs with NRO accounts:

DTAA Tax Credit

Tax credit under the DTAA vary across countries but generally range from 10% to 15%.

Documents Required to Avail DTAA Benefits

To avail of reduced tax rates under the DTAA, NRIs need to:

Provide a self-attested copy of their PAN (Permanent Account Number).
Submit a Tax Residency Certificate issued by tax authorities in their current country of residence.
Submit a self-declaration form (Form 10F).

Let's understand NRO and NRE savings account tax benefits with a simple example:

Aspect	Account Type
Aspect	NRE Account	NRO Account
Deposit	₹10 lakhs	₹10 lakhs
Annual Interest Rate	6%	6%
Interest Earned per year	₹60,000	₹60,000
Tax Rate	None	TDS Rate: 30%
TDS Deducted	None	₹18,000
Net Interest Earned	₹60,000	₹42,000

Disclaimer: The table is for educational purposes only. Ujjivan SFB does not take responsibility of the accuracy of the information provided.

Tax Implications on Repatriation

If you're an NRI looking to transfer funds from your overseas bank account to an account in India, this process, known as NRI repatriation. This includes both the principal amount and any accrued interest, depending on the type of account utilised.

NRE Accounts:

Funds (both principal and interest) can be freely repatriated to the depositor's country of residence without any cap.
Ideal for NRIs earning abroad who need unrestricted transfer of funds between India and their home country.

NRO Accounts:

As per RBI, for NRO accounts repatriation of funds is restricted to a maximum of USD 1 million per financial year, including taxes.
Funds deposited in an NRO account cannot be freely repatriated until all applicable taxes have been paid as per Indian tax laws.

What Happens if I transfer funds from NRO Account to NRE Account?

While you're allowed to transfer money from an NRO Account to NRE Account, there are certain restrictions. For instance, you can transfer up to USD 1 million in a calendar year from an NRO Account. Also, the interest earned on NRO Account is taxable. So, ensure you have cleared your tax obligations before transferring the amount to avoid legal hassles.

However, to transfer your funds, you may need certain documents.

Signed cheque/letter of fund transfer from NRO to NRE Account
FEMA declaration saying that you're eligible to transfer funds from NRO to NRE Account under the provisions of FEMA law
Submission of Form 15CA and 15CB for tax compliance

Which One to Choose: NRE or NRO Account?

Selecting between an NRE and NRO account depends on your financial objectives and income sources:

NRE Account: Suitable if your primary income is abroad, offering tax-free interest and unrestricted fund repatriation benefits.
NRO Account: Ideal for managing income earned in India, with TDS on interest earnings and flexibility for domestic expenses without conversion hassles.

An NRI can manage both the accounts simultaneously, if required.

Quick Recap: Comparing NRO and NRE Savings Account Tax Benefits

Features	NRE Account	NRO Account
Tax on Interest Earned	Completely tax-free in India	Subject to TDS at 30% (or as per DTAA rates)
Tax on Principal Amount	No tax implications	No tax implications for the principal amount
Wealth Tax and Gift Tax Exemptions	Exempt on both principal and interest	Not exempt
Limit on Repatriation	No limit on repatriation	Limited to USD 1 million per financial year

Final Thoughts

Understanding tax liabilities on your NRI Accounts can help you better manage your finances. However, if you're still in doubt, consult a certified financial adviser or Chartered Accountant for better clarity.

Ujjivan SFB offers NRI Savings and Deposit Accounts that come with multiple benefits, including zero balance maintenance criteria, higher interest rates, safe and secure transactions, easy access to funds, and more. Book an NRI Account with us and enjoy a seamless banking experience.

Alternatively, you can browse through Ujjivan SFB product suite - our wide range of financial products are designed to make your financial life better.

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FAQs

1. Is interest earned on NRE Accounts completely tax-free?

For NRE Accounts, the income earned is tax-free only in India. However, the interest can still be taxable at the NRI's country of residence.

2. Is the interest earned on an NRO account taxable?

Yes, the interest earned on an NRO account is subject to 30% TDS plus Cess and surcharge as per the Income Tax Act, 1961.

3. Can I open a joint NRE Account with a resident Indian?

No, joint NRE Accounts can only be opened between two NRIs.

4. Can I open both an NRE and NRO account?

Yes, as an NRI, you can open both an NRE and an NRO account. It's essential to assess your financial needs and choose the account type that best suits your requirements.