How Can the DTAA Provide Benefits to NRIs in India On Double Taxation?

Residential Status of an Individual

An individual’s residential status is determined mostly by his number of days spent in India during the relevant year as well as the previous 10 years. In general, there are three types of people: residents, non-residents, and residents who are not typically residents (RNOR). The scope of taxable income in India varies depending on residency.

For example, for an NRI doing business outside of India (even if he only qualifies as RNOR for a certain year), his income from that foreign firm may be liable to taxes in India if he operates it from India during his stay here.

Benefits Available under DTAAs

The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is a treaty that two nations sign to provide relief to the taxpayers from having to pay taxes several times. DTAA provides for the elimination of double taxation by:

• Granting one country the exclusive right to tax.
• Giving both countries the right to tax but with a provision limiting the rate of taxation.
• Granting a resident the right to obtain refunds/ credits for taxes paid in the source country.

NOTE: It should be noted that the DTAA only helps NRIs from paying greater taxes in both nations.

DTAA Rates

The DTAA specifies the rate at which tax must be deducted on income received by citizens of that country. This implies that if an NRI earns revenue in India, the TDS will be calculated using the rates specified in the DTAA with that nation. There are different rates with different countries; in general, it ranges between 7.50% to 15%.

Income Types under DTAA

NRIs don't have to pay taxes twice on:

• Salary received in India
• House property in India
• Capital gains in India
• Fixed deposits in banks in India
• Savings bank in India

The Bottom-line

An individual who is residing in a nation with whom India has a DTAA can claim benefits under the treaty. His/her liability to taxation will be restricted to the extent of the treaty’s rules with the source country.

It should be noted that despite the scope of taxation under income tax law in our country is huge. NRIs and other RNOR individuals can benefit from the rules under section 90 IT Act, 1961, subject to the set procedure such as submission of the other country’s Tax Residency Certificate (TRC), etc.

If you find yourself in a scenario where you are unable to reap the benefits of DTAA, Tax2Win’s team of expert eCAs can assist you with your income tax filing so that you may maximise your returns and keep your worries related to taxation aside. Get in touch with our experts, today!