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SPECIAL PROVISION FOR NRI’S – CHAPTER XIIA:

With a view to attract investment by NRIs and Indian Nationals living abroad, certain reliefs, exemptions
and incentives have been provided in the Scheme of Income taxation.  Chapter  XIIA of the Income-tax
Act contains special provisions relating to taxation of Non-resident Indians.

(1)               Sec. 115C – Definitions:
·     NRI -  means an Individual, being a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin, who is ‘Not a Resident’.
·     Investment income income derived from a foreign exchange asset.
·     Foreign exchange assets specified asset acquired by NRI out of convertible foreign exchange.
·     Specified assets are –
-                    Shares of an Indian Company
-                     Debentures of or deposit with an Indian company not being an private company.
-                     Any security of the Central Government.
-                     Other notified assets (no such asset has yet been notified).

(2)               Sec. 115D & E – Computation of income:

Particulars Type of Investment Income/Long Term capital Other Income Investment Income/Long Term capital Gains + Other Income

(a) Chapter VI A   deductions

Not available Available Available only on other income
(b) Tax Rates 20% flat Normal rates 10% on Long Term Capital Gain plus 20% flat on investment income plus Tax at normal rates on other income

(3)            Sec. 115F – Exemptions for Long Term Capital Gains:

Capital gains arising on transfer of a specified asset, is exempt from levy of any tax on fulfillment of
the following conditions:

·                    The asset transferred must be a long term capital asset.
·                    Net consideration must be invested in certain specified assets.
·                    Investments to be made within six months of transfer.
·                    If only a portion of net consideration is reinvested, then proportionate exemption is
            allowed.
·                    New asset must be held for at least three years.

(4)            Sec. 115G – Option not to file Income-tax Return:

NRI need not furnish a return of his income, if –

·                    His total income consists only of investment incomes or income by way of Long Term
            Capital Gains or both, and
·                    TDS has been deducted from such income.

(5)            Sec. 115H – Continuance after NRI becomes resident:

Chapter XIIA shall continue to apply to such income even after an NRI becomes a Resident,
if he furnishes a declaration along with the Return of income to that effect.  Tax would than be
levied at 20% until transfer/conversion into money of such assets.

(6)            Sec. 115-I – NRI may opt out of special provisions:

An NRI may elect not to be governed by the provision of Chapter XIIA for any Assessment Year by
furnishing written declaration to the Assessing Officer with his return of income. His total income for
that assessment year shall be computed and tax on such total income shall be charged in accordance
with the other provisions of the Act.

(7)            TAXATION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS (ADRs):

Section 115AC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the guidelines issued by the Government of India,
Issue of FCCBs and Ordinary Shares Scheme, 1993, in cohesion govern the taxation of American
Depository Receipts i.e. ADRs.  These guidelines throw light on the tax implication on a ADR holder
at various point and form of holding which are mentioned below:-

(1)               Trading in ADRs outside India among non-resident investors:

As per these guidelines all such transactions will be exempt from tax in India.

(2)               Redemption of ADRs into underlying shares:

At the time of such redemption there are no tax implications.  After redemption of ADRs
into underlying shares, if the non-resident continues to hold such shares, he will not be
denied benefits under section 115AC.

(3)               Capital gains on sale of underlying shares:

Capital gain arising on the transfer of such shares in India will be liable for tax in the hands
of non-resident investors.  The nature of such capital gain, whether short term or long term,
will depend upon the period of holding of such shares.  Period of holding of such shares
will be counted from the date of advice of redemption by overseas depository to the Indian
custodian.  If shares are held for less than 12 months then it is a short term capital gain
otherwise it’s a long term capital gain.  For computation of the capital gains cost of
acquisition of such shares is taken as market price of shares on BSE or NSE on the date
of the advice.  As per the provisions of sec. 115AC such long term capital gains are
taxed at a concessional rate of 10% and short term capital gains are taxed at normal rates.
By Finance Act, 1999 a new sub section (5) has been inserted in the section 115AC so
as to extend benefits of sec. 115AC even to the shares in the amalgamated company or
the resulting company in case of demerger, which are received by the investors by
virtue of their shareholding in the Indian company offering ADRs.

(4)               Distribution of additional ADRs etc.:

Distribution of additional ADRs or equity shares or rights in respect of ADRs is not taxable
in India.

(5)               Application of Tax Treaty:

While the fiduciary ownership of ADRs is with the overseas depository the tax treaty applicable to such
depository will also govern the individual investor.  After redemption till the time such shares are sold the
treaty applicable to individual investor will be applicable.

(8)            SPECIAL CONCESSIONS FOR CAPITAL GAINS (SPECIFIED ASSETS):

Explanation to Sec. 48(1)(a):             Convert original cost, expenditure on transfer and sale consideration
into foreign currency in which investment was made (at prescribed rates) and reconvert capital gains
into rupees again.  The benefit of indexation will not be available to the NRI.

(9)            PRESUMPTIVE TAXATION OF NON-RESIDENT:

In order to facilitate assessment and avoid difficulties involved in adducing evidence to the
satisfaction of the Assessing Officer, taxable business profit of Non-resident are computed not on actual
basis but by applying a prescribed rate on gross receipts.

Rate of taxation

Sr.No.

Nature of Income

Prescribed rate of taxation

(1)

(2)

(3)

1

Profit and gains of shipping business – [Sec.44B] Flat rate of 7 ½ % of the amount paid, payable, received or receivable to the assessee on account of the carriage of passengers, live stock, mail, goods shipped at any part in India, including amount by way of demurrage or handling charges or amount of similar nature. 

2

Profits and gains of business of exploration etc. of mineral oils [Sec. 44BB] 10%of amount paid or payable, received or receivable on account of services and facilities provided to or on account of supply of plant and machinery on hire to be used in such business.

3

Profits and gains of the business of operation of Aircraft [Sec.44BBA] 5% of the aggregate of the amount paid or payable to him on account of the carriage or passengers, live stock, mail or goods from any place in India.

4

Profits and gains of foreign companies engaged in the business of Civil Construction etc. in certain Turnkey Power Projects [Sec. 44BBB] 10% of the amount paid or payable to it on account of such Civil Construction creation, testing and commissioning of the project is approved by Central Government and is financed under any International aid Program.

5

Profit of foreign telecasting companies [Circular No.742] 10% of the gross receipt meant for remittance abroad or the income returned by them whichever is higher.

6

Income  of Non-resident Sportsman or Sports Association [Sec.115BBA] 10% on gross receipt of a Non-resident Sportsman who is not citizen of India in respect of his participation in India.
   

                    

(10)            DEDUCTION OF TAX AT SOURCE FROM PAYMENTS TO NON-RESIDENT:

Any person responsible for making any payment (except dividend declared after 1.6.97) to a non-resident
individual or a foreign company is required to deduct tax at source at the prescribed rate at the time of
credit of such income to the account of the payee or at the time of payment thereof.  If, however, person
responsible for making the payment is the government, public sector bank or public financial institutions,
deduction is to be made at the time of payment only.

Where the person responsible for making such payments considers that the whole of such sum would not
be income chargeable in the case of recipient, he may make an application to the Assessing Officer to
determine the appropriate proportion of such sum which will be chargeable to tax and upon such
determination tax is required to be deducted only on the chargeable proportion.

The rate at which tax is to be deducted at source will be the rates as specified in the Finance Act of the
relevant year or rate specified in any agreement for avoidance of double tax whichever is beneficial to the
assessee.  However, in respect of income arising to offshore fund (Overseas Financial Organization
Fund), foreign currency convertible Bonds and ordinary shares (through Depository Receipt Mechanism
Scheme, 1993), tax is deductible at the rates at which such income is taxable.

For certain remittances like interest (not being interest on securities) or any other sum chargeable under
Income-tax Act (not being salary), the Reserve Bank of India Exchange Control Manual requires
production of a no objection certificate from the Income-tax authorities.  The Central Board of Direct
Taxes, vide Circular No. 759 and 767, has simplified the procedure by dispensing with such requirement. 
The person making the remittance has only to furnish an undertaking (in duplicate) addressed to the
Assessing Officer, which should be accompanied by a certificate from a Chartered Accountant in the
prescribed form.  The undertaking should be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India or the authorized dealer
in foreign exchange who will forward a copy to the Assessing Officer.

Any tax deducted in excess of the required amount is normally refundable to the non-resident on making
a proper claim for it.  Sometimes the non-resident returns the amount in respect of which tax was
deducted or, circumstances occur in which tax is found to be non-deductible or, in which tax is found to
have been deducted in excess and the non-resident is either not able to claim refund or does not show
initiative in claiming such refund.  In such cases, the CBDT has by Circular dated 6.8.1998 permitted refund
of excess tax to the person making the deduction.

(11)            ASSESSMENT OF NON-RESIDENTS THROUGH ‘AGENTS’  [Sec. 163]:

A non-resident may be assessed to tax in India either directly or through agents.  Persons in India who may
be treated as ‘agent’ of a non-resident are:-

(i)                 employee or trustee of the non-resident;
(ii)                any person who has any business connection with the non-resident;
(iii)              any person from or through whom the non-resident is in receipt of any income;
(iv)              any person who has acquired a capital asset in India from the non-resident.

A broker in India who has independent dealings with a non-resident broker acting on behalf of a non-resident
principal is, however, not treated as an ‘agent’ of the non-resident, if the transactions between the two
brokers are carried on in the ordinary course of their business.

Before any person is treated as an ‘agent’ of non-resident, he is given an opportunity of being heard
and any representation from him in the matter is considered.

(12)       TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE BEFORE DEPARTURE FROM INDIA:

The following categories of persons are required to produce a tax clearance certificate from the concerned
Assessing Officer prior to their departure:-

         (a)               persons who are not domiciled in India, and in whose case the stay in India has exceeded
                              120 days;
         (b)               persons of Indian or non-Indian domicile whose names have been communicated to the
                         airlines/shipping Companies by the Income-tax authorities;
         (c)               persons who are domiciled in India at the time of their departure; but

                 (i)                  intend to leave India as emigrants; or
                    (ii)               intend to proceed to another country on a work permit with the object of taking
                                 any  employment or other occupation in that country; or
                   (iii)              in respect of whom circumstances exist, which in the opinion of the income tax
                                         authorities render it necessary for him to obtain the Tax Clearance Certificate.

Such certificates is granted where there are no outstanding taxes under the Income Tax Act, the Excess
Profits Tax Act, the Business Profits Tax Act, the Wealth Tax Act, the Expenditure Tax Act or the
Gift Tax Act against him or where satisfactory arrangements have been made for the payment of any
such taxes.  Obtaining guarantee from the employer of the person leaving the country is one of the
methods of ensuring satisfactory arrangement for payment of taxes.  For those who have to go abroad
frequently for employer’s work, facility of one time clearance certificate has been provided to the foreign
employee who has a fixed tenure of service in India or upto 5 years on furnishing an employer’s
guarantee in the prescribed form for payment of any tax that may be found due against him during the
entire period of contract plus two years.

(13)            WITHHOLDING TAX:

In many cases the income earned specially by Non-residents is subject to withholding tax provisions
commonly called as provisions for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).  As regards TDS is concerned, the
position is that the Non-resident seller can repatriate immediately the funds to the extent of the cost of
acquisition of investment sold or the actual amount of sale proceeds realized, whichever is less, without
production of a tax clearance certificate from the Indian tax authorities.  In cases of long term capital gains,
where the designated bank under Sec.204 of the Income-tax Act, deducts tax @ 20% from long term
capital gains in respect of foreign exchange assets, the balance that the entire cost plus 80% of long
term capital gains can be remitted to the Non-resident Indian or credited to his NRE/FCNR account.  The
facility of repatriation of sale proceeds will be available only if the investment is reiterated by the
Non-resident holding for a period of at least one year for shares or in other securities listed in a
recognized Stock Exchange in India or a unit of Unit Trust of India or a unit of Mutual Funds specified
under sec. 10(23D) and three years for other assets from the date of registration of the holding in his name
or in the name of designated bank or the latter’s name.  The recent amendments have extended the
benefit of exemption to the hedging transaction charges on account of currency fluctuation from
withholding of tax. [Explanation 2 to section 10(15)(iv) ]

As regards short term capital gains, the bank would not credit the sale proceeds to NRE account or would
not remit the funds abroad and would insist on payment of tax which the Non-resident would be sold,
advised to pay in the form of advance tax.

For royalty and fee for technical services derived in India also, there are TDS provisions that by and large are
the same as the rates of tax for such category of income.

(14)            ADVANCE RULINGS:

In order to help the tax-payers to plan their Income-tax affairs well in advance and to avoid long drawn
out and expensive litigation, a scheme of Advance Rulings has been introduced under the Income-tax
Act  w.e.f. 1.6.1993.  An Authority for Advance Rulings has been constituted for this purpose.  The
tax-payer can obtain a binding ruling from the Authority on issues which could arise in the determination
of his tax liability.

Authority for Advance Rulings:

The Authority for Advance Rulings consists of a Chairman who is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court,
and an officer of the Indian Revenue Service who is qualified to be a member of the Central Board of Direct
Taxes and an officer of the Indian Legal Service who is, or is qualified to be, an Additional Secretary of the
Government of India as members.  The office of the Authority is at Delhi and its address is mentioned below:-

                                                Authority for Advance Rulings,
                                                5th Floor, NDMC Building,
                                                Yaswant Place,
                                                Satya Marg,
                                                Chanakyapuri,
                                                New Delhi.

Eligible applicants:

                        Any person who –

·                    Is a Non-resident or
·                    Is a resident falling within any such class or category of persons as notified by
                       the  Central Government in this behalf

                               Can apply to the Authority for Advance Rulings.

                                The Central Government has notified the following classes of residents in this behalf:-

                                                      (a)                Public Sector Companies
                                                      (b)               Persons seeking advance rulings in relation to the tax liability of a non-resident
                                                                             arising out of a transaction undertaken or proposed to be undertaken by him
                                                                             with a non-resident.

Scope of Advance Rulings:

(1)            For Non-Resident applicants:
A non-resident applicant can seek advance ruling on any question of law or fact specified in the
application in relation to a transaction, which has been undertaken or is proposed to be undertaken
by the non-resident applicant.  He cannot, however, seek advance ruling where the question

            i)                    is already pending in his case before any Income-tax authority, the Appellate Tribunal or
                                   any Court or
           ii)                   involves determination of fair market value of any property or
         iii)                 relates to a transaction which is designed prima facie for the avoidance of Income-tax.

         (2)            For Resident Applicants:

         A resident applicant may seek an advance ruling on any question of law or fact arising out of an
         assessment which is pending before any Income-tax authority or the Tribunal.

Procedure for filing application:

An applicant may seek advance ruling by making an application to the Authority for Advance Ruling in quadruplicate.  The application should be accompanied by a fee of Rs.2,500/- to be paid through a
bank draft. The forms to be used are as mentioned below:-

(i)                 In respect of a Non-resident applicant – Form No. 34C

(ii)                In respect of a person seeking advance ruling in relation to the tax liability of a
Non-resident arising out of transactions undertaken or proposed to be undertaken by him
with a Non-resident – Form No.34D

(iii)              In respect of a resident falling within any such classes or category of person as notified
by Central Government for the purposes of sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of Section 245N –
Form No.34E

The above forms are available in the Forms pages of this site.

The application should clearly state the question on which the advance ruling is sought. An
applicant may withdraw an application within 35 days from the date of the application.

Procedure followed by the Authority for Advance Rulings:

On receipt of an application the Authority forwards a copy of the same to the Commissioner of Income-tax. 
If found necessary, the Authority may also require the Commissioner to furnish the relevant records.  After
examining the application and the records called for, if any, the Authority may either allow the application to
be proceeded with or may reject the application.  The application will not be rejected without affording an
opportunity of being heard to the applicant.  Where an application is allowed to be proceeded with, the
Authority will pronounce its advance ruling in writing on the question specified in the application within six
months of the receipt of the application.  A copy of the advance ruling duly signed and certified will be sent
to the applicant and to the Commissioner of Income-tax.

Effect of application and Advance Rulings:

Where an application is made by a resident applicant, no Income-tax authority or the Appellate Tribunal
shall proceed to decide any issue in respect of which the said application has been made.

The Advance Ruling pronounced by the Authority shall be binding only –

(a)               on the applicant who had sought it;
(b)               in respect of the transaction in relation to which the ruling had been sought and
(c)               on the Commissioner of Income-tax and Income-tax Authorities subordinate to him in
                        respect of the applicant and the said transaction.

The advance ruling shall be binding as aforesaid unless there is a change in law or facts on the
basis of which the advance ruling has been pronounced.

Where to get assistance:

·                    Website : http://www.nic.in/finmin/new%20intax.htm
·                    Fax No. 0091-11-611-3407
·                    E-Mail: avipra@del2.vsnl.net.in
·                    Phone Nos. 0091-11-611 7802, 0091-11-611 7935
·                    Mail to: The Additional Commissioner of Income-tax,
                                                Authority for Advance Ruling,
                                                5th Floor, NDMC Building,
                                               Yashwant Place, Satya Marg,
                                                Chanakya Puri,
                                                New Delhi – 110 021,
                                                INDIA.

For assistance, the above Additional Commissioner of Income-tax may be contacted
personally or on Telephone between 11.00 A.M. and 1.00 P.M. on any working day.

(15)            IMPORTANT AREAS OF INVESTMENT FOR NRI:

            (1)            Infrastructure facilities [Sec. 80-IA]

Enterprises carrying on business of developing, maintaining and operating infrastructure facility
(such as Road, Highway Bridges, Airport, Rail system etc. on BOT, BOOT or similar basis)
which is owned by a Company under agreement with Government or any statutory authority
and which makes such facility operational after 1.4.1995 is entitled for deduction at 100%
of profit for initial five years and 30% thereafter so that the deduction will be available for 10
consecutive assessment years. This period will be 20 years in respect of Water supply,
Irrigation, Sanitation and Sewerage project.  This deduction also applies to Housing or other
activities which are integral part of high project.

            (2)            Scientific and Industrial Research [Sec. 80-IA]

100% profit of the Company registered in India carrying on Scientific and Industrial
Research and Development which is approved by the prescribed authority at any time before
1.4.1999 is deductible for 5 years.

            (3)            Telecommunication [Sec. 80-IA]

100% profit of undertaking which starts providing Telecommunication service between
1.4.1995 and 31.3.2000 is deductible for initial 5 years and thereafter 30% is deductible
for another 5 years.

            (4)            Notified Industrial Park [Sec. 80-IA]

Undertaking which begins production in a notified Industrial park for the period beginning
1.4.1997 and ending on 31.3.2000 is entitled for 100% deduction of the profit for initial
5 years and thereafter 30% is deductible for another 5 years.

            (5)            Refining of mineral oil in North Eastern Region [Sec. 80-IA]

Undertaking which begins commercial production or refining of mineral oil in North Eastern
Region or in any part of India on or after 1.4.1997 (in case of refining on or after 1.10.1998) is
entitled for deduction of 100% of profit for initial 7 years.

            (6)            Developing and building Housing Project [Sec. 80-IA]

Undertaking engaged in developing and building housing projects approved by a local authority,
subject to certain conditions, commencing activities on or after 1.10.1998 and completing the
same by 31.3.2001 is entitled for deduction at 100% of the profit derived from such business.

            (7)            Generation or generation and distribution of Power [Sec. 80-IA]

Industrial undertaking engaged in generation or generation and distribution of Power set up in
any part of India which begins to generate power between 1.4.1993 and 31.3.2000 is entitled
for deduction at 100% of profit for initial 5 years and 30% thereafter so that the deduction will
be available for 10 years.

 

(16)            RATES OF TAXATION UNDER DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCE AGREEMENTS:

The Central Government, acting under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act, has been authorized to enterinto Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (hereinafter referred to as tax treaties) with other countries. The object of such agreements is to evolve an equitable basis. The agreements allocate jurisdiction between the source and residence country.  Wherever such jurisdiction is given to both the countries, the agreements prescribe maximum rate of taxation in the source country, which is generally lower than the rate of tax under the domestic laws of the country.  The double taxation insuch cases are avoided by the residence country agreeing to give credit for tax paid in the source country thereby reducing tax payable in the residence country by the amount of tax paid in the sourcecountry.

RATES OF TAXATION

Sl.No.

Income Tax Treaty with (Country)

Tax Rate Fees for technical services
Dividend (%) Interest (%) Royalties (%)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
1 Australia 15(F) 15 (C) No Provision
2 Austria 25(F) 25(E) 30(G) (A)
3 Bangladesh 10 if at least 10% of the capital of the company paying the dividends is held; 15 in other cases (F) 10(B) 10 No Provision
4 Belgium 15(F) 15 30(G) 30(G)
5 Brazil 15(F) 15(B) 25 for use of trademarks; 15 for others (G) No provision
6 Belarus 10-15(F) 10 15 15
7 Belgium 15(F) 10-15 20 20
8 Canada 15 if at least 10% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 25 in other cases (F) 15(B) 15-20 10
9 Czechoslovakia 15 if at least 25% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 25 in other cases (F) 15(B) 30(G) 30(G)
10 Denmark 15 if at least 10% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 25 in other cases (F)

10 banks

15 others(B)

20 20
11 Finland 15 if at least 10% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 25 in other cases (F) 15 30(G) 30(G)
12 F.R. Germany 15(F)

10 Banks

15 others (B)

30(G) 20
13 France 15(F)

10 Banks

15 others

20 20
14 Greece 25(F) 25(E) 30(G) No Provision
15 Hungary 15 if at least 10% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 25 in other cases (F) 15(B) 40(G) 20
16 Indonesia 10 if at least 25% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 15 in other cases (F) 10(B) 15 No Provision
17 Israel 10(F) 10(F) 10 10
18 Italy 25(F) 15 30(G) No Provision
19 Japan 15(F)

10 Banks

15 others (B)

20 20
20 Kazakstan 10(F) 10 10 10
21 Kenya 15(F) 15(B) 20 17.5
22 Libya 25(F) 25(E) 30(G) No Provision
23 Malaysia 25(F) 25(B)(E) 30(G) No Provision
24 Malta

10 if 25% shares held;

15 in other cases (F)

10 15 15
25 Mauritius 5 if at least 10% of the capital of the company paying the dividends is held; 15 in other cases (F) 25(B)(E) 15 No Provision
26 Nepal 10 if at least 10% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 15 in other cases (F)

10 Banks

15 others (B)

15 No Provision
27 Netherland 15(F)

10 Banks

15 others (B)

20 20
28 New Zealand 20(F) 15(B) 30(G) 30(G)
29 Norway 15 if at least 25% of the capital of the company paying the dividends is held; 25 in other cases (F) 15(B) 30(G) 20
30 Oman 10-12(F) 10 15 15
31 People’s Republic of China 10(F) 10 10 10
32 Poland 15(F) 15(B) 22.5(G) 22.5(G)
33 Romania 15 if at least 25% of the shares of the company paying the dividends is held; 20 in other cases (F) 15(B) 22.5(G)