What are Form 15CA and Form 15CB?
When money is remitted from India to a non-resident, or from an NRI's NRO account abroad, banks generally require tax compliance declarations:
- Form 15CA is an online declaration by the person making the remittance, filed on the income tax portal.
- Form 15CB is a certificate from a Chartered Accountant confirming the nature of the payment, its taxability and the TDS deducted or applicable treaty position, required in specified cases above prescribed limits.
Under the new Income-tax Rules, these forms may carry new numbers, but the requirement continues.
Who Needs It?
- NRIs repatriating property sale proceeds from NRO accounts
- NRIs moving rent, pension, dividends or other NRO balances abroad
- Indian businesses paying foreign vendors for services, royalties or fees
- Persons remitting inheritance or gifts to relatives abroad, in applicable cases
Repatriation Limits for NRIs
Under FEMA, NRIs can repatriate funds from NRO accounts up to the overall annual limit permitted by RBI, subject to payment of applicable taxes and bank documentation. Funds in NRE accounts are freely repatriable.
Process
- Collect documents showing the source of funds (sale deed, rent agreement, bank statements)
- Verify that tax on the income has been paid or TDS deducted, and check the ITR position
- We examine the transaction and issue Form 15CB where required
- You (or we, on your behalf) file Form 15CA online
- Submit both to your bank with the bank's remittance form (Form A2) and supporting documents
- The bank processes the remittance
Documents Required
- PAN and passport of the NRI
- NRO account statement showing the funds
- Source documents: sale deed, rent agreement, inheritance documents, etc.
- Proof of tax: TDS certificates, challans, ITR acknowledgement
- Tax Residency Certificate and declaration, where treaty benefit is claimed
- Bank's remittance application form
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to remit before tax is paid or TDS is deposited
- Mismatch between the amount in Form 15CA/15CB and the bank request
- Not keeping source documents, which banks increasingly ask for
- Exceeding the annual repatriation limit without planning across financial years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 15CB required for every remittance?
No. It depends on the nature and amount of the payment. Some payments are exempt and need only certain parts of Form 15CA, or no form at all.
How long does it take?
Once documents are complete, the certificate and form are usually prepared within a few working days. Bank processing time is separate.
Related Services
- NRI Property Sale and Capital Gains Tax
- NRI ITR Filing in India
- Change in Residential Status
- TDS Return Filing
Talk to a Chartered Accountant
If you need Form 15CA/15CB or help repatriating funds from India, contact us for detailed guidance. We coordinate directly with your bank.
CA Mayank Agarwal (Chartered Accountants)
Raj Nagar Extension & Indirapuram, Ghaziabad
Phone / WhatsApp: 9718877122 | Email: fcamayankagarwal@gmail.com
This page gives general information for guidance only. Laws, forms, fees and timelines change from time to time and depend on individual facts, so please confirm the current position before acting. See all our service guides.