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Demystifying Form 15CA & 15CB in Cross-Border Transactions

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Meaning, Applicability & Filing Process of Form 15CA & 15CB

When an individual or business sends money to a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or a foreign entity, the sender is often required to file Form 15CA and Form 15CB with the Income Tax Department. These forms are vital for tracking foreign remittances and ensuring compliance with Indian tax laws.

Form 15CA :

Form 15CA is a declaration by the remitter (payer). It provides details of payments made to non-residents that may be chargeable to tax in India. Its purpose is to create an information trail for the Income Tax Department to monitor cross-border transactions. Banks and authorized dealers generally insist on Form 15CA before processing remittances.

Parts of Form 15CA :

Form 15CA is divided into four parts, based on the nature and value of remittance:

Part A : Taxable remittance up to INR 5 lakh in a financial year.
Part B : Taxable remittance exceeding INR 5 lakh (where a certificate from AO / Section 195(2) / (3) is obtained).
Part C : Taxable remittance exceeding INR 5 lakh along with Form 15CB issued by a Chartered Accountant.
Part D : Remittances not chargeable to tax under the Income Tax Act or DTAA.

Form 15CB :

Income tax Form 15CB is a certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant (CA). It certifies that the remittance:

- Is in compliance with the Income Tax Act and relevant DTAA.
- Has correct tax deduction at source (TDS) applied (if applicable).
Not required for non-taxable remittances. Acts as an independent verification of the transaction to avoid penalties or tax disputes.

Applicability of Form 15CA :

Its Applies to all payments to non-residents or foreign enterprises (whether taxable or not). Applicable when remitter is resident or non-resident making payment from India. Proves that the remittance has been reviewed for tax liability.

Applicability of Form 15CB :

Required if The remittance is taxable. The remittance exceeds INR 5 lakh in a financial year.No order has been obtained from the Assessing Officer under Section 195(2)/(3). Must be digitally signed and uploaded by a CA.

Which Form 15CA / 15CB Applies?

Step 1: Is the remittance taxable under the Income Tax Act / DTAA?

No (Non-taxable) : Form 15CA – Part D only. (15CB not required)
Yes (Taxable) : Go to Step 2

Step 2: What is the remittance amount during the financial year?

≤ INR 5 lakh (in aggregate) then File Form 15CA – Part A & Form 15CB not required
> INR 5 lakh (in aggregate) then Go to Step 3

Step 3: For taxable remittance > INR 5 lakh

If CA Certificate (Form 15CB) obtained then File Form 15CA – Part B along with Form 15CB
In case Form 15CB not required (e.g., payment covered under DTAA, or specific CBDT exemption notification) then File Form 15CA – Part C

Rule of Thumb for Form 15CA / 15CB Applies

Form 15CA is always needed (A/B/C/D depending on case).
Income Tax Form 15CB only needed if remittance is taxable & exceeds INR 5 lakh, unless exempt.

How to File Form 15CA Online?

Log in to Income Tax e-filing portal.
Go to File Income Tax Forms : Others : Form 15CA.
Search for Form 15CA and select “Let’s Get Started”.
Choose Information for payment to a non-resident.
Select filing type: Original / Revised.
Choose the financial year.
Select the appropriate Part (A–D).
Enter remittance details and verify.
Preview the form and Submit.
Confirmation is sent to registered email & mobile.

How to File Form 15CB Online?

Log in to Income Tax portal.
Navigate to Authorised Partners : My Chartered Accountant (CA).
Select Add CA : Enter CA’s membership number and select Form 15CB.
Submit request : Pending acceptance by CA.
CA completes and uploads Form 15CB using their login credentials.

Information Required for 15CA & 15CB

Remitter Details: Name, Address, PAN, Status, Contact details.
In case Remittee Details: Name, Address, Country, Business location.
Transaction Details: Country of remittance, Currency, Amount, Date, Nature of remittance.
Bank Details: Bank name, Branch, BSR code of remitter’s bank.

Key Transactions Requiring Form 15CA–CB :

Remittances to Non-Residents
Professional fees, royalties, consultancy charges, or technical service payments exceeding INR 5 lakh.
Foreign Investment Transactions
Capital contributions, loan repayments, or acquisition of overseas equity.
Import of Services
Payments for software licenses, management fees, or cross-border marketing services.
Intellectual Property Payments
Royalties, patent licensing fees, and trademark usage charges.
Branch Office Remittances
Profit repatriation, head office expense allocations, and operational transfers.

Role of Form 15CB : Issued by a Chartered Accountant, Form 15CB verifies:

Nature of remittance
Applicable tax rates under the Income Tax Act or DTAA
Deduction and payment of TDS (if applicable)

Quick Snapshot- Form 15CA & Form 15CB

Case	Form 15CA Part	Form 15CB
Non-taxable remittance (any amount)	Part D	Not required
Taxable ≤ INR 5 lakh in FY	Part A	Not required
Taxable > INR 5 lakh + CA cert obtained	Part B	Required
Taxable > INR 5 lakh + CA cert not required (exempt)	Part C	Not required

This dual-form system (15CA + 15CB) builds an audit trail for the Income Tax Department, ensuring legitimacy of cross-border fund flow and curbing tax evasion. Key Insights

Recent amendments have expanded the reporting scope, even covering transactions earlier considered exempt.
Filing is now fully digital via the IT portal, requiring accuracy in documentation and timing.
Maintaining comprehensive records of international transactions is vital, as retrospective compliance is both challenging and costly.

Comparison: Form 15CA vs Form 15CB

Aspect	Form 15CA (Part A–D)	Form 15CB
Purpose	Online declaration of remittance made to non-residents (to establish taxability of the payment).	Chartered Accountant’s certificate verifying taxability, TDS deduction, and DTAA applicability.
Who Files?	Filed by remitter (payer) online on the Income Tax e-filing portal.	Certified and uploaded by a Chartered Accountant.
Applicability	Mandatory for most foreign remittances (unless specifically exempt).	Required only in cases where remittance is taxable and exceeds INR 5 lakh (except where specifically exempt).
Parts	– Part A: If remittance ≤ INR 5 lakh in a FY & taxable. – Part B: If remittance > INR 5 lakh in a FY, and Form 15CB obtained. – Part C: If remittance > INR 5 lakh in a FY, and Form 15CB not required (e.g., DTAA/tax exempt). – Part D: Remittances not taxable (e.g., exempt under IT Act or DTAA).	Single form, no parts. Always accompanies Form 15CA (Part B) where applicable.
Transaction Limit	Depends on part: – Part A : ≤ INR 5 lakh – Part B : > INR 5 lakh (with 15CB) – Part C : > INR 5 lakh (without 15CB) – Part D : Non-taxable remittance	Required if remittance > INR 5 lakh and taxable (except exempt cases).
Verification	Self-declaration by payer	Professional verification by CA
Role in Compliance	Creates a legal record of cross-border remittance in IT portal	Provides tax authenticity and technical validation of remittance
Exemptions	Not required for transactions covered under RBI’s specified list (like imports under LRS, certain personal remittances, etc.)	Not applicable if remittance is non-taxable or exempt under IT Act/DTAA
Filing Mode	Uploaded online in the Income Tax e-filing portal before remittance	Uploaded online by CA on behalf of remitter before remittance
Penalty for Non-Compliance	Penalty under Sec. 271-I: INR 1,00,000	Can trigger penalty on payer and professional liability on CA if false reporting

Simplified Rule of Thumb for Form 15CA & Form 15CB

Form 15CA–CB is one of the most critical yet often misunderstood compliance requirements under Indian income tax law. These forms act as a reporting bridge between domestic taxation and cross-border financial activities, ensuring that international payments are properly tracked and taxed. Any oversight can invite scrutiny, penalties, or delays in overseas remittances. Correct filing ensures smooth business operations and demonstrates tax transparency.

Income Tax Form 15CA–CB compliance isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about safeguarding your organization from penalties while ensuring uninterrupted global operations. What international transactions has your organization dealt with that required Form 15CA–CB compliance

Form 15CA = Always required (with correct Part depending on case).
Income Tax Form 15CA = Declaration by payer (always required, Part A–D depending on case).
Form 15CB = Only required when remittance is taxable & exceeds INR 5 lakh (unless exempt).
Income Tax Form 15CB = CA’s certification (only required if taxable remittance > INR 5 lakh, unless exempt).

FAQs for Form 15CA & Form 15CB

Q1. Who can use Form 15CB?
Ans : Only a Chartered Accountant registered with ICAI and Income Tax Department.

Q2. Is Form 15CB mandatory?
Ans : Yes, for taxable remittances above INR 5 lakh (unless exempt).

Q3. Why are these forms important?
Ans : They ensure transparency, prevent tax evasion, and are mandatory for bank processing of foreign remittances.

Q4. How to download submitted forms?
Ans : Both Form 15CA & 15CB can be downloaded from the Income Tax e-filing portal under your login.