Foreign Remittance Compliance 2025: Form 15CA/15CB Updates and LRS Rules
Complete guide to foreign payment compliance, Form 15CA/15CB filing, 33 new exemptions, LRS limits, and CA certification requirements
Written by
CA Ashama Rajawat
Every foreign payment from India requires Form 15CA/15CB compliance. Non-compliance = ₹1 lakh penalty + remittance blocked. Stay updated with 2025 rule changes.
What is Form 15CA/15CB?
Form 15CA is a declaration filed by the remitter before making foreign payments. Form 15CB is a CA certificate required for certain remittances exceeding ₹5 lakh.
- •Ensure proper TDS deduction on foreign payments
- •Verify DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) benefits
- •Track forex outflows for FEMA compliance
- •Prevent tax evasion through offshore payments
Three Parts of Form 15CA
| Part | When to File | CA Certificate? |
|---|---|---|
Part A | Remittance < ₹5 lakh (per transaction) | No |
Part B | Remittance > ₹5 lakh (no tax on payee) | No |
Part C | Remittance > ₹5 lakh (tax applicable on payee) | Yes (Form 15CB) |
33 New Exemptions (No 15CA/15CB Required)
1. Import Payments
For goods purchased (not services)
2. Foreign Travel
Hotel, tickets (within LRS limits)
3. Credit Card Bills
Foreign transactions on Indian cards
4. Loan Repayment
ECB, foreign currency loans (principal only)
5. Investment Abroad
Under LRS (up to $250,000)
6. Education Fees
Tuition paid directly to university
Full list in Notification 8/2024 dated April 15, 2024
LRS: Liberalized Remittance Scheme
Annual Limit:
Eligible Individuals: Resident individuals (including minors)
Allowed Purposes:
- •Foreign education
- •Medical treatment abroad
- •Travel/tourism
- •Gift to relatives
- •Investment in foreign stocks, property
- •Maintenance of close relatives abroad
TCS:
When CA Certificate (Form 15CB) is Required
1. Professional/Technical Services
Payment > ₹5L to foreign consultant, IT vendor, legal advisor
2. Royalty/Fees for Technical Services
Software license, patent fees, franchise fees
3. Interest Payments
On foreign loans, ECB interest (not principal)
4. Dividend to Foreign Shareholders
Above ₹5L per shareholder
Step-by-Step Filing Process
Step 1: Determine Form Type
Check nature of payment, amount, and exemption eligibility
Step 2: Get Form 15CB (if required)
Engage CA, provide invoice, TDS calculation, DTAA certificate
Step 3: File Form 15CA
Login to incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in → e-File → Form 15CA
Step 4: Get Acknowledgement
Download acknowledgement number (required for bank)
Step 5: Submit to Bank
Provide 15CA acknowledgement + 15CB certificate (if applicable) to bank for remittance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Error 1: Wrong Part Selection
Using Part A for >₹5L payment = rejected by bank
Error 2: Outdated Form 15CB
Form 15CB valid for 6 months only. Renew if delayed.
Error 3: Wrong TDS Rate
Not applying DTAA benefit = higher TDS deduction
Error 4: LRS Limit Breach
Exceeding $250K limit = FEMA violation + penalty
TDS Rates on Foreign Payments
| Nature of Payment | TDS Rate (without DTAA) | Typical DTAA Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Fees | 10% | 5-10% |
| Technical Services | 10% | 5-10% |
| Royalty | 10% | 10-15% |
| Interest | 20% | 10-15% |
| Dividend | 20% | 5-15% |
2025 Updates
April 2024: 33 new exemptions added (imports, travel, credit cards)
LRS TCS: 20% TCS on overseas tour packages > ₹7L
DTAA Amendments: Check latest DTAA rates (Singapore, USA, UAE updated)
Conclusion
Foreign remittance compliance is complex but non-negotiable. Banks won't process payments without proper 15CA/15CB documentation. With 33 new exemptions, many routine payments are now simpler—but high-value services still need CA certification. Before making any foreign payment, check exemption list, calculate TDS correctly (apply DTAA if available), and file forms on time. Penalties for non-compliance are harsh: ₹1 lakh fine + payment blocked.