Tax · Free tool
Form 15CA / 15CB Helper
Foreign remittance compliance. Form 15CA is the remitter's self-declaration in 4 parts (A/B/C/D). Form 15CB is a CA-certified tax compliance certificate, needed only above ₹5L taxable.
> ₹5L taxable — needs CA certificate via 15CB and Part C.
How the 15CA / 15CB tree works
Under section 195 read with Rule 37BB, any person remitting money abroad to a non-resident must report it via Form 15CA before the bank executes the wire. The form has four parts: Part A (taxable remittance ≤ ₹5 lakh in the FY), Part B (taxable but covered by an AO order or DTAA certificate), Part C (taxable above ₹5 lakh, needs Form 15CB CA certificate), and Part D (non-taxable, e.g. items in Rule 37BB's Specified List of 33 codes — equity investments, family maintenance under LRS, etc.).
Worked example
A Mumbai company pays ₹8 lakh to a US software vendor for SaaS subscription. Taxability: the income could be Royalty/FTS under DTAA, so TDS at 10% applies (per India-US DTAA, if no PE). Path: Form 15CB issued by a CA confirming tax has been deducted, then Form 15CA Part C is filed online — both produced before the wire. By contrast, an individual remitting ₹3 lakh to a foreign university for child's tuition (LRS, Rule 37BB Specified List code S0305) files only Form 15CA Part D — no 15CB. A ₹6 lakh LRS remittance for foreign travel triggers 20% TCS but still only Part D (not taxable income to the recipient).
When to use this
- Importers paying foreign vendors for goods (Specified List, code S0202) — only Part D
- SaaS, software licence, royalty payments — Part C with 15CB, even for small amounts
- Education / medical remittance under LRS — Part D, but watch the 5% / 20% TCS slabs
- NRI parents sending family maintenance to India is the reverse direction — doesn't need 15CA
Related: DTAA tax credit for the rate applicable to the remittance and equalisation levy if the remittance is for foreign digital advertising.
FAQ
For LRS investment in US stocks, do I need 15CA?
No. LRS remittances under ₹2.5L equivalent in a single transaction don't need 15CA. Bank handles compliance via the LRS declaration form (A2).
Is 15CA required for personal remittances to family abroad?
Yes if it's under taxable head. If clearly a gift to a relative under section 56(2) — fill Part D as non-taxable. Banks may insist on documentation.
What if my CA refuses to issue 15CB?
Either the remittance is taxable and the CA wants more documentation, or there's a compliance concern. 15CB is a CA's personal certification — they bear professional liability.