Question 1

What is the difference between Form 15CA and Form 15CB?

Accepted Answer

Form 15CA is a declaration filed online by the remitter (the person in India sending money abroad) on the Income Tax portal before the remittance is made. Form 15CB is a certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant confirming the nature of remittance, whether it is taxable in India, the applicable TDS rate, and any DTAA relief available. Think of 15CA as your declaration and 15CB as the CA's certification supporting it.

Question 2

When is Form 15CB mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Form 15CB is required when the remittance is taxable in India and the aggregate remittance to the same non-resident exceeds ₹5 lakh in the financial year. If the remittance is below ₹5 lakh, only Form 15CA Part A is required. If the remittance is not taxable at all (e.g., reimbursement of expenses under a specific RBI purpose code), neither form may be required.

Question 3

What is DTAA and how does it reduce tax on foreign remittances?

Accepted Answer

DTAA stands for Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement — a treaty between India and another country to prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries. Under DTAA, the TDS rate on certain payments (dividends, royalties, professional fees) may be lower than the standard Indian rate. To claim DTAA benefit, the non-resident must provide a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and Form 10F.

Question 4

Note on new form numbering under Income Tax Act 2025

Accepted Answer

Under the new Income Tax Act 2025, Form 15CA has been renumbered as Form 145 and Form 15CB as Form 146. The practical purpose remains the same — they are the remittance declaration and CA certificate for foreign payments. BSP Associate handles both the old and new form numbers depending on the applicable law for your transaction date.

Question 5

How quickly can BSP Associate provide 15CA and 15CB?

Accepted Answer

For standard remittances with clear documentation, BSP Associate delivers Form 15CB and Form 15CA within 24 hours. Complex cases involving DTAA analysis or NRI property sale proceeds may take 2–3 working days. We inform you upfront if additional time is needed.

Question 6

What happens if I remit money abroad without filing 15CA / 15CB?

Accepted Answer

Making a foreign remittance without filing Form 15CA when required is a violation of Section 195 read with Rule 37BB. The penalty can be up to ₹1 lakh under Section 271-I of the Income Tax Act. The bank may also refuse to process the remittance if the required forms are not submitted.

15CA & 15CB — Foreign Remittance Certificate

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