Posts

Showing posts from June, 2025

US Taxation of Mutual Funds: What Every Investor Should Know

Image
 Investing in mutual funds is a popular strategy for building wealth, but when tax season rolls around, many investors are caught off guard by the tax implications. Whether you’re a new investor or someone looking to fine-tune your portfolio, understanding how mutual funds are taxed in the US is essential to keeping more of your earnings. In this blog, we break down mutual fund taxation in simple terms—with examples—so you can invest wisely and avoid unnecessary tax surprises. 🔍 What Are Mutual Funds? A  US taxation of mutual funds  is an investment vehicle that pools money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. These funds are actively or passively managed and provide an easy way to diversify your holdings. But what many investors don’t realize is: You can owe taxes on mutual fund investments even if you didn’t sell any shares. That’s because of how dividends and capital gains distributions are taxed. 💡 Three W...

Income Tax Act Section 115BAC for NRIs: Tax Simplification or Missed Savings?

The Indian tax system has undergone notable changes in recent years, one of the most significant being the introduction of Section 115BAC . Designed to simplify the tax structure, this section provides an optional new tax regime with reduced rates, but fewer deductions. While it has proven useful for many resident taxpayers, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often wonder if this route is beneficial for them. In this blog, we explore how Section 115BAC impacts NRIs and whether it’s the right tax path for them. What is Section 115BAC? The  income tax act section 115BAC for NRI , introduced by the Finance Act 2020 and revised in Budget 2023, allows individual taxpayers and HUFs to pay income tax at concessional slab rates , provided they forgo most exemptions and deductions. From FY 2023–24 onwards , this new regime is the default tax system , meaning unless an individual chooses otherwise, they will be taxed under Section 115BAC. Is Section 115BAC Applicable to NRIs? Yes. Section 1...

Selling Indian Property as a U.S. Taxpayer: Key Tax Rules and Compliance Tips

Image
 Owning property in India while being a U.S. taxpayer can be a rewarding investment—but when it comes time to sell, things can get complex. From capital gains tax in India to foreign income disclosure in the U.S., understanding the dual tax obligations is essential. This blog breaks down the key tax rules, filing requirements, and smart strategies for handling the sale of Indian property as a U.S. taxpayer . Understanding Your Tax Status As a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you're classified as a U.S. tax resident —meaning you're taxed on your global income , including capital gains from property sales in India. At the same time, India also taxes the income from property located within its borders. This triggers the possibility of double taxation , which can be mitigated by using the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the U.S. and India. Taxes Applicable in India on Property Sale 1. Long-Term vs Short-Term Capital Gains If the property was held for m...

India Customs Gold Limit: How Much Gold Can You Carry Duty-Free?

Image
 Gold is one of the most cherished assets in India, symbolizing prosperity and tradition. Many people traveling to India from abroad carry gold either as jewelry or investment.  But before you pack your gold, it’s important to understand the  india customs gold limit — how much gold you can bring without paying customs duty in 2024. What Is the Customs Gold Limit? The customs gold limit is the maximum quantity of gold allowed for import by travelers into India without attracting customs duty. This limit is specifically designed to regulate personal imports and curb smuggling. Gold Limit for Passengers The government has set different duty-free limits based on the passenger’s gender: For Male Travelers (18 years and above): Duty-free allowance is up to 20 grams of gold jewelry, with a value limit of ₹50,000. For Female Travelers (18 years and above): Women enjoy a higher duty-free limit of up to 40 grams of gold jewelry, valued up to ₹1,00,000. For Childre...

Remittance Tax: What You Need to Know Before Sending Money Abroad

Image
In today’s interconnected world, sending money internationally—called remittance—is a common necessity. Whether you are supporting family, investing overseas, or repatriating earnings, understanding the tax implications of remittances can save you from unexpected penalties and help you plan better.  This blog explains the basics of remittance tax and what you should keep in mind before transferring funds internationally. What Is Remittance? Remittance is the transfer of money from one country to another. It usually involves migrants, expatriates, or NRIs sending funds back to their home country for personal or business purposes. Common reasons for remittance include family support, education fees, medical bills, property investments, or business transactions. Is Remittance Subject to Tax? Remittance itself is generally not taxed in most countries if the money sent is from income that has already been taxed. However, tax rules may apply based on: The amount being sent T...

ISA Taxation India: What Indian Residents and NRIs Should Know

Image
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are widely recognized in the UK for their tax-efficient benefits, allowing investors to grow their savings and investments without paying tax on interest, dividends, or capital gains.  However, for Indian residents and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) holding or investing in UK ISAs, the taxation rules in India are quite different. Understanding ISA Taxation India is crucial for compliance and effective financial planning. What Are ISAs? ISAs, or Individual Savings Accounts, are special savings or investment accounts available to UK residents that provide tax-free returns. The income and gains inside an ISA are exempt from UK income tax and capital gains tax. There are several types of ISAs including Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs, and Lifetime ISAs, each catering to different investment goals. ISA Taxation from an Indian Perspective Unlike the UK, India does not provide any tax exemption on the income earned from ISAs....