How to file Form 15CA and 15CB

When Are Form 15CA and 15CB Required?

Form 15CA is required for most foreign remittances, except for a few specified under Rule 37BB of the Income Tax Act. It is divided into four parts:

• Part A: For remittances up to ₹5 lakh in a financial year.
• Part B: For remittances above ₹5 lakh, where an order or certificate under section 195(2) or 195(3) or 197 of the Income Tax Act has been obtained.
• Part C: For remittances exceeding ₹5 lakh, accompanied by Form 15CB certification.
• Part D: For payments that do not require tax deduction.

Form 15CB is mandatory if:

• The payment exceeds ₹5 lakh in a financial year.
• The payment is taxable, and no lower tax deduction certificate is available.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Form 15CA and 15CB

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Collect all the necessary details for the forms, including:

• Remitter and remittance details (PAN, address, country of remittance)
• Beneficiary details (name, address, country)
• Remittance amount and currency
• Bank details for remittance
• Tax residency certificate (if applicable)
• DTAA details (if applicable)

Step 2: Obtain Form 15CB Certification from a Chartered Accountant

If Form 15CB is required, consult a CA to prepare the certificate. The CA will verify the taxability of the remittance, applicable TDS rates, and other relevant details. The CA then issues Form 15CB through the e-filing portal using their login credentials.

Step 3: Login to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal

Go to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal and log in using your credentials. You’ll need to use the user ID (PAN or TAN) and password associated with your account.

Step 4: Upload Form 15CA

Once logged in, navigate to the “E-File” menu and select “Income Tax Forms.”

• Choose “Prepare and Submit Online Form (Other than ITR)” and select Form 15CA.
• Fill out the relevant part (A, B, C, or D) based on the remittance amount and requirements.
• If Form 15CB is needed, provide the acknowledgment number from the Form 15CB submission.

Step 5: Submit Form 15CA

Review the filled details carefully and submit the form. Upon successful submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number. Make sure to save the acknowledgment for future reference.

Step 6: Submit the Documents to the Authorized Dealer (Bank)

After filing Form 15CA (and obtaining Form 15CB if applicable), submit these forms along with other required documents to the bank handling the remittance. The bank will process the foreign transfer based on these documents.

Practical Tips for Filing Form 15CA and 15CB

• Keep All Documents Handy: Gather the necessary documents such as tax residency certificates, remittance details, and agreements before starting the filing process.
• Verify Information: Double-check all the details, including tax calculations and DTAA benefits, if any, before submitting the forms.
• Seek Professional Help: Consult a CA for accurate certification of Form 15CB to avoid errors and ensure compliance.
• Use an Excel Utility for Bulk Filings: Tools like XLTOOL’s Form 15CA and 15CB utility can simplify bulk filings by allowing you to prepare and generate XML files for multiple forms.