
Last month, Priya redeemed her Indian mutual funds after five years, expecting ₹2 lakh in gains. Instead, she received ₹1.35 lakh after India deducted tax, and Singapore, her country of residence, also taxed the same income. She paid tax twice on the same gain.
This affects thousands of NRIs annually, losing 30-45% of mutual fund gains to double taxation. At Belong, we’ve helped over 4,000 NRIs avoid this legally using Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) India signed with over 94 countries.
A March 2025 ITAT ruling further simplifies zero capital gains tax for NRIs in certain countries.
This guide details how DTAAs work, identifies top-benefiting countries, and outlines steps to claim relief via Form 10F, Tax Residency Certificate (TRC), and strategic investment planning. NRIs in UAE, Singapore, or similar countries could save lakhs.
What Double Taxation Really Means (With a Real Example)
Double taxation means paying tax on the same income in two different countries. For NRIs with mutual fund investments in India, this creates a painful squeeze.
Here's how it happens:
Country 1 (India): You redeem mutual funds in India. India taxes capital gains at 20% for short-term and 12.5% for long-term equity gains. Tax is deducted at source (TDS).
Country 2 (Your residence): Your resident country considers you a tax resident. Many countries tax your global income-including capital gains from Indian mutual funds. You pay tax again on the same ₹2 lakh gain.
Real Example: Rahul, an NRI in the US, redeems equity mutual funds with ₹5 lakh long-term capital gains.
- India’s Tax Calculation: India provides a ₹1.25 lakh exemption on long-term equity gains. So, tax is only paid on the remaining ₹3.75 lakh.
- Taxable Gain in India: ₹5,00,000 - ₹1,25,000 = ₹3,75,000
- Final Tax in India (at 12.5%): ₹46,875
- US Tax Calculation: The US taxes global income. Assuming a 15% federal capital gains rate on the full amount:
- Tax in the US (at 15%): ₹75,000
- Total Tax Paid (With DTAA Relief): Rahul claims a Foreign Tax Credit in the US for the tax paid in India.
- Net Tax Due in the US: ₹75,000 (US Tax) - ₹46,875 (Credit for Indian Tax) = ₹28,125
- Total Worldwide Tax: ₹46,875 (paid to India) + ₹28,125 (paid to the US) = ₹75,000
- Without DTAA relief, he loses nearly a third of his gains
This is why India signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with over 90 countries-to prevent this exact problem.
👉 Tip: Always check if your country of residence has a DTAA with India before investing in mutual funds. The treaty determines whether you can avoid double tax or claim credit.
Also Read - Taxation on Mutual Funds
The 2025 Game-Changer: ITAT Ruling on Mutual Fund Gains
In April 2025, the Mumbai bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) delivered a landmark judgment that changes everything for NRIs in certain countries.
What the Ruling Says
An NRI based in Singapore earned ₹1.35 crore from redeeming debt and equity mutual funds in India. She claimed exemption under Article 13(5) of the India-Singapore DTAA, arguing that capital gains should only be taxed in Singapore (her country of residence).
Initially, Indian tax authorities denied the exemption. They argued that mutual fund units derive value from Indian assets, so gains should be taxed in India.
ITAT ruled in favor of the NRI. The tribunal clarified that mutual fund units are issued by trusts, not companies, so they don't qualify as "shares" under the DTAA. These gains fall under the "residual clause" of Article 13, meaning they're taxable only in the country of residence-not in India.
What This Means for You
If you live in a country with a favorable DTAA that includes a residual clause (like Singapore, UAE, Kuwait), you may pay zero capital gains tax in India on mutual fund redemptions. Since Singapore and UAE don't tax capital gains, you pay zero tax anywhere.
Countries where this ruling applies:
- Singapore
- UAE
- Kuwait
- Mauritius
- Portugal
- Several European nations
Countries where this ruling does NOT help:
- USA (India-US DTAA specifically taxes mutual fund gains in India)
- UK (India-UK DTAA taxes gains in India)
- Canada (gains taxed in both countries, but you can claim credit)
Also Read - India-UAE DTAA
This ruling is being appealed by the Indian tax department, so the law may evolve. However, as of September 2025, NRIs in favorable DTAA countries can claim full exemption on mutual fund gains.
👉 Tip: If you're in Singapore or UAE, consult a tax advisor to claim this exemption when filing your ITR. You'll need a Tax Residency Certificate and proper documentation.
Also Read - DTAA and Capital Gains Tax: The Confusing Bits Explained
Understanding DTAA: The Two Methods of Relief
DTAA treaties use two main methods to eliminate double taxation. Depending on which method applies to your country, you'll follow different processes.
Method 1: Exemption Method
Under the exemption method, one country agrees not to tax the income at all. The other country taxes it exclusively.
Example: Article 13 of certain DTAAs (like India-Singapore) includes a "residual clause" that says capital gains from assets other than immovable property and shares are taxable only in the country of residence.
If you're a Singapore resident, India exempts your mutual fund gains from tax. Singapore also doesn't tax capital gains. Result: zero tax.
How to claim:
- Obtain Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from Singapore
- File Form 10F on India's income tax portal
- Declare gains in ITR but claim exemption under Article 13
- Attach TRC and supporting documents
Method 2: Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) Method
Under the FTC method, both countries can tax the income, but you get a credit in your resident country for tax paid in India. This avoids paying full tax twice.
Example: You're a US resident. India-US DTAA allows India to tax mutual fund gains. You also report this income in the US. But you can claim Foreign Tax Credit in the US for the tax you already paid in India.
- India deducts 12.5% TDS on ₹5 lakh LTCG = ₹62,500
- US taxes the same ₹5 lakh at 15% = ₹75,000
- You claim ₹62,500 as Foreign Tax Credit in the US
- Net additional tax in US = ₹12,500 (₹75,000 - ₹62,500)
- Total tax paid: ₹75,000 (instead of ₹1,37,500 without credit)
How to claim:
- File Form 67 in India (if you're a resident Indian, not NRI)
- In your resident country, claim Foreign Tax Credit using India's TDS certificate
- Each country has its own form (e.g., Form 1116 in the US)
👉 Tip: The FTC method means you still pay tax-but only once at the higher rate between the two countries. The exemption method is always better if available.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim DTAA Benefits on Mutual Funds
The process varies slightly by country, but here's the universal framework:
Step 1: Determine Your Tax Residency Status
Tax residency is different from citizenship. You're a tax resident of a country if you spend a certain number of days there (typically 183 days in a financial year) or if it's your primary place of residence.
Use Belong's Residential Status Calculator to determine whether you're:
- NRI (non-resident Indian for tax purposes)
- RNOR (resident but not ordinarily resident)
- Resident Indian
Your status determines which country has primary taxing rights and which forms you file.
Also Read - Residential Status Under Section 6 Of Income Tax Act
Step 2: Check Your Country's DTAA with India
India has DTAA treaties with over 90 countries, including UAE, USA, UK, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Germany, and more. But each treaty is different.
Where to check:
- Income Tax Department's official DTAA page: incometaxindia.gov.in
- Search for "India-[Your Country] DTAA full text"
- Look specifically at Article 13 (Capital Gains) or Article 14 in some treaties
Key questions:
- Does the treaty cover capital gains from mutual funds?
- Are mutual funds classified as "shares" (taxed in India) or under "residual clause" (taxed in residence country)?
- What is the maximum tax rate India can charge?
Step 3: Obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC)
A TRC is mandatory to claim DTAA benefits. It's a certificate issued by the tax authority of your resident country confirming that you're a tax resident there.
How to get TRC:
UAE: Apply through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. TRC is issued only for the previous year, not in advance.
Also Read - Comparing Indian Mutual Funds vs UAE Mutual Funds
USA: File Form 8802 (Application for United States Residency Certification) with the IRS. Costs $85. Takes 45-60 days.
UK: Apply through HMRC online. Use Form UK/Individual or UK/Company. Takes 2-4 weeks.
Singapore: Apply via IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore). Submit Form C-S (for companies) or request through your tax agent. Takes 2-3 weeks.
Canada: Apply through CRA for a Certificate of Residency (not Form NR73, which is for residency status determination when entering/leaving Canada); provide proof like tax returns, address, and residency ties. Takes 4-8 weeks. (Clear Tax, Canada CRA)
Documents typically required:
- Passport copy
- Proof of address in resident country (utility bill, tenancy contract)
- Tax returns filed in resident country
- Visa or residence permit
- Employment contract or business registration
👉 Tip: Apply for TRC at least 45 days before you plan to redeem mutual funds or file ITR in India. Processing delays can prevent you from claiming benefits on time.
Step 4: File Form 10F (If You're an NRI)
Form 10F is a self-declaration that NRIs must file on India's income tax e-filing portal. It supplements your TRC by providing details that the TRC may not contain.
What Form 10F includes:
- Name and PAN
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) in your resident country
- Status (individual, company, etc.)
- Nationality and resident country
- Address in resident country
- Period for which TRC is valid
How to file Form 10F:
- Log in to incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Forms → Form 10F
- Fill in details matching your TRC
- Submit electronically
Form 10F must be filed before you submit your ITR or claim lower TDS rates.
Step 5: Declare Capital Gains in Your ITR
Even if you're claiming exemption under DTAA, you must declare capital gains in your Indian ITR. NRIs must file ITR if they have taxable income in India.
Which ITR form to use:
- ITR-2: If you have capital gains from mutual funds, stocks, or property
- ITR-3: If you have business income
How to show DTAA exemption in ITR:
- Report the gross capital gains amount in Schedule CG (Capital Gains)
- Under "Relief under DTAA," enter the exempted amount
- Attach TRC and Form 10F as supporting documents
- Quote the specific DTAA article (e.g., Article 13(5) of India-Singapore DTAA)
Important: Even if your tax liability is zero after DTAA relief, file ITR by July 31 (or extended deadline) to remain compliant.
Step 6: Claim Foreign Tax Credit in Your Resident Country (If Using FTC Method)
If you paid tax in India and your resident country also taxes the same income, claim Foreign Tax Credit.
USA: File Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) with your US tax return. Attach India's TDS certificate (Form 16A or 26AS).
UK: Include foreign tax credit on Self Assessment tax return (SA100). Use SA106 for foreign income. Attach proof of Indian tax paid.
Canada: Complete Form T2209 (Federal Foreign Tax Credits). Report foreign income on T1 return. Attach TDS certificate.
Documents needed:
- TDS certificate from India (Form 16A for mutual funds)
- Form 26AS (Annual Information Statement showing TDS)
- ITR filed in India
- Capital gains statement from AMC
👉 Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all DTAA documents for at least 7 years. Tax authorities can audit past years, and missing documents can result in denial of benefits.
Also Read -DTAA for Freelancers, Consultants & Remote Workers: The Complete 2025 Guide
Form 67: When NRIs (Turned Residents) Need It
Form 67 is only for residents of India-not for NRIs. If you're returning to India or are already a resident earning foreign income, Form 67 allows you to claim Foreign Tax Credit for taxes paid abroad.
When to File Form 67
You file Form 67 if:
- You're a resident Indian (or RNOR) with income from foreign sources
- You've paid tax in a foreign country on that income
- You want to claim credit for that foreign tax against your Indian tax liability
Example: You returned to India in 2024. You still earn dividends from US stocks that are taxed in the US. When filing your Indian ITR, you declare this dividend income. Form 67 allows you to claim credit for the US tax already paid, reducing your Indian tax liability.
Form 67 is NOT for:
- NRIs claiming DTAA benefits on Indian income (use TRC + Form 10F instead)
- Claiming exemption under DTAA (Form 67 is only for Foreign Tax Credit)
Also Read - How NRIs Can Invest in Mutual Funds from Abroad
How to File Form 67
When to file: On or before the due date of filing your ITR (July 31 for most individuals). Recent amendments allow filing within the entire assessment year if you filed ITR on time.
Where to file: Online at incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
What you need:
- Details of foreign income (country, type, amount)
- Foreign taxes paid (with proof-TDS certificates, tax receipts)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the foreign country
- Details of DTAA between India and that country
Steps:
- Log in to income tax e-filing portal
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Forms → Form 67
- Fill Part A: Basic details, PAN, assessment year
- Fill Part B: Country-wise details of foreign income and tax paid
- Attach proof of foreign tax payment (scan and upload)
- Submit electronically
Important: FTC is limited to the lower of: (a) foreign tax actually paid, or (b) Indian tax payable on that income. If the US charged 25% tax but India's rate is only 20%, you can claim credit for 20% only.
👉 Tip: Form 67 filing is not mandatory for most NRIs because they're filing ITR for Indian-sourced income (where they claim DTAA exemption or reduced rates). Form 67 becomes relevant when you return to India and continue earning foreign income.
Also Read - What Happens to Mutual Funds If You Return to India (RNOR → Resident)
Country-Specific DTAA Strategies for NRIs
Each country's DTAA with India is unique. Here's how to optimize based on where you live:
UAE (United Arab Emirates)
DTAA Status: Favorable. India-UAE DTAA includes a residual clause that allows capital gains from mutual funds to be taxed only in the UAE. Since the UAE doesn't tax capital gains, you pay zero tax.
Key Benefits:
- No capital gains tax on mutual fund redemptions in either country
- No tax on interest from NRE deposits or GIFT City FDs
- Reduced TDS rates on dividends (10% instead of 20%)
How to claim:
- Obtain TRC from UAE Federal Tax Authority
- File Form 10F in India
- Declare gains in ITR and claim exemption under Article 13
- Quote ITAT ruling (Mumbai bench, April 2025) if needed
Catch: UAE TRC is issued only for the previous year, not the current year. Plan redemptions carefully.
United States
DTAA Status: Less favorable. Article 13 of India-US DTAA allows India to tax capital gains on mutual funds. The US also taxes your global income, including Indian mutual funds.
Key Challenges:
- India taxes gains at 12.5% (LTCG) or 20% (STCG)
- US taxes gains at 0-20% depending on income (federal) + state tax
- US considers Indian mutual funds as PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Companies), which have punitive tax treatment
PFIC Problem: US-based NRIs face mark-to-market taxation on Indian mutual funds, meaning you pay tax on unrealized gains every year-even if you don't sell. This makes Indian mutual funds highly tax-inefficient for US residents.
What to do:
- Claim Foreign Tax Credit in the US (Form 1116) for tax paid in India
- Consider avoiding Indian mutual funds altogether and invest in US-domiciled funds instead
- If you have existing Indian mutual funds, redeem them before becoming a US tax resident
Better alternatives for US NRIs:
- GIFT City fixed deposits (not subject to PFIC rules)
- Direct equity (stocks) in India (also not PFICs)
- US-domiciled index funds
United Kingdom
DTAA Status: Moderately favorable. Article 14 of India-UK DTAA allows India to tax capital gains on mutual funds, but you can claim Foreign Tax Credit in the UK.
How to claim:
- Pay tax in India as per normal rates
- Report Indian capital gains on UK Self Assessment (SA106 form)
- Claim Foreign Tax Credit for Indian tax paid
- Attach Form 26AS or TDS certificate from India
Tax rates:
- India: 12.5% LTCG, 20% STCG
- UK: 10-20% capital gains tax depending on income
- You pay the higher of the two, but only once
Better approach: If you're in a lower UK tax bracket (10% CGT), the net additional tax is minimal.
Singapore
DTAA Status: Extremely favorable. India-Singapore DTAA has a residual clause (Article 13(5)) that exempts mutual fund gains from Indian tax. Singapore also doesn't tax capital gains.
Result: Zero tax in both countries.
How to claim:
- Obtain TRC from IRAS (Singapore tax authority)
- File Form 10F in India
- Claim exemption under Article 13(5) in your ITR
- Attach ITAT ruling (April 2025) as supporting evidence
This is the best DTAA for NRIs investing in Indian mutual funds.
Canada
DTAA Status: Moderate. Article 13 of India-Canada DTAA allows both countries to tax capital gains, but Canada provides Foreign Tax Credit.
How to claim:
- Pay tax in India (12.5% LTCG or 20% STCG)
- Report gains on Canadian tax return (T1)
- Claim Foreign Tax Credit (Form T2209)
- Attach Indian TDS certificate
Tax rates:
- India: 12.5% LTCG, 20% STCG
- Canada: 50% of gain is taxable at your marginal rate (effectively 15-27%)
If your Canadian marginal rate is high, you'll pay additional tax even after claiming Indian tax credit.
👉 Tip: If you're choosing between countries for relocation, consider DTAA implications on your existing Indian investments. UAE and Singapore offer the most tax-efficient structures for mutual funds.
Also Read - Impact of FEMA Rules on NRI Mutual Fund Investments
Common Mistakes NRIs Make (That Cost Them Money)
Mistake 1: Not Obtaining TRC Before Filing ITR
Many NRIs file their Indian ITR without obtaining a TRC, thinking they can claim DTAA benefits later. TRC must be submitted before or with your ITR filing to claim treaty benefits.
Solution: Apply for TRC at least 60 days before ITR due date (July 31). Processing takes 4-6 weeks in most countries.
Mistake 2: Assuming DTAA Automatically Applies
DTAA benefits are not automatic. You must explicitly claim them by filing Form 10F, attaching TRC, and citing the relevant DTAA article in your ITR.
If you simply file ITR and pay tax without claiming DTAA exemption, the income tax department will not proactively refund you.
Mistake 3: Not Understanding the Difference Between Exemption and Credit
Exemption method: You pay zero tax in India (if DTAA allows). You may still need to declare income in your resident country, but no double tax.
Credit method: You pay tax in both countries but claim credit in one country for tax paid in the other.
Many NRIs confuse the two and miss opportunities to optimize.
Mistake 4: Relying on Outdated Information
DTAA treaties are amended periodically. The recent ITAT ruling (April 2025) changed the landscape dramatically for Singapore and UAE NRIs. Always check the latest treaty text and recent judgments.
Solution: Consult a cross-border tax advisor annually, especially if you have significant investments.
Mistake 5: Not Declaring Foreign Assets in ITR (Schedule FA)
Residents and RNORs must declare foreign assets (foreign bank accounts, stocks, property) in Schedule FA of their ITR. Failure to disclose can result in penalties and prosecution.
Even if you're an NRI, you must disclose foreign assets if:
- You were a resident at any point during the financial year
- You held signing authority over foreign accounts
Mistake 6: Redeeming Mutual Funds Without Tax Planning
Many NRIs redeem mutual funds in years when they have high income in their resident country, pushing them into higher tax brackets. This increases overall tax liability even after claiming credits.
Better approach: Redeem during RNOR years if you're returning to India. RNOR status exempts foreign income from Indian tax, allowing strategic planning.
Also Read - Common Mistakes NRIs Make When Investing in Indian Mutual Funds
👉 Tip: If you have large mutual fund holdings, consult a tax advisor in both India and your resident country BEFORE redeeming. Strategic timing can save lakhs.
When DTAA Doesn't Help: Special Cases
There are situations where DTAA provides limited or no relief:
Case 1: US NRIs with Indian Mutual Funds (PFIC Rules)
US tax law treats Indian mutual funds as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). PFICs are subject to punitive taxation:
- Mark-to-market taxation (you pay tax on unrealized gains annually)
- Excess distribution rules with interest charges
- Complex reporting (Form 8621)
Even with DTAA, US NRIs often pay 40-50% combined tax on Indian mutual funds. Avoid Indian mutual funds if you're a US tax resident.
Case 2: Countries Without DTAA
If your resident country doesn't have a DTAA with India (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, several African nations), you may pay full tax in both countries with no relief.
Section 91 of the Income Tax Act provides unilateral relief, but it's limited and complex. Consult a tax advisor in these cases.
Case 3: Short-Term Residents
Some DTAAs have minimum residency requirements. If you've been in a country for less than 6 months or haven't established "permanent establishment," you may not qualify for treaty benefits.
Solution: Ensure you meet residency criteria before claiming DTAA exemption.
Case 4: General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR)
If your tax benefit from DTAA exceeds ₹3 crore annually, GAAR provisions may be invoked. Indian tax authorities can question whether your move abroad was genuine or primarily for tax avoidance.
Factors examined:
- Employment and business activities in the new country
- Permanent residence and family location
- Travel patterns (frequent returns to India suggest non-genuine residency)
If GAAR applies, tax benefits can be denied even with valid TRC and DTAA.
Smart Tax Planning Strategies for NRIs
Beyond claiming DTAA benefits, here are proactive strategies to minimize tax on mutual fund investments:
Strategy 1: Invest Through GIFT City
Investments made in GIFT City mutual funds and AIFs are tax-free in India.
Interest on GIFT City fixed deposits is also tax-free. Since income isn't taxed in India, there's no Indian tax to credit or offset in your resident country.
If your resident country also doesn't tax this income (like UAE), you achieve complete tax efficiency.
Belong's GIFT City offerings:
- USD fixed deposits with up to 5.5% tax-free returns
- Access to GIFT City AIFs for high-net-worth NRIs
- Full repatriation without LRS limits
Also Read - How to Repatriate Mutual Fund Proceeds to Your Country
Strategy 2: Harvest Long-Term Capital Gains Below ₹1.25 Lakh
Long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds up to ₹1.25 lakh per year are tax-free in India. Redeem strategically to stay below this limit each year and pay zero Indian tax.
Example: You have ₹10 lakh in LTCG. Instead of redeeming all in one year:
- Year 1: Redeem ₹1.25 lakh (zero tax in India)
- Year 2: Redeem ₹1.25 lakh (zero tax in India)
- Continue over 8 years
This approach eliminates Indian tax completely.
Strategy 3: Time Redemptions During RNOR Years
If you're planning to return to India, become RNOR first. RNOR status exempts foreign income from Indian tax.
If you hold foreign mutual funds or foreign stocks, redeem them during RNOR years to avoid Indian tax. For Indian mutual funds, RNOR doesn't help (Indian-sourced income is always taxable), but it's useful for diversified portfolios.
Strategy 4: Claim Section 80C on ELSS During RNOR/Resident Years
NRIs can invest in ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Schemes) and claim Section 80C deductions if they have Indian taxable income.
If you return to India as RNOR or resident, invest up to ₹1.5 lakh annually in ELSS to save ₹46,800 in tax (30% bracket). ELSS has a 3-year lock-in but offers equity exposure.
Strategy 5: Shift to Direct Equity If in a High-Tax Country
If you're a US or UK NRI facing high taxes on mutual funds, consider direct equity instead. Stocks are taxed more favorably in some jurisdictions and avoid PFIC issues (for US NRIs).
Indian stocks:
- LTCG: 12.5% (held >12 months)
- STCG: 20% (held \<12 months)
Rates for transactions on or after July 23, 2024. - No PFIC issues for US NRIs
- Easier DTAA claims
Learn more about NRI investment options to diversify beyond mutual funds.
How Belong Simplifies Cross-Border Investing
At Belong, we've built solutions specifically for NRIs who want tax-efficient, compliant investments without the paperwork nightmare.
Our GIFT City platform offers:
- Tax-free USD fixed deposits with rates up to 5.5% (no TDS, no Indian tax, fully repatriable)
- Zero DTAA complexity since GIFT City income is exempt in India
- Digital KYC and account opening from anywhere in the world
- Community support with 4,000+ NRIs discussing tax strategies and investment ideas
We've also built free tools to help you navigate the complexity:
- NRI FD Rate Comparison Tool – compare rates across 15+ banks
- Residential Status Calculator – determine if you're NRI, RNOR, or ROR
Whether you're in Dubai wondering if you need to file ITR in India, or in Singapore trying to understand the ITAT ruling, our community has answered these questions hundreds of times.
Join Belong's WhatsApp community where NRIs share real experiences, tax strategies, and get guidance from financial experts: Join Here
Download the Belong app to explore tax-free USD FDs, compare NRI options, and access tools built for global Indians: Download App
Final Thoughts: Keep More of What You Earn
Double taxation isn't inevitable. With proper planning, you can legally reduce or eliminate tax on mutual fund gains using DTAA provisions.
The recent ITAT ruling (April 2025) has made it even easier for NRIs in UAE, Singapore, and similar countries to pay zero capital gains tax on mutual funds. If you haven't reviewed your tax structure yet, now is the time.
Key takeaways:
- Check your country's DTAA with India (Article 13 specifically)
- Obtain TRC from your resident country's tax authority
- File Form 10F and claim exemption in your ITR
- Use Foreign Tax Credit (Form 67) if exemption doesn't apply
- Time redemptions strategically (RNOR years, low-income years)
- Consider GIFT City investments for complete tax efficiency
At Belong, we help thousands of NRIs optimize their cross-border investments. Our GIFT City platform offers tax-free returns, full repatriation, and zero DTAA complexity-because your money should work for you, not the tax authorities in two countries.
Your financial future is global. Your tax strategy should be too.
Also Read - Types of Mutual Funds
Sources:
- ClearTax: How NRIs Can Claim Benefits Under DTAA
- IndMoney: Zero Capital Gains Tax for NRI on Mutual Funds - ITAT Ruling
- Dinesh Aarjav & Associates: NRI Tax on Mutual Fund Gains - Key Considerations
- ICICI Bank: How NRIs Can Claim Benefits Under DTAA
- Tax2Win: Form 67 of Income Tax Act Explained
- Income Tax Department: Form 67 User Manual
- DBS Treasures: NRI Mutual Fund Taxation