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5 Ways to Minimise TDS on Sending Foreign Payments
2 minutes read
24 July 2024
While conducting international business, it’s vital for businesses to understand taxes on foreign payments. The Indian government collects income tax by deducting a percentage of the payment before it goes to the recipient’s account. We’ll discuss ways to lower TDS deductions and how manages taxes better. By doing this, businesses can have more money and pay less taxes. So read on.
What is TDS on Foreign Payments?
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a system that ensures taxes are deducted when making payments. It also applies to foreign payments, where taxes are deducted from payments made to foreign companies or individuals. The Indian government has implemented laws to ensure that income earned by foreign entities from India is subject to Indian tax laws.
TDS deductions on foreign payments cover a range of transactions, including services, royalties, technical services, professional services, interest, and rent. The percentage of tax deductions can vary from 10% to 40%, depending on the payment type and transaction nature. These deductions must be made when the payment is made, and the recipient will receive the remaining amount after deducting the TDS.
The impact of TDS on Sending Foreign Payments:
1. Delay in Receiving Payments: TDS on foreign payments can result in payment delays. Thus, Indian companies must focus on making TDS deductions before transferring funds to the recipient’s account. Delays in payments can interrupt the regular flow of business activities, leading to a strain on the relationship between Indian companies and foreign recipients.
2. Reduction in Revenue for International Companies: Compliance with TDS regulations can often lead to reduced revenue generated by international companies. The financial stability of foreign companies and individuals, particularly those who heavily depend on Indian payments, can be significantly impacted by such delays.
How to Minimize TDS on Sending Foreign Payments?
1. Maintain Proper Documentation:
To claim TDS credits accurately, it is crucial to maintain proper documentation to support the validity of foreign transactions. This ensures that the tax deductions made are correct.
2. File TDS Returns on Time:
Filing TDS returns on time is crucial to avoid penalties and interest charges. Staying up-to-date with deadlines will help businesses maintain compliance while minimizing financial burdens.
3. Use Tax Treaties:
Utilising tax treaties between countries can provide a significant advantage for minimizing TDS. Understanding the provisions outlined in these treaties and their implications on cross-border payments is vital.
4. Submit Form 15CA and Form 15CB:
Submitting Form 15CA and Form 15CB is essential to certify payments made to foreign entities. Form 15CA is a declaration form filed by the person making the payment to certify the foreign remittance details. In contrast, Form 15CB is a certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant to verify the applicability of tax provisions and ensure compliance with tax regulations. These forms serve as proof of the transaction and facilitate the proper deduction of TDS.
5. Implementing Effective Tax Planning Strategies:
Businesses can devise effective tax planning strategies by understanding tax deductions and relevant tax treaties. Consulting with tax experts can provide valuable insights into optimizing TDS liabilities.
Conclusion:
In today’s global business landscape, having a strong grasp of TDS implications on foreign payments. By following the abovementioned strategies, businesses can cut TDS liabilities while ensuring smoother cross-border transactions.
Are you also Receiving International Payments?
Just like you are interested in minimising TDS payments to save money, are you also interested in saving money while receiving international payments?
Winvesta can help you save while receiving payments from foreign clients. With our global collection accounts, you get a local US, UK, European or Canadian bank account. Your clients can transfer your payments to your local account at a low rate or for free. You can withdraw your funds to INR in as little as one day, with charges starting at just $3 + 0.99%.
Open your Winvesta account today!