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NRI Mutual Fund Taxation – Key Changes in 2024

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Despite being an NRI for years, 36-year-old, NY-based investment banker Sameer Bhatia was always drawn back to his roots in India, not just emotionally, but financially. The appeal of India’s growth had him investing in mutual funds, a choice that was driven not just by sentiment but also by strategy. Thanks to their high potential for wealth creation mutual funds have been a popular option for Indians and NRIs alike. 

Along with easy liquidity, the option to diversify and the prospect of high returns mutual funds offer several advantages. As fund managers take care of them, even investors who are not well-versed in the market can capitalise on the investment opportunities.  

While there are many like Sameer, who wish to grow their portfolio in India, it is essential to understand the NRI mutual fund taxation. Taxation for NRI in mutual funds may seem confusing if you do not understand the intricacies of the system. But, keep in mind that clarity on the taxability of mutual funds can help you make the most of your investments. 

So, if you or someone you know is an NRI who wants to invest in mutual funds, read on to get a fair view of the latest rules on mutual fund taxation for NRIs.

Can NRIs Invest in Indian Mutual Funds? 

First things first, let us come to the question, “Can NRIs Invest in Indian Mutual Funds?” The answer is yes! As a non-resident India, NRI, you can both start and continue your investments in mutual funds. However, it is important to follow the rules and guidelines as set by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, better known as FEMA. 

There are certain key considerations that as an NRI you must pay attention to. Take a look:

  1. As per the FEMA guidelines, you should be an NRI.

  2. As you are not allowed to invest in mutual funds in foreign currency, you need to have a rupee-denominated account. Therefore having an NRI account which can either be a Non-Residential Ordinary or a Non-Residential External account.

  3. As soon as you become an NRI you should update your KYC details. You will be asked to furnish the required documents. 

Who Qualifies as an NRI?

While for many any India-born individual living abroad is considered to be an NRI, it is not really so.   Let us also understand who is an NRI as per the rules set by the Income Tax Act, of 1961. Keep in mind that your residential status has to be checked for every fiscal year to identify how much you need to pay in that year. 

As per Section 6 of the IT Act, a person is considered to be an NRI if they have lived in India for less than 182 days in the previous financial year. Or if they have been in India for over 60 days during the previous year and a total of 365 days or more in the four years preceding that year.

Understanding TDS on NRI Income in India   

Tax Deducted at Source, better known as TDS is a way of collecting tax. Here, the person making the payment deducts tax from the amount being paid to another individual or entity. As per Section 195 of the Income Tax Act, in case someone makes a payment in the form of interest or an amount (other than a salary) to an NRI, the NRI has to file their tax return. The NRI can claim a refund, if applicable, when they file their income tax return. 

In the 2020 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new tax system with lower rates and more slabs. Taxpayers, including NRIs, can choose between the old system and the new one. However, the decision to choose between the two often causes confusion, therefore, it’s important to understand the differences. 

Income Tax for NRIs: Tax Slabs Under the Old Tax Regime (FY 2024-25) 

Take a look at the tax rate as per the Old Tax Regime

  • Up to Rs. 2.5 lakh: Nil

  • Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh: 5% of the taxable income

  • Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh: 20% of the taxable income with a base tax of Rs. 12,500

  • Above Rs. 10 lakh: 30% of the taxable income with a base tax of Rs. 1,12,500.

Income Tax for NRIs: Tax Slabs Under the New Tax Regime (FY 2024-25)  

Take a look at the tax rate under the New Tax Regime

  • Up to Rs. 3 lakh: Nil

  • Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh: 5%

  • Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh: 10%

  • Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh: 15%

  • Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh: 20%

  • Above Rs. 15 lakh: 30%

Note: If you choose the New Tax regime, keep in mind that most of the deductions and exemptions will not be available.

Mutual Fund Taxation for NRIs – Revised TDS Structure for NRIs 

Several changes were made in the NRI taxation system in July 2024. Take a look at the revised TDS rates for NRIs.

Type Of Transaction

Short Term TDS 

Long Term TDS

When you sell listed assets such as bonds, stocks etc. 

20%

12.5%

When you sell equity mutual funds

20%

12.5%

When you sell debt mutual funds

30%

30%

When you sell foreign debt/ equity or unlisted

30%

12.5%

When you sell gold in physical form

30%

12.5%

When you sell real estate

30%

12.5%

When you get income from rent

30%

30%

Impact of the Changes on NRIs

While the changes announced have simplified NRI mutual fund taxation, they have also brought an increase in short term gains. The 5% raise will impact the investors for the short term. Long term investors, on the other hand, will receive a ₹1,25,000 exemption towards the long term capital gains, giving them tax relief. The removal of the indexation benefit, however, has been a cause of concern for many. Also, because now the tax rates have been lowered to 12.5%, capital gains are now calculated on the basis of the purchase price and indexed value. Simply put, NRI may end up paying more towards taxes on real estate.

  • Higher Tax on Short-Term Capital Gains

Short-term capital gains, or STCG refers to capital gains on the transfer of short-term assets. The holding periods differ depending on the type of mutual funds. The government aims to encourage long-term assets and so, the tax levied on STCG is higher. Here are the taxation rules for STCG:

  • Equity-oriented funds are taxed at a flat rate of 15% irrespective of the tax slab of the individual. Equity mutual funds are the funds that invest over 65% in equity shares of a company. The mutual funds held for less than 1 year are termed as short-term capital gains. 

  • The equity mutual fund gains for NRIs are also subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) at 20%

  • Debt-oriented funds are taxed as per the tax slab of taxpayers which may go up to 30%. Debt mutual funds are the funds that invest over 65% in debt securities and not more than 35% is exposed to equity shares. The shares held for over a 1 year period are termed as the long-term capital gains.

  • The debt mutual fund gains for NRIs are also subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) at 30%

Note: Earlier, debt-oriented mutual funds were taxed at a concessional rate of 20%. The new budget does not offer indexation benefits to debt-oriented mutual funds.

  • Uniform Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax

When you capitalise on the transfer of long-term mutual fund assets, it is termed as the long-term capital gains on mutual funds. These are the assets held for over 1 years. Unlike STCG, long-term capital gains on mutual funds are taxed uniformly. For NRIs, the LTCG mutual fund is taxed at the same rates as Indian residents. Here are the details of taxation on LTCG:

  • Equity-oriented mutual fund gains exceeding ₹1 lakh in a year are taxed at 10%

  • Debt-oriented long-term mutual fund gains are taxed as per the tax slab of the individual 

  • Equity mutual funds are also liable for 10% TDS (Tax Deduction at Source) for NRIs.

NRIs planning to invest in LTCG mutual funds can benefit from DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) as well. DTAA is an agreement between two countries that helps NRIs avoid paying multiple taxes for the same capital gains. DTAA usually fixes a rate at which the gains will be taxed. So, DTAA helps avoid high taxes and is not an agreement to avoid tax payment.

How Mutual Funds Are Taxed for NRI Investors in India?

Mutual fund gains are taxable for non-resident Indians (NRIs) as well. Like resident Indians, mutual fund gains by NRI also falls under different category of taxation. Here are the details for equity-oriented and debt-oriented mutual funds:

  • If an NRI Holds Equity-Oriented Mutual Fund Units

Equity-oriented mutual funds invest 65% or more in equity shares of a company. These can be of two types, long-term capital gains (LTCG) or short-term capital gains (STCG). These are classified on the basis of their holding period.

Shares that are held for or less than 1 year are termed as short-term mutual fund gains. Those held for more than 1 year fall under the category of long-term capital gains.

STCG equity mutual funds are taxed at a flat rate of 15% for NRI, irrespective of their tax slab. However, long-term equity mutual fund gains are taxed at 10% if the gains exceed ₹1 lakh in a year. In this category, indexation benefits are not offered.

  • If an NRI Holds Debt-Oriented Mutual Fund Units

Debt-oriented mutual funds are the funds that invest over 65% in debt shares of a company. Also, not more than 35% of the funds are invested in equity shares. Debt-oriented mutual fund investments by NRIs are also divided as STCG and LTCG. 

Long-term debt mutual funds have a holding period of over 1 year. In such a case, the tax levied depends on the tax slab of the NRI. If the holding period exceeds the 3 year period, the tax levied will be at 20% with indexation benefit. The taxation can go up to 30%. Long-term capital gains also attract TDS of 30%. It is applicable on both long-term and short-term capital gains on mutual funds by an NRI.

Short-term debt mutual funds are taxed as per the tax slab of the taxpayer. If the holding period exceeds 3 years, 20% tax will be levied on the long-term gains. LTCG taxation on unlisted mutual funds is charged at 10% without indexation benefit.

Final Takeaway

Mutual fund investments offer both growth potential and comparatively stable returns. As a non-resident Indian, you can access mutual fund investments. By fulfilling certain formalities, you may start diversifying your investment portfolio. Understanding the taxation on these mutual fund gains may seem daunting, although that's not the case. These are simply divided into STCG and LTCG and accordingly, taxes are levied on equity and debt funds. To avoid paying multiple taxes, NRIs can make use of DTAA and make the most out of their investments!

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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new STCG tax rate on equity mutual funds for NRIs?

Answer Field

Starting July 23, 2024, the STCG tax rates for NRIs on stocks and equity mutual funds have risen from 15% to 20%

How does the LTCG tax change affect NRIs investing in real estate?

Answer Field

In the Union Budget 2024, it was announced that NRIs would no longer be eligible for the indexation benefit on long-term capital gains (LTCG) received from property sales. While there has been a 12.5% reduction in the tax rate, the inability to adjust for inflation means higher tax liabilities for NRIs.

What are the new TDS rates for NRIs selling listed equity shares and mutual fund units?

Answer Field

There has been an increase in the TDS for NRIs on the sale of listed equity shares and equity mutual fund units. 

  • LTCG: The rate has risen from 10% to 12.5%, 
  • STCG (of less than 12 months): The rate has gone up from 15% to 20%.

What happens to mutual funds when a person becomes an NRI?

Answer Field

As an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), you can purchase new or continue your investments in mutual funds. However, it’s crucial to comply with the rules and guidelines outlined by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

What is the tax rate for NRIs in the stock market?

Answer Field

The LTGC for NRIs in the stock market has been increased to 12.5%, while the STCG have now been set at 20%

How can NRIs update their status in mutual funds?

Answer Field

Once you become an NRI, you need to update your KYC details with your Asset Management Company (AMC). SEBI has relaxed the "KYC Registered" status rules for NRIs, and you can invest in mutual fund schemes (both new or existing) till 30th April 2025, without submitting any new paperwork.

Which mutual fund options are best for NRIs?

Answer Field

The choice of mutual funds depends greatly on your financial goals, and also the country that you reside in. You should also keep in mind that certain mutual fund houses discourage investments from USA and Canadian NRIs.

How much mutual fund investment is tax-free for NRIs?

Answer Field

For NRIs, short-term capital gains (STCG) from mutual fund units held for less than a year are taxed at 15%. Investments in equity-oriented mutual funds are tax-free up to the annual exemption limit of ₹1 lakh for long-term capital gains (LTCG)

Is tax automatically deducted from mutual funds for NRIs?

Answer Field

No, tax on mutual fund capital gains isn’t automatically deducted. You have to pay it when you redeem your units. However, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is applicable on dividend income from debt funds.

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