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Tuesday 16 November 2010

So, are you an NRI, or what?

Here's a quick article I did for Sailor Today on tax-free status . . . and even more relevant now than ever before. Please do visit and ask your tax consultant for more . . .

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The issue of a review in NRI status from, broadly, not more than 6 months a year to 2 months a year, has caused great debate and worry with seafarers - both present, prospective and past. And rightly so. This is one of the most widely misunderstood and misinterpreted aspects of Income Tax in India, which is one reason why the new Direct Tax Code (DTC) is trying to address that too. Many will now have to rework startegies.
 
Interim, here are a few basic observation, issued in best interest but without guarantee. Please do consult your own taxation entities for any decision you wish to take pertaining to fiduciary issues.
 
1) The new DTC will come into effect from the 1st of April 2012. Likely. Maybe, but at the same time, maybe earlier, maybe later. This remains to be seen.
 
2) The present dispensation of not more than 6 months in a year is water-tight. Not really, it comes with a few ryders and conditions, some extremely complex.
 
3) To be on the safe side, stay out of the country on a foreign flag ship for atleast 190 days. Apparently, that's not enough, and here are some queries being raised:-
 
# Did the ship in question visit India or enter territorial waters/Economic Zone at any time. That's 200 miles.
# Did the NRI sign an agreement with any entity/company/agent in India. If he did, how was he an "NRI"?
# Did the seafarer get "control" of the money in India? (Means - where was the bank account)
# Did the seafarer NRI exceed 365 days in India in total in the last 3-4 financial years.
# Where was his place of residence while an NRI. Ship was place of work. Explain the issue.
 
This is not something that SAILOR TODAY concurs with, or supports - but we would not be doing our job if we did not bring this to your notice. As for the Income Tax Authorities, their focus is clear - incremental taxation from any source is their aim.
 
Complicated days ahead for NRI seafarers unless something is done, and soon. Otherwise, the best advice we can give you is - proceed with caution.
 
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8 comments:

  1. MALIK..

    GOOD JOB DONE ..WHATS THE LATEST ..

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  2. http://www.saraltaxoffice.com/articles/direct-tax-code-highlights.php


    This are some input that one should know, Thank you.

    Keep informing ..

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  3. Any news about this new NRI taxation issue? I bet it is an error on the part of the DTC. My son is a TME and just mailed me asking me to check up about this. Can you give me an update?

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  4. Hello all, w.e.f. 01st April 2011, all sorts of new interpretations are LIKELY to make things different, especially for seafarers if their ships come anywhere close to Indian territorial waters. PLEASE consult with your tax advisor on this, and all the best.

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  5. how long do i need to stay in india, i am working in a European Shipping company and getting salary in indian NRI account.

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  6. desperado and others - this is a very individual issue, so best please contact your tax consultant for precise advice.

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  7. Is this new DTC code effective from April-2012 my self i second officer in foreign company...

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  8. thanks for posting

    It feels great to know that NRI tax schemes are increasing

    Hope to see more posting related to Tax consultation India

    ReplyDelete