Returning individual likely RNOR for FY 2024-25 and 2025-26; becomes ROR from FY 2026-27, when foreign asset disclosure starts. Transfer of past foreign savings is not taxable. Maintain bank records and documents to prove funds are capital or tax refunds, not income.
13 April 2026
Hi Experts, I have few queries regarding the Foreign assets declaration etc. 1. If an individual wasn't in India for last 10 Years (only for visits less then 15 days in an year) and returned in 10th August 2024 for good.Till when will he be in RNOR status and from which FY 26-27 or FY 27-28 should he be declaring Foreign Assets. 2. Post RNOR Status if he transfers any savings account money ( not income) to India what is the tax applicable?
13 April 2026
RNOR Duration: You will likely hold RNOR status for two financial years: FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26. FY 2024-25: Since you returned in August, you will stay more than 182 days in India, making you a Resident. However, you meet the "9 out of 10 years NRI" rule, qualifying you as RNOR. FY 2025-26: You will still be RNOR because, for the 10 years preceding this year, you were an NRI for 9 of them (all years except FY 2024-25).
13 April 2026
You are not required to declare foreign assets (Schedule FA) in your Indian Income Tax Return (ITR) while you are an RNOR. Mandatory declaration begins from FY 2026-27 (Assessment Year 2027-28), which is when you first become an ROR.
13 April 2026
Transferring your past savings (not current income) from a foreign account to India is not taxable. Tax-Paid Capital: Under Indian tax laws, transferring your own "capital" or "savings" (money on which you have already fulfilled tax obligations in the foreign country) to your Indian account is considered a movement of capital, not new income. Post-RNOR Transfers: Even after you lose your RNOR status, the act of remitting your past accumulated foreign savings into India remains tax-free.
14 April 2026
Thanks again Dhirajlal Rambhia. Appreciate your expert opinion.How do we show that it is the capital we are transferring and not the income Post RNOR status ? Will bank Statement showing funds during RNOR status suffice ?
15 April 2026
How do we show that the money transferred if from RNOR status and not post RNOR status? Will showing bank account statement from RNOR tenure help ? Also I have some pending refund from foreign tax authorities which has been delayed quite some time it might be received in FY 26-27.How do I give proof that it is refund and not income.
15 April 2026
Statement from the authority as refund. Any amount transferred from foreign bank (during RNOR status or otherwise) should be proved that it is not income of the year, but tax paid savings from earlier year. Bank statements are generally accepted.