18 November 2009
Is individual is required to deduct TDS u/s 195(e) while making payment to non resident in respect of purchase of house property from non resident ??
23 July 2025
Great question — this touches on an important and often misunderstood area of **TDS under Section 195** when **an individual buys immovable property from a Non-Resident (NRI)**.
Let’s break it down clearly.
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## ✅ **Is an Individual required to deduct TDS u/s 195 when buying property from an NRI?**
**Yes. Absolutely.**
Section **195 of the Income Tax Act** applies **to all persons**, including **individuals**, **irrespective of whether they are doing business or not**, when making any **payment to a non-resident that is chargeable to tax in India**.
> 🏡 So, if you (an individual) are buying a **house from an NRI**, then **TDS must be deducted** on the **capital gains component** of the sale.
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## 🔍 Important Points:
### ✅ 1. **Which section applies?**
* **Section 195**, not 194-IA.
* **Section 194-IA** applies only when **resident sellers** are involved. * In your case, the **seller is an NRI**, so **194-IA is not applicable**.
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### ✅ 2. **What is the TDS rate?**
* **TDS under Section 195** must be deducted **on the capital gains** (not the total sale consideration). * The applicable rate depends on:
* **Short-term or long-term capital gain** * Whether the NRI has **applied for a lower or nil deduction certificate** from the Assessing Officer (via **Form 13**)
#### Indicative TDS Rates (as per current provisions):
| Capital Gain Type | Base Rate | Surcharge | Cess | Effective Rate | | ---------------------- | --------- | ---------- | -------- | ------------------- | | Long-Term Gain (LTCG) | 20% | +Surcharge | +4% Cess | \~20.8% to \~23.92% | | Short-Term Gain (STCG) | 30% | +Surcharge | +4% Cess | \~31.2% to \~35.88% |
> These rates apply to **capital gain**, not full sale value. > But if **gain amount is not known**, then TDS is generally deducted on **full consideration** to be safe — **unless a lower deduction certificate is obtained**.
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### ✅ 3. **Can the NRI get lower TDS deduction?**
Yes. The seller (NRI) can apply for a **certificate for lower or nil TDS** under **Form 13** to the **Income Tax Department**. If approved:
* You can deduct TDS at the approved lower rate * Without it, you're expected to deduct on **full sale value** at above rates
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### ✅ 4. **TAN required for buyer?**
Yes. To deduct TDS u/s 195, the buyer must obtain a **TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number)** — **Form 26QB does not apply** in NRI cases.
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### ✅ 5. **Form 15CA & 15CB required?**
Yes, in most cases:
* **Form 15CB** (CA certificate) is needed to certify the nature and amount of tax * **Form 15CA** is filed online by the buyer before remitting any amount (even within India)
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## ✅ Summary
| Question | Answer | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | Is individual required to deduct TDS u/s 195 on purchase from NRI? | ✅ Yes | | Which section applies? | **Section 195** | | Rate of TDS? | **Depends on capital gains** (typically 20%–30% + SC + Cess) | | TAN required? | ✅ Yes | | Form 26QB to be used? | ❌ No | | Form 15CA/15CB required? | ✅ Usually, yes |
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Let me know if you'd like:
* Sample calculation of TDS * Help with filing 15CA/15CB * Draft of lower deduction certificate application (Form 13)