—Guide
Remittances That Don't Need Form 15CA or 15CB: The Specified List
Which foreign remittances are exempt from Form 15CA and 15CB — the specified list, LRS remittances by individuals, import payments — and when Part D or Part A applies instead.
Not every payment abroad needs Form 15CA or 15CB. The rules exempt many common remittances. Knowing the exemptions saves time and fees. This guide covers the rules under the Income-tax Act, 1961; forms may be renumbered under rules made under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Remittances by Individuals Under LRS
Remittances by individuals that don't require RBI approval under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme generally don't need Form 15CA or 15CB — for example, sending money for education, travel or gifts. Banks may still ask for their own forms, and TCS may apply.
The Specified List
The rules contain a specified list of remittance types exempt from the forms, including items such as:
- Payments for imports of goods.
- Advance payments against imports.
- Indian investments abroad in equity and debt.
- Travel expenses, including business travel.
- Payments for education and medical treatment abroad.
- Freight and certain transport payments.
- Remittances by Indian embassies and certain government payments.
Check the current list; banks use purpose codes to identify these.
When Forms Still Apply
- Part A of Form 15CA: taxable remittances up to ₹5 lakh in the year — no 15CB.
- Part B: taxable remittances covered by a lower deduction certificate — no 15CB.
- Part C: taxable remittances above ₹5 lakh — 15CB needed.
- Part D: remittances not taxable in India, other than those on the specified list.
Caution
An exemption from the forms isn't an exemption from tax. Where tax is due on a payment, it must still be deducted.
Getting Help
Think Filing helps businesses and individuals decide which forms apply and prepares them.