Form 15G and 15H for NRIs: can you submit them?
Form 15G and 15H are self-declarations available only to resident individuals and HUFs — NRIs cannot submit them to avoid TDS. NRIs who want to reduce TDS on NRO interest or other India income must apply for a lower TDS certificate (Form 13) from their Assessing Officer on the Income Tax portal.
NRIs cannot use Form 15G/15H — use Form 13 instead
NRIs cannot submit Form 15G or 15H because these forms are restricted to resident individuals and HUFs. An NRI whose taxable India income is below the basic exemption can apply for a lower or nil TDS certificate using Form 13 (filed online on the Income Tax portal) — once approved, the bank deducts TDS at the lower rate specified in the certificate.
Key points
- 15G/15H not available to NRIs — The Income Tax Act restricts Form 15G (below 60) and 15H (above 60) to resident individuals and HUFs. NRIs are explicitly excluded.
- Form 13 is the NRI alternative — NRIs apply for a lower TDS certificate via Form 13 on the Income Tax e-filing portal. The AO issues a certificate specifying the lower rate.
- Reclaim excess TDS via ITR — Even without a lower TDS certificate, NRIs can reclaim any excess TDS by filing ITR and claiming a refund.
Why NRIs cannot use Form 15G or 15H
Section 197A of the Income Tax Act, which governs Forms 15G and 15H, specifically applies to 'person (not being a company or firm)' who are resident in India. NRIs are non-resident, so they are ineligible.
Banks and AMCs are required to verify the declarant's residential status. If an NRI submits Form 15G, the payer may reject it and deduct TDS at the applicable NRI rate.
How to reduce TDS on NRO interest as an NRI
Step 1: Log into the Income Tax e-filing portal and go to e-File > Income Tax Forms > Form 13.
Step 2: Fill in your details, the payer's (bank's) details, estimated income, applicable DTAA provisions if any, and the justification for a lower rate (e.g. total India income is below basic exemption).
Step 3: Submit Form 13 — the system sends it to your Assessing Officer (AO). The AO may approve, modify or reject.
Step 4: If approved, download the lower TDS certificate and submit it to your bank. The bank deducts TDS at the rate specified in the certificate until its validity date.
Note: Form 13 is typically filed at the start of each financial year and must be renewed annually.
Frequently asked questions
What TDS rate applies to NRO interest without Form 13?
30% plus surcharge and cess (effective ~31.2%) under Section 195. This is deducted by the bank at source.
Can DTAA reduce TDS on NRO interest?
Yes, in some cases. Submit a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from your country of residence to the bank. Under many DTAAs, interest is taxed at a lower rate (e.g. 10–15%). The bank will apply the DTAA rate if you submit the TRC and Form 10F.
If TDS is already deducted, can I get a refund?
Yes. File ITR-2 in India showing total India income, applicable deductions and tax liability. If TDS exceeds the tax payable, the excess is refunded to your NRO account.