Form 15CA: Download Utility & Complete Guide to Filing for Foreign Remittances from India

Form 15CA: Complete Guide to Filing for Foreign Remittances from India

Form 15CA is a crucial compliance requirement under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. It mandates any person making a payment to a non-resident (not being a company) or to a foreign company to furnish information related to such payment. Whether you are an individual, business entity, or organization involved in foreign transactions, understanding and filing Form 15CA correctly is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth remittance.

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about Form 15CA – when and why it is needed, how to file it using the official utility, schema downloads, and a step-by-step filing process using the e-Filing portal.

What is Form 15CA?

Form 15CA is a declaration form under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act that needs to be submitted before making payments to non-residents. It is used to track and regulate foreign remittances and ensure tax compliance.

This form is typically submitted online through the Income Tax e-Filing portal and often precedes the filing of Form 15CB (certificate from a Chartered Accountant), though Form 15CB may not always be necessary depending on the amount and nature of remittance.

Who Should File Form 15CA?

The form must be filed by any resident (individual, company, or other entity) making payments to:

• A non-resident individual
• A foreign company
• Any foreign entity receiving taxable payments from India

Whether the remittance is taxable in India or not, the reporting obligation under Form 15CA may still apply. In some cases, Form 15CB is required before filing Form 15CA.

Why is Form 15CA Required?

The main purpose of Form 15CA is to ensure that taxes are collected at the source before money leaves the country. It helps the Income Tax Department monitor foreign transactions and assess whether appropriate tax deductions have been made under Section 195.

Even if the income is not chargeable to tax in India, Form 15CA must be submitted to document that fact, unless specifically exempted by law or under RBI guidelines.

Different Parts of Form 15CA

Form 15CA is divided into four parts, depending on the nature and amount of remittance:

• Part A: Where the remittance is below ₹5 lakh during the financial year and is chargeable to tax
• Part B: Where the remittance exceeds ₹5 lakh and Form 15CB is obtained
• Part C: Where the remittance exceeds ₹5 lakh and is not chargeable to tax
• Part D: Where remittance is not chargeable to tax and falls under the specified list in Rule 37BB

It’s important to choose the correct part based on the specific nature of your transaction.

Download Form 15CA Utility

To simplify filing, the Income Tax Department provides an Excel-based offline utility to prepare and generate a JSON file for Form 15CA. The JSON can then be uploaded to the e-Filing portal.

🔗 Download Link: Form 15CA Utility ZIP – 577 KB

Always extract the ZIP file before opening the Excel utility. Enable macros in Excel for proper functionality.

Download Form 15CA Schema

The schema outlines the structure for Form 15CA’s data and is essential for developers and finance professionals who need to validate the form against the correct format.

🔗 Download Link: Form 15CA Schema ZIP – 17 KB

First Release Date: Notified by the Income Tax Department

Ensure you use the latest schema version to avoid file rejections during submission.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Form 15CA Online

1. Download the latest utility from the official Income Tax website and open it in Excel.
2. Fill in all necessary details such as PAN, remitter and remittee details, nature of remittance, amount, and applicable TDS.
3. Select the correct Part (A, B, C, or D) based on your transaction type.
4. Validate the form and generate a JSON file.
5. Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
6. Go to “e-File” → “Income Tax Forms” → “File Income Tax Forms.”
7. Select “Form 15CA” and upload the generated JSON file.
8. Submit the form using either DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) or EVC (Electronic Verification Code).

You will receive an acknowledgment after successful submission. Save it as proof of compliance, especially when submitting documents to the bank.

When is Form 15CB Required?

Form 15CB is a certificate from a Chartered Accountant certifying the details of the remittance. It is mandatory if:

• The payment exceeds ₹5 lakh in a financial year
• The remittance is chargeable to tax

Form 15CB must be obtained and filed before submitting Form 15CA Part B. However, for certain non-taxable transactions or those covered under Rule 37BB, Form 15CB is not required.

Documents Required for Filing

• PAN of the remitter
• Bank details of remitter and remittee
• Purpose of remittance
• Amount of remittance
• DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) certificate if applicable
• Form 15CB (if required)

System Requirements

Before using the Excel utility, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Windows 7 or later (64-bit preferred)
• Microsoft Excel 2010 or later
• Edge browser must be installed (required for utility functionality)
• Active internet connection

Enable macros in Excel to allow the utility to generate the JSON file.

Penalty for Non-Filing of Form 15CA

Failure to submit Form 15CA before remitting funds abroad can attract heavy penalties:

• Penalty under Section 271-I: ₹1 lakh for non-filing
• Bank may refuse to process the remittance without a valid Form 15CA
• Scrutiny or assessment from the Income Tax Department for unexplained foreign payments

Tips for Filing Form 15CA Smoothly

• Ensure accuracy of all details – especially PAN, name, and purpose of remittance
• Choose the correct part (A, B, C, D) to avoid rejection
• Always validate your JSON file before upload
• Use the latest utility and schema from the Income Tax Department
• Seek professional help if unsure about the taxability of your transaction

Conclusion

Form 15CA is an essential declaration for anyone making foreign remittances from India. It helps ensure tax compliance and prevents misuse of foreign exchange facilities. Whether you are remitting funds for investment, professional services, royalties, or personal transfers, filing Form 15CA accurately is mandatory.

Use the downloadable utility and schema provided above to prepare your form offline. Follow the step-by-step instructions to upload your form securely and on time. Avoid penalties and ensure a smooth transaction by staying compliant with all the procedural and legal requirements of the Income Tax Act.