Is NRE Account Interest Tax-Free? Complete Guide for NRIs

Once an NRI's residential status changes to an Indian resident, their NRE account loses its tax-free status in India. Under the provisions of FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), a person is considered an Indian resident when they move back to India with the intent to reside permanently.

Upon this change in your residency, you immediately need to inform your bank and convert your NRE account into a resident rupee account or a resident foreign currency (RFC) account. In this blog, we will discuss whether the NRE account interest is tax-free and when it loses its tax-free status.

What is an NRE Account for NRIs?

An NRE (Non-Resident External) account is a bank account specifically for NRIs that permits them to manage their foreign earnings in Indian Rupees. An NRE account is ideal if you wish to send money earned abroad to India.

The primary benefit of an NRE account is that both the principal and interest amount can be sent back abroad without any restrictions. It means that there are no limits on repatriation in an NRE account.

An NRE account can be opened as savings, current, recurring, or fixed deposits. NRE Fixed Deposits (NRE FD) accounts are fixed deposits that are funded by an NRI through their NRE accounts using foreign income. Unlike standard savings accounts, NRE accounts offer higher returns, making them the most popular investment choices for NRIs.

Is NRE Interest Taxable in India for NRIs?

According to the Indian tax laws, NRIs are taxed only on income earned in India. This means that the funds in your NRE (Non-Resident External) account, which are foreign earnings, are not taxable in India.

The interest earned from both NRE fixed deposits and NRE savings accounts is entirely exempt from taxes in India, and no tax is deducted at the source for this interest.

To take advantage of these tax benefits, it's important to be recognized as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Keeping your NRI status active is important to enjoy the tax-free perks associated with NRE accounts.

While the interest from NRE FDs and savings accounts is tax-exempt in India, it may be subject to taxation in your current country of residence. India has established Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with several nations, aiming to prevent double taxation. If such an agreement is in place between India and the country where you live, you may be eligible for tax exemptions or reduced tax rates on the interest earned from your NRE deposits.

When is an NRE Account Interest Taxable?

Interest earned on an NRE account is tax-exempt as long as you remain an NRI. However, upon your permanent return to India, you are classified as a resident under FEMA from the moment you arrive, making it non-compliant to keep your NRE account active.

You will need to either convert your NRE account into a resident account or transfer the funds to a Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) account. Interest on these accounts remains tax-free only while you maintain the RNOR status (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident), which is valid for up to three years after your return. After the RNOR period ends and you become a regular resident, all income, including interest, will be subject to full taxation in India.

How Do Banks Verify Your NRI Status?

The banks will frequently review your residency by checking your:

• Overseas Address Proof
• Periodic re-KYC updates
• Visa/Work Permit/Green Card
• PAN status (resident or NRI)
• Passport (entry/exit stamps)
• FATCA and CRS self-declaration

If they find any mismatch in the documents, like your PAN shows "resident". Then, the banks may:

• Deduct TDS
• Reclassify your account
• Ask for updated documents

What Happens to an NRE Account When You Move Back to India?

When you move back to India to reside permanently, or your residential status changes from Non-resident Indian (NRI) to resident. Then, you are not allowed to legally operate your NRE account in its original form because, as per the rules of FEMA, NRE accounts are specifically meant for NRIs. Upon becoming a resident, you should:

Convert NRE Savings Account to a Resident Savings Account

Banks are legally required to re-designate your NRE savings account into a regular resident savings account as:

• A resident is not allowed to hold an NRE account legally.
• FEMA guidelines mandate reclassification based on residential status.
• The interest earned on an NRE account becomes fully taxable.

NRE Fixed Deposits Will Be Converted to Resident FD or RFC FD

If you hold NRE fixed deposits (FDs), you are not allowed to continue in NRE status. Your bank will convert them into:

• Resident FD(Fixed Deposits): Interest becomes taxable under the Indian tax slab.
• RFC FD (Resident Foreign Currency Fixed Deposits): Allows holding foreign currency legally and may have tax benefits for a certain period.

Interest Starts Becoming Taxable

Once your status changes to a resident Indian:

• NRE interest exemption ends immediately
• Banks may start deducting TDS on the interest
• Interest on converted resident FDs becomes fully taxable.

To Conclude

An NRE account offers a tax-efficient way for NRIs to manage their foreign income in India. The interest earned on both NRE savings and fixed deposits is exempt from taxation, making them an attractive choice. It is essential to understand the taxation and compliance requirements for an NRE account.

To handle this transition smoothly, it's advised to consult an expert from the Savetaxs team. We have a team of experts who can help you understand the complexities of this status transition, as well as your associated tax obligations. Contact us anytime, as we are available 24*7 across all time zones.