The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) plays a crucial role in streamlining Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investments. This legislation, passed by the United States government, aims to promote transparency and prevent tax evasion. By understanding the implications of FATCA on NRI investments, individuals can make informed decisions and navigate the regulatory landscape with ease. However, there are some initial procedures and paperwork that must be carried out. US NRIs have to mandatorily comply with the US Government’s FATCA regulations, before investing in India.
The FATCA allows financial institutions to withhold tax from US NRI investors who don’t meet documentation requirements. FATCA also requires financial institutions to notify the US tax department if a US person avoids taxes. FATCA is an attempt to track US persons who earn money from overseas investments and stash assets in other countries.
What is FATCA Act?

In 2010 FATCA – Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act was established by the US Tax Department (IRS) for tax evasion and tax compliance. This Act will be able to identify and prevent any US citizen or tax resident from attempting offshore tax avoidance. It gathers information about US owners of non-US entities and keeps track of the income generated by assets and investments abroad.
If the US NRI investor does not meet the documentation criteria, FATCA gives financial institutions the authority to stifle tax. In the event that a US citizen engages in tax evasion, all financial institutions that have registered under this legislation are required to immediately notify the US tax agency. Investors, both person and non-individual, must submit a FATCA self-declaration.
As a result, many NRIs have moved their investments from offshore accounts to onshore accounts in India. This has led to a streamlining of NRI investment in India, as NRIs are now more likely to invest through regulated channels.
Here are some of the specific ways in which the FATCA Act has streamlined NRI investment in India:
- Increased transparency: The FATCA Act has made it more difficult for NRIs to hide their offshore accounts from the IRS. This has led to increased transparency in NRI investment, as NRIs are now more likely to invest through regulated channels.
- Reduced compliance burden: The FATCA Act has reduced the compliance burden on NRIs by eliminating the need to file multiple tax returns, one for India and one for the US.
- Improved ease of doing business: The FATCA Act has made it easier for NRIs to invest in India by simplifying the investment process and reducing the number of documents required.
Overall, the FATCA Act has played a significant role in streamlining NRI investment in India. The law has made it more difficult for NRIs to hide their offshore accounts from the IRS, which has led to increased transparency and reduced compliance burden. Additionally, the law has simplified the investment process and reduced the number of documents required, making it easier for NRIs to invest in India.
Is FATCA applicable to NRI?
Yes, FATCA is applicable to NRIs. In 2014, the Indian government inserted Rules 114F to 114H and Form 61B in the Income Tax Act to comply with FATCA. From January 2016 onwards, all Indian and NRI investors (existing and new) were required to self-declare FATCA compliance.
To self-declare FATCA compliance, NRIs need to submit Form 61B to their financial institution in India. Form 61B requires NRIs to provide information such as their name, address, date of birth, country of citizenship, and tax identification number (TIN).
NRIs who fail to self-declare FATCA compliance may be subject to a penalty of up to INR 50,000. Additionally, their financial institution in India may be required to withhold 30% tax on their payments and investments.
Here are some of the reasons why FATCA is applicable to NRIs:
- NRIs may have US citizenship or residency status.
- NRIs may have US financial accounts.
- NRIs may have US-source income.
FATCA is a global initiative to combat tax evasion. It is important for NRIs to comply with FATCA in order to avoid financial penalties and to support the global fight against tax evasion.
India-US agreement to ensure FATCA compliance
- Name
- Permanent Account Number (PAN)
- Address
- Place (city/state) of birth
- Country of birth
- Nationality
- Gross Annual Income
- Occupation
- whether a person resides in another nation. if so, specifics on the nation of residency, Tax ID number, and category.
The registration specifically asks for the US to be entered as a residence country if one is a US citizen or green card holder. This holds true even if one has gone to India and resides there right now. The tax authorities would have access to all necessary information as a result of this revelation. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned information changes, you are required to notify the relevant financial institution within 30 days of the change.
Agreement Between the US and India to implement FATCA
The US-India agreement to implement FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) marks an important step towards global tax compliance and transparency. FATCA is designed to ensure that U.S. citizens and residents are meeting their tax obligations, even when they have financial assets in foreign countries. This not only benefits the U.S. government but also has significant implications for foreign financial institutions, including those in India. Here’s an overview of the key points related to the US-India FATCA agreement:
- Enhancing Tax Compliance: FATCA is a powerful tool for promoting tax compliance among U.S. taxpayers with overseas assets. It requires foreign financial institutions to report account information of U.S. account holders to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Streamlining Tax Reporting: For foreign financial institutions, FATCA represents an opportunity to streamline their tax reporting processes. By complying with FATCA requirements, they can demonstrate their commitment to international tax standards and build trust with investors.
- Indian Government’s Response: In 2014, the Indian government made amendments to the Income Tax Act by inserting Rules 114F to 114H and Form 61B. These rules and forms laid out the regulatory framework for implementing FATCA within the Indian financial system.
- Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA): In 2015, the Indian government signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United States to facilitate the implementation of FATCA. This agreement laid the groundwork for cooperation between Indian and U.S. tax authorities.
- Information Sharing: As per the agreement, Indian tax officials are required to obtain specific account information from U.S. investors holding accounts in Indian financial institutions. This information is then shared with the IRS to ensure that U.S. citizens are fulfilling their tax obligations.
- Transparency and Trust: The ultimate goal of the US-India FATCA agreement is to increase transparency in cross-border financial transactions. By doing so, it helps both the U.S. and Indian governments identify and track potentially taxable assets. This, in turn, strengthens trust in the global financial system.
- Legal Basis for Reporting: The agreement provides a legal basis for reporting financial institutions to maintain and report personal and income details of U.S. account holders. This reporting is a critical component of FATCA’s effectiveness in ensuring tax compliance.
The US-India agreement to implement FATCA is a pivotal development in the realm of international tax compliance. It serves to streamline tax reporting, enhance transparency, and promote trust among foreign financial institutions, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of global tax compliance. This not only benefits governments but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the global financial system.
Impact of FATCA on U.S. NRIs: Compliance Requirements for Investments in India

Failure to comply with FATCA can result in severe repercussions like freezing of bank accounts, blocking of NPS accounts, and suspension of mutual fund investments. Let’s explore specific examples of investment avenues and the implications of FATCA for U.S. NRIs:
NRIs Investing in Mutual Funds
Indian mutual fund houses must adhere to regulations when accepting investments from NRI investors. This includes a requirement for a FATCA self-declaration by NRIs and the resident country’s Tax Residency Number. Some mutual fund houses insist on offline investments to ensure compliance with FATCA. This process ensures that either the NRI investor or the Power of Attorney is present and adheres to FATCA guidelines. Due to the detailed disclosure requirements of FATCA, some Indian mutual fund houses have declined investments from U.S. NRIs, although this is the exception rather than the rule.
NRIs Buying Life Insurance
To purchase life insurance policies in India online, a U.S. NRI is required to have an Indian passport and submit the necessary FATCA self-declaration.
National Pension Scheme (NPS) Account
NPS account holders can submit their FATCA declaration online. In the offline mode, one can download and submit the self-declaration form for NPS FATCA at the nearest branch or point of presence (PoP).
Tax evasion is a global issue that demands a global solution. FATCA underscores the importance of global transparency, disclosure, and consistency in compliance standards. While U.S. NRI investors must be mindful of FATCA provisions before investing, these requirements should not deter them from considering investments in various financial instruments and assets in India. HDFC Bank’s NRI program simplifies the process, making it easier, more accessible, and faster for U.S. NRIs to invest in India across different investment instruments.
In conclusion, the FATCA Act plays a crucial role in streamlining NRI investment. By requiring financial institutions to report information about their U.S. account holders, it helps prevent tax evasion and promotes transparency. This not only benefits the U.S. government but also ensures a level playing field for NRIs who want to invest in the U.S. Furthermore, the Act simplifies the process for NRIs to comply with tax obligations and provides them with better access to financial services. Overall, the FATCA Act has been instrumental in creating a more efficient and secure environment for NRI investment.