Tax, property and money transfers for Keralites abroad and returning home
In short: A. George & Associates advises NRIs from Kerala living in the Gulf, Europe, North America and elsewhere, and families returning to Kerala. We file NRI income tax returns, work out residential status, handle tax on sale of property in Kerala including lower TDS certificates, prepare remittance certificates for moving money abroad, and plan the tax position of NRIs who are coming back.
Kerala has one of the largest overseas communities in India, and most NRIs keep property, deposits and family responsibilities here. Tax questions usually surface at the worst moment: when a buyer deducts heavy TDS on a property sale, when a bank asks for a certificate before sending money abroad, or when someone returns home and is unsure how foreign income will be taxed.
We handle these regularly from our office in Kochi, explain the position in plain language, and work with clients remotely so they do not need to travel.
Sound familiar?
"The buyer of our family property says he has to deduct a huge amount of TDS."
"The bank will not send money abroad from my NRO account without a CA certificate."
"I am moving back to Kerala next year and do not know how my savings abroad will be taxed."
"TDS was deducted on my deposits, and I have never claimed it back."
These are the questions Kerala NRIs bring us every week.
What we do for NRIs
Residential status
Working out whether you are a non-resident, resident but not ordinarily resident (RNOR) or resident for the year, which decides what income is taxable in India.
NRI income tax returns
Returns covering rent, interest on NRO deposits, capital gains and other Indian income, with credit for tax already deducted and refunds where due.
Selling property in Kerala
Capital gains computation, reinvestment options, and the high TDS a buyer must deduct when buying from an NRI. We apply for a lower or nil deduction certificate where the actual tax is lower.
Sending money abroad
Advice on repatriation from NRO accounts within the limits allowed, and the chartered accountant's certificate and declarations banks require before remitting.
Returning NRIs
Planning the year of return: RNOR status, treatment of foreign income and assets, foreign currency and NRE deposits, and disclosure of foreign assets once resident.
Double taxation relief
Claiming credit under India's tax treaties where income is taxed both in India and abroad, and advice for NRIs in countries with no income tax.
What you get
Clarity on your status
Know exactly what is taxable in India this year.
Less tax locked up
Lower TDS certificates and refunds pursued, not left behind.
Money moved properly
Certificates and documents banks need, done right the first time.
All online
No need to fly home: we work by email, WhatsApp and video.
How we work with you abroad
- Call or WhatsApp: A short discussion of your situation, wherever you are.
- Document checklist: A clear list of what we need, shared and returned online.
- Computation and advice: We work out the tax and explain the options before filing.
- Filing and follow-up: Returns, certificates and applications filed, and refunds tracked.
Read more: NRI tax services and investment in Kochi. Related: income tax consultants in Kochi.
Selling property in Kerala as an NRI: checklist
What to check before, during and after the sale: TDS, lower deduction certificates, repatriation and your return.
Frequently asked questions
I am selling my flat in Kochi. Why is the buyer deducting so much TDS?
A buyer purchasing property from an NRI must deduct tax at higher rates on the sale value, regardless of your actual gain. If your actual tax is lower, we can apply to the income tax department for a lower or nil deduction certificate before the sale.
Do NRIs need to file an income tax return in India?
If your Indian income exceeds the basic exemption limit, or if you want a refund of excess TDS, you should file a return. Many NRIs file mainly to recover TDS deducted on interest or property sales.
Can I send money from my NRO account abroad?
Yes, within the limits allowed under foreign exchange rules, after tax is paid. Banks usually ask for a chartered accountant's certificate and a declaration before remitting, which we prepare.
I am returning to Kerala for good. How will my foreign income be taxed?
Returning NRIs may qualify as resident but not ordinarily resident (RNOR) for a period, during which most foreign income stays outside Indian tax. Planning the year of return and your deposits can save significant tax.
Can you handle everything while I am abroad?
Yes. Most of our NRI clients work with us entirely online, by email, WhatsApp and video calls, with documents shared securely.