18 October 2012
Querry 1: Can payment under a contract be made in home currency while the contract value is in foreign currency and the services under the contract is provided at foreign soil.
Querry 2: If the above payment can be in home currency the what are the tax issues needs to be addressed at Home soil as well as Foreign soil.
19 October 2012
There is no restriction under the income tax regarding the payment in Foreign Currency in India, where the services are rendered outside India.
In your case , if the payment is made in India, then if the payment is for Technical or Professional/consultancy work , then TDS would be attracted at the rate of 10 % under sec. 194 C, if the payee has PAN in India. If the payee does not have PAN , then TDS will be attracted at the rate of 20%.
In case the payment is made outside India, services are rendered outside India and also the payee does not have any Permanent Establishment in India nor the payee is resident in India, then probably there would not be any TDS as the provisions of DTAA entered into by India with various countries provides for Nil tds in such cases.
20 October 2012
I pre assume that contract is between a R & NR. My views: a. Currency does not effect in any way TDS. b. TDS shall be applicable as u/s 195. c. DTAA benefits can be availed. But in case of FTS most treaties will levy TDS.
26 October 2012
Both the dedutor and deductee are resident in India. The contract is in USD and the contract is executed by deductee's branch office situated outside India. As per my view 194C will attract in this case as this is purly a construction related contract.
But can the TDS be deducted in foreign currency and then remited to exchequer by converting the same at the rate in force at that time?
Further if contractor wants to take the payment in INR by converting the foreign currency. Is it possible to pay them in INR after deducting TDS in INR instead of USD?
01 August 2024
Let's address your queries on international business and taxation in detail.
### Query 1: Payment in Home Currency for Foreign Contract
Yes, a payment under a contract can be made in home currency even if the contract value is in a foreign currency and the services are provided abroad. However, this arrangement must be clearly stipulated in the contract and agreed upon by both parties involved.
### Query 2: Tax Issues and TDS on Foreign Contracts
**1. Tax Issues and Compliance**
- **Home Country (India):**
1. **TDS Deduction:** - Since both the deductor and deductee are resident in India, the TDS provisions under the Income Tax Act of India will apply. - For construction contracts, Section 194C of the Income Tax Act is applicable. - TDS is generally deducted based on the contract value in the currency specified in the contract (in this case, USD). However, TDS needs to be deposited in INR, so you will need to convert the amount of TDS to INR at the applicable exchange rate.
2. **Conversion and Deposit:** - TDS should be deducted in INR based on the value of the contract in foreign currency. - The conversion from USD to INR should be done using the exchange rate in force on the date of deduction of TDS. - The TDS amount in INR should then be deposited with the Income Tax Department.
3. **Filing and Reporting:** - Ensure that the TDS deducted and deposited is accurately reported in the TDS returns (e.g., Form 26Q). - Provide the contractor with a TDS certificate (Form 16A) reflecting the TDS deducted and deposited.
- **Foreign Country (Where Services are Provided):**
1. **Taxation in the Foreign Country:** - Generally, if the services are provided outside India, the income may be subject to tax in the foreign jurisdiction. - India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with many countries, which may provide relief from double taxation. You should consult the relevant DTAA provisions to determine tax liabilities in the foreign country and how they can be adjusted against taxes paid in India.
2. **Regulatory Requirements:** - Ensure compliance with any local regulations in the foreign country regarding income recognition, taxation, and repatriation of funds.
**2. Payment in INR:**
- **Paying in INR After Deducting TDS in INR:** - It is possible to make the payment in INR after converting the foreign currency contract amount to INR and deducting TDS in INR. This is practical if both parties agree to this arrangement and the contractor agrees to accept INR. - Ensure that the conversion rate used for TDS calculation and the actual payment is consistent and transparent.
### Summary:
- **TDS Deduction:** Convert the contract amount from USD to INR using the prevailing exchange rate at the time of deduction. Deduct TDS in INR and deposit it with the Indian tax authorities. - **Payment in INR:** If both parties agree, you can pay the contractor in INR after deducting TDS in INR. Ensure that the contract terms support this arrangement and that all regulatory and compliance requirements are met.
Always consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and to handle complex cross-border tax matters.