Expatriate Tax Advisory Services
Your trusted expatriate tax partner: From residency status to tax filing, we simplify your cross-border taxation.
Understanding Expatriate Tax Responsibilities in India
In today's global economy, talent moves fast - and often. Relocating to a different country can certainly bring a lot of exciting opportunities. However, it also comes with issues like figuring out the local tax obligations.
Whether you are a foreigner working in India or an Indian expatriate earning abroad, its important to understand the tax responsibilities to avoid any sort of unnecessary liabilities and fines.
Expatriate tax in India refers to the tax liabilities of foreign nationals earning income in India and Indian citizens working abroad. Expatriate tax comes under the Income Tax Act, of 1961 and it governs the taxation of expatriates.
At MSA, we help individuals and businesses handle expatriate taxation with clarity, confidence and compliance - so that global moves feel exciting, not exhausting. We help you understand the complexities of cross-border salary structuring.
Whether you are an employee working abroad, a company managing a mobile workforce or a foreign resident earning in another country, we help you minimise your tax liabilities and make sure that you are compliant with tax laws.
Common Expatriate Tax Challenges & How We Solve Them
While there are many challenges, here are a few that typically causes confusion and risk:
Double Taxation – Paying Taxes Twice
As an expatriate there are chances that you might end up paying both Indian tax and your home country tax, resulting in less take-home income.
Our Solution:
- We apply Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) for tax optimization.
- We claim Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) where applicable to offset taxes paid abroad.
Problem in Determining Tax Residency Status
In India, your tax liability depends on your qualification as a resident, non-resident or resident but not an ordinary resident under section 6 of the Income Tax Act. Any sort of misclassification can result in unnecessary tax payments.
Our Solution:
- We help you by assessing your residential status based on stay duration and global income sources.
- Offer pre-arrival tax planning to minimize tax burdens before relocation.
Compliance with Indian Tax Laws & FEMA Regulations
As an expatriate, there are chances that you might miss out on important requirements, that could lead to possibilities of penalties, double taxation and legal risks.
Our Solution:
- Help you with proper tax return filing (Section 139), foreign asset disclosures (Schedule FA) and FEMA compliance.
- Helps you with the GST implications for expatriates engaged in business or freelancing.
Our Expatriate Tax Services
Figuring out the ins and out of India's tax system can be complex with the residency rules, global income considerations and compliance requirements.
Our experts here at MSA ensure that you stay compliant while optimising your tax position.
Tax Residency & Compliance Assessment
- We provide you with residential status evaluation under Section 6 to determine your tax liability.
- We offer you advice on global income taxation and foreign asset disclosure under Indian laws.
- We will assist you with Permanent Account Number (PAN) registration and necessary filing obligations.
Tax Return Filing & Compliance
- We will help you with the preparation and filing of Indian income tax returns as an expatriate.
- We take care of compliance with Section 139 for accurate disclosures.
- We will provide you advice on income sourced from India and abroad to minimise tax risks.
Salary Structuring & Tax Optimization
- We will provide you tax-efficient salary structuring with allowance exemptions (Section 10(14)).
- Our experts will help yu to optimise the perquisites and benefits to reduce tax burdens.
- We will provide prompt advice you on stock options (ESOPs), bonuses and retirement contributions.
Double Taxation Relief & DTAA Benefits
- We will help you with the application of DTAA provisions to avoid double taxation.
- Our experts will assist you in claiming a Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) for taxes paid abroad.
- Our team will offer advisory on tax treaties and exemptions applicable to your home country.
Tax Planning for Inbound & Outbound Expatriates
- We will help you with pre-arrival and exit tax planning for expatriates moving to or leaving India.
- We will take care of structuring foreign investments to ensure tax efficiency.
- Our guidance on wealth tax, inheritance tax and capital gains is part of this service.
Why Choose MSA for Expatriate Tax Services
When it comes to cross-border tax, experience really matters. Here is how our specialised team will deliver better clarity, control and confidence at every stage.
Specialised in Cross-Border Taxation
Our team will focus on expatriate tax matters - from DTAA claims to foreign asset disclosures and exit tax clearances.
End-to-End Assignment Support
We will assist you from pre-arrival planning to final exit - covering payroll, FRRO, tax filings and global income structuring.
Experienced in Global Mobility Cases
We have advised expats from over 20+ countries, aligning tax strategy with employer secondment policies and host-country compliance.
Simplify Your Expatriate Tax Journey with Our Expert Guidance
Understanding the details of expatriate tax regulations can be difficult, with the complex residency rules and potential double taxation risks that you might face. Even a small misstep can lead to unnecessary tax burdens, penalties or missed exemptions. That's why it is so important to have an expert to plan your tax in a well-formatted way.
Whether you're planning a move, halfway through your assignment or preparing to return - we'll help you stay compliant, plan smart and avoid surprises. Our team at MSA will provide you with expert assistance on exchange control regulations, social security contributions and cross-border salary structuring, areas that are often overlooked but important to long-term compliance.
Our Key Experts For Expatriate Tax
CA Mukunda
Areas of Specialisation:
- Direct Tax Advisory
- Corporate Tax Planning
- Tax Audit Support
- FEMA & RBI Coordination
CA Shiva Prakash H S
Areas of Specialisation:
- International Tax Advisory
- Transfer Pricing
- Strategic Tax Advisory
- M&A Tax Advisory
CA Devendra Nayak
Areas of Specialisation:
- Tax Law Compliance
- Litigation & Representation
- Transfer Pricing Risk Assessment
- NRI Investment Taxation
CA Mani Thoka
Areas of Specialisation:
- Indirect Tax Advisory
- GST Filing & Reporting
- Customs & Excise Advisory
- Expatriate Tax Advisory