Expatriate Tax Advisory Services

Your trusted expatriate tax partner: From residency status to tax filing, we simplify your cross-border taxation.

In today's global economy, talent moves fast - and often. Relocating to a different country can bring in a lot of exciting opportunities, but it also comes in with 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.

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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

Provides residential status evaluation under Section 6 to determine your tax liability.
Provides advice on global income taxation and foreign asset disclosure under Indian laws.
We assist with Permanent Account Number (PAN) registration and filing obligations.

Tax Return Filing & Compliance

Helps you with the preparation and filing of Indian income tax returns as an expatriate.
Ensuring compliance with Section 139 for accurate disclosures.
We provide advice on income sourced from India and abroad to minimise tax risks.

Salary Structuring & Tax Optimization

We provide tax-efficient salary structuring with allowance exemptions (Section 10(14)).
Helps to optimise the perquisites and benefits to reduce tax burdens.
Advice on stock options (ESOPs), bonuses and retirement contributions.

Double Taxation Relief & DTAA Benefits

Helps you with the application of DTAA provisions to avoid double taxation.
Assist you in claiming a Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) for taxes paid abroad.
Advisory on tax treaties and exemptions applicable to your home country.

Tax Planning for Inbound & Outbound Expatriates

Helps you with pre-arrival and exit tax planning for expatriates moving to or leaving India.
Structuring foreign investments to ensure tax efficiency.
Provides guidance on wealth tax, inheritance tax and capital gains.

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Why Choose MSA for Expatriate Tax Services

When it comes to cross-border tax, experience matters. Here's how our specialised team delivers clarity, control and confidence at every stage.

Specialised in Cross-Border Taxation

Our team focuses on expatriate tax matters daily - from DTAA claims to foreign asset disclosures and exit tax clearances.

End-to-End Assignment Support

We assist from pre-arrival planning to final exit - covering payroll, FRRO, tax filings and global income structuring.

Experienced in Global Mobility Cases

We've advised expats from 20+ countries, aligning tax strategy with employer secondment policies and host-country compliance.

Have questions or need more information? Give us a quick call on +919108004343 or request a callback - We are happy to help.

01Looking Beyond Just Compliance

Looking Beyond Just Compliance

There is more to expatriate tax than just ticking boxes.

Early Planning - Why It Matters

Many expatriates underestimate how quickly their residency status can shift - and with that, their entire tax picture. For example, once you cross 182 days of stay in India, you're typically treated as a resident. And if you're a resident for more than two out of the last ten years, your global income becomes taxable in India.

Early planning helps you:

Claim DTAA benefits the right way
Time your financial decisions (like stock sales or bonuses) smartly
Avoid penalties for late disclosure of overseas assets

At MSA, we step in before the complications start. That way, compliance doesn't become damage control.

Secondment & PE Risk – What You Might Miss

If your foreign employer sends you to work in India, there's more at stake than just your salary. The way your role is structured can trigger Permanent Establishment (PE) exposure for your employer, bringing the entire India branch under tax scrutiny.

We help companies and professionals:

Structure secondment contracts to mitigate PE risks
Review cost recharge mechanisms
Avoid dual withholding and base erosion concerns
Stay aligned with OECD guidelines and Indian tax laws

It's not just about your tax-it's about the company's too.

Global Mobility Insights

Here's what we have learned working with global businesses and mobile professionals.

Aligning Global Mobility With Business Goals

Expat tax isn't just a compliance checklist. It's an opportunity to design smarter international assignments. By aligning expat taxation with corporate mobility strategies, companies can:

Enhance compensation value through tax equalisation
Streamline global reporting
Build transparent, mobile-ready HR policies

We've worked with MNCs deploying executives for digital transformation, energy projects and high-value M&A transitions. When mobility supports strategy - not just logistics - everyone benefits.

The Overlooked Side of Exit Planning

Many expats are laser-focused on entry compliance - but forget that how you leave India matters just as much. Without proper deregistration and an Income Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC), your re-entry could be blocked or worse, flagged for non-compliance.

We prepare a full exit plan that includes:

FRRO de-registration
Final tax filings
TDS reconciliations
Clearance certificates

That way, you leave clean - with no loose ends or legal hurdles down the line.

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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.