When rental income in India involves an NRI landlord, both tenants and property owners may encounter tax compliance requirements before the payment or remittance can be completed.
A common situation is where:
Historically, these situations often involved Form 15CA and Form 15CB.
With the introduction of the Income-tax Act, 2025, these forms have now been replaced:
Understanding Form 145 and Form 146 for Rental Income Remittance is therefore essential for both tenants and NRI property owners.
When rental income is being paid to an NRI landlord or later remitted abroad, banks and authorised dealer institutions may require tax compliance documentation before processing the transaction.
This is where Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance become relevant.
These forms help establish that:
Without proper documentation, payments or remittances may be delayed or rejected.
If a tenant is paying rent to an NRI landlord, the payment may be subject to tax withholding and reporting requirements under Indian tax law.
In some cases, banks may request Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance before processing the payment or remittance.
This may arise where:
The tenant, landlord, and Chartered Accountant may all need to coordinate to complete the documentation properly.
Form 145 is the remitter declaration filed before certain foreign remittances.
For Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance, this may include details such as:
The purpose of Form 145 is to ensure that the payment or remittance is properly disclosed before the authorised dealer bank processes the transfer.
Additional information may now include:
Form 146 is the Chartered Accountant certification that may be required depending on the transaction and bank policy.
The certifying Chartered Accountant may review:
In many cases, Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance may both be requested.
Form 146 may now include:
These forms may become relevant for:
The exact requirements may vary depending on:
For Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance, one of the most important review areas is proving the source of funds.
Common supporting records may include:
Clear source documentation can significantly reduce delays and back-and-forth with banks or advisors.
To prepare Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance, commonly requested documents may include:
Depending on the case, additional supporting tax documents may also be relevant:
In many cases, yes.
NRIs may choose to:
Banks will usually require tax compliance documentation before processing such transfers, which is why Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance are often part of the process.
Taxpayers familiar with Form 15CA and Form 15CB may find the transition confusing.
Broadly:
For tax deducted on or before 31 March 2026
For tax deducted on or after 1 April 2026
During the transition period, some banks may still refer to the older terminology informally.
Is Form 145 required for rent remittance?
In many cases, yes. Banks often require remittance-related declarations before processing rental transfers.
Is Form 146 mandatory for all rent remittances?
Not always. The requirement depends on the transaction and the bank’s policy.
Does a tenant need Form 145 and Form 146 to pay rent to an NRI landlord?
In some situations, yes. If rent paid to an NRI landlord involves tax withholding or banking compliance checks, Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance may be requested.
What replaces Form 15CA for rent remittance?
Form 145 replaces Form 15CA.
What replaces Form 15CB for rent remittance?
Form 146 replaces Form 15CB.
Can rental income be transferred from NRO to NRE?
In many cases, yes, subject to banking, FEMA, and tax compliance requirements.
Rental income transactions involving NRI landlords can be straightforward when the tax treatment, documentation, and remittance process are properly aligned.
A careful review of your rental records, payment structure, and filing requirements can help avoid delays and repeated submissions.
If you need clarity on whether Form 145 and Form 146 for Rent Remittance apply to your situation, early professional guidance can help make the process smoother.