Tax Mastery for Expats: Ultimate Guide to Navigating US and India Tax Systems

US and India Tax Systems: Expats and visa holders in the United States and India face distinct tax obligations based on their residency status, income sources, and the tax treaties between the two countries. Below is an overview of the critical features of the tax systems in both nations regarding expatriates.

Key Takeaways

• US Tax Obligations: Citizens and green card holders must report worldwide income.

• Filing thresholds: $12,950 (single) and $25,900 (married).
• Progressive tax rates from 10% to 37%.
• Deductions are available; Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is up to $120,000.
• Indian Tax Obligations: Tax residency is based on days spent in India.
• Non-residents are taxed only on Indian-sourced income.
• Progressive tax rates from 5% to 30%.
• Deductions are available under sections like 80C.
• Filing Requirements: US expats receive an extension to June 15 but must pay by April 15.
• Indian residents earning over INR 500,000 must file returns.
• Double Taxation Relief: Both countries have agreements to mitigate double taxation.

• Consult Professionals: Hire tax Experts who are familiar with both systems.

US Tax Systems for Expats

Tax Filing Requirements:

• Worldwide Income: US citizens and green card holders must report their worldwide salary, regardless of salary and where they live. This includes compensation, intrigue, profits, and self-employment wages.
• Filing Thresholds: The filing threshold for the tax year 2023 for single filers under 65 is $12,950. Married couples filing jointly if their combined total income is over $25,900
• Tax Forms: Essential forms include Form 1040 for individual income tax returns and Form 8938 for reporting foreign financial assets if they exceed certain thresholds

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Tax Rates As per US Tax Systems:

• The US has a progressive tax system, meaning the tax rate increases as income rises. For example, if you earn up to $11,600. You’ll pay a tax rate of 10%. But if your income exceeds $462,500, you’ll face a higher tax rate of 37%.
• Detail Taxable Income Range in the US for the Year 2024

Tax Rate		2024 Taxable Income Range
10%		$0 – $23,200
12%		$23,201 – $94,300
22%		$94,301 – $201,050
24%		$201,051 – $383,900
32%		$383,901 – $487,450
35%		$487,451 – $731,200
37%		$731,201+

The tax rates as above are in general categories and there are some differences in other categories such as for single filers, married couples filing jointly, married couples filing separately, and for head of household.

Deductions and Credits

• US: Various deductions are available based on filing status and income level. Expats can claim foreign tax credits using Form 1116 for taxes paid in India.

Deadlines and Penalties:

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• Expats get a programmed expansion to record until June 15 but must pay any charges owed by April 15 to maintain a strategic distance from penalties. Failure-to-file punishments can reach up to 25% of unpaid charges.

Relief from Double Taxation:

• The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows eligible expats to exclude up to $120,000 of foreign-earned income from US taxation. Also the US has a double taxation agreement with India helps mitigate tax liabilities for those earning in both countries.

Indian Tax Systems for Expats

Tax Residency Status:

• An individual is considered a tax resident in India if they stay in the country for 182 days or more during a financial year or for 60 days or more during that year and have been in India for 365 days or more over the preceding four years. Non-residents are taxed only on income sourced within India.

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Income Tax Rates As per Indian Tax Systems:

• India employs a dynamic charge framework, meaning charge rates increase with higher pay levels. For example, if you earn up to INR 250,000, you won’t pay any assess. If your pay surpasses INR 1,000,000, you’ll be saddled at 30% and any additional charges that may apply. Your actual charge rate can alter depending on the derivations you claim from the different assessment plans.
• Detail Taxable Income Range in India in the Year 2024 (The Old Regime and The New Regime)

New Tax Regime:		Old Tax Regime:
Tax Slab for FY 2024-25	Tax Rate	Tax Slab for FY 2024-25	Tax Rate
Upto ₹ 3 lakh	Nil	Up to Rs 2,50,000	NIL
₹ 3 lakh – ₹ 7 lakh	5%	Rs 2,50,001 – Rs 5,00,000	5%
₹ 7 lakh – ₹ 10 lakh	10%	Rs 5,00,001 to Rs 10,00,000	20%
₹ 10 lakh – ₹ 12 lakh	15%	Rs 10,00,001 and above	30%
₹ 12 lakh – ₹ 15 lakh	20%	—	—
More than 15 lakh	30%	—	—

Tax rates as above are in a general category, the new tax system is fixed but in the old tax system, there are some differences based on the age of taxpayers.

Deductions and Credits under Both Tax Systems

• India: Deductions are available under sections like 80C for investments in specified savings schemes. Income below certain thresholds is exempt from tax.

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Filing Requirements:

• All pay earned by Indian inhabitants is subject to Indian tax collection. Non-residents are saddled as they are on Indian-sourced pay. For the appraisal year 2023-24, people gaining over INR 500,000 must record an assessed filing in India.

Social Security Contributions:

• Expatriates working in India are usually required to make social security contributions, which are mandatory under Indian law. You must contribute to the country’s social security system if employed in India.

Double Taxation Relief:

• Unlike the US system, expats in India have the advantage of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and the US. This agreement allows you to offset taxes you pay in one country against the taxes you owe in the other, helping to reduce your overall tax burden.

Conclusion of US and Indian tax systems

Understanding the subtleties of US and Indian assessment frameworks is vital for exiles and visa holders. Each nation has its own set of rules concerning residency status, assessable wage, and recording necessities. Also, twofold tax assessment settlements and outside wage prohibitions can give noteworthy alleviation to people exploring these complex frameworks. Expats should consider counseling with charge experts commonplace in both locales to guarantee compliance and optimize their charge circumstances.