Facts you need to know about the NRO account

When a resident Indian becomes an NRI, the whole aspect of financial management will change. The normal rules and regulations pertaining to the residents will be completely for those who come under the NRI category. In this case, the NRI individual will be required to open an NRI account, which can either be the NRE or the NRO account. But in order to access funds and operate any investment in Indian, you can convert the current savings account into an NRO account.

But what is an NRO account? This account can be used to receive foreign remittances and can have a joint holder who is an Indian resident. In addition to this, the RBI also permits repatriations abroad, which is limited by a maximum annual amount.  At the same time, the interest that is earned in this account and credit balances are subjected to respective tax brackets. It is also subjected to wealth and gift tax.

Now that you are aware of what is an NRO account given below are some of the factors that you need to be aware of. They include:

Opening the account: In order to open the account for NRO, you will need to provide certain documents. It is important to provide documentary proof that you, as the account holder is now a non – resident, as defined under the government regulations and Indian tax laws. Once an individual becomes an NRI, he or she is not allowed to hold any bank accounts under the Indian residency status.

Converting the resident saving account into the account for NRO: As mentioned previously, you can get your resident savings account converted into the NRO account when required. However, you will need to submit a certain set of documents. As a part of the conversion process into the non – resident account, you will need to provide documents supporting your identity, your NRI status proof, proof of foreign address and two photographs.

Attesting proof of documents: When submitting the documents for the account conversion, especially when it comes to the proof of residence abroad, it can be submitted in the form of employment details, student status or dependent visa status. It can also be doneunder the copy of a resident permit in the overseas destination. However, this documented proof must be attested by the Indian embassy, notary or an Indian bank with an overseas branch. You can contact your bank to know which are the official institutes they recognise and accept.

Provision of local Indian address: If you as an NRI would want to ensure a convenient ease of operation, you can always mention a local Indian address. Like the previously mentioned documentation process, you will need to provide proof of the address along with attestation proof.