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Form 10F Filing Guide

Step-by-Step for DTAA Benefits

MW

CA Mayank Wadhera

CA | CS | CMA | IBBI Registered Valuer · MKW Advisors

Updated March 2026
Oct 2022
Mandatory Since
Online Only
Filing
Always
With TRC
15-18% TDS
Saves

QUICK ANSWER

Form 10F is mandatory (since Oct 2022, online only) whenever claiming DTAA benefit. It supplements TRC with info most foreign TRCs lack. Without it, banks apply 30% domestic TDS instead of 10-15% treaty rate.

Why Form 10F is mandatory, what it captures, step-by-step online filing at incometax.gov.in, submitting to banks, common errors, relationship with TRC.

Form 10FDTAATRCOnline Filing

Form 10F for NRIs -- Step-by-Step Online Filing Guide & Why It's Mandatory (FY 2025-26)

Published: March 23, 2026 | Updated for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) Author: CA Mayank Wadhera (CA | CS | CMA | IBBI Registered Valuer), MKW Advisors | Legal Suvidha | DigiComply


Summary: If you are a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) claiming benefits under a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), you must file Form 10F electronically on the Income Tax portal. This guide walks you through the complete process -- what Form 10F is, why it is mandatory, field-by-field filing instructions, common errors to avoid, and how it interacts with your TRC and Form 67. Whether you want lower TDS on NRO fixed deposit interest, dividends, or property sale proceeds, this article covers everything you need to know for FY 2025-26.


Table of Contents

  1. What Is Form 10F?
  2. Why Form 10F Is Needed -- The Rule 21AB Gap
  3. Mandatory Electronic Filing Since October 2022
  4. What Information Does Form 10F Capture?
  5. When Is Form 10F Required?
  6. Step-by-Step Filing Process on incometax.gov.in
  7. Submitting Form 10F to Banks and Deductors
  8. NRIs Without PAN -- How to Register and File
  9. Relationship Between TRC, Form 10F, and Form 67
  10. Practical Scenario: US NRI Reducing TDS on NRO FD from 30% to 15%
  11. Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
  12. Frequently Asked Questions (10+ FAQs)
  13. Final Checklist and Next Steps

What Is Form 10F? {#what-is-form-10f}

Form 10F is an additional declaration that a non-resident taxpayer must furnish to claim relief under a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and their country of tax residence. It is prescribed under Section 90(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 read with Rule 21AB of the Income Tax Rules, 1962.

The purpose of Form 10F is straightforward. When a non-resident obtains a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from their home country, that TRC may not contain all the particulars that Indian tax law requires. Rule 21AB prescribes six specific pieces of information that must be available to the Indian tax authorities before DTAA benefits can be granted. If the TRC issued by the foreign government does not contain one or more of these six fields, the non-resident must furnish the missing information separately through Form 10F.

In practice, most foreign TRCs do not contain all six fields that India requires. A US Tax Residency Certificate (IRS Form 6166), for example, typically includes the taxpayer's name, address, and the tax year -- but it does not state the taxpayer's "status" (individual, company, firm), nationality, or the specific period of residency in the prescribed format. Similarly, TRCs from the UK (HMRC), Canada (CRA), Australia (ATO), Singapore (IRAS), and the UAE (Federal Tax Authority) each omit one or more of these fields. This makes Form 10F filing a near-universal requirement for NRIs claiming DTAA benefits in India.


Why Form 10F Is Needed -- The Rule 21AB Gap {#why-form-10f-is-needed}

Section 90(4) of the Income Tax Act states that a non-resident shall not be entitled to claim relief under a DTAA unless they obtain a Tax Residency Certificate from the government of the country in which they are resident. Section 90(5) then adds that the non-resident must also provide such other documents and information as may be prescribed -- this is where Rule 21AB and Form 10F come in.

Rule 21AB prescribes that the following six particulars must be furnished:

  1. Name of the assessee
  2. Status of the assessee (individual, company, firm, AOP, etc.)
  3. Nationality or country of incorporation
  4. Tax Identification Number (TIN) in the country of residence (or a unique identification number if TIN is not available)
  5. Residential address in the country of residence
  6. Period of residential status for which the certificate is applicable

If the TRC already contains all six of these, Form 10F is technically not required. However, since very few foreign jurisdictions issue TRCs in the exact format India expects, Form 10F has become a de facto mandatory filing for nearly every NRI claiming treaty benefits.

The rationale behind this requirement is sound -- India needs complete, standardized information to verify treaty eligibility and prevent treaty shopping or abuse by entities that are not genuinely resident in a treaty partner country.


Mandatory Electronic Filing Since October 2022 {#mandatory-electronic-filing}

Prior to October 1, 2022, Form 10F could be filed in paper format. The CBDT, through Notification No. 03/2022 dated July 16, 2022, made it mandatory to file Form 10F electronically through the income tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in). This requirement became effective from October 1, 2022 onward.

Key points about the electronic filing mandate:

  • All taxpayers with a PAN must file Form 10F electronically through their login on the income tax portal
  • Taxpayers without a PAN are not exempt -- they must first register on the portal using basic details and then file electronically (more on this below)
  • Paper-based Form 10F submissions are no longer accepted by banks, deductors, or the Income Tax Department
  • The electronically filed Form 10F generates an acknowledgment number that serves as proof of filing and can be shared with deductors
  • Each Form 10F is filed for a specific assessment year and a specific income type or deductor situation

This electronic mandate was part of the broader digitization push by the CBDT to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and create an auditable trail of DTAA benefit claims.


What Information Does Form 10F Capture? {#what-information-does-form-10f-capture}

Form 10F is a relatively compact form. It captures the following fields, corresponding directly to the six requirements under Rule 21AB:

Field No.Information RequiredDescription
1NameFull legal name of the assessee as it appears on the TRC and PAN (if available)
2StatusThe taxpayer's status -- Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Firm, Association of Persons (AOP), Body of Individuals (BOI), Company, or any other entity
3Nationality / Country of IncorporationFor individuals: nationality (e.g., Indian, American, British). For companies: country of incorporation
4Tax Identification Number (TIN)The TIN in the country of tax residence. For US NRIs, this is the Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For UK residents, the National Insurance Number or UTR. For countries without a formal TIN system, a unique identification number may be provided
5Residential AddressComplete address in the country of tax residence, including city, state/province, postal code, and country
6Period of Residential StatusThe specific period (start date to end date) for which the tax residency certificate has been obtained and for which the assessee was resident in that country. This should align with the period stated on the TRC

Additionally, the portal requires:

  • Assessment Year for which the Form 10F is being filed
  • Upload of TRC as a supporting document (PDF format)
  • Verification through Electronic Verification Code (EVC) or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

When Is Form 10F Required? {#when-is-form-10f-required}

Form 10F is required every time an NRI claims a DTAA benefit in India. This includes, but is not limited to:

Lower TDS on NRO Account Interest

Banks deduct TDS at 30% (plus applicable surcharge and cess) on interest earned on NRO savings accounts and NRO fixed deposits. Under many DTAAs, this rate can be reduced -- for example, to 15% for US residents under the India-US DTAA, or 15% for UK residents under the India-UK DTAA. To claim the lower rate, the NRI must submit Form 10F along with the TRC to the bank before the interest is credited or at the beginning of the financial year.

Lower TDS on Dividends

Dividends paid by Indian companies to NRIs attract TDS at 20% under domestic law. Under several DTAAs, this rate can be reduced to 10% or 15%. Form 10F is required to claim this reduced rate.

Lower TDS on Property Sale Proceeds

When an NRI sells property in India, the buyer is required to deduct TDS at 12.5% on long-term capital gains (for properties held over 2 years) or at the applicable slab rate for short-term gains. Under certain DTAAs, the NRI may claim reduced rates or exemptions. Form 10F, along with TRC, is part of the documentation required.

Lower TDS on Royalties, Fees for Technical Services, and Other Income

NRIs receiving royalties, fees for technical services, or other types of income from India that are covered under a DTAA must file Form 10F to claim treaty rates.

Annual Submission Requirement

Form 10F is assessment-year specific. This means:

  • You must file a new Form 10F for each assessment year in which you claim DTAA benefits
  • If your bank or deductor requests it at the beginning of FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), you must file a fresh Form 10F for AY 2026-27
  • The period of residency stated in Form 10F should correspond to the TRC period and the relevant financial year
  • Carry-forward from a previous year's Form 10F is not valid

Step-by-Step Filing Process on incometax.gov.in {#step-by-step-filing-process}

Here is the complete, step-by-step process for filing Form 10F electronically for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27).

Step 1: Login to the Income Tax Portal

  • Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
  • Click on "Login" in the top-right corner
  • Enter your PAN as the User ID
  • Enter your password and complete the security verification
  • If you do not have an account, you will need to register first (see the section on NRIs without PAN below)

Tip: Ensure your profile on the portal reflects your current residential status as "Non-Resident" and that your contact details (email and mobile number) are up to date, as OTPs will be sent for verification.

Step 2: Navigate to Form 10F

Once logged in:

  • Click on "e-File" in the top navigation menu
  • From the dropdown, select "Income Tax Forms"
  • You will see a list of available forms. Locate and click on "Form 10F"
  • Alternatively, you can use the search bar on the dashboard and type "Form 10F" to navigate directly

Step 3: Select the Assessment Year

  • On the Form 10F filing page, you will be prompted to select the Assessment Year
  • For income earned during FY 2025-26 (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026), select AY 2026-27
  • Double-check this selection -- selecting the wrong AY is one of the most common errors

Important: The assessment year on Form 10F must match the assessment year for which you are claiming the DTAA benefit. If your bank is deducting TDS on interest earned in FY 2025-26, you need Form 10F for AY 2026-27.

Step 4: Fill in the Required Fields (Field-by-Field Guidance)

Field 1: Name of the Assessee

  • Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your PAN card
  • If there is a discrepancy between your PAN name and TRC name (for example, due to a middle name), ensure consistency. Use the name as on PAN for this form, and provide an explanation to the deductor if the TRC name differs slightly

Field 2: Status of the Assessee

  • Select from the dropdown: Individual, HUF, Firm, AOP, BOI, Company, or Others
  • For most NRIs, this will be "Individual"

Field 3: Nationality or Country of Incorporation

  • For individuals, enter your nationality (e.g., "Indian" if you hold an Indian passport, or "American" if you are a US citizen)
  • Note: This field refers to nationality, not country of tax residence. An Indian citizen who is tax-resident in the US would enter "Indian" here
  • For companies, enter the country of incorporation

Field 4: Tax Identification Number (TIN) in the Country of Residence

  • Enter the TIN issued by your country of tax residence
  • US residents: Enter your SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
  • UK residents: Enter your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) or National Insurance Number
  • Canada residents: Enter your SIN (Social Insurance Number)
  • Australia residents: Enter your TFN (Tax File Number)
  • UAE residents: If no TIN is issued, enter the unique identification number from your Tax Residency Certificate or passport number
  • Singapore residents: Enter your NRIC or FIN number, or the tax reference number from IRAS

Field 5: Address in the Country of Residence

  • Enter your complete residential address in the country where you are tax-resident
  • Include: street address, apartment/unit number, city, state/province, postal/ZIP code, and country
  • This should match the address on your TRC

Field 6: Period of Residential Status

  • Enter the start date and end date of the period for which you are claiming tax residency
  • For FY 2025-26 claims, this would typically be April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 (aligning with the Indian financial year) or the period stated on your TRC
  • If your TRC covers a calendar year (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025), enter that period and ensure the overlap with the Indian FY is clear
  • The period here must match or overlap with the period stated on the TRC you are attaching

Step 5: Attach the TRC Copy

  • You will be prompted to upload a copy of your Tax Residency Certificate
  • The file should be in PDF format
  • Ensure the TRC is legible, complete, and covers the relevant period
  • File size limits typically apply (usually up to 5 MB)
  • If your TRC is in a language other than English, it is advisable to also upload a notarized English translation

Step 6: Submit with EVC or DSC

After reviewing all filled fields:

  • Click "Submit"
  • You will be asked to verify your submission using one of the following methods:
    • Electronic Verification Code (EVC): An OTP-based verification sent to your registered mobile number or email, or generated through your bank account or Demat account
    • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): If you have a valid DSC registered on the portal, you can use it for signing
  • For most individual NRIs, EVC is the simpler and more commonly used method
  • Complete the verification to finalize the submission

Step 7: Download the Acknowledgment

  • Once submitted and verified, the portal generates a Form 10F Acknowledgment
  • Download this acknowledgment immediately and save it
  • The acknowledgment contains a unique reference number
  • Share this acknowledgment (along with a copy of the TRC) with your bank, tenant, property buyer, or any other deductor who needs it to apply the lower DTAA rate
  • You can also access previously filed Form 10F acknowledgments by going to e-File > Income Tax Forms > View Filed Forms

Submitting Form 10F to Banks and Deductors {#submitting-form-10f-to-banks}

Filing Form 10F on the income tax portal is only half the process. To actually get the benefit of lower TDS, you must also submit the following documents to your bank or deductor:

  1. Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) -- original or certified copy issued by the foreign government
  2. Form 10F Acknowledgment -- the electronically generated acknowledgment from the income tax portal
  3. Self-declaration -- some banks require an additional self-declaration on the NRI's letterhead, confirming that the NRI is the beneficial owner of the income and that they are eligible for DTAA benefits
  4. PAN card copy -- if available
  5. Passport copy -- some banks require this for identity verification

Timing matters. Submit these documents to your bank at the beginning of the financial year or before the first interest/dividend credit date. If you submit mid-year after TDS has already been deducted at the higher rate, the bank may not be able to revise TDS already deducted. In such cases, you would need to claim a refund by filing your Indian income tax return.

Most major banks in India -- SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank -- have established processes for accepting these documents from NRI customers. Contact your bank's NRI services desk or relationship manager to confirm their specific requirements.


NRIs Without PAN -- How to Register and File {#nris-without-pan}

A common misconception is that NRIs without a PAN cannot file Form 10F. This is not true. The CBDT has made provisions for non-residents without a PAN to register on the income tax portal and file Form 10F.

Here is the process:

  1. Go to incometax.gov.in and click on "Register"
  2. Select the option for taxpayers "Others" or "Non-Resident without PAN" (the exact label may vary)
  3. Provide basic details including your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number
  4. Complete the OTP-based verification
  5. A temporary user ID will be generated for your account
  6. Log in using this temporary ID and navigate to Form 10F as described in the steps above
  7. File Form 10F by filling in all six fields and uploading your TRC

However, we strongly recommend that NRIs obtain a PAN. Having a PAN simplifies tax compliance in India enormously -- from filing returns to claiming refunds, from dealing with banks to processing property transactions. The PAN application process for NRIs (Form 49A for Indian citizens, Form 49AA for foreign citizens) is straightforward and can be completed online through NSDL or UTIITSL portals.


Relationship Between TRC, Form 10F, and Form 67 {#relationship-trc-form-10f-form-67}

These three documents serve distinct but related purposes in the DTAA framework. Understanding the difference is critical:

Tax Residency Certificate (TRC)

  • Issued by the foreign government (not Indian authorities)
  • Proves that you are a tax resident of that country for a specified period
  • Primary document required under Section 90(4)
  • Must be obtained from the relevant tax authority in your country of residence (e.g., IRS Form 6166 for US, HMRC for UK)

Form 10F

  • Filed by the taxpayer on the Indian income tax portal
  • Supplements the TRC by providing the six prescribed particulars under Rule 21AB
  • Required under Section 90(5)
  • Filed electronically for each assessment year

Form 67

  • Filed by the taxpayer in India when claiming Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
  • Used when a resident of India wants to claim credit for taxes paid in a foreign country
  • Required under Rule 128 of the Income Tax Rules
  • Must be filed before filing the income tax return for the relevant assessment year

Key distinction: Form 10F is filed by a non-resident claiming DTAA benefits on income earned in India. Form 67 is filed by a resident claiming credit for taxes paid abroad. They serve opposite sides of the same treaty coin.

DocumentFiled ByPurposeWhen Required
TRCObtained from foreign governmentProves tax residency abroadEvery time DTAA benefit is claimed
Form 10FFiled by non-resident on Indian portalSupplements TRC with prescribed particularsEvery time DTAA benefit is claimed (if TRC lacks all 6 fields)
Form 67Filed by Indian residentClaims foreign tax credit in IndiaWhen Indian resident has paid taxes abroad and wants credit

Practical Scenario: US NRI Reducing TDS on NRO FD from 30% to 15% {#practical-scenario}

Let us walk through a real-world example to illustrate how Form 10F works in practice.

Profile: Rajesh is an Indian citizen working in the United States. He has been a US tax resident for the past 8 years. He holds an NRO fixed deposit with HDFC Bank worth Rs. 50,00,000 earning 7.5% annual interest.

Without DTAA benefit:

  • Annual interest: Rs. 3,75,000
  • TDS at 30% (plus 4% cess): Rs. 1,17,000 (effective rate 31.2%)
  • Net interest received: Rs. 2,58,000

With DTAA benefit (India-US treaty, Article 11):

  • Annual interest: Rs. 3,75,000
  • TDS at 15% (plus 4% cess): Rs. 58,500 (effective rate 15.6%)
  • Net interest received: Rs. 3,16,500
  • Annual saving: Rs. 58,500

Steps Rajesh follows:

  1. Obtains TRC from the IRS: Rajesh files IRS Form 8802 (Application for United States Residency Certification) and receives Form 6166 -- the US Tax Residency Certificate
  2. Files Form 10F on incometax.gov.in: Rajesh logs into the portal, navigates to Form 10F, selects AY 2026-27, fills in his details (Name, Status: Individual, Nationality: Indian, TIN: his SSN, US address, Period: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025), uploads his Form 6166 as TRC, and submits with EVC
  3. Downloads the acknowledgment and saves it
  4. Submits to HDFC Bank: Rajesh sends his TRC (Form 6166), Form 10F acknowledgment, PAN card copy, passport copy, and a self-declaration to HDFC Bank's NRI services desk
  5. Bank applies lower TDS: HDFC Bank verifies the documents and applies the DTAA rate of 15% instead of 30% on subsequent interest credits
  6. Files Indian ITR: At year-end, Rajesh files his Indian income tax return (ITR-2 for NRIs) declaring the NRO interest income and the TDS already deducted at the treaty rate

Result: Rajesh keeps Rs. 58,500 more in his pocket every year -- simply by filing a form that takes 15 minutes to complete.


Common Errors and How to Avoid Them {#common-errors}

1. Wrong Assessment Year Selected

Error: Filing Form 10F for AY 2025-26 when claiming DTAA benefit for income earned in FY 2025-26. Fix: Income earned in FY 2025-26 falls under AY 2026-27. Always select the assessment year that is one year ahead of the financial year.

2. Mismatched TRC Period and Form 10F Period

Error: The TRC covers the calendar year January to December 2025, but Form 10F states the period as April 2025 to March 2026. Fix: The period in Form 10F should match the period stated on the TRC. If your TRC covers January-December 2025, state that same period in Form 10F. Banks will accept it as long as there is an overlap with the relevant Indian financial year.

3. Missing or Incorrect TIN

Error: Leaving the TIN field blank or entering the Indian PAN instead of the foreign TIN. Fix: Enter the Tax Identification Number from your country of tax residence -- SSN/ITIN for US, UTR/NI for UK, SIN for Canada, TFN for Australia.

4. Uploading an Expired or Wrong Year TRC

Error: Uploading a TRC from a previous year that does not cover the current period. Fix: Ensure the TRC is for the current/relevant period. Obtain a fresh TRC each year if required.

5. Name Mismatch Between PAN and TRC

Error: PAN shows "RAJESH KUMAR" but TRC shows "RAJESH KUMAR SHARMA" -- the bank rejects the documents. Fix: Use the name as on PAN in Form 10F. If there is a discrepancy, get either the PAN corrected or provide a supporting document (such as passport) to the bank showing both names belong to the same person.

6. Filing in Paper Format

Error: Submitting a physical/paper Form 10F to the bank or deductor. Fix: Since October 2022, only electronically filed Form 10F is valid. File on incometax.gov.in and provide the acknowledgment.

7. Not Filing Form 10F for Each Deductor/Income Type

Error: Filing one Form 10F and assuming it covers all income types and deductors. Fix: While a single Form 10F for an assessment year is generally sufficient on the portal, ensure each deductor (bank, tenant, buyer) receives a copy of the acknowledgment along with the TRC.

8. Forgetting Annual Renewal

Error: Assuming last year's Form 10F is still valid. Fix: File a fresh Form 10F for each new assessment year. DTAA documentation must be current.


Frequently Asked Questions {#frequently-asked-questions}

Q1: Is Form 10F mandatory for all NRIs?

Form 10F is mandatory for NRIs who are claiming benefits under a DTAA. If you are not claiming any treaty benefit -- for example, you are content with TDS being deducted at the domestic rate -- you do not need to file Form 10F. However, since DTAA rates are almost always lower, it is strongly advisable to file Form 10F and claim the benefit.

Q2: Can I file Form 10F without a TRC?

No. The TRC is the primary document. Form 10F is a supplementary declaration. You must first obtain a TRC from your country of tax residence and then file Form 10F on the Indian portal. The portal requires you to upload the TRC as part of the Form 10F filing process.

Q3: Is Form 10F a one-time filing?

No. Form 10F must be filed for each assessment year in which you claim DTAA benefits. A Form 10F filed for AY 2025-26 is not valid for AY 2026-27. You need to file a new one each year.

Q4: I am an NRI with an OCI card but US citizenship. What nationality do I enter?

Enter your nationality as per your passport -- in this case, "American" or "United States." Nationality in Form 10F refers to your citizenship, not your ethnic origin or OCI status.

Q5: My TRC from the IRS covers January to December 2025. Can I use it for FY 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026)?

Yes. Banks and the Income Tax Department accept TRCs that overlap with the Indian financial year, even if they do not perfectly align. A TRC for calendar year 2025 covers April 2025 to December 2025, which overlaps with FY 2025-26. For the period January to March 2026, you may need a TRC for calendar year 2026. In practice, most banks accept the calendar-year TRC for the entire Indian financial year if the NRI can demonstrate continuous residency.

Q6: What happens if I don't file Form 10F and TDS is deducted at 30%?

You can claim a refund of the excess TDS by filing your Indian income tax return (ITR). In the ITR, declare the income, claim the DTAA rate, and the excess TDS will be refunded. However, this process can take several months, so it is far better to file Form 10F proactively and get the lower TDS rate applied upfront.

Q7: Can I file Form 10F for previous assessment years?

Yes, the portal allows filing Form 10F for previous assessment years. This can be useful if you need to file a belated or revised income tax return and want to claim DTAA benefits for a past year.

Q8: Is Form 10F required for NRIs selling property in India?

Yes. If the NRI seller wants the buyer to deduct TDS at the lower DTAA rate instead of the domestic rate, the NRI must provide the buyer with a TRC and Form 10F acknowledgment. In practice, many property buyers prefer to deduct TDS at the full domestic rate to avoid complications. In such cases, the NRI seller can claim the refund through their income tax return.

Q9: My bank is asking for a "self-attested" Form 10F. What does this mean?

Since Form 10F is now filed electronically, there is no physical form to self-attest. Your bank is likely asking for the Form 10F acknowledgment downloaded from the portal, along with a self-declaration letter on your own letterhead or plain paper confirming your DTAA eligibility. Provide the acknowledgment printout and the self-declaration.

Q10: Do I need Form 10F if India has no DTAA with my country of residence?

No. Form 10F is relevant only when claiming benefits under a DTAA. If India does not have a tax treaty with your country of residence, Form 10F serves no purpose and is not required. In such cases, domestic TDS rates will apply, and you cannot claim a reduced rate.

Q11: Can my Chartered Accountant file Form 10F on my behalf?

The form must be filed from your own login on the income tax portal. However, your CA can assist you by preparing the information, guiding you through the portal, or filing it using your credentials with your authorization. At MKW Advisors, we routinely help NRI clients with the entire Form 10F filing process.

Q12: Is there any fee for filing Form 10F?

There is no government fee for filing Form 10F on the income tax portal. However, if you engage a professional (CA or tax advisor) to assist you, their advisory fees would apply.

Q13: What is the penalty for not filing Form 10F?

There is no specific penalty for non-filing of Form 10F. However, the consequence is that you cannot claim DTAA benefits, meaning TDS will be deducted at the higher domestic rate. Additionally, if you claim DTAA benefits in your ITR without having filed Form 10F, the Assessing Officer may disallow the treaty benefit during scrutiny.


Final Checklist and Next Steps {#final-checklist}

Before you consider your Form 10F filing complete for FY 2025-26, use this checklist:

  • Obtained a valid Tax Residency Certificate from your country of tax residence for the relevant period
  • Registered/logged in to incometax.gov.in
  • Filed Form 10F electronically for AY 2026-27
  • Verified that the assessment year, period of residency, and TIN are correct
  • Uploaded a legible copy of the TRC in PDF format
  • Submitted the form using EVC or DSC
  • Downloaded and saved the Form 10F acknowledgment
  • Submitted TRC + Form 10F acknowledgment + self-declaration to your bank(s) and/or deductors
  • Confirmed with your bank that the lower DTAA TDS rate has been applied
  • Set a reminder to repeat this process next financial year

Need Help Filing Form 10F or Claiming DTAA Benefits?

Filing Form 10F correctly is a small step that can save you lakhs in unnecessary TDS. But navigating the income tax portal, coordinating between your foreign TRC and Indian requirements, and ensuring your bank applies the correct rate -- these can be time-consuming and confusing, especially from abroad.

CA Mayank Wadhera and the team at MKW Advisors specialize in NRI taxation, DTAA advisory, and cross-border tax compliance. We handle the complete process for you -- from TRC coordination to Form 10F filing to bank submissions -- so you can focus on what matters.

Here is how to reach us:

Whether you are a US NRI with NRO fixed deposits, a UK-based professional with Indian rental income, or a UAE resident selling Indian property -- we ensure you pay only what the treaty requires, not a rupee more.

Start Your DTAA Compliance Today -- Talk to Our NRI Tax Experts


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Tax laws and procedures are subject to change. Please consult a qualified Chartered Accountant or tax professional for advice specific to your situation. The information is current as of March 2026 and pertains to FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27).

CA Mayank Wadhera is a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Cost Accountant, and IBBI Registered Valuer. He leads the NRI tax advisory practice at MKW Advisors, Legal Suvidha, and DigiComply, serving NRI clients across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, UAE, Singapore, and other jurisdictions.


  • NRI TDS Rates on NRO Interest, Dividends, and Capital Gains (FY 2025-26)
  • How to Obtain a Tax Residency Certificate from the IRS (Form 8802/6166)
  • DTAA Benefits for NRIs: Country-by-Country Guide
  • Filing Income Tax Returns for NRIs: Complete Guide for AY 2026-27
  • Form 67 for Foreign Tax Credit: When and How to File
  • NRI Property Sale in India: TDS, Capital Gains, and Repatriation Guide
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MW

CA Mayank Wadhera

CA | CS | CMA | IBBI Registered Valuer

Founder of MKW Advisors, specializing in NRI taxation, cross-border advisory, and capital gains planning. Part of the Legal Suvidha & DigiComply professional services ecosystem. Serving NRIs across 30+ countries.

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