Does TCS Apply on Inward Remittance in India?

No. TCS under Section 206C(1G) does not apply when an Indian resident receives money from a foreign client. This provision covers specified outward remittances made by resident individuals under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and payments for overseas tour programme packages. It does not impose TCS on export earnings simply because they are received in India.

TCS therefore becomes relevant when money moves out of India, and not when an exporter receives payment from an overseas customer. For LRS transactions, the authorised dealer collects TCS where the applicable conditions are met. For purposes other than specified education or medical treatment, the current rate is 20% on the amount exceeding ₹10 lakh in a financial year.

Not having TCS on an <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/inward-remittance-in-india">inward remittance</a> does not make the underlying receipt automatically tax-free. The tax treatment depends on what the payment represents. For instance, a transfer of your own funds or receipt of a loan can have a different treatment from income earned through freelancing or business activities.

What Taxes Actually Apply When You Receive Money from Abroad?

Money received from a foreign client is not subject to <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/tcs-on-foreign-remittance">TCS</a> merely because it is an inward remittance. For an Indian freelancer or service exporter, the main tax considerations are income tax on business or professional earnings and GST compliance for qualifying exports of services. Export of services is treated as a zero-rated supply under GST.

Foreign freelance or professional receipts are generally reported as income from Profits and Gains of Business or Profession (PGBP). Under the regular method, tax is calculated on taxable profit rather than simply applying income tax to the entire amount received. Allowable business expenses can be deducted when computing that profit.

Foreign clients generally do not deduct Indian income tax from payments to Indian freelancers or service providers, so the recipient may need to pay income tax directly through advance tax.

Important: Taxpayers using the presumptive taxation scheme have a different advance-tax rule and generally pay the entire advance-tax liability by 15 March, rather than following the four-instalment schedule.

A qualifying supply of services from India to a foreign customer can constitute an export of services and is treated as a zero-rated supply under GST. Zero rating does not mean that every exporter is automatically outside GST registration or compliance requirements.

Receiving export proceeds also involves foreign-exchange and banking compliance. Exporters should retain the relevant invoice and evidence of the inward remittance, while the authorised dealer bank reports the transaction using the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/compliance-guideline-for-inward-remittance">applicable RBI reporting framework</a> and purpose classification.

How Does Withholding Tax Work on Inward Remittances?

Withholding tax on an inward remittance can arise at the foreign payer's end, depending on that country's tax rules. The Indian bank receiving the payment does not deduct TDS or TCS merely because foreign money enters an Indian account.

A foreign client may have to withhold tax if the payment is treated as taxable income in its country. For example, the US generally applies a 30% withholding rate to certain US-source income paid to foreign persons, although a lower treaty rate or exemption may apply. For personal services, the source generally depends on where the services are performed, so a US client does not automatically have to deduct 30% from every payment to an Indian freelancer.

An Indian freelancer may be able to claim benefits under the India-US tax treaty where the relevant conditions are satisfied. The form required depends on the type of income. For independent personal services, Form 8233 can be used to claim a treaty-based exemption from US withholding; Form W-8BEN is used for other types of income where applicable.

Indian banks do not deduct TDS or TCS simply because an inward remittance is received from a foreign customer. The receipt can still represent taxable business or professional income in India and must be reported in the applicable income-tax return.

The taxable income is generally determined after considering eligible business expenses. For example, a freelancer may be able to claim allowable costs such as software subscriptions, professional services, and business-related office expenses, subject to the applicable tax rules.

How does GST Work When Receiving Money From Abroad?

When an Indian business receives payment from a foreign customer for a qualifying export of services, GST is not charged on the export value because exports are treated as zero-rated supplies. The payment itself is not subject to GST simply because it enters an Indian bank account.

<a></a>Conditions for Zero-Rated Treatment

A service transaction must satisfy the statutory conditions for an export of services under Section 2(6) of the IGST Act. These include:

The GST treatment of a bank, payment-provider, or forex service fee is separate from the GST treatment of the export itself. If a provider charges GST on a taxable service fee, that GST applies to the service charge and not to the entire foreign payment received for the export. The applicable rate depends on the particular service and its GST classification.

How Does Income Tax Apply on Inward Remittances?

Income tax applies to overseas earnings when they represent business or professional income earned by an Indian taxpayer. Receiving money from abroad does not make the income tax-free, and the applicable tax is determined under the regular or presumptive taxation rules.

Income earned by freelancers, consultants, and exporters from foreign customers is generally taxable in India as business or professional income. A foreign client does not ordinarily deduct Indian TDS from the payment, while TCS provisions for specified outward remittances do not apply to inward export receipts.

If your total tax liability is ₹10,000 or more, advance tax may apply. Regular taxpayers generally pay it in instalments, while eligible presumptive taxpayers generally pay the full advance tax by 15 March. Interest may apply for delayed or insufficient payments.

Under regular taxation, eligible business expenses can be deducted from taxable income. These may include software subscriptions, business-use equipment, qualifying office expenses, and contractor costs.

Eligible resident professionals can use presumptive taxation under Section 58 of the Income Tax Act, 2025, the current equivalent of Section 44ADA. Generally, 50% of eligible professional receipts is treated as taxable income, with the ₹50 lakh limit extending to ₹75 lakh where cash receipts stay within the prescribed 5% condition.

ITR-4 is available to taxpayers meeting its eligibility conditions, while ITR-3 is generally used where business or professional income is reported under the regular method or ITR-4 is not available.

Keep invoices, contracts, bank statements, and payment records for overseas receipts. If your bank or payment provider issues an FIRC/e-FIRA, retain it as supporting evidence of the inward remittance.

An LUT is a separate GST compliance requirement for eligible registered exporters who want to make zero-rated exports without payment of IGST. It does not determine your income tax liability.

How Does Skydo Help Receive Foreign Payments?

Receiving foreign payments involves more than getting the money into your Indian bank account. FIRC, RBI purpose codes, GST documentation, and export realisation records all need to match the transaction. Skydo automates much of this paperwork, reducing the need for repeated bank follow-ups and manual reconciliation.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> automatically generates a free FIRA for every inward payment, so you do not need to request remittance proof from your bank each time.

You can also select the appropriate RBI purpose code, which Skydo then applies to subsequent payments automatically. This helps keep your inward remittance records consistently classified.

Skydo provides free virtual accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and CAD, with account setup taking about 5 minutes and no monthly fees.

There is no FX markup, so you pay only when you transact. Skydo also offers eBRC closure assistance for eligible exporters. You can link your DGFT account, bulk-upload shipping bills, auto-map IRMs, and generate eBRCs through the platform.

For support, Skydo has an India-based team available through WhatsApp, calls, and other channels, so payment or compliance queries can be handled locally.

Proforma Invoice: Meaning, Format And Template

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What Is a GST Bill Format and Who Needs It?

A GST bill, or tax invoice, is a document issued by a GST-registered person for a taxable supply of goods or services. It records the transaction value and GST charged. Under Section 31 of the CGST Act, registered businesses and professionals such as freelancers, consultants, IT service providers, and agencies generally need to issue a tax invoice when making taxable supplies.

GST law does not prescribe a fixed visual format. Instead, Rule 46 of the CGST Rules sets out the details an invoice must contain, so businesses can create their own format in Excel, Word, PDF, or invoicing software. A properly prepared invoice serves as a transaction record, supports eligible ITC claims, and forms part of the GST reporting trail.

Suppliers report invoice details in GSTR-1, which contributes to the recipient's GSTR-2B and helps determine eligible ITC reported in GSTR-3B. It can also serve as documentary evidence during audits, assessments, or disputes.

What Are the Mandatory Fields in a GST Bill Format?

A <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/gst-bill-format-what-it-includes">GST bill</a> format must include the particulars prescribed under Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, including supplier and recipient details, invoice number and date, HSN or Accounting Code, taxable value, applicable tax rate and amount, place of supply, and other details required for the transaction. The prescribed requirements can vary in certain cases, and hence, not every field commonly shown on an invoice template is universally mandatory.

Related Read: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/complete-guide-to-bill-of-exchange">Bill of Exchange</a>

Excel, Word, and PDF simply refer to the way a GST invoice is created, saved, or shared. They do not represent different kinds of GST invoices. The GST details that need to appear on an invoice remain the same, irrespective of the file type. GST rules do not provide a separate layout for any of these formats, so businesses can create a design that suits them, provided the relevant particulars under Rule 46 are included.

An Excel invoice is a practical option when you want to edit invoices easily and automate calculations. Formulas can calculate tax and totals, which is helpful when a business raises invoices frequently and wants to keep its records in a spreadsheet.

Word is a good choice when the priority is a straightforward, professionally formatted invoice rather than automated calculations. You can arrange the fields manually and create a document that is easy to print or save as a PDF.

PDF is generally convenient for sending the completed invoice to a customer because its formatting stays intact and the recipient cannot easily alter the document by mistake. An invoice prepared in Excel or Word can be exported to PDF before it is shared.

Businesses that fall within the GST e-invoicing requirement must also comply with the applicable e-invoice process, including generating the required Invoice Reference Number (IRN) and displaying the QR code where prescribed.

Prepare the invoice in Excel or Word &gt; verify the details and calculations &gt; export it as a PDF &gt; send it to the customer.

GST is not necessarily charged on an export invoice. Exports are treated as zero-rated supplies, and an exporter can generally choose to make the supply either without paying IGST under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) or by paying IGST and claiming a refund, subject to the applicable conditions.

<a></a>Export Under LUT Without Payment of IGST

An exporter can submit an LUT before making the export and use this route to supply goods or services without paying IGST at the time of export.

An exporter may instead pay IGST on the export supply and then seek a refund of the tax paid under the applicable GST provisions.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/crystallization-of-export-bills">Crystallisation of Export Bills</a>

Domestic vs International GST Bill Format

A domestic GST invoice is used when a taxable supply is made within India, while an export invoice is used for supplies of goods or services to customers outside India. Both follow the applicable GST invoice requirements, but an export invoice also needs certain additional details and an export declaration.

For a domestic transaction, the invoice contains the applicable particulars under Rule 46. The tax charged depends on whether the supply is intra-State or inter-State:

<a></a>International or Export GST Bill Format

An export invoice contains the regular invoice particulars along with specific information required for exports. The invoice must also include the declaration corresponding to the export route selected:

The export invoice also needs details such as:

For goods exported from India, customs and shipping documents may contain additional information such as the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-download-shipping-bill-from-icegate">shipping bill</a> and port details. These requirements should not be treated as standard GST invoice fields applicable to service exports.

For both domestic and export supplies, the relevant classification code depends on what is being supplied: HSN for goods and SAC for services.

For export of services, GST treatment depends on the applicable place-of-supply rules and the conditions in Section 2(6) of the IGST Act. An overseas customer alone does not automatically make a supply an export of services. The supplier must also satisfy the other statutory conditions, including having the place of supply outside India and meeting the applicable payment and establishment requirements.

Can You Issue a GST Export Invoice in Foreign Currency?

Yes. An exporter can raise an invoice for an overseas customer in a foreign currency such as USD, EUR, or GBP. GST law does not require an export invoice to be denominated in Indian rupees. However, the value of the supply must be converted into INR for GST purposes using the exchange-rate rules prescribed under Rule 34 of the CGST Rules.

The applicable conversion method differs based on what is being exported:

For clarity, an export invoice can show both currencies, with the following information:

For example, an invoice could show USD 5,000, an illustrative exchange rate of ₹86 per USD, and an INR equivalent of ₹4,30,000. The ₹86 rate is only an example and is not a prescribed or current GST rate.

Showing the conversion details on the invoice can also make it easier to reconcile the foreign-currency transaction with bank remittance records such as the FIRC and the values reported for GST purposes.

GST Bill, Bill of Supply, Export Invoice, Commercial Invoice and Proforma Invoice: Differences Explained

A GST tax invoice, bill of supply, export invoice, commercial invoice, and proforma invoice serve different purposes. The main difference is when each document is used, what information it records, and whether it fulfills the GST invoicing requirement for the transaction. A tax invoice is the standard document for taxable supplies, while an export invoice is a tax invoice adapted for an export transaction.

A GST tax invoice is issued by a registered person for a taxable supply. It records the value of the supply, applicable GST, and other prescribed details such as the HSN code or Accounting Code. The tax charged is shown as CGST and SGST/UTGST for applicable intra-state supplies or IGST for inter-state supplies.

For an eligible recipient, a valid tax invoice is also one of the documents used to support an Input Tax Credit claim.

A bill of supply is issued instead of a tax invoice in specified situations, including supplies that are exempt from tax and supplies made by a person paying tax under the composition scheme. It does not show GST as a separate amount because the supplier is not charging GST through this document. A composition taxpayer also cannot collect tax from the recipient.

Since no GST is charged on the bill of supply, it does not provide the recipient with a basis to claim ITC of GST charged on that supply.

An export invoice is essentially a tax invoice used for an export transaction, with the additional information and declaration required for exports. Depending on the route selected, the exporter may make the supply without payment of IGST under an LUT or export on payment of IGST.

The invoice also carries the applicable export declaration and details such as the recipient's address, delivery address, and country of destination.

A commercial invoice is primarily a trade and shipping document used in international goods transactions. It provides information about the seller, buyer, goods, value, and shipment that may be required for customs clearance and other trade processes.

It should not automatically be treated as a substitute for a GST tax invoice. The GST document required for the underlying supply depends on the transaction and the applicable GST provisions.

A proforma invoice is a preliminary document sent before the transaction is finalised. It can outline the proposed goods or services, prices, quantities, payment terms, and other commercial conditions so that the buyer knows what is being offered.

It is not the final GST tax invoice. A proforma invoice therefore cannot replace the prescribed tax invoice for a taxable supply or serve as the document for claiming ITC.

The key point is that a proforma invoice or commercial invoice should not be treated as a replacement for the applicable GST document. An export invoice, on the other hand, is a form of tax invoice with export-specific requirements.

Related Read:<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/bill-of-lading"> Bill of Lading</a>

How Skydo Simplifies Foreign Payments After Issuing an Export GST Invoice

Issuing an export GST invoice is only part of the process. Once the invoice reaches the overseas customer, you still need to collect the payment, identify which invoice it relates to, and keep the relevant remittance records. The usual process is to share payment details with the customer, receive the international payment, match the incoming amount with the invoice, and maintain the required remittance documentation.

For Indian freelancers and service exporters, this payment stage can involve repeated follow-ups, such as checking SWIFT payment status, coordinating with the bank, and matching receipts with individual invoices.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> simplifies this process by allowing Indian businesses and freelancers to receive payments from overseas customers and settle them directly into an Indian bank account. No bank branch visit is required.

Skydo provides local receiving accounts in currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and CAD. You can share the relevant account details with your overseas customer, who can then make the payment using their local banking system.

Getting started takes about 5 minutes, and there are no maintenance or monthly account fees. The transaction fee is charged when you receive a payment:

Skydo also generates a FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) automatically for every payment at no additional cost. FIRA is accepted for GST filing and by banks, giving exporters documentation for their inward remittances without having to separately request the certificate.

For goods exporters, Skydo also provides assistance with eBRC closure. After linking the DGFT account, exporters can upload shipping bills and use the platform to map inward remittances and generate eBRC. For goods exports, the inward payment still needs to be reconciled with the relevant shipping bill in EDPMS before the export transaction is closed.

Skydo also supports EDPMS closure assistance, thereby helping exporters handle the reporting and reconciliation involved after export proceeds are received.

Once the customer's payment reaches the Skydo receiving account, settlement to the Indian bank account is generally completed within 24 hours/one business day, although the time taken for the customer's payment to reach the receiving account can vary by payment method and country.

GST Bill Format: Here’s What it Includes TH

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TCS on foreign remittance is an amount collected as tax when a resident individual makes certain payments outside India. The bank or authorised dealer collecting it deposits the amount with the tax authorities, and the credit is linked to the remitter's PAN.

TCS is not a separate charge or the final tax payable. It counts towards your income tax for the year, so you can use the TCS credit against your tax liability when filing your ITR. Any eligible excess can be claimed as a refund.

The provision covering TCS on specified<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/foreign-remittance-limit"> foreign remittances</a> is Section 394 of the Income Tax Act, 2025. It replaced Section 206C(1G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from April 1, 2026.

The government uses TCS on specified cross-border transactions as part of its broader tax-compliance and financial monitoring framework.

TCS does not necessarily apply to the full amount you send. Where a threshold applies, the applicable rate is generally charged only on the portion above that threshold, depending on the purpose of the remittance.

The RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) permits resident individuals to send up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permitted purposes, including overseas education, medical expenses, travel, investments, and other eligible transactions.

What Are the TCS Rates and Thresholds After Budget 2026?

From April 1, 2026, TCS on LRS remittances has become lower for self-funded education and medical expenses, while overseas tour packages now follow a single 2% rate. The ₹10 lakh threshold continues for education and medical remittances, and the general 20% rate for other LRS transactions remains unchanged.

For self-funded education and medical treatment, TCS is charged only on the portion exceeding ₹10 lakh in a financial year. For instance, a ₹12 lakh education remittance attracts 2% TCS on ₹2 lakh, which comes to ₹4,000.

Overseas tour packages work differently. The 2% TCS applies to the entire purchase amount from the first rupee, so the ₹10 lakh threshold does not apply to these transactions.

Budget 2025 had increased the threshold from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Budget 2026 retained the ₹10 lakh threshold but reduced the TCS rate for education and medical remittances from 5% to 2%.

Who Does TCS on Foreign Remittance Apply to?

TCS on foreign remittance under the LRS applies to resident individuals making specified outward remittances. The LRS limit and applicable TCS are tracked against the individual's PAN, regardless of which bank or authorised dealer processes the transaction.

How Is TCS on Foreign Remittance Collected?

TCS on a specified foreign remittance is collected by the bank or authorised dealer handling the outward payment. The applicable amount is calculated based on the remitter's eligible LRS transactions during the financial year.

Read More: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/rbi-role-in-foreign-exchange-market">RBI's Role in the Foreign Exchange Market</a>

What Documents are Required for Foreign Remittance?

The documents commonly required for a foreign remittance are Form A2, PAN, KYC and address proof, proof of funds, and documents supporting the purpose of the payment. The exact list can vary by bank, remittance amount, and transaction type.

Banks can request additional documents as part of their <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/compliance-guideline-for-inward-remittance">compliance checks</a>. Accurate purpose details and supporting documents are important because the nature of the remittance determines the applicable<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/purpose-codes-for-outward-remittance"> purpose code</a> and tax treatment.

How to Check if TCS on Foreign Remittance has been Deducted?

You can check whether TCS was collected on a foreign remittance through Form 27D, Form 26AS, AIS/TIS, or your bank statement. These records show the TCS collected against your PAN and help you verify that the credit has been reported correctly.

How to Claim TCS Refund on Foreign Remittance?

You can claim TCS collected on a foreign remittance as a tax credit while filing your ITR. If the TCS credited to your PAN is higher than your final income tax liability, the excess amount is refunded after your return is processed.

<a></a>How to Claim a TCS Refund on Foreign Remittance?

Once TCS has been collected on a completed remittance, the bank generally does not refund it simply on request. Where a transaction is cancelled or reversed, the treatment can depend on the circumstances and the bank's process. Otherwise, the TCS credit is claimed through the income tax return.

If the TCS credit is lower than your final tax liability, it is adjusted against the tax you owe. You only need to pay the remaining balance. To know more on foreign tax paid to another country, make sure you understand <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-claim-foreign-tax-credit-with-form-67">how to claim foreign tax credit with Form 67</a>.

How to Minimise TCS on Foreign Remittance?

You can legally reduce or avoid TCS on foreign remittances by using the rate applicable to your actual purpose, making eligible education payments through a financial-institution loan, and planning transfers across financial years where the applicable threshold permits.

Related: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/minimise-tds-foreign-payments">How to minimise TDS on foreign payments</a>.

Does TCS on Foreign Remittance Apply When You Receive Payments?

No. TCS does not apply when you receive money from a foreign client. It is collected from resident Indians when they make specified <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/outward-remittance">outward remittances</a> under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). So, if you are an Indian freelancer or exporter receiving USD, GBP, EUR, or another foreign currency from an overseas customer, there is no TCS on that <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/inward-remittance-in-india">inward payment</a>.

The ₹10 lakh TCS threshold relates to specified outward LRS remittances, not money coming into India. Your bank or authorised dealer collects TCS from the person sending money abroad when the applicable rules are triggered. An inward payment from a foreign client is not an LRS transaction and therefore does not attract TCS.

However, the absence of TCS does not make the receipt tax-free. Foreign income may still be taxable in India as business or professional income, depending on the nature of the earnings and your residential status. TCS and income tax are separate matters.

For freelancers and exporters, the focus is therefore on maintaining proper records for each inward payment. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> automatically generates a free FIRA for every payment, giving you documentation of the foreign receipt without requiring a separate request to your bank. You can also receive payments through virtual accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and CAD, with no monthly fees and flat transaction-based pricing.

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GST on FX gets simpler with clean payment records. Skydo issues FIRA on every payment, audit-ready and instant.

<a></a>What is GST on Foreign Exchange?

GST on foreign exchange applies to the service of converting one currency into another, not to the money itself. When a bank or an authorised dealer facilitates an exchange, the conversion they perform is a taxable service under GST. The currency being swapped is treated as a transaction in money and is never taxed.

The 18% GST is applied to this service value, calculated under Rule 32 of the CGST Rules, 2017, and not to the amount of currency being converted.

If you are an exporter, though, the real question is usually broader: where does GST touch the money you receive from abroad? When an international payment reaches you, GST can appear at three distinct points, and it helps to see them together before going into each one:

The rest of this guide takes each of these in turn, along with how to calculate the conversion GST, how to file, and how to stay compliant.

<a></a>Who does GST on Foreign Exchange Apply to?

GST on foreign exchange applies to anyone who converts one currency into another through a bank or authorised dealer. It follows the scope of supply: any time a conversion service is provided, GST applies to that service. That covers a wide set of everyday transactions:

In each of these, you are paying for a conversion service, so 18% GST applies to the value of that service.

There is one important group this does not catch in the same way: exporters receiving payment from foreign clients. Money coming in for the export of goods or services is treated very differently, and we cover that separately under inward remittances below.

<a></a>How to Calculate GST on Foreign Exchange?

GST on foreign exchange is calculated by applying 18% to the taxable service value, not to the amount exchanged. That service value is worked out using one of two methods under Rule 32 of the CGST Rules: the calculation-based method or the slab-based method. A bank or authorised dealer chooses one method and sticks with it across the financial year.

The two methods are built keeping a couple of things in mind: accuracy and practicality. The calculation-based method values the service by the actual spread earned, which is precise but needs the RBI reference rate for that currency and a per-deal calculation. Since the RBI publishes reference rates only for selected major currencies, and tracking the spread on every transaction is impractical for a busy forex desk, the slab-based method offers a simpler alternative: a fixed formula based on the amount alone, usable even when no reference rate exists, with the service value capped at ₹60,000.

<a></a>Calculation-based method

This method looks at the spread, the difference between the rate the bank offers you and the RBI reference rate for that currency.

Example: You sell $10,000 to a bank at ₹85 per dollar, while the RBI reference rate that day is ₹84.5 per dollar. The markup is ₹0.50 per dollar.

Service value = (85 − 84.5) × 10,000 = ₹5,000 GST at 18% = ₹900

When the RBI reference rate is not available: The RBI publishes rates only for selected major currencies. If your currency is not on that list, the service value is taken as 1% of the gross rupee amount received or paid.

When neither currency is INR: Sometimes you convert between two foreign currencies with no rupee directly involved, say USD to GBP to pay an overseas supplier. Here, the service value is 1% of the lower of the two amounts, once both are converted to INR.

GST at 18% would then apply to ₹16,500.

<a></a>Slab-based method

The alternative is a tiered structure based on the total INR amount exchanged:

Example: For ₹15,00,000 exchanged, the service value is ₹5,500 + 0.1% of ₹5,00,000 (the amount above ₹10 lakh), which comes to ₹6,000. GST at 18% = ₹1,080.

<a></a>What is GST on Foreign Currency Conversion (Forex Services)?

GST on foreign currency conversion is 18%, charged on the value of the conversion service, not on the amount you convert. What that service value comes to depends on how your provider prices the exchange. Under the calculation-based method, the taxable value is the spread between the rate you are given and the RBI reference rate. So a provider that builds a wide, hidden markup into the exchange rate creates a larger service value, and 18% GST then applies to that larger base. A provider that charges a clear, flat fee keeps the taxable value, and the GST on it, low and predictable.

One more thing to know: this GST applies to retail customers. Inter-bank forex transactions, meaning conversions between banks or authorised dealers themselves, are exempt.

<a></a>What is GST on Inward Remittances (Export Payments)?

There is no GST on inward remittances received for exports. If you are an Indian exporter receiving payment from a foreign client, whether you sell services or ship goods, you do not charge GST on those invoices, because these payments are zero-rated exports under Section 16 of the IGST Act.

Zero-rated does not mean exempt. It means you charge 0% GST on your export invoice, but you can still claim Input Tax Credit on the GST you paid on business expenses like software, equipment, raw materials, or rent.

How you qualify depends on what you export. For goods, the supply qualifies as an export when the goods physically leave India for a destination abroad, with the shipping bill as your key piece of evidence. For services, all five of these conditions must be met:

To back up this classification, you need proof of foreign inward remittance, such as a FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) or a bank advice. These show the payment arrived in foreign currency and validate your export status during an audit.

If you are a registered business, it is best to file a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-lut-for-tech-service-export">Letter of Undertaking</a> (LUT) so you can export without paying IGST upfront. If you do not file an LUT, you must pay IGST on the invoice first and then claim it back as a refund, which blocks your cash for months.

<a></a>What is GST on Compliance Services like FIRC &amp; BRC?

GST does apply to FIRC and BRC, but only to the bank's issuing fee, not to your remittance. When foreign payments land in your account, your bank issues two documents:

Banks charge a fee to issue these, usually in the range of ₹500 to ₹2,000 per certificate, and 18% GST is added on top of that fee, because issuing the certificate is treated as a domestic service.

In most cases, this GST is either built into the bank's invoice or handled through the reverse charge mechanism, so it is already taken care of by the time you pay the fee. You do not need to collect any GST from your foreign client for it.

<a></a>GST on Foreign Exchange: Some Common Errors

Mistakes here fall into two buckets: getting the tax treatment wrong, and getting tripped up on the GST portal. Both are easy to avoid once you know them.

<a></a>Conceptual mistakes

<a></a>Operational mistakes on the portal

<a></a>How to file GST for international income in India?

To file GST for international income, treat it as a zero-rated export: hold an active GSTIN, raise GST-compliant export invoices, export either under an LUT or with IGST paid, and report the income in GSTR-1 (Table 6A) and GSTR-3B. As an Indian business selling to clients abroad, your international income is an export of goods or services, taxed at 0% but still reportable. Here is the sequence:

1. Ensure you have an active GSTIN. You must be registered under GST to report export income and claim its benefits.

2. Raise GST-compliant invoices. Each export invoice should mention "Export of services with payment of IGST" or "Export of services without payment of IGST," carry your GSTIN and the recipient's billing address outside India, and show the currency and conversion rate per the RBI reference.

3. Choose your export route.

4. File your GST returns. Report export income in GSTR-1 (Table 6A) and GSTR-3B. If you are claiming a refund, file RFD-01 with the supporting documents.

5. Maintain documentation. Keep invoices, FIRA or eBRC, your LUT, and shipping bills (for goods) as required.

<a></a>What are the best practices for managing GST on foreign transactions?

The best practices for managing GST on foreign transactions are to use RBI-authorised channels, mark your export invoices clearly as zero-rated, keep the right documents on file, and stay updated on rule changes. A few habits keep your cross-border payments clean and audit-ready:

Use RBI-authorised channels: Always receive and convert foreign currency through RBI-authorised banks or platforms. They apply the correct GST slabs and issue proper, input-credit-friendly invoices.

Mark export invoices clearly: Add a note like "Export of Services, IGST Zero-Rated under Section 16." If your payment partner charges a service fee with GST, make sure that GST shows as a separate line item so nothing gets mixed up.

Keep the right documents on file: The set you want ready includes:

Stay updated: The core GST rules on export of services have been stable since 2017, but minor updates do surface, especially around forex services and compliance documents. Follow a reliable CA or a GST update source so nothing catches you off guard.

<a></a>How does Skydo help in GST Compliance?

Skydo helps with GST compliance by charging GST only on its flat service fee (not on your remittance), issuing FIRA free and instantly with every payment, and giving you GST-compliant invoicing, live forex rates, and transparent flat fees. Instead of chasing your bank for certificates and second-guessing what GST applies, you get everything in one place.

Transparent, flat fees. Skydo's pricing is simple and predictable:

GST only on the fee, never on your payment. Skydo charges 18% GST on its flat service fee, not on your remittance. Receive $10,000 and the fee is $29, so the GST is 18% of $29, roughly $5.22. Because the fee is flat and the rate carries no hidden spread, the taxable value stays small and you know your GST in advance, instead of it ballooning inside a marked-up exchange rate.

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