Students’ International Payments Are Tax-Free, Says Union Finance Ministry

New Delhi : There is a piece of some good news for students planning to study abroad.  The Union Finance Ministry has provided clarification on the taxation of international payments made by students using their international debit or credit cards.

The Finance Ministry has announced that students studying abroad can now enjoy financial relief as payments of up to Rs 7 lakh per financial year will be exempt from the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits.

This announcement brings great hope and positivity for the numerous Indian students who are pursuing their education abroad. The government’s decision to exclude these payments from the LRS limits is a positive step towards facilitating more efficient financial transactions and addressing students’ tax-related concerns.

Although the pronouncements only address education and health payments, there is still hope that the tax implications of other expenditures will become clear in the future. In an insightful interview with BTTV’s Managing Editor Siddharth Zarabi, renowned tax expert and CEO of Dhruva Advisors, Dinesh Kanabar clarified that educational expenses are subject to a 5% tax instead of 20%.

Sanjay Laul, Founder and Advisor of education management company M Square Media (MSM), expressed optimism about the Union Finance Ministry’s efforts to reduce the tax burden on international students. By allowing payments made with international debit or credit cards up to Rs 7 lakh per financial year to be excluded from the LRS limits, students now have more financial flexibility to focus on their academic pursuits.

Although there are some concerns regarding the taxation of students’ daily consumable expenses paid for with family funds, it’s great to see that there has been a positive development. This aspect’s implications offer an opportunity for productive discussion and interpretation.

The decision of the Union Finance Ministry is expected to bring positive changes in the cost of international travel for Indian students. As part of the budget for fiscal year 2023, there will be an increase in revenue from international credit card swipes. Starting in July 2023, there will be an opportunity to adjust to the new tax policy on LRS expenditures.

Laul praised the government’s commitment to supporting students and ensuring a fair tax system. We are confident that we can address the tax implications of international expenditures by students. The government’s decision to impose a 20% tax on LRS expenditures shows their commitment to promoting educational opportunities while also maintaining a sustainable tax structure.

Education remittances that are funded by education loans or are below Rs 7 lakh are not subject to the TCS of 5%. Great news! Budget 2023 has retained the Rs 7 lakh threshold for education and medical treatment purposes.

The Union Finance Ministry has taken measures to create a more conducive environment for Indian students seeking educational opportunities abroad, which is a positive development as the number of students pursuing education overseas continues to grow. The government is taking steps to support Indian students by providing tax relief on international payments and addressing concerns regarding education and health expenses, which will increase accessibility and help students achieve their aspirations.