Form 15CA and 15CB, now Forms 145 and 146: a plain-English guide for NRIs
Before an Indian bank will send money abroad, it needs proof that India's tax on that money has been dealt with. For most NRIs selling property, that proof comes as two forms: a declaration from you and a certificate from a Chartered Accountant. For years these were Form 15CA and Form 15CB. Since April 1, 2026, under India's new Income-tax Act, 2025 and Income-tax Rules, 2026, they are Form 145 and Form 146.
The purpose and the process are essentially the same. Only the numbers changed. Many banks, CAs and websites still use the old names, so expect to hear both.
The two forms at a glance
| Form 145 (formerly 15CA) | Form 146 (formerly 15CB) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Your declaration about the remittance | A Chartered Accountant's certificate |
| Who signs | You, the remitter | An Indian CA, after reviewing the tax position |
| What it covers | Who is being paid, how much, the purpose, and the tax already deducted | Whether the money is taxable in India, at what rate, whether a tax treaty applies, and whether enough tax was deducted |
| Where it's filed | Income-tax e-filing portal | Income-tax e-filing portal, before Form 145 |
| Who sees it | Your bank, which won't send the wire without it | Your bank, through the acknowledgement it generates |
Which part of Form 145 applies to you?
Form 145 has four parts. Which one you file depends on whether the money is taxable in India and how large it is.
- Part A: taxable remittances of up to ₹5 lakh in the financial year. No CA certificate needed.
- Part B: taxable remittances above ₹5 lakh, where the tax officer has already issued an order or certificate for this money, such as a lower TDS certificate. No separate CA certificate needed.
- Part C: taxable remittances above ₹5 lakh with no such order. A CA certificate (Form 146) is required. This is the most common route for NRIs moving property sale proceeds.
- Part D: money that isn't taxable in India at all. No CA certificate needed.
A few kinds of transfer are exempt from these forms altogether. Moving property sale proceeds abroad is not one of them.
Why a property sale usually needs the CA certificate
When an NRI sells property in India, the buyer has to deduct tax before paying. Before your bank releases the proceeds abroad, someone qualified has to confirm that the right tax was deducted and paid. That is the CA's job in Form 146. The CA typically looks at:
- the sale deed and payment details
- the TDS the buyer deducted, and proof it was deposited
- your capital gains computation
- any lower TDS certificate you obtained
- whether the India–U.S. tax treaty changes anything (for property in India, India keeps the right to tax the gain)
The order of events
- The sale closes. The buyer pays into your NRO account and deducts TDS.
- The buyer deposits the TDS and files the TDS return. You receive a TDS certificate.
- Your CA prepares and files Form 146 online, with a UDIN (a unique number that verifies the certificate).
- You file Form 145, usually Part C, using the Form 146 details. Many people let their CA do this on their behalf.
- You give your bank both acknowledgements along with its own remittance request, the sale deed, and proof of how you acquired the property, such as a will, probate or legal heir certificate.
- The bank sends the wire, within the annual repatriation limit. See the USD 1 million limit.
Common mistakes that delay the wire
- Paying the sale proceeds into an NRE account. Property sale proceeds belong in an NRO account. Banks will usually push back if they land in the wrong one.
- Numbers that don't match. The amount on the forms, the sale deed, the TDS certificate and the bank request all have to agree.
- Missing inheritance paperwork. For inherited property, banks want to see how the property came to you.
- Going over the annual limit. A single wire above USD 1 million in a financial year needs separate approval.
- Assuming the forms are optional because your bank didn't ask yet. Banks do ask, and a wrong declaration can bring penalties.
Frequently asked questions
Are Form 15CA and Form 145 the same thing?
Yes, in substance. Form 145 replaced Form 15CA, and Form 146 replaced Form 15CB, from April 1, 2026 under the Income-tax Rules, 2026. The purpose and structure are essentially unchanged.
Do I need a Chartered Accountant to send property sale money to the U.S.?
Usually yes. If the amount is taxable in India, over ₹5 lakh in the year, and not covered by a tax officer's order, you need a CA's certificate (Form 146) before filing Part C of Form 145.
Can I file Form 145 myself from the U.S.?
Yes. It's filed online on India's income-tax e-filing portal using your PAN. In practice, most families let their Indian CA handle both forms so the figures match.
Does Form 145 or 146 mean I've paid all my tax in India?
No. They confirm the tax position on the money being sent. You may still need to file an Indian income tax return for the year of sale, especially if you want a refund of excess TDS.
Selling family property in India from the U.S.? Roots & Return gives you one U.S.-based case manager who coordinates the Indian CA, the bank and your U.S. CPA so the paperwork lines up the first time.
Related guides: TDS on NRI property sales · The USD 1 million repatriation limit · Selling inherited property in India from the U.S.
General educational information, current as of November 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Form names, thresholds and procedures can change, so confirm them with a licensed Indian Chartered Accountant before you act. Roots & Return coordinates independently licensed professionals; we do not prepare filings, give legal or tax opinions, or hold or transfer client funds.