US–India Cross-Border Tax Planning (DTAA)
You shouldn't pay tax twice on the same income. The India–US Double Tax Avoidance Agreement exists to prevent that — but only if someone structures your affairs to use it correctly.
What This Service Solves
Cross-border taxation is where most advisors — even good ones — drop the ball. Your Indian CA files your Indian return. Your US CPA files your 1040. Neither one coordinates with the other, and you end up paying more than you owe because DTAA credits weren't claimed, or were claimed incorrectly.
We sit in the middle. We understand both tax codes, both filing timelines, and the treaty provisions that connect them. We structure your income, investments, and repatriation so that every dollar or rupee is taxed once — in the jurisdiction that gives you the better rate.
This isn't tax evasion. It's using the legal framework both countries agreed to. We just make sure you actually use it.
Who It's For
- •NRIs with significant assets or income in both India and the US/UK
- •US citizens or Green Card holders with Indian investments
- •Indian entrepreneurs with US subsidiaries or clients
- •Families planning cross-border estate and succession matters
Our Engagement Process
How we onboard, analyze, compute, and complete your compliance filing without back-and-forth delays.
Comprehensive Review
We map your complete financial picture across both countries — income sources, assets, investments, and existing tax positions.
Treaty Analysis
We identify which DTAA articles apply to each income stream and calculate the optimal credit structure.
Planning & Restructuring
We recommend structural changes — timing of income, investment vehicles, repatriation strategies — to minimize total cross-border tax.
Coordinated Filing
We file your Indian returns and provide detailed working papers to your US CPA. If you don't have a US CPA, we can refer one from our network.
Ongoing Advisory
Tax laws change. We review your cross-border position annually and adjust the strategy as needed.
Engagement & Pricing Details
Cross-border tax planning is quoted after an initial consultation, because the complexity varies significantly. The first call is always free. ⚠️ Specific DTAA and tax planning advice in this section should be reviewed by the CA before publishing.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions about US–India Cross-Border Tax Planning (DTAA).
The Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and the US (and similar treaties with other countries) allocates taxing rights on different types of income. It ensures you're not taxed twice — you get credit in one country for tax paid in the other.
Most US CPAs handle the US side well but don't have deep knowledge of Indian tax law or treaty provisions. We bridge that gap — we can work alongside your existing CPA.
We advise on the Indian-side implications. For the actual FBAR/FATCA filing (which is a US obligation), we coordinate with your US CPA or can refer you to one who specializes in it.
It's fully legal. The DTAA was negotiated between the two governments specifically to prevent double taxation. We're using the framework both countries agreed to — nothing aggressive or grey-area.
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