Taxation and NRE's A few questions answered

Not a comprehensive article on taxation, some basic facts answered in this Mint question and answer section
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Rail Budget 2016: Soon NRIs can buy railway tickets using debit, credit cards

Lost in the din of the railways' decision to not hike passenger fares and announcement of additional passenger amenities was a significant decision by the government to allow foreign tourists and non-resident Indians (NRIs) to buy e-tickets using debit or credit cards.

The facility will be implemented in three months, according to the Railway Budget 2016-2017 presented by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Feb. 25.

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Indian businessmen in Gulf welcome budget

Indian businessmen in the Gulf today largely welcomed the Budget, saying the thrust on rural and agriculturesectors will boost several industries but rued that there was "nothing great" in it for NRIs.
Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Middle East's largest retail chain Lulu Group, called it a prudent budget.
"(It) has clearly highlighted the growth pillars of the Indian economy in agriculture, rural, social sector, skills, ease of doing business and tax and compliance reforms," he said.

Read the full Business Standard report here
 

NRIs without PAN not to be subjected to higher rate of TDS

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget 2016 speech said that Non-resident Indians (NRIs) without PAN will not be subjected to higher rate of TDS. "Non-residents without PAN are currently subjected to a higher rate of TDS. Budget 2016 proposes to amend section 206AA of the Income-tax Act so as to provide that TDS shall not be deducted at a higher rate in case of non-residents not having PAN, subject to prescribed condition," said FM Arun Jaitley.

"It is proposed to amend the relevant provision to provide that on furnishing of alternative documents, the higher rate will not apply," the Budget says. 

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App launched in Muscat for Indians in trouble

An offline mobile app launched by the Indian mission to provide assistance to Indian workers in the Gulf region, particularly in Oman, has been downloaded by 10,000 expatriates.
'MigCall' has become a handy tool for the workers who do not have access to the internet to seek assistance whenever needed, particularly in emergency situation, the Indian embassy said.

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Bandhan Bank launches international debit card, NRI banking

Bandhan Bank, which started full-fledged banking operations five months ago, launched international debit card and NRI banking.
The bank has tied up with Visa International for debit cards. It would offer two variants, Visa Classic and Visa Platinum.
NRI banking would be offered at selected branches and people can open accounts either under premium or standard variants.

Full report here

MEA to handle all NRI affairs, except investment

The merger of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will see all issues, except investment promotion — including foreign direct investment — by non-resident Indians, get assigned to the foreign ministry.

The decision followed Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar’s reiteration that emigrant related issues would be “best looked after by a single organisation”.

Full news here