Form 15G / 15H After Return: Stop Bank TDS
File Form 15G or 15H as resident senior: eligibility, bank submission, FD interest, and AIS mismatch traps.
The 60-second version
Returning NRIs often forget 15G/15H and bleed TDS on SCSS, FD, and NRO interest until ITR refund. Seniors use 15H without needing nil taxable income in many cases.
15H is senior-first aid
Section 197A lets you declare that TDS on interest should not be deducted if your total tax is nil (15G) or you are senior 60+ with income below basic exemption (15H).
Banks must receive fresh 15G/15H each financial year — April submission for all FDs and SCSS accounts.
PAN inoperative without Aadhaar linkage triggers Section 206AA higher TDS — fix linkage before submitting 15G/15H.
NRO interest: NRO TDS guide for DTAA path if 15G/15H not eligible.
15G vs 15H
| Form | Who | Core condition |
|---|---|---|
| 15G | Under 60, resident | Total tax on income nil |
| 15H | Senior 60+ | Tax nil OR senior threshold met |
| Neither | NRI status bank lag | 20–30% TDS until redesignation |
| Form 13 | DTAA lower rate | Separate AO certificate path |
| ITR refund | TDS already deducted | Slower than prevention |
Annual 15G/15H ritual
Link PAN-Aadhaar
Mandatory for valid PAN.
Estimate total income
Salary + interest + rent vs exemptions.
Submit at each bank branch
Per customer ID — online where offered.
Post office SCSS/POMIS
Separate 15H at account level.
Verify Form 26AS
Nil TDS entries by June.
TDS prevention
April submission kit
- PAN + Aadhaar linked.
- Estimated income worksheet.
- 15H signed (senior).
- Bank acknowledgement.
- Post office copy if SCSS.
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File even if tax is nil
15G/15H stops deduction — you still file ITR to report income.
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0 of 4 checked
15H for NRO interest?
Only after resident redesignation — bank must update status.
Multiple FDs one form?
One per bank entity — check bank rules.
15G if salaried?
Possible if total tax nil after salary TDS.
Wrong submission penalty?
Section 277 false declaration — rare but serious.
Online 15H?
Many private banks accept internet banking submission.
Super senior 80+?
15H still applies — higher exemption limits help.
Your tax year is already running.
RNOR status, exit timing, and DTAA benefits all depend on decisions you make before you land. Don't guess.