NRI Guide

Form 13: reducing TDS on your property sale

How NRI sellers apply for a lower or nil TDS deduction certificate before the deal closes.

Why it exists

Standard TDS under Section 195 is deducted on the full computed gain, often at a rate well above your actual final tax liability once cost indexation and exemptions are applied. Form 13 lets you apply to the Assessing Officer for a certificate authorizing a lower — or nil — deduction rate, based on your actual computed tax liability.

Timing matters

This application must be filed and approved before the sale deed is registered — it cannot fix a TDS deduction after the fact. Start the process as soon as you have a buyer and an agreed sale value, since processing can take several weeks.

What you'll need

PAN, purchase deed and payment proof for the original acquisition, computation of capital gains, and details of the buyer and proposed transaction. A tax professional typically handles the filing on your behalf.

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