Sending Money to India as a Green Card Holder
Guide for Green Card holders sending USD to INR. Tax rules, transfer limits, documentation, and how Root works for your visa status.
Green Card holders can send money from the USA to India without restrictions based on their immigration status. Your permanent resident status does not limit how much you can transfer or which services you can use. This guide covers everything you need to know about sending USD to INR, including tax implications, required documentation, and India-specific rules like TCS and IFSC codes. We also clarify common concerns around NRO accounts, PAN requirements, and compliance with FEMA regulations.
Having a Green Card does not impose any restrictions on your ability to send money to India. Unlike temporary visa holders who may face income sourcing or account verification challenges, permanent residents are treated similarly to U.S. citizens for remittance purposes. You can use your U.S.-based income and bank accounts freely for international transfers without additional scrutiny based on immigration status.
What You Need to Know
TCS Applies After ₹7,00,000
India collects 5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on cumulative remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year. This applies regardless of your visa status. The tax is refundable or adjustable against your final income tax liability in India if the funds are gifted or not taxable income.
No LRS Limits for Senders in the U.S.
The USD 250,000 annual limit under India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) applies only to Indian residents sending money abroad. As an NRI in the U.S., including Green Card holders, you are not subject to this cap when sending money to India.
Recipient Must Have Correct Account Type
Root currently supports transfers to NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. Ensure the recipient provides the correct account number and IFSC code to avoid delays or failed transfers.
PAN May Be Required for Large Transfers
Indian banks may require the recipient's PAN for remittances above ₹50,000 or for reporting purposes, especially if the amount is credited to an NRO account. Without PAN, higher TDS may apply on interest income generated in India.
How to Send — Step by Step
Verify Your Identity on Root
Complete KYC on Root using your U.S. government-issued ID and Green Card. This one-time setup confirms your identity and enables secure transfers.
Pro tip: Keep a digital copy of your Green Card handy for faster verification.
Add a Beneficiary in India
Enter the recipient’s full name, Indian bank account number, and IFSC code. Double-check spelling and digits to prevent transfer failures.
Pro tip: Use your bank’s IFSC lookup tool or ask the recipient to confirm the code with their branch.
Choose Amount and Review Exchange Rate
Enter the USD amount you want to send. Root displays the live INR receiving amount using the interbank rate, so you know exactly what the recipient gets.
Pro tip: Transfer early in the week to avoid weekend processing delays in India.
Confirm and Send
Review all details, including fees (which are $0 with Root), estimated delivery time, and TCS implications if applicable. Confirm the transfer securely.
Pro tip: Save the transaction ID for your records and share it with the recipient for tracking.
Regulatory Notes
FEMA Compliance is Recipient’s Responsibility
FEMA prohibits remittances for speculative or illegal purposes like gambling, lottery, or margin trading. As a sender, ensure the funds are for legitimate purposes such as family support, gifting, or property purchases.
TCS at 5% Above ₹7,00,000 Per Financial Year
The 5% TCS applies to the total amount exceeding ₹7,00,000 sent to India in a single financial year (April–March). Root will inform you if your transfer triggers TCS. This tax is not a final tax—it can be adjusted during income tax filing in India if the funds are non-taxable.
No U.S. Excise Tax on International Transfers
A 1% excise tax on international wire transfers was proposed in the U.S. but not enacted as of early 2026. Green Card holders do not currently pay U.S. taxes simply for sending money abroad, though reporting may be required for very large gifts or transfers.
Send Money to India as a Green Card Holder
Root works for all visa statuses. Zero fees, interbank rate.
Get Started with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Does having a Green Card affect my ability to send money to India?
No. Green Card holders can send money to India without any restrictions based on their immigration status. You can use your U.S. income and bank accounts freely for remittances.
Do I need to report money I send to India to the IRS?
You are not taxed by the U.S. for sending money abroad. However, if you send over $100,000 to a single recipient in a year, you may need to file Form 709 (Gift Tax Return). Consult a tax advisor for personal guidance.
Can I send money to an NRE account as a Green Card holder?
Yes, Green Card holders can send money to NRE accounts. However, Root currently supports transfers to NRO and regular savings accounts. NRE support is coming soon—check Root’s updates for availability.
How does TCS impact me as a permanent resident in the U.S.?
TCS of 5% applies if your total remittances to India exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year. This is collected by the remittance provider and reported to Indian tax authorities. It's adjustable against your Indian tax liability if the funds are non-taxable.
Do I need an RBI license or special permit to send money from the U.S.?
No. As an NRI or Green Card holder, you do not need special permission to send money to India. As long as the transfer is through an authorized channel and for permissible purposes under FEMA, it is fully compliant.