Sending Money to Your Parents in India
Complete guide to sending USD to your parents in India. How it works, what you need, and how Root makes it simple.
Supporting your parents in India from the USA is a meaningful responsibility, and sending money home should be stress-free. This guide helps NRIs navigate the process confidently—covering what info you need, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to maximize the value of every transfer. We focus on ease, safety, and transparency, so your family receives what they need without delays or hidden costs.
NRIs regularly send money to their parents in India to help with daily expenses, medical bills, home maintenance, or religious ceremonies. Transfers often happen monthly or quarterly, driven by a deep sense of duty and care. These remittances are a vital lifeline, ensuring parents live with dignity and financial stability.
What You Need to Know
Valid Indian Bank Account
Your parents must have an active bank account in India—preferably an NRO or regular savings account. Root currently supports NRO and standard savings/current accounts; NRE support is coming soon.
IFSC Code Accuracy
The 11-character IFSC code is essential for routing the transfer correctly. Even one wrong character can delay or misdirect funds—always double-check it with your parent’s bank.
TCS on High-Value Transfers
If you’ve sent more than ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year (April–March), 5% TCS will apply on amounts above this threshold. This tax is refundable if overall income is below taxable limits, but it impacts the net amount received.
PAN Card Requirement
Indian banks may require your parent’s PAN for large remittances as part of anti-money laundering rules. While smaller amounts may go through without it, having PAN on file prevents future holds or verification issues.
How to Send — Step by Step
Gather Recipient Details
Collect your parent’s full name as per bank records, Indian bank account number, IFSC code, and bank branch. Confirm whether the account is NRO or a regular savings account.
Verify Relationship (if prompted)
Some compliance processes may require you to confirm your relationship with the recipient. A simple declaration like 'Immediate family member' or a copy of your parent’s ID linked to your address may be requested.
Enter Transfer Amount
Input the USD amount you wish to send. The system will show the INR equivalent at the live interbank rate, with no hidden fees. CHECK_LIVE
Review Exchange Rate & TCS
Check the total USD to INR conversion and see if TCS applies based on your year-to-date remittances. If over ₹7,00,000, a 5% TCS will be deducted at source. CHECK_LIVE
Confirm & Send
Review all details—especially the IFSC and account number—and authorize the transfer. Most funds arrive in 1 business day.
Pro tip: Set up auto-reminders for monthly support to ensure consistency and reduce oversight risks.
Send Money to Your Parents in India
Zero fees, interbank rate. Simple and secure with Root.
Send with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to my parents in India using Root?
Yes, you can send money to your parents in India via Root. We support transfers to NRO and regular savings/current accounts. Ensure you have their correct bank details including IFSC code.
What bank details do I need to send money to my parents in India?
You need your parent’s full name, Indian bank account number, 11-digit IFSC code, and bank branch. Double-check these with them directly to avoid errors that delay transfers.
Is there a limit on how much I can send to my parents in India?
There’s no per-transfer limit for NRIs sending money to parents. However, 5% TCS applies on total remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 in a financial year. Beyond that, FEMA allows free remittance for family maintenance without restrictions.
Do my parents need a PAN card to receive money from abroad?
For large transfers, Indian banks often require the recipient’s PAN for compliance. While small amounts may not trigger this, providing PAN helps prevent transaction holds or verification delays.
Are there any taxes on money sent to parents in India?
The recipient doesn’t pay tax on gifts from immediate family abroad. However, 5% TCS is collected at source if total outward remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year under LRS. This is not an income tax but a reporting mechanism.