US to India Relocation Consulting for US Citizens

Whether you are a US citizen  or a visa relocating from US to India, relocating involves more than just moving—it requires careful planning across taxation, investments, real estate, and long-term financial strategy.

Many clients come to me with questions like:

  • How do US tax filing requirements still apply after I move?
  • I have lived outside India for the last 20+ years and have no idea how India tax systems work. Can you guide me? 
  • Should I sell my US home before moving, after relocating, or rent it out?

  • How can I optimize withdrawals from my IRA and 401(k)?

  • Should I keep my investments in the US if my children may study there?

  • I want to keep my option open of relocating back to the US if things don’t work out for me in India. Can you incorporate this situation in my planning?  

I have clients coming to me with so many such questions. In many cases, the questions are similar, but each situation is unique. Therefore, the planning strategy also needs to be more flexible and scenario based. Your moving decisions have long-term financial and tax implications, and the right answer depends entirely on your personal situation.

Once you book a consultation, I take the time to understand your:

  • Current financial situation

  • Relocation timeline

  • Family and education plans

  • Long-term goals and priorities

Based on this, I guide you through:

  • Understanding US–India tax implications and compliance requirements

  • Understanding Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) its applicability in your case.

  • Investment and withdrawal strategies for each asset category.

  • Real estate decisions (sell vs rent vs hold)

  • Structuring your finances for a smooth transition

  • Financial strategies to implement for a long tern peace of mind.

What You Get

Every engagement is fully customized. After the consultation, you will receive:

  • A clear, personalized action plan

  • Key recommendations tailored to your situation

  • A checklist with timelines for each step

  • Clarity and confidence to move forward

Following are some of the points covered in the consultation:

  

Know all the details about how your income will be taxed in both US and India going forward.

How are the different types of incomes such as  salary, capital gains and rental income taxed in both US and India

Understand foreign asset reporting requirements in India and in the US. Know which forms need to be filled out before you land in trouble and then have to look for recification measures,.

We will help you understand the US and India tax implications and come up with a specific plan for managing your retirement funds in US as well as in India (PF, PPF etc).

We will also take into account factors such as your plan for kids higher education, your  country for retirement settlement to make a proper decision.   

Understand PFIC issues in detail before investing in India mutual funds

We often get asked questions around non US parents gifting property, money to their children or children receiving it by way of inheritance. We will dicsuss the monetary limits allowed, forms to be filled out etc.  

Often times when people move to India and are working with the same US company, they continue to get RSUs, ESOPs and may get a federal and state W2. We help you understand your situation and how to handle the taxation part of it.    

Learn about the various tax residency status in India such as NR, RNOR, and ROR. Know how to time your move to India so that you can maximize your tax savings or get more time for tax planning. 

Understand various components of salary in India such as HRA, mandatory PF for non citizens. Know how employers calculate “CTC” (cost to company) and what that does to your take home pay. Having this knowledge will enable you to negotiate your salary much better.