When investing in US stocks, there are two main types of taxation events:
1. Taxes on Investment Gains:
· Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): The gains are considered short-term if you sell your US stocks within 24 months of purchase. These are taxed according to your income tax slab in India.
· Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If you hold the stocks for more than 24 months, the gains are classified as long-term. Long-term capital gains are taxed at a rate of 20% with indexation benefits in India.
2. Taxes on Dividends:
· US Tax: Dividends from US stocks are subject to a flat withholding tax rate of 25% in the US.
· Indian Tax: In India, dividends from US stocks must be reported as part of your global income. However, you can claim a Foreign Tax Credit thanks to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the US and India. This credit allows you to offset the US tax already paid (25%) against your Indian tax liability.
For accurate tax reporting and to ensure you take full advantage of available credits and benefits, it's advisable to consult with a tax professional.