This article discusses the mechanics and tax exemption rules applicable to US-based NRIs who wish to gift money to their parents in India.

Disclaimer: Taxation is a dynamic concept and the content of this article is valid on the date of publication and any subsequent updates. Always consult a professional tax advisor before doing anything that leads to taxes being due.

📚 Table of Contents

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• How much exemption can NRIs in the US get when they gift money to their parents in India in 2023?
• What has been the historical exemption limit for gifts?
• FAQs on the mechanics of gifting to parents
  • Is a gift deed necessary when NRIs gift assets to parents?
  • Which account should be chosen to transfer money to India?
  • Is the gift limit applicable to the person giving the gift in 2023?
  • Can other legal heirs later lay a claim on the amount to the parents?
  • Is there further tax on the gifted amount from NRI to parents?

This article is for 2023. The latest one is here: How much money can NRIs in the US gift to their parents in India without paying tax?

How much exemption can NRIs in the US get when they gift money to their parents in India in 2023?

USD 17,000 per person is the annual Gift Tax Exemption amount for 2023 as notified by the IRS.

This amount is offset against the lifetime Gift and Estate Tax Exemption limit. This limit is currently at $12.92 million for 2023. The latest value is $13.99 million for 2025.

If you exceed the annual exemption amount, then you need to fill Form 709 while filing your returns. To understand how this article can help you:

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Uses of this gifting process could be:

• How can NRIs easily manage their parents’ finances in India where NRIs gift money to their parents in India to manage their day-to-day expenses
• Investing in India in the name of their parents to reduce their globally taxable income
• Purchase property in India in the name of parents to create rental income for them

Warning: Money sent to parents becomes part of the parent’s assets. At the time of death, others like the siblings of the NRI child might make a claim against these assets. We have discussed this point in detail here: Who should invest in the name of parents to save tax? Who should not?

What has been the historical exemption limit for gifts?

Serial #	Calendar Year	Exempted Amount ($)
1	2002	11,000
2	2003	11,000
3	2004	11,000
4	2005	11,000
5	2006	12,000
6	2007	12,000
7	2008	12,000
8	2009	13,000
9	2010	13,000
10	2011	13,000
11	2012	13,000
12	2013	14,000
13	2014	14,000
14	2015	14,000
15	2016	14,000
16	2017	14,000
17	2018	15,000
18	2019	15,000
19	2020	15,000
20	2021	15,000
21	2022	16,000
22	2023	17,000
23	2024	18,000
24	2025	19,000

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You can use this table to plan the total offset against the lifetime Gift and Estate Tax Exemption limit.

FAQs on the mechanics of gifting to parents

Is a gift deed necessary when NRIs gift assets to parents?

There is no tax payable by the gift receiver. However, to be on the safe side from the Indian tax perspective, it is better to create a gift deed.

Which account should be chosen to transfer money to India?

The US-based NRI can transfer money directly to the bank account of their parents. The NRI should not be a joint holder in that account since then it will not be a gift.

Is the gift limit applicable to the person giving the gift in 2023?

No. The limit applies to the person receiving the gift. So, if you have two family members in India, you gift $17,000/year to each.

Can other legal heirs later lay a claim on the amount to the parents?

If the parents die intestate, i.e. without a will, other legal heirs like siblings of the NRI can lay a claim on the gifted assets. If multiple heirs exist, it is prudent to make a will.

Is there further tax on the gifted amount from NRI to parents?

There is no tax at the point of gifting on the parents. But there will be tax out of any income from the amount that will be paid by the parents since that will be in their name.