5 Things to Know BEFORE Selling Your US Property from India | NRI Guide
Moved to India but still own US property? Learn about FIRPTA's 15% withholding (even on losses), capital gains exemption rules, power of attorney requirements, and the complete roadmap to sell your US home while living in India.
5 Things to Know BEFORE Selling Your US Property from India
Moved to India but couldn't sell your US home due to high interest rates or soft buyer demand? Here's everything you need to know about FIRPTA withholding, capital gains exemptions, and the complete roadmap to sell your property while living abroad.
Key Takeaways
- FIRPTA requires 15% withholding of gross sale price — even if you sell at a loss
- You may lose the $250K/$500K capital gains exemption if you haven't lived in the house 2 out of 5 years
- File Form 8288-B to reduce or eliminate FIRPTA withholding
- DTAA prevents double taxation — claim credit for US taxes paid when filing in India
- Power of Attorney is essential if you can't travel to the US for closing
The Real Scenario: You bought a home — maybe a townhome or single-family house — as your primary residence while working in the US. Now you've moved to India and become a non-resident from a US tax perspective. Due to high mortgage rates, low demand, or emotional attachment, you decided not to sell when you left. Now you're renting the property, but your long-term plan is to sell. What does this involve? Taxes, FIRPTA, holding logistics, headaches, and paperwork — but with the right approach, it's manageable.
Key Challenges When Selling US Property While Living in India
When you're selling a US property while living in India, you face several unique challenges that domestic sellers don't encounter.
The Four Major Challenges
Physical Absence
You're not physically in the US, making it hard to coordinate logistics like repairs, staging the house, open houses, and the closing process. You'll need a trusted real estate agent and a Power of Attorney for executing the sale transaction.
Tax Residency Status Change
You've become a non-resident from a US tax perspective. The IRS sees you as a foreign person withholding real property, which triggers FIRPTA tax withholding. You can determine your tax residency based on the substantial presence test.
Loss of Primary Home Exemption
You might not qualify for the primary home capital gain exemption anymore. You lose the $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly) exemption if you haven't lived in the house 2 out of the last 5 years. This is a significant point — it could mean a big tax bill.
Dual Tax Implications
You face US tax implications AND Indian reporting requirements. The US taxes the sale, and India might also tax your global capital gains based on your residency status.
⚠️ Important Note: If you're a US citizen or green card holder, you can still be a tax resident from a US perspective even while living in India. The rules differ based on your citizenship status. Understanding your FEMA rules for NRI foreign assets is also crucial when managing cross-border property transactions.
Understanding FIRPTA Tax Withholding
FIRPTA stands for Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. If you're a non-resident alien from a US tax perspective, the buyer is legally required to withhold 15% of the gross sales price and send it to the IRS.
⚠️ The FIRPTA Reality
Example: You sold your house for $500,000.
- The buyer withholds $75,000 from the closing
- They send that amount directly to the IRS
- This happens even if your gain is only $20,000
- This happens even if your gain is zero
- This happens even if you lose money on the sale
That is huge. The withholding is 15% of the sale price, not 15% of your profit.
FIRPTA Exceptions
| Sale Price | Withholding Rate | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $300,000 | 0% | Buyer is using it as primary residence |
| $300,000 to $1 million | 10% | Buyer is using it as primary residence |
| Over $1 million | 15% | Standard rate applies |
💡 Good News: You can apply for a withholding certificate at the IRS using Form 8288-B to reduce or eliminate the withholding. This takes time, so you need to plan ahead. Work with your US real estate attorney to ensure compliance and apply for the form if required.
US Tax Implications of the Sale
Capital Gains Tax Rates
| Holding Period | Tax Type | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| More than 1 year | Long-term capital gains | 15% to 20% |
| Less than 1 year | Short-term capital gains | Ordinary income rates |
Primary Home Exemption
If you've lived in the house 2 out of the last 5 years, you could be exempt from capital gains:
- Single filer: $250,000 exemption
- Married filing jointly: $500,000 exemption
This is a significant benefit that you may lose once you've been away from the property for too long.
Getting Your Money Back: If your FIRPTA tax withholding is greater than your actual taxes owed, you will get that money back when you file your taxes using Form 1040-NR.
India Tax Implications
Once you become a tax resident from an India perspective, your worldwide income is taxed. You have to report the gain in ITR-2 or ITR-3. Understanding your RNOR status tax benefits is crucial for minimizing your tax liability during this transition period.
Key Points for India Tax
- DTAA applies: If you've paid taxes in the US, you can claim credit for that and don't have to pay taxes again in India
- RNOR benefit: If you're in RNOR (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident) period, you may need to report the sale but don't have to pay capital gains tax to India
- Always consult a CA: Tax situations vary based on individual circumstances
💡 Pro Tip: The Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between US and India is your friend. It prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income.
The Ideal Scenario
✅ Best Case for Selling US Property
In an ideal scenario:
- You've lived in the house 2 out of the last 5 years
- You're still in the RNOR phase in India
Result:
- You're exempt from US capital gains because of the primary home exemption
- Since you're in RNOR, you don't have to pay capital gains in India
Based on your situation, work out what tax implications you have in both India and the US.
Roadmap to Sell Your House from India
Hire an Experienced Realtor and Property Manager
Choose a realtor who has experience in your local market and who has worked with international sellers. Work with a property manager to coordinate with tenants, repairs, staging, and showings.
Sign a Power of Attorney
If you can't travel to the US, sign a Power of Attorney — preferably notarized — giving someone the authority to sign documents on your behalf.
Check Lease Terms and Notify Tenants
Review your lease agreement so you can get repairs done, stage the home, and have it ready for showings at the appropriate time.
List Your Home and Be Accessible
Respond quickly to offers and tour requests. Work closely with your realtor despite the time zone differences.
Plan for FIRPTA
Plan ahead. File Form 8288-B if you want to minimize or reduce the withholding from FIRPTA.
File Taxes After the Sale
File Form 1040-NR with your capital gains information and any required documentation to get credit from the withholding.
Remit Funds to India
Maintain records — closing documents, 1099-S — to justify the source of funds when remitting money back to India. If you're also managing retirement accounts during your move, check out our guide on 401(k) options when moving to India.
Summary: Planning Checklist
If You're Planning to Sell Your US Property from India
- Start planning early — don't wait until the last minute
- Talk to your realtor, CA, and CPA well ahead of time
- Use a Power of Attorney if you can't be present
- Plan for FIRPTA — file Form 8288-B to minimize withholding
- Prepare to file taxes in both countries if needed
📋 Need Help Planning Your US Property Sale?
Navigating FIRPTA, capital gains, and cross-border tax implications can be complex. Get personalized guidance from experts who understand NRI situations.
Planning Your Return to India?
Selling US property is just one piece of the puzzle. Get comprehensive guidance on financial planning, tax optimization, and making a smooth transition back to India.
Have questions about FIRPTA or your personal situation? Drop them in the comments or reach out to our community.
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