Previously, purchasing real estate from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) required more paperwork compared to standard property transactions. However, changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, aimed at simplifying the procedure for deducting income tax (TDS) for individuals buying property from NRIs.
Under the new rules, if an Indian citizen or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) purchases land, a house, or other property from an NRI, they will no longer need to obtain a separate TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) for TDS deduction. Buyers can now use their PAN number for TDS deduction, tax payment, and providing the necessary information.
These changes are part of the implementation of new tax legislation and are intended to ease tax procedures for those acquiring property from NRIs.
According to existing regulations, when purchasing property from an NRI, an Indian citizen or HUF had to not only deduct TDS but also obtain a TAN, which was an additional procedure for the buyer. This extra procedure will be abolished starting October 1.
The Tax Department previously clarified in FAQs related to the 2026 budget that starting October 1, 2026, resident buyers purchasing property from NRIs will not require a separate TAN. Instead, they can complete all necessary TDS-related procedures through their PAN. A system of checks and reports based on PAN will also be used to provide TDS information.
Nevertheless, this change does not mean the abolition of TDS when purchasing property from NRIs. The TDS rule remains in force when acquiring property from NRIs. The change is merely that a separate TAN is no longer required to carry out TDS-related procedures. The buyer must still determine the applicable TDS rate, withhold the tax in due time, deposit it into the budget according to the established procedure, and provide the relevant TDS information.

