Q.974 Can wife take Transfer of

Residency after living 30 years

abroad

Question: Sir, we have been staying abroad since 30 years. Can I take transfer of residence on my wife's account ? regards Ashok shetty Answer: Yes! your wife can claim Transfer of Residence customs duty benefits if she has not already claimed such a benefit in the preceding three years. Transfer of Residency (TR) is for the benefit of those people returning to India after living abroad for two years or more. Transfer of Residency helps returning NRIs bring their household goods to India at a reduced customs duty rate. However, my understanding is that only one member of a family is entitled to TR reduced customs duty exemptions. Some items such as Air conditioner, Washing Machine etc. are limited to one per family. A declaration may be required from the person claiming Transfer of Residency benefits that no family member has availed TR concession in the preceding three years. For the benefit of all readers of this page, here is an overview of the current Transfer of Residency rules in India to avail benefits of lower customs duty. • Passenger has not availed this concession in the preceding three years • Minimum stay of two years abroad, immediately preceding the date of his arrival on transfer of residence o shortfall of up to two months in stay abroad can be condoned by Deputy Commissioner of Customs or Assistant Commissioner of Customs if the early return is on account of :- ▪ Terminal leave or vacation being availed of by the passenger; or  ▪ Any other special circumstances for reasons to be recorded in writing • Total stay in India on short visit during the two preceding years does not exceed six months o The Principal Commissioner of Customs or Commissioner of Customs may condone short visits in excess of six months in special circumstances for reasons to be recorded in writing. • Personal and household articles up to an aggregate value of five lakh rupees are allowed under TR reduced duty