NEW DELHI — The government of India has agreed to provide relief from double taxation to Indians living abroad who had to stay in India beyond their tax exemption stay limit on account of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

India’s Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had received many representations requesting for relaxation in the determination of residential status for the financial year 2020-21 from individuals who had come to India during 2019-20.

They intended to leave India again, but could not do so due to the suspension of international flights during the lockdown caused by the pandemic.

The CBDT, in a late-night announcement, asked any individual facing double taxation to furnish the information about their stay in India by March 31 saying: "This form is to be submitted electronically to the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-tax (International Taxation) and can be accessed on www.incometaxindia.gov.in.

Commercial international flights were suspended when the nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25, 2020. Later, such flights were allowed in a restricted manner under bilateral Air Bubble agreements and the services are yet to resume fully. As a result, many NRIs and foreign nationals had to prolong their stay in India. — WAM