Form 49C has received important revisions by the CBDT, and for non-residents whose income is derived from India, electronic filing is now compulsory. This blog delves into the main alterations, their effects on foreign taxpayers, and provides a step-by-step manual for online submission of Form 49C.

Stricter guidelines have been implemented by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for foreign nationals submitting Form 49C in India. Enhancing openness and guaranteeing adherence to tax regulations are the goals of these modifications. Important changes include more stringent penalties for non-compliance, obligatory digital filing, and expanded disclosure requirements. In order to prevent fines and operating delays, non-resident businesses are now required to keep proper records and follow more stringent filing deadlines.

The CBDT has published Notification No. 9/2025, which prescribes criteria for non-resident cruise ship operators under the presumptive taxation scheme established by the Finance (No. 2) Act of 2024. This announcement details the qualifying criteria, journey conditions, and vessel characteristics for taking advantage of the regime. Its goal is to streamline compliance, improve India's cruise tourist industry, and harmonize tax rules with international norms.