Sending Money to Your Spouse in India
Complete guide to sending USD to your spouse in India. How it works, what you need, and how Root makes it simple.
Sending money to your spouse in India is a meaningful way to support your family, whether for household expenses, medical needs, or financial goals. This guide covers everything you need to know as an NRI in the US to transfer USD to INR smoothly and securely. We’ll walk you through recipient details, compliance requirements like TCS, and how to make the process fast and stress-free using Root.
NRIs often send money to their spouse in India to help manage daily living expenses, pay rent or loans, or save for future goals. These transfers are typically recurring—monthly or quarterly—and reflect long-term family financial planning and emotional commitment.
What You Need to Know
Recipient Bank Account Type
Root currently supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. Confirm with your spouse which account they’d like to receive funds in.
IFSC Code Accuracy
The IFSC code is essential for routing the transfer correctly. An incorrect code can delay or bounce the transaction. Ask your spouse to verify it via their bank’s app or passbook.
TCS Applies After ₹7,00,000
5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies on aggregate remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 in a financial year. This does not apply to funds sent under LRS by Indian residents, but as an NRI sender, you should be aware if your spouse is receiving multiple inflows.
PAN Card Requirement
Indian banks may require your spouse’s PAN for reporting large transfers. While not always enforced, having it on file helps avoid processing delays for amounts over ₹50,000 per transaction.
How to Send — Step by Step
Log In to Your Root Account
Access your Root account via the app or website. If you're new, sign up using your US ID and NRI details.
Pro tip: Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Add Your Spouse as a Recipient
Enter your spouse’s full name, Indian bank account number, and IFSC code. Ensure spelling matches their bank records exactly.
Pro tip: Use your spouse’s Aadhaar-linked mobile number if prompted for verification.
Choose Amount and Review Rate
Enter the USD amount you’d like to send. Root displays the live INR equivalent at the interbank exchange rate.
Pro tip: Transfer before ₹7,00,000 annual threshold to avoid TCS implications where applicable.
Confirm Source of Funds
Verify your income source (e.g., salary, investment) as required under FEMA guidelines. This ensures compliance with Indian forex regulations.
Pro tip: Have recent pay stubs or tax returns ready if asked.
Review and Send
Double-check all recipient details and confirm the transaction. You’ll receive a tracking ID and real-time updates.
Pro tip: Most transfers reach India within 1 business day.
Send Money to Your Spouse in India
Zero fees, interbank rate. Simple and secure with Root.
Send with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to my spouse in India using Root?
Yes, you can send money to your spouse’s NRO or regular bank account in India. NRE accounts are not yet supported, but coming soon.
Does my spouse need to pay tax on the money I send?
No, funds sent to a spouse are generally not taxable in India if used for household or family expenses. Always consult a tax advisor for specific situations.
Will 5% TCS apply if I send over $10,000 to my spouse?
TCS applies when cumulative remittances to a single recipient exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year. The 5% is refundable against income tax if your spouse files ITR.
Do I need to provide marriage proof when sending money?
Root does not currently require marriage documents for standard transfers, but banks in India may request proof for compliance if questioned. Keep a scanned copy handy.
Is there a limit on how much I can send to my spouse?
There’s no fixed limit on how much you can send as an NRI from the US. However, Indian banks report large transactions, and TCS applies above ₹7,00,000 per financial year.