u/CapitalAnteater8836

Hi all,

I have been in the US for 7 years (3 years, masters and 4 years working). I am moving back to India at the end of August. I don’t plan to return to the US, at least to the best of my knowledge.

I've already decided, so this post is specifically for seeking advice on the logistics involved in the move. 

I’m trying to figure out the logistics and tax implications of the move, and how to handle my accounts (~$400K total net worth). I’ve read posts on this sub and done other research, but still feeling quite confused, both on the best option as well as the timing. 

Is it best to find and consult with a CPA, even with a relatively smaller net worth (relative to other NRIs at least)? If yes, if anyone has recommendations for a CA/CPA who has experience handling US to India moves, please do let me know.

Here’s my current financial overview and my plan. I’ve described what my tentative plan for each is, based on my current research, but would really appreciate any advice from folks who’ve made this move.  

1. Retirement (this is what I’m most confused about):
   1. $60K in my workplace SEP IRA account (no 401(K)
      • From what I’ve read online, I can roll this over into a Traditional IRA at Schwab. Is this the right move, and if yes, what tax implications do I need to keep in mind? Or should I just leave it as an SEP IRA? Should I make any  changes before or after the move?

       

   2. $35K in my Roth IRA account (Schwab)
      • This is the one I’m most confused about. Should I leave as is, until retirement? Withdraw during RNOR? I've read that India taxes Roth growth annually as ROR with no Section 89A relief — is this correct, and does it change the calculus?
      • I haven't made my Roth 2026 contribution yet. Based on my last year's MAGI and the fact that I won’t be earning for the full 2026 year, I think I will be allowed to contribute the max limit: $7K for 2026). Does it still make sense to do so, given my upcoming move?

    

2. Brokerage:
   1. $280K (ETFs) in my investment account (Schwab)
      • For this, I believe my best options are: (1) either leave untouched in Schwab until however long I don’t need the liquidity; or (2) withdraw gradually during my RNOR period. Is this right? What should I keep in mind about the W-8BEN requirement?
3. Savings:
   1. ~$30K in my savings account
      • I plan to move this to an NRE account or an RFC account - since these will be my main funds for the first 2-3 months in India. Is an NRE account best for this?

    

4. Other savings/investments:
   1. $10K in old I-bonds (bought in 2022):
      • I plan to liquidate this during the RNOR period.
   2. $10K in HSA (Fidelity)
      • No idea what to do with this; would appreciate advice from others.
5. Credit Cards:
   1. Planning to lock (not close) my no-fee credit cards. And leave one card (Chase Sapphire) unlocked to use, since it’s a useful travel card.
   2. However, I would then need to leave a bank account open to pay off that credit card.
6. Bank accounts:
   1. Chase checking account (for salary) as well as a Schwab checking account (use this one only when I travel internationally since the Schwab debit card allows for no-ATM-fee withdrawal)
      • My tentative plan is to close the chase account, but leave the Schwab account open. Is there value in leaving the Chase account open as well?

    

7. Indian bank accounts:
   1. One NRO account with HDFC. 
      • I’m planing to open an NRE or RFC account in the next month before I move. Is there anything to consider between the NRE and RFC options?

Is there anything else I should consider when figuring out my tax filings in India and in the US (for 2026, and later)? I've heard it's better to make the move out of the US  towards the end of the year tax-wise but that is not an option in my case.

This is all a bit overwhelming already, so I would really appreciate feedback and advice on my plan. Thank you!

Hi all,

I've have been in the US for 7 years (3 years, masters and 4 years working in a non-profit). I am moving back to India at the end of August (my last date at work is Aug 31st, and I'll get paid out for a month's worth of leave after that). I don’t plan to return to the US, at least to the best of my knowledge. I've already decided, so this post is specifically for seeking advice on the logistics involved in the move. 

I’m trying to figure out the logistics and tax implications of the move, and how to handle my accounts (~$400K total net worth). I’ve read posts on this sub and done other research, but still feeling quite confused, both on the best option as well as the timing. 

Is it best to find and consult with a CPA, even with a relatively smaller net worth (relative to other NRIs at least)? If yes, if anyone has recommendations for a CA/CPA who has experience handling US to India moves, please do let me know.

Here’s my current financial overview and my plan. I’ve described what my tentative plan for each is, based on my current research, but would really appreciate any advice from folks who’ve made this move.  

1. Retirement (this is what I’m most confused about):
   1. $60K in my workplace SEP IRA account (no 401(K))
      • From what I’ve read online, I can roll this over into a Traditional IRA at Schwab. Is this the right move, and if yes, what tax implications do I need to keep in mind? Or should I just leave it as an SEP IRA? Should I make any  changes before or after the move?

       

   2. $35K in my Roth IRA account (Schwab)
      • This is the one I’m most confused about. Should I leave as is, until retirement? Withdraw during RNOR? I've read that India taxes Roth growth annually as ROR with no Section 89A relief — is this correct, and does it change the calculus?
      • I haven't made my Roth 2026 contribution yet. Based on my last year's MAGI and the fact that I won’t be earning for the full 2026 year, I think I will be allowed to contribute the max limit: $7K for 2026). Does it still make sense to do so, given my upcoming move?
2. Brokerage:
   1. $280K (ETFs) in my investment account (Schwab)
      • For this, I believe my best options are: (1) either leave untouched in Schwab until however long I don’t need the liquidity; or (2) withdraw gradually during my RNOR period. Is this right? What should I keep in mind about the W-8BEN requirement?
3. Savings:
   1. ~$30K in my savings account
      • I plan to move this to an NRE account or an RFC account - since these will be my main funds for the first 2-3 months in India. Is an NRE account best for this?

    

4. Other savings/investments:
   1. $10K in old I-bonds (bought in 2022):
      • I plan to liquidate this during the RNOR period.
   2. $10K in HSA (Fidelity)
      • No idea what to do with this; would appreciate advice from others.
5. Credit Cards:
   1. Planning to lock (not close) my no-fee credit cards. And leave one card (Chase Sapphire) unlocked to use, since it’s a useful travel card.
   2. However, I would then need to leave a bank account open to pay off that credit card.
6. Bank accounts:
   1. Chase checking account (for salary) as well as a Schwab checking account (use this one only when I travel internationally since the Schwab debit card allows for no-ATM-fee withdrawal)
      • My tentative plan is to close the chase account, but leave the Schwab account open. Is there value in leaving the Chase account open as well?

    

7. Indian bank accounts:
   1. One NRO account with HDFC. 
      • I’m planing to open an NRE or RFC account in the next month before I move. Is there anything to consider between the NRE and RFC options?

In addition, is there anything else I should consider when figuring out my tax filings in India and in the US (for 2026, and later)? I've heard it's better to make the move out of the US  towards the end of the year tax-wise but that is not an option in my case.

This is all a bit overwhelming already, so I would really appreciate feedback and advice on my plan. Thank you!

Hi all,

I'm visiting Barbados for a few days next month, and I wanted to get advice on finalizing a hotel. I'm mid 30s, looking for a comfortable stay with easy (preferably direct!) access to the beach, and not too far away from restaurants, etc.

Here are the places I've shortlisted, based on my budget and reviews:

• South Gap Hotel (rooms seem nice, but not directly on the beach though it faces the ocean?)
• Southern Palm Beach Club (rooms/property might not be as nice, but it's on the beach?)
• Radisson (rooms/property might be the worst of the three, but it's on the beach?)

Can anyone provide reviews, if you've stayed in any of these places? This is my the first time visiting, so would really appreciate advice!