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Merchant Navy Taxation
NRI Tax · Merchant navy

Merchant navy taxation:planning beyond the return.

For seafarers, tax is not just a yearly return. It is planning days at sea across contracts, keeping savings in the right accounts, investing and buying property sensibly, and preparing for the year you come ashore. Officers living in the UK may also have UK reliefs. We plan with you across your career.

Plan my seafarer tax
Days planned aheadFees agreed in writingCareer-long support
KeyDays in India
SavingsNRE and FCNR
InvestmentsProperty and funds
FamilyTheir income too

What we plan.

  • DaysLeave and contracts so you stay non-resident where intended.
  • Indian-flag shipsThe clear relief covers foreign ships; Indian-flag salary needs closer review.
  • SavingsNRE and FCNR accounts, tax-free while non-resident.
  • InvestmentsFunds and shares, with gains and TDS.
  • PropertyBuying and renting out at home.
  • FamilySpouse and children's income and gifts.

Coming ashore.

The year you stop sailing you may become resident, which brings foreign income and assets into Indian tax. A planned switch, sometimes with an RNOR period, avoids surprises. See ITR Filing for Seafarers and Returning Indian.

Seafarers living in the UK.

UK-resident seafarers working on ships outside UK waters may qualify for the UK Seafarers' Earnings Deduction, which can remove UK tax on those earnings if the long absence conditions are met. Your UK adviser claims it; we handle India.

Why NRIs in the UK choose us for India tax.

Both sides of the border

We work with the India side of your tax while keeping your UK Self Assessment and treaty position in view.

Reviewed before filing

Every computation is checked by a second Chartered Accountant before anything is filed.

Fees agreed in writing

A written scope and fee before work starts, with no surprise charges later.

Secure and fully online

Encrypted document sharing and e-verification, so nothing needs a trip to India.

One team all year

Returns, TDS refunds, FEMA questions and property sales handled by the same team.

Plain-English answers

Clear explanations of what you owe, why, and what to keep for next year.

Seafarer tax planning for crew based in or working for the UK.

We prepare and file Indian income tax returns for NRIs, returning Indians and UK businesses with Indian entities, wherever they are in the UK. Everything is done online.

London

City of LondonCanary WharfHarrowWembleySouthallHounslowIlfordEast HamCroydonEdgware

South East

ReadingSloughMilton KeynesOxfordWatfordLutonCrawleyGuildford

Midlands

BirminghamLeicesterCoventryNottinghamWolverhamptonDerbyNorthampton

North of England

ManchesterLeedsBradfordSheffieldLiverpoolNewcastlePreston

East and South West

CambridgePeterboroughBristolSwindonSouthamptonBath

Scotland, Wales, NI

EdinburghGlasgowAberdeenDundeeCardiffSwanseaBelfast

Merchant navy taxation FAQs.

Yes. The clearest relief covers foreign ships; Indian-flag salary needs review.
Usually in NRE or FCNR accounts while non-resident.
You may become resident; plan the switch in advance.
UK residents may claim the Seafarers' Earnings Deduction.

Seafarer planning ahead?

Tell us your contract pattern. We will plan with you.

Plan my seafarer tax+91 9819 000 511

This page is general guidance based on the Income-tax Act, 2025 and the rules and return forms as they stand. It is not legal or financial advice for your situation. Forms, eligibility and due dates can change each year, so please check with us before filing.