Guided playbook · 3 steps · 2 min
US stocks from India starter
3 steps: your yearly budget, LRS/TCS and forex maths, and which Indian brokers still offer US investing — with the 25% dividend withholding explained.
US investing from India is a cost-and-paperwork decision before it is a stock decision: LRS remittance limits (USD 250,000/year), 20% TCS above ₹10L/year (adjustable against tax, not a true cost), ~1% forex spreads, and 25% US withholding on dividends for Indian residents.
Note: several popular brokers discontinued US investing (Groww did in Sep 2024). This flow reads live broker data so the supported-routes list reflects current reality, not old blog posts.
Yearly US-investment budget?
TCS (20%) kicks in above ₹10L/year — the anchors straddle it on purpose.
FAQs
How much can I invest in US stocks per year?
Under the LRS, USD 250,000 per financial year per resident individual across all foreign remittances and travel.
Is TCS on remittance a real cost?
No — TCS above ₹10L/year (20%) is adjustable against your income-tax liability or refundable. The true costs are forex spreads and US dividend withholding.
How are US dividends taxed?
The US withholds 25% for Indian residents (treaty rate); you then report the income in India with foreign tax credit. Capital gains follow Indian schedules.