Help Center

Indian residents and eligible residents of supported countries can open a Paasa account, subject to completing the required KYC and address verification.

Account approval is completed through Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Paasa's broker and custodian, and typically takes 2–3 business days after all required information and documents have been submitted.

Paasa currently does not support residents of the US, European Union, UK, Japan, or Australia.

If you are unsure whether your country is supported, email support@paasa.com and the Paasa team can confirm your eligibility.

To complete KYC with Paasa, you need to provide:

• Tax identification document
• Proof of address
• Basic personal information

Documents are submitted as digital copies during the account-opening process.

For Indian residents, a PAN card can be used as tax identification, and an Aadhaar card can be used as proof of address, subject to the verification requirements during signup.

Paasa account approval typically takes 2–3 business days when all required information and documents are complete and in order.

Account approval is completed through Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Paasa's broker and custodian, as part of its KYC and account-opening process.

During signup, you will need to provide digital copies of documents such as:

• PAN
• Aadhaar
• Proof of address

Approval may take longer if additional information or verification is required. Students and unemployed applicants may experience longer processing times because additional background or source-of-funds checks may be required.

Once your account is approved, you can deposit funds and begin investing.

No. Paasa charges $0 to open an account and $0 in annual account maintenance fees.

Paasa also charges no platform or custody fees.

Trading brokerage is charged separately on each trade and varies by exchange.

Paasa also provides 2 free withdrawals per month. Each additional withdrawal costs $10.

Yes. Paasa offers joint brokerage accounts structured as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS).

During account onboarding, you can choose between an individual account and a joint account.

A JTWROS account is jointly owned by the account holders, with the right of survivorship applying according to the account terms and applicable law.

Paasa offers one type of joint account: Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS).

With a JTWROS account:

• Both account holders have equal ownership interests in the account.
• If one account holder dies, the account generally passes to the surviving account holder by right of survivorship, subject to applicable law and account terms.
• Assets passing by survivorship may generally avoid probate, although the tax and legal treatment can vary depending on the circumstances.

You can choose between an individual account and a joint account during onboarding.

Because joint ownership can have legal and tax implications, consider consulting a qualified legal or tax adviser before opening a joint account.

Read more about how joint global brokerage accounts are taxed →

Paasa does not currently support adding a nominee or beneficiary to an individual brokerage account. Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Paasa's broker and custodian, does not allow non-US residents to designate a nominee or beneficiary on individual accounts.

As an alternative, you can open a joint account structured as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS). With this structure, the surviving joint account holder generally receives the account assets by right of survivorship, subject to applicable law and account terms.

If you would like to open a joint account, contact Paasa support at support@paasa.com.

Yes. You can link an existing Interactive Brokers (IBKR) account to Paasa during onboarding instead of opening a new underlying brokerage account.

Once your IBKR account is linked:

• Your existing IBKR account remains the underlying brokerage account.
• The account becomes read-only when accessed directly through IBKR.
• You place trades and manage your investments through the Paasa app.

If your country is not listed during signup, email Paasa at support@paasa.com to confirm whether accounts are currently supported for residents of your country.

Paasa supports Indian residents and eligible residents of other supported countries, subject to applicable KYC and address-verification requirements.

Paasa currently does not support residents of:

• United States
• European Union
• United Kingdom
• Japan
• Australia

Country availability may change over time. If you are unsure whether your country is supported, contact Paasa support before starting the account-opening process.

Estate processing for Paasa accounts is handled through Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Paasa's broker and custodian.

If an account holder dies, the legally appointed executor, estate administrator, heir, or other authorized representative should contact Paasa support at support@paasa.com to initiate the process. IBKR will begin the estate-processing process after receiving the required documentation, including a certified copy of the death certificate.

The exact process and documents required depend on the account type, the assets held, and the applicable jurisdiction. IBKR and Paasa will provide the relevant instructions to the verified estate representative, heirs, or beneficiaries.

US estate-tax requirements

For non-US residents who are not US citizens, US estate-tax rules may apply to US-situated assets. If the value of the deceased person's US-situated assets exceeds the applicable $60,000 filing threshold, additional IRS documentation may be required, including Form 706-NA and, where applicable, an IRS Transfer Certificate.

The estate may need to satisfy any applicable US estate-tax obligations before the US assets can be released. Because the requirements depend on the circumstances of the estate, a qualified US estate-tax adviser should be consulted.

Joint accounts

Paasa offers joint accounts structured as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS). When one joint holder dies, the surviving holder generally receives the account assets by right of survivorship, subject to the account terms and applicable law. This structure allows the assets to pass outside probate, but it does not eliminate applicable US estate-tax obligations.

Read more about how US estate tax works for Indians and NRIs →

How US estate tax is calculated →

Paasa offers two plans: Access and Apex.

• Access: A $0/month plan that charges brokerage on each trade. It is designed for customers who want to manage their investments themselves.
• Apex: An advisory plan that includes managed strategies, portfolio monitoring, rebalancing, and FEMA and tax support. Apex charges a tiered advisory fee based on assets under management (AUM) and offers reduced brokerage fees. A minimum investment of $50,000 is required for Apex.

Neither Access nor Apex charges account-opening, account maintenance, platform, or custody fees.

Full details are on the Paasa pricing page.

Compare: Vested vs Paasa →

INDmoney vs Paasa →

Interactive Brokers vs Paasa →

Why choose Paasa over IBKR →

Brokerage depends on your plan and the exchange you trade on.

Access

• US exchanges: 0.10% of trade value, minimum $0.50 and maximum $50 per trade (including a $0.15 ticket charge).
• US penny stocks (under $5): $0.0035 per share or 0.10% of trade value, whichever is higher, capped at 1% of trade value.
• Other exchanges: 0.10% on USD-quoted trades (maximum $50), and 0.25% on trades in local currencies such as GBP, EUR, CHF, HKD, JPY, SGD and CAD, plus a small ticket charge per order.

Apex

• US exchanges: $0.0035 per share, minimum $0.35, capped at 1% of trade value.
• USD-quoted trades in London, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and Singapore: 0.05% of trade value.

See every exchange and currency on our brokerage page, or estimate a trade with the brokerage calculator.

Compare and calculate brokerage for global stocks →

Paasa does not charge or add a markup to the FX conversion rate for deposits. When you deposit funds, your INR is converted to USD under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

If you initiate your transfer through the Paasa app using one of our partner banks—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, or Axis Bank:

• You get access to preferred exchange rates, which are shown in the Paasa app before you initiate the transfer.
• You can review and compare the exchange rate before confirming the remittance.
• You avoid the SWIFT fee typically charged when sending funds directly through your bank.
• GST still applies to the applicable charges.

If you initiate the transfer directly through your bank, the bank may apply an FX markup, typically around 2% above the market exchange rate, in addition to applicable remittance or SWIFT fees and GST. Actual charges vary by bank, so confirm the applicable exchange rate and fees with your bank before initiating the transfer.

In short: Using a partner bank through the Paasa app can provide preferred FX rates and help you avoid the SWIFT fee associated with direct bank transfers, while Paasa itself does not add an FX markup.

Paasa has partnered with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Axis Bank.

If you bank with one of these partners, you can initiate your deposit directly through the Paasa app. App-initiated transfers provide access to preferred FX rates, which are shown before you confirm the transfer, and help you avoid the SWIFT fees typically charged for direct bank transfers.

You can also deposit funds into Paasa from other Indian or international bank accounts via wire transfer.

Read the complete LRS guide →

LRS for investments →

No. Paasa does not charge platform or custody fees on any plan.

The following fees are $0:

• Account opening fee
• Account maintenance fee
• Platform fee
• Custody fee

Per-trade brokerage fees apply separately and vary depending on the exchange and security being traded. See the brokerage page for rates.

Paasa provides 2 free withdrawals per month. Each additional withdrawal costs $10.

You can withdraw funds only to a bank account held in your own name.

When you withdraw funds, Paasa sends the funds in USD. Your receiving bank then converts the USD into your local currency. Your bank may charge:

• Incoming wire fees
• An FX markup when converting USD to your local currency

Bank FX markups can typically be around 2% above the market exchange rate, although the actual rate and fees vary by bank.

Tip: Before making a withdrawal, check with your bank for its incoming-wire fees and ask whether it can offer you a preferential FX rate.

No. Paasa does not receive commissions, referral fees, or other compensation from asset management companies (AMCs) for recommending ETFs.

Paasa's revenue comes from its clients:

• Access: Per-trade brokerage fees
• Apex: A tiered advisory fee based on assets under management (AUM)

Paasa is a SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (INA000021058). Because Paasa does not receive compensation from ETF or fund providers for its recommendations, its ETF recommendations are not based on commissions paid by fund providers.

Paasa automatically deducts applicable fees from your Paasa wallet.

• Access: Brokerage is deducted when your trade is executed.
• Apex: The advisory fee is set annually based on your applicable fee tier and deducted from your wallet in monthly installments. Brokerage fees are charged separately when applicable.

Funds are added to your Paasa account through a bank transfer.

If you bank with one of Paasa's partner banks—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, or Axis Bank—you can initiate the transfer directly through the Paasa app. The app shows the applicable preferred FX rate before you confirm the transfer.

If you are transferring from a non-partner Indian bank or an international bank, you can fund your Paasa account using the wire instructions provided in the app:

• Open the deposit/funding section in the Paasa app.
• View the applicable wire instructions and beneficiary details.
• Initiate the transfer from your bank account.
• Once the funds are received and processed, they will appear in your Paasa account.

Funds typically reach Paasa within 1–2 business days after the transfer is initiated, although actual processing times can vary depending on the sending and intermediary banks.

Learn more about LRS for investments →

Complete LRS guide →

The minimum deposit amount depends on how you fund your Paasa account:

• Indian bank account: Minimum deposit of $100
• Foreign bank account: No minimum deposit
• RSU sale proceeds: No minimum deposit

Once funds are in your Paasa account, there is no minimum trade size.

Paasa does not set a minimum investment amount per trade or a maximum overall investment limit.

For Indian residents, the applicable limit is the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limit. Indian residents can remit up to $250,000 per financial year for permitted foreign investments and other eligible transactions under LRS.

Paasa monitors your LRS usage to help ensure deposits remain within the applicable annual limit and offers only LRS-compliant securities.

In summary:

• Minimum per trade: No minimum
• Maximum investment through Paasa: No Paasa-imposed maximum
• LRS limit for Indian residents: $250,000 per financial year

Read the complete LRS guide →

Paasa supports the following ways to add funds or investments to your account:

1. Bank transfers

You can fund your Paasa account through wire transfers from Indian or international bank accounts.

For Paasa's partner banks—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Bank—you can initiate the transfer directly through the Paasa app and access preferred FX rates.

2. RSU sale proceeds

Proceeds from the sale of RSUs held with an eligible broker can also be transferred to Paasa by wire transfer.

3. In-kind transfers from another broker

You can transfer eligible existing holdings to Paasa without selling them. Supported brokers include Robinhood, Vested, INDmoney, Fidelity, E*TRADE, Morgan Stanley, Charles Schwab, UBS, EquatePlus, and others.

Transfer and funding instructions are available in the Paasa app. If you need help, Paasa support can assist you through in-app chat or email.

You can transfer eligible holdings to Paasa through an in-kind position transfer. Your whole shares and ETFs are transferred without being sold.

How to transfer your holdings:

1. Open the transfer instructions in the Paasa app.
2. Select your current broker to view the account-specific transfer instructions.
3. Initiate the position transfer with your current broker.
4. Once the transfer is completed, your eligible holdings will appear in your Paasa account.

Most transfers of US stocks and ETFs are completed within 5–7 business days, although the exact timeline can vary by broker and transfer type.

Transfer fees

Paasa does not charge a fee to receive your holdings. Your current broker may charge a fee for transferring positions out of your account.

The fees listed above are for guidance only and may change at any time. Check the current fees with your existing broker before initiating a transfer.

Fractional shares cannot be transferred through a position transfer. If you hold fractional shares, you can either:

• Sell the fractional shares and transfer the resulting cash to Paasa, or
• Leave the fractional shares in your existing brokerage account.

Transfer instructions are available in the Paasa app. If you need help with your transfer, contact Paasa support at support@paasa.com or use the in-app chat to speak with our support team.

How ACATS works for Indian investors →

Can you transfer US stocks to another broker without selling? →

The time it takes depends on how you fund your Paasa account:

• Bank transfers: Funds typically reach Paasa within 1–2 business days after the transfer is initiated.
• In-kind transfers from another broker: Transferring existing stocks and ETFs typically takes 5–7 business days.

You can start trading once the funds have been received and are available in your Paasa wallet.

Actual processing times may vary depending on the sending broker, bank, and transfer type.

Paasa processes withdrawals in USD. If your receiving bank accepts only INR, Paasa sends the withdrawal in USD and your bank converts it to INR.

Your receiving bank may apply an FX markup when converting USD to INR. Bank FX markups can typically be around 2% above the market exchange rate, although the actual rate varies by bank. You may be able to negotiate a preferential FX rate with your bank before making the withdrawal.

Paasa provides 2 free withdrawals per calendar month. Each additional withdrawal costs $10.

Yes. You can withdraw funds from Paasa to an eligible bank account outside India. The receiving bank account must be held in your own name.

Paasa provides 2 free withdrawals per month. Each additional withdrawal costs $10.

The receiving bank may charge its own incoming-wire fee or other applicable charges. Check with your bank before initiating the withdrawal.

Yes. Banks may charge SWIFT or other processing fees for outward remittances. These charges are separate from any fees charged by Paasa.

If you initiate the remittance directly through your bank, applicable charges may include:

• SWIFT or outward-remittance fees
• FX markup applied to the exchange rate
• GST on applicable fees and service charges

Bank charges for direct remittances:

Banks typically apply an FX markup of around 2% above the market exchange rate, although the actual markup varies by bank and transaction.

When you initiate a transfer through the Paasa app using a supported partner bank, you get access to preferred FX rates and avoid the SWIFT fees typically charged for direct bank transfers.

Bank charges and FX rates can change, so confirm the current applicable charges and exchange rate with your bank before remitting.

Learn more about using LRS for investments →

Paasa provides access to 10 global stock exchanges:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Switzerland
• France
• Netherlands
• Canada
• Japan
• Singapore

You can hold and invest in eight currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, HKD, JPY, and SGD.

Paasa offers access to global stocks and ETFs across these markets. Cryptocurrency is not available on Paasa.

For Indian residents, leveraged and complex ETFs are not available due to applicable regulatory restrictions.

Invest in Ireland-domiciled UCITS stocks from India →

Invest in China from India →

Paasa provides access to global stocks and ETFs across 10 international exchanges.

Available investments include:

• Global stocks
• ETFs, including UCITS ETFs listed on European exchanges
• Eligible UCITS ETFs can be purchased in whole or fractional units

For Indian residents, certain assets are not available under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), including:

• Cryptocurrency
• Leveraged ETFs
• Complex ETFs

Paasa lists only securities that are eligible under applicable LRS requirements.

Paasa supports 8 currencies for holding and investing:

• USD — US Dollar
• EUR — Euro
• GBP — British Pound
• CHF — Swiss Franc
• CAD — Canadian Dollar
• HKD — Hong Kong Dollar
• JPY — Japanese Yen
• SGD — Singapore Dollar

For Indian residents, deposits are received in USD under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). You can convert USD into any of the other seven supported currencies directly in the Paasa app.

Currency conversion fees

Every currency conversion in the Paasa app costs 0.03% of the amount converted (minimum $2), at the mid-market rate with no added spread. Apex clients pay 0.002% (minimum $2).

No. For deposits from India, Paasa recommends remitting INR to USD first under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The preferred FX rates available through Paasa's partner banks—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Bank—apply to USD remittances.

Once your USD deposit reaches Paasa, you can convert USD into any other supported currency within the Paasa app.

Currency conversion fees

Every currency conversion in the Paasa app costs 0.03% of the amount converted (minimum $2), at the mid-market rate with no added spread. Apex clients pay 0.002% (minimum $2).

Sending USD from India first allows you to use the preferred FX rates available through Paasa's partner-bank remittance flow.

When you buy a stock in a currency other than USD, Paasa offers two ways to convert your USD into the required currency. The brokerage fee for the stock trade is the same under either option.

1. Automatic conversion

When you place an order for a non-USD stock without holding enough of the required currency, Interactive Brokers automatically converts the necessary amount from USD at the prevailing market rate.

• No manual conversion is required.
• A conversion fee of 0.03% applies (minimum $2), or 0.002% on Apex.

2. Manual conversion

You can use Convert Currency in the Paasa app to convert USD into the required currency before placing your trade.

• The conversion uses the spot exchange rate without an FX spread.
• The same conversion fee applies: 0.03% (minimum $2), or 0.002% on Apex.
• Once the currency is available in your wallet, you can use it to place your trade.

Brokerage fees apply separately to the stock or ETF trade under both methods.

Yes. Paasa offers UCITS ETFs listed on European exchanges, including Ireland-domiciled ETFs.

For Indian residents, the key differences between Irish-domiciled UCITS ETFs and US-listed ETFs include:

• Dividend withholding: Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs generally incur 15% US withholding tax on US dividends at the fund level. US-listed ETFs generally have 25% US withholding tax on dividends paid to Indian residents.
• Fractional investing: Eligible UCITS ETFs can be purchased in whole units or fractional units, allowing you to invest without needing to purchase a full ETF unit.
• US estate tax: Irish-domiciled UCITS ETFs are domiciled outside the US and are generally not US-situs assets for US estate-tax purposes.

How to buy UCITS ETFs from India →

UCITS ETFs vs GIFT City outbound funds →

UCITS accumulating vs distributing →

Yes. Indian residents are subject to certain investment and remittance restrictions under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

Indian residents cannot trade the following on Paasa:

• Leveraged ETFs
• Complex ETFs
• Cryptocurrency and crypto ETFs

Paasa lists only securities that are compliant with applicable LRS requirements.

Indian residents are also subject to the $250,000 LRS annual remittance limit per financial year. Paasa monitors LRS usage to help ensure deposits remain within the applicable limit.

Yes. Paasa supports SIPs and automated investing using funds already available in your Paasa wallet.

Your wallet is funded through an LRS wire transfer, so each SIP installment is invested using funds that have already been remitted to Paasa. A SIP does not initiate a new remittance from your Indian bank account for each installment.

Standard per-trade brokerage fees apply to each SIP order.

Read more about dollar-cost averaging →

For Indian residents, Paasa provides tax-related reports to help with Indian income-tax filing, including:

• Capital gains statements
• Dividend reports
• Schedule FA details

These tax reports are provided in INR at the end of the financial year and are compatible with ClearTax.

You can also download account statements and trade confirmations from the Paasa app and platform at any time.

Paasa provides these reports to assist with tax filing, but they do not replace professional tax advice. If you have questions about your tax obligations, consult a qualified tax adviser.

Learn more about taxation of foreign equities in India →

Yes. Paasa's tax reports are compatible with ClearTax, a platform commonly used for Indian income-tax filing.

The reports are provided in INR, so you do not need to convert the reported figures into INR before using them for filing.

Paasa provides:

• Capital gains statements
• Dividend reports
• Schedule FA details

These reports are provided for Indian residents at the end of the financial year during the tax-filing season.

Gains on foreign stocks and ETFs held for more than 24 months are generally treated as long-term capital gains and taxed at 12.5% without indexation (FY 2026–27). Gains on holdings held for 24 months or less are generally treated as short-term capital gains and taxed at the applicable income-tax slab rate.

How are dividends taxed?

Dividends from foreign investments are treated as Income from Other Sources and taxed at the applicable income-tax slab rate in India.

For US-listed holdings, dividends are generally subject to 25% withholding tax in the United States before they reach your account. This withholding may be claimed as a foreign tax credit in India under the India–US DTAA, subject to applicable conditions and filing Form 67.

For accumulating Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs, dividends are not paid out directly to the investor. US withholding generally occurs at the fund level at 15%, with the income reinvested within the fund.

Do I need to report foreign investments?

Yes. Foreign holdings generally need to be reported in Schedule FA of the Indian income-tax return, where applicable.

Paasa provides capital gains statements, dividend reports, and Schedule FA details in INR to help with Indian tax filing.

Tax treatment can vary depending on the investment, holding period, tax residency, and applicable tax rules. This information is for general guidance and is not tax advice.

Read more about capital gains tax →

Read about dividend tax →

Schedule FA guide →

Form 67 guide →

For Indian residents, TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on foreign investment remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is 20% on the amount exceeding ₹10 lakh in a financial year.

For FY 2026–27:

• Up to ₹10 lakh of aggregate LRS remittances: No TCS
• Above ₹10 lakh: 20% TCS on the amount exceeding the ₹10 lakh threshold
• Collection: Your bank collects the TCS when the applicable remittance is processed.

The ₹10 lakh threshold applies to your aggregate LRS remittances during the financial year, rather than separately to each transfer.

TCS is not an additional tax liability. The amount collected is credited to your tax account and can be claimed against your final income-tax liability when you file your income-tax return. If the TCS exceeds your final tax liability, the excess may be available as a refund.

The 20% rate applies to investment-related remittances. Budget 2026 reduced the TCS rate for certain education and medical remittances to 2%, but investment remittances remain subject to the 20% rate.

How to adjust TCS against advance tax liability →

Income and capital gains from a joint brokerage account are generally attributed to each holder based on their share of the account and contribution to its funding. Each holder reports their share in their individual Indian income-tax return.

If only one holder funds the account, income and gains may generally be attributed to that holder.

How are gains taxed and reported?

Capital gains are generally taxed based on the holding period:

• More than 24 months: Long-term capital gains, generally taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
• 24 months or less: Short-term capital gains, generally taxed at the applicable income-tax slab rate (FY 2026–27).

Does Paasa provide separate tax reports for joint holders?

Paasa joint accounts are structured as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS). However, Paasa does not currently provide separate tax reports for the primary and secondary holders.

If the secondary holder wants to invest independently and maintain separate tax reporting, we recommend opening a separate Paasa account as the primary holder.

Tax treatment of joint accounts can depend on individual circumstances and applicable tax rules. We recommend consulting a qualified tax adviser before filing.

Read more about joint account taxation →

Indian residents and other nonresident, non-US citizens (NRNCs) may be subject to US estate tax on certain US-situated assets they own when they die.

For US estate-tax purposes:

• US-listed stocks are generally treated as US-situated assets because they are stock of corporations organized under US law.
• The IRS requires an estate tax return (Form 706-NA) when the value of the deceased person's US-situated assets, together with certain adjusted taxable gifts, exceeds the $60,000 filing threshold.
• US estate tax rates can reach 40%, depending on the value of the taxable estate.
• Certain non-US-domiciled ETFs, such as Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs, may have different US estate-tax treatment because the fund itself is not a US-domiciled corporation. The specific tax treatment should be confirmed with a qualified tax adviser.

If a Paasa customer holding US assets dies, the transfer of those assets to their heirs may require additional documentation and clearance before the assets can be released. The IRS can issue a Transfer Certificate once it is satisfied that any estate tax due has been paid or otherwise provided for.

Where a Form 706-NA filing is required, the executor generally files it within 9 months of the date of death, unless an extension is granted.

Paasa does not provide estate-planning or tax-advisory services. If you hold significant US-situated assets, we recommend consulting a qualified estate-tax adviser about your individual circumstances.

How US estate tax is calculated →

Protect RSUs from estate tax →

Paasa and IBKR do not directly collect US estate tax when an account holder dies. The executor or legally authorized representative of the estate is responsible for determining whether US estate tax applies and for completing the required tax filings and payments.

For Indian residents and other nonresident noncitizens (NRNCs), US estate tax may apply to US-situs assets, including US-domiciled stocks and other qualifying US assets.

What happens to US assets after death?

Before IBKR can release US-situs assets or proceeds from their sale to the estate or beneficiaries, additional documentation may be required.

For an estate where the deceased's US-situs assets are below the applicable $60,000 filing threshold, IBKR may accept a signed statement from the executor or heirs confirming the value of the US-situs assets at the date of death.

If the estate is subject to the US estate-tax filing requirements, a Transfer Certificate issued by the IRS may be required before IBKR can release the assets.

How is a Transfer Certificate obtained?

To obtain a Transfer Certificate, the estate generally needs to:

• File Form 706-NA (United States Estate Tax Return) with the IRS, where required.
• Calculate and pay any US estate tax due.
• Provide the required documentation to the IRS.
• Obtain the Transfer Certificate confirming that the US estate-tax liability has been satisfied or otherwise provided for.

The exact process and documentation can vary depending on the account, assets, estate value, and circumstances.

For estate processing, the executor, heir, or other legally authorized representative should contact IBKR and follow its documentation requirements. A qualified tax or estate adviser should be consulted to determine the applicable US and Indian tax obligations.

Indian residents investing in foreign equities should consider four key tax areas for FY 2026–27:

• Capital gains: Foreign stocks and ETFs held for more than 24 months are generally treated as long-term capital gains and taxed at 12.5% without indexation. Holdings held for 24 months or less are generally taxed as short-term capital gains at the applicable income-tax slab rate.
• Dividends: Foreign dividends are generally treated as Income from Other Sources and taxed at the applicable slab rate. Dividends from US-listed holdings are generally subject to 25% US withholding tax, which may be claimed as a foreign tax credit in India under the India–US DTAA, subject to applicable conditions and Form 67 requirements.
• Foreign asset reporting: Foreign holdings generally need to be reported in Schedule FA of the Indian income-tax return, where applicable, including holdings that have not been sold.
• TCS on remittances: TCS may apply to foreign investment remittances under LRS at the applicable rate once the relevant annual threshold is exceeded. TCS is generally available as a credit against the taxpayer's tax liability and any excess may be claimed as a refund.

Paasa provides capital gains statements, dividend reports, and Schedule FA details in INR to help with Indian tax filing. See our detailed guides for more information on each topic.

Tax treatment can vary based on your circumstances and applicable tax rules. This information is for general guidance and is not tax advice.

How Joint Global Brokerage Accounts Are Taxed →

How US Estate Tax Works for Indians and NRIs →

How US Estate Tax Is Calculated →

Tax on Repatriation of Foreign Income to India →

Can You Gift Global Stocks and ETFs? →

Paasa is operated by Arc Spire Advisory Private Limited, a SEBI-registered non-individual Investment Adviser (INA000021058).

Paasa's client assets are not held in India. Investments are held in the client's own name with Interactive Brokers (IBKR) in the US, where the relevant brokerage and custody activities are subject to applicable US regulatory frameworks, including SEC and FINRA oversight, with SIPC protection applicable to eligible accounts.

For Indian residents, investments are funded through the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Paasa monitors LRS usage to help ensure remittances remain within the applicable $250,000 annual limit.

In short:

• SEBI: Arc Spire Advisory Private Limited is a registered Investment Adviser (INA000021058).
• RBI: Paasa operates within the RBI-regulated LRS framework for eligible Indian residents.
• Client assets: Held in the client's own name with Interactive Brokers in the US.

Paasa client assets are held in the United States through Interactive Brokers LLC (IBKR), not in India. The assets are maintained in the client's own name and PAN at IBKR.

IBKR is a US broker-dealer regulated by the SEC and FINRA. Client accounts are protected by SIPC, subject to applicable rules.

SIPC protection generally covers up to $500,000 per customer, including up to $250,000 for cash, if a SIPC-member brokerage fails and customer assets are missing. SIPC does not protect against investment losses caused by market movements.

Paasa itself is regulated in India by SEBI as a non-individual Investment Adviser, with registration number INA000021058.

Paasa has processes in place to help clients comply with FEMA and the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) when investing internationally.

• LRS monitoring: Paasa monitors each client's remittances against the $250,000 annual LRS limit per financial year, subject to applicable RBI rules.
• Eligible investments: Paasa lists securities that are eligible for investment by Indian residents under applicable LRS rules. Ineligible instruments cannot be purchased through the platform.
• Source and account verification: Funds must be remitted from a bank account that matches the client's PAN and account details.
• FEMA and tax support: Apex clients receive ongoing FEMA and tax support from Paasa specialists.

Clients remain responsible for providing accurate information and complying with applicable FEMA, LRS, and tax requirements. Rules and limits may change based on RBI regulations.

Read the complete LRS guide →

LRS for investments →

Paasa uses security measures designed to protect your personal and financial information.

• Encryption: Client data is protected using 256-bit encryption.
• Security testing: Paasa conducts regular Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities.
• ISO 27001: Paasa has completed the required checks for ISO 27001 certification.
• Separation of funds: Client funds are held separately from Paasa's operational funds.
• Withdrawal controls: Withdrawals can only be made to a bank account in the client's own name.

These measures are designed to reduce security and fraud risks, but no system can guarantee complete protection from every security threat.

Your investments are not held by Paasa. Each client's holdings are held in the client's own name with Interactive Brokers (IBKR).

If Paasa were to shut down:

• You could continue to hold your investments with IBKR.
• Clients can obtain direct access to their IBKR account and manage their investments through IBKR.

Your assets would remain subject to the applicable SIPC protection, which generally covers up to $500,000 per customer, including a $250,000 limit for cash, subject to SIPC rules and eligibility.

Yes. Eligible Paasa brokerage accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), subject to SIPC rules and limits.

Paasa brokerage accounts are held in the client's own name and PAN with Interactive Brokers LLC, a US-registered broker-dealer subject to regulation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

SIPC protection generally covers up to $500,000 per customer, including up to $250,000 for cash, if a SIPC-member brokerage firm fails and customer assets are missing.

SIPC protection does not cover investment losses caused by market movements, changes in the value of securities, or poor investment performance.

Paasa is operated by Arc Spire Advisory Private Limited, a SEBI-registered non-individual Investment Adviser (IA) with registration number INA000021058.

• Advisory model: Non-discretionary
• Data security: ISO 27001 certification, 256-bit encryption, and regular Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
• Broker and custodian: Interactive Brokers (IBKR) in the US, with the brokerage infrastructure subject to applicable SEC and FINRA regulation

Interactive Brokers LLC is a US broker-dealer regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and FINRA. Paasa uses IBKR for brokerage and custody services.

Your securities are held in your own name and PAN at Interactive Brokers. Accounts are protected by SIPC, subject to applicable rules and limits, with protection generally covering up to $500,000 per customer, including up to $250,000 for cash.

Paasa provides the investment platform and related services, while IBKR provides the underlying brokerage and custody infrastructure.

Why choose Paasa over IBKR →

Interactive Brokers vs Paasa →

Yes. Paasa clients can log in to their Interactive Brokers (IBKR) account directly. However, access is read-only while the account is linked to Paasa.

• View: You can access your IBKR account to view your account and holdings.
• Trade: You cannot place trades through IBKR while the account is linked to Paasa.
• Place orders: All trades must be placed through the Paasa app.

Paasa's advisory relationship with clients is non-discretionary. This means the account remains self-directed, and Paasa provides investment advice separately from the client's decision-making.

• Client control: Clients retain control over investment decisions and must provide explicit approval before Paasa can act on an investment recommendation.
• Investment decisions: Paasa cannot make investment decisions on a client's behalf without the client's prior approval.
• Advisory fees: Advisory fees are charged in accordance with the client's agreed advisory terms and applicable approvals.

The advisory relationship is provided by Arc Spire Advisory Private Limited, a SEBI-registered non-individual Investment Adviser with registration number INA000021058.

No. Paasa cannot make investment decisions or place trades without your explicit prior approval.

Paasa's advisory relationship is non-discretionary, so you retain control of your account and all investment decisions. Apex provides managed strategies and recommendations, but each investment decision requires your approval before execution.

You can transfer your holdings to another eligible global broker or close your Paasa account.

• Transfer holdings: The receiving broker initiates the position transfer. Paasa charges $0 for outgoing position transfers.
• Close your account: Withdraw all funds first, then email Paasa at support@paasa.com to request account closure.

How ACATS works for Indian investors →

Can you transfer US stocks to another broker without selling? →

Paasa will provide direct access to your IBKR account, allowing you to manage and trade your investments through IBKR instead of the Paasa app. No transfer or re-registration of holdings is required because the assets are already held in your name at IBKR.

Eligible accounts remain subject to SIPC protection of up to $500,000 per customer, including up to $250,000 for cash, subject to applicable rules. SIPC does not protect against investment losses.

Paasa offers two support channels:

• Email: support@paasa.com
• In-app chat: Available on both mobile and desktop

Both support channels are handled by Paasa. IBKR support does not handle Paasa-related queries.

No. IBKR support does not handle Paasa-related queries. IBKR support is for clients who opened their brokerage account directly with IBKR.

For questions about your Paasa account, contact Paasa support at support@paasa.com or through in-app chat.

Yes. You can download your account statements and trade confirmations at any time. Statements are available in PDF and CSV formats and are generated directly by the underlying broker, Interactive Brokers (IBKR).

For Indian residents, Paasa also provides tax-related reports to help with Indian tax filing, including:

• Capital gains statements
• Dividend reports
• Schedule FA details

These tax reports are provided in INR and are compatible with ClearTax.

Paasa provides these tax reports during the Indian financial year-end tax-filing season.

Yes. You can transfer eligible holdings from Paasa to Interactive Brokers (IBKR) or another supported global broker without selling them. The receiving broker typically initiates the position transfer and provides instructions for completing the process.

Paasa charges $0 for outgoing ACATS position transfers.

The receiving broker may charge fees for accepting the transfer. Check with the receiving broker for any applicable charges and transfer requirements before initiating the transfer.

Can you transfer US stocks to another broker without selling? →

Paasa deposit instructions clearly identify Interactive Brokers LLC as the beneficiary. You can verify this in the wire instructions shown in the Paasa app before sending a transfer.

After the deposit is received, you can request account statements and trade confirmations through the app. These documents are generated by Interactive Brokers and carry the IBKR watermark.

Your assets are custodied with IBKR in your own name and PAN, not with Paasa.