Guide
RBI purpose codes, decoded
S0301
Private Travel (Personal)
S0304
Business Travel
S0305
Studies Abroad
S1301
Maintenance of Close Relatives
S0802
Medical Treatment Abroad
S1302
Gift Remittance
S0306
Emigration
S0911
Employment Abroad
S0202
Investment Abroad (LRS)
S1304
Donations
S0308
Returning Tourist FC Surrender
S0401
Postal Services
S0403
Telecommunication Services
S0501
Construction Services
S0601
Life Insurance Premium
S0801
Hardware Consultancy
S0804
Computer / Software Repair
S0807
Off-site Software Exports
S0901
Franchise / IP Fees
S0902
Licence Fees for Originals
S1003
Operational Leasing / Charter
S1004
Legal Services
S1005
Accounting / Audit / Tax
S1006
Business / Management Consultancy
S1008
R&D Services
S1009
Architectural / Engineering
S1011
Indian Office Maintenance (Inward)
S1012
Distribution Services
S1201
Foreign Embassy Maintenance
S1203
International Institution Maintenance
S1306
Tax Receipts / Refund
S1401
Employee Compensation
S1403
Interest on Loans (Non-resident)
S0402
Courier Services
S0404
Satellite Services
S0602
Freight Insurance
S0603
General Insurance Premium
S0604
Reinsurance Premium
S0605
Insurance Auxiliary
S0606
Insurance Claims Settlement
S0701
Bank Charges / LC Charges
S0702
Investment Banking Fees
S0703
Custodial / Depository Fees
S0803
Database / Data Processing
S0805
News Agency Services
S0806
Information Subscriptions
S1001
Merchanting Services
S1002
Trade-related Commission
S1007
Advertising / Market Research
S1010
Agricultural / Mining Services
S1013
Environmental Services
S1019
Other Business Services
S1101
Audio-Visual & Films
S1102
Education / Cultural / Sports
FAQs
What is an RBI purpose code?
Every cross-border payment from India carries a purpose code that tells the RBI why money is moving — e.g. S0305 for education tuition. Your Authorised Dealer selects and reports it; picking the right code determines documentation and TCS treatment.
What happens if the wrong purpose code is used?
The remittance may be delayed, returned by the beneficiary bank, or misreported for TCS. Quick Forex suggests the right code from your stated purpose and beneficiary, and our compliance team verifies it before funds move.
Do purpose codes change my TCS?
Yes — education funded by a loan attracts concessional TCS, while general purposes attract standard slabs above the annual threshold, as per current rules. The code drives the calculation.