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Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) in Pune

Reviewed by CA and CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP ICAI & ICSI Registered| 15+ Years Experience| Last Updated: Verify Credentials →

Documents: invoice, SWIFT or bank advice, purpose code, FIRC request to the AD bank.

Fees: starting from INR 2,499 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges).

Covers: e-FIRC facilitation plus CA attestation for GST refunds and export benefits.

Timeline: depends on the AD bank; we prepare and support the request promptly.

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Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) in Pune: Overview

📌 TL;DR - Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) Services at a Glance

A Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) is official proof, issued by an AD Category I bank, that foreign currency was received in an Indian account and converted to INR. Freelancers, exporters, and SaaS founders use it for GST refunds and export benefits. Since 2016 it is issued as an e-FIRC through the RBI EDPMS system.

When a Pune freelancer, exporter, or SaaS founder receives payment in dollars or euros, the bank credits the rupee equivalent - and the FIRC is the document that proves where that foreign currency came from and why. It is the inward mirror of the 15CA and 15CB forms used for outward payments.

The AD bank issues the FIRC (now an e-FIRC through the RBI EDPMS system), and getting the purpose code and documentation right is what makes it usable for GST refunds and export benefits. This page explains what an FIRC is, how it differs from an FIRA, and how Patron Accounting helps you obtain and use it.

ParameterDetail
What it isAD-bank proof of foreign currency received and converted
Issued byAD Category I bank (RBI / FEDAI)
Forme-FIRC via EDPMS since 2016 (IRM number)
Used forGST refund on exports, FTP / DGFT benefits, income proof
Who needs itFreelancers, exporters, SaaS founders earning USD / EUR
Starting feeINR 2,499 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges)

Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.

What Is a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate

Definition: An FIRC is an official certificate issued by an Authorised Dealer (AD Category I) bank in India confirming that an individual or business received foreign currency from abroad and that it was converted into Indian rupees, with the full transaction trail.

Under RBI and FEDAI guidelines, only AD Category I banks can issue an FIRC. Since 2016, the physical FIRC has been replaced by the e-FIRC, generated through the RBI's Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS). When an inward remittance is received, the bank raises an Inward Remittance Message (IRM) on EDPMS, and the IRM number is the FIRC number. Each remittance carries an RBI purpose code that classifies the payment, for example software or consultancy services.

The FIRC is the legally recognised proof of foreign-exchange earnings. It underpins GST refunds on exports under an LUT and export benefits, and is distinct from a mere advice. The CA's role is to get the purpose code and documentation right and to use the FIRC in compliance and refund claims.

Key Terms for Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC):

  • FIRC / e-FIRC: legal proof of an inward remittance.
  • EDPMS / IRM: the RBI system and message behind the e-FIRC.
  • Purpose code: the RBI classification of each remittance.
  • AD Category I bank: the only issuer of an FIRC.
APL-05 Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC)
e-FIRC / EDPMS AD Bank Issued

Who Needs It and When

An FIRC is needed when:

  • A freelancer or professional receives foreign currency for services from overseas clients.
  • An exporter of goods or services must prove realization of export proceeds.
  • A SaaS or product founder receives USD or EUR subscription or licensing income.
  • A business claims a GST refund on zero-rated export of services under an LUT.
  • An exporter claims benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy or files with the DGFT.

What Patron Accounting Delivers

ServiceWhat We Do
Purpose-code selectionCorrect RBI purpose-code selection for each inward remittance.
FIRC request preparationPreparation of the FIRC request and supporting documents for the AD bank.
e-FIRC retrieval supporte-FIRC retrieval support and reconciliation to invoices and EDPMS entries.
CA attestationCA attestation linking the FIRC to GST refund and export-benefit claims.
LUT guidanceGuidance on LUT filing for export of services without tax.
Error resolutionHelp resolving common errors - wrong purpose code, mismatched beneficiary, missing invoice.
Our Process

Step-by-Step Process

How we move from the right purpose code to a clean e-FIRC and a successful GST refund or export-benefit claim.

Step 1

Confirm purpose code

Confirm the nature of the inward remittance and the correct RBI purpose code.

Code confirmedNature mapped
P0802
Purpose01
Step 2

Gather documents

Gather the invoice or contract, the SWIFT or bank advice, and beneficiary details.

Invoice inSWIFT ready
Documents02
Step 3

Prepare FIRC request

Prepare the FIRC request to the AD Category I bank with the purpose and documents.

Request builtAD bank ready
Request03
Step 4

Bank issues e-FIRC

The bank raises the IRM on EDPMS and issues the e-FIRC; we support retrieval and verification.

IRM raisede-FIRC issued
e-FIRC04
Step 5

Reconcile and attest

Reconcile the FIRC to the invoice and books, and attest the foreign-income position.

ReconciledAttested
Reconcile05
Step 6

Claim refund and benefits

Use the FIRC to claim GST refund on exports and any Foreign Trade Policy benefit.

Refund filedBenefit claimed
Rs
Claim06

Documents Checklist

DocumentWhy it is needed
Export invoice / service contractNature and value of the receipt
SWIFT message / bank adviceProof of the inward credit
RBI purpose codeClassification of the remittance
Beneficiary bank and account detailsLinking the credit to the account
LUT (for export of services)GST zero-rating without tax
PAN / GST registrationIdentification and refund claim

Common Challenges and How We Solve Them

ChallengeImpactHow Patron Accounting Solves It
Wrong purpose codeFIRC may not support the benefit.We select the correct RBI purpose code so the FIRC supports the right benefit.
FIRA instead of FIRCAdvice is not legally binding.We ensure you obtain the legally binding FIRC where compliance requires it, not just an advice.
EDPMS mismatche-FIRC fails to issue.We reconcile the IRM and invoice so the e-FIRC issues cleanly.
GST refund rejectionRefund delayed or denied.We link the FIRC correctly to the export refund claim under the LUT.

Fees

Fee ComponentAmount
Patron Accounting Professional FeesStarting from INR 2,499 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges)
CoversPurpose-code guidance, FIRC request preparation, e-FIRC support, and CA attestation
AD bank chargesThe AD bank may charge its own FIRC issuance fee, billed separately

All fees and charges listed are indicative only and do not constitute a binding offer. Final amounts may vary depending on the volume of work and the complexity involved.

Professional service charges for drafting, filing, and representation are separate from the statutory fees. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the case, disputed amount, and number of hearings required. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Get a free Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) consultation - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us. No-obligation assessment.

Time Taken

StageEstimated Timeline
FIRC issuanceDepends on the AD bank
Request preparation and e-FIRC supportPrompt; we submit and support retrieval
Attestation and reconciliationTypically 1 to 2 working days from documents

FIRC issuance timing depends on the AD bank, but we prepare and submit the request promptly and support e-FIRC retrieval. The attestation and reconciliation work is typically completed within one to two working days of receiving the documents.

Key Benefits

Benefits of Professional Handling

Clean e-FIRC, no delays

Correct purpose code and clean EDPMS entry, avoiding rejected or delayed FIRCs.

Usable for GST refunds

FIRC usable for GST refunds and Foreign Trade Policy benefits.

Reliable income proof

Reliable proof of foreign income for tax filing and audits.

Accountable CAs

ICAI-registered CAs accountable under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.

Why Pune Exporters and Freelancers Choose Patron Accounting

10,000+ clients served, 4.9 average rating, 50,000+ documents delivered, 15+ years of experience. Our Pune team supports IT and SaaS exporters, consultants, and freelancers across Hinjewadi, Kharadi, Baner, and Magarpatta with FIRC, GST refund, and export-compliance work.

With offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, Patron Accounting serves businesses across India - both in-person and remotely.

FIRC (Inward) vs 15CA / 15CB (Outward)

AspectFIRC (inward)15CA / 15CB (outward)
DirectionMoney received from abroadMoney sent abroad
Issued byAD Category I bankRemitter / CA
ProvesForeign income receivedTax compliance on payment
Used forGST refund, export benefitsBank release of remittance

Related Services

Regulatory Framework

  • RBI and FEDAI guidelines: only AD Category I banks may issue an FIRC.
  • e-FIRC and EDPMS: since 2016 the FIRC is issued electronically through the RBI Export Data Processing and Monitoring System, linked to the IRM.
  • RBI purpose codes: each inward remittance is classified by a purpose code that determines the correct certificate and benefit.
  • GST on export of services: zero-rated supplies under an LUT, where the FIRC is proof of realization for the refund.
  • Foreign Trade Policy / DGFT: FIRC is required evidence for export-promotion schemes. See the Reserve Bank of India and the DGFT.

What is an FIRC and who issues it?

A Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate is an official document issued by an Authorised Dealer (AD Category I) bank in India confirming that foreign currency was received in an Indian account and converted into rupees, with the full transaction trail. Under RBI and FEDAI guidelines, only AD Category I banks can issue it. Since 2016 it is issued as an e-FIRC through the RBI EDPMS system rather than as a physical certificate.

Do freelancers receiving foreign payments need an FIRC?

Yes. Freelancers, including bloggers, designers, consultants, and other service providers who receive payments from overseas clients, use the FIRC as proof of their foreign income. It supports income-tax filing, helps claim GST refunds on export of services, and serves as compliance evidence under FEMA. For each inward remittance in foreign currency, an FIRC or e-FIRC documents the receipt and its rupee conversion.

What is the difference between FIRC and FIRA?

An FIRC, or e-FIRC, is the legally recognised certificate proving an inward remittance, used for export, investment, GST refund, and regulatory compliance. An FIRA, or Foreign Inward Remittance Advice, is simply the bank's advice that a foreign credit was received and is not a legally binding document for compliance. Where a tax authority or the DGFT requires proof, the FIRC is needed, not just the advice. FIRS covers personal remittances.

How is an FIRC used for a GST refund?

Exports of services are zero-rated under GST and can be made without paying tax by filing a Letter of Undertaking. To claim a refund of the input tax credit, the exporter must prove that the export proceeds were realised in foreign currency, and the FIRC is that proof. Matching the FIRC, the invoice, and the purpose code correctly is essential, which is where CA support reduces the risk of refund rejection.

What is an RBI purpose code in an FIRC?

An RBI purpose code is a standardised code that classifies the nature of a foreign-exchange transaction, for example software services or consultancy. It is declared for each inward remittance and appears on the FIRC. The purpose code determines how the remittance is treated and whether it supports a particular benefit. Selecting the correct code is important, because a wrong code can complicate GST refunds and export-benefit claims.

How does Patron Accounting help with FIRC in Pune?

The FIRC itself is issued by your AD bank, so we focus on getting everything around it right. We select the correct RBI purpose code, prepare the FIRC request and supporting documents, support e-FIRC retrieval and EDPMS reconciliation, and attest the foreign-income position. We then use the FIRC to claim GST refunds and export benefits. Our Pune team works with exporters and freelancers both in-person and remotely.

Quick Answers

  • Issued by: AD Category I bank, as an e-FIRC via EDPMS since 2016.
  • Used for: GST refund on exports, Foreign Trade Policy benefits, income proof.
  • Starting fee: INR 2,499 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges).

Keep Every FIRC Ready for Refund Deadlines

FIRCs should be obtained for each inward remittance and kept on record, because GST refund claims and export-benefit filings have their own timelines and need the FIRC as proof. Getting the purpose code right at the time of receipt, and reconciling the e-FIRC promptly, avoids scrambling for documents when a refund or DGFT deadline approaches.

Get FIRC and export-compliance support today - Call +91 945 945 6700 or request a free quote on WhatsApp.

Get FIRC and Export-Compliance Support in Pune

For anyone in Pune earning in dollars or euros, the FIRC is the proof that turns foreign receipts into claimable GST refunds and export benefits. The AD bank issues it, but the value comes from the right purpose code, a clean EDPMS entry, and correct use in compliance. Handled well, the FIRC is a quiet enabler of every export and freelance income stream.

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FIRC Support Across India

FIRC facilitation and export-compliance support in Pune and other major cities.

Content Created: 8 June 2026  |  Last Updated:  |  Next Review: 8 September 2026  |  Reviewed By: CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP

This page is reviewed periodically. FIRC and export practice is stable; we review annually and on any change in RBI EDPMS, purpose codes, or GST refund rules.