Moving back to India is easier when you treat it as a series of coordinated decisions. Some US accounts can stay open under provider conditions; others may become restricted. Closing everything immediately can create problems with final pay, refunds, taxes or retirement transfers.
Two to three months before departure
Build an inventory of accounts, contracts, documents and deadlines. Include banks, brokers, retirement plans, loans, cards, insurance, utilities, phone service, rent and subscriptions. Record which payments or refunds may arrive after you leave.
Ask providers in writing whether they support a residential address in India, what features will change and how you can access the account abroad. Tell them your actual address and tax circumstances. Using a false US address to preserve eligibility can create compliance problems.
Plan reliable authentication. Review phone-number requirements, available backup methods and international support contacts. Store statements, tax forms, cost-basis records and immigration documents securely before changing your phone service.
Housing, transport and household logistics
Check your lease’s notice period, early-termination terms, deposit process and move-out inspection requirements. State and local rules vary; departure does not automatically cancel a lease. Give required notice through the contract’s specified method and keep proof.
For a vehicle, arrange sale or shipment, lender payoff if needed, title paperwork and registration steps. Cancel insurance only after the vehicle is no longer your responsibility and the relevant requirements have been satisfied. Compare shipping costs and destination import rules before assuming taking the car is economical.
Schedule utility closure, final readings, internet equipment returns and address updates. Save receipts for returned keys and equipment. Settle outstanding bills and document any dispute.
Banking and transfers
Leave sufficient accessible funds for expected final charges and maintain an eligible way to receive refunds. Transfer money using verified beneficiary details, with time for compliance review. Keep evidence of the source and purpose of funds.
Before closing an account, download records and check pending transactions, automatic payments and linked services. Ask how a closure affects incoming payments and any remaining balance. Cancel autopay at both the biller and bank where appropriate rather than assuming one action covers everything.
Retirement savings and investments
Do not assume leaving the US requires cashing out a 401(k) or IRA. Compare retaining an eligible US account, an eligible US rollover and a distribution, including taxes, fees and provider restrictions. Wiring distributed cash to India is not automatically a tax-free retirement rollover.
See our cross-border retirement guide. Resolve any plan loan and beneficiary instructions, and keep contact details accurate.
Taxes: departure is not the end of filing
Ask a cross-border tax professional about the departure-year residence test, possible dual-status treatment, outstanding US returns, state residence and foreign-account reporting. A move does not automatically make you a nonresident for the entire year.
IRS departure-clearance rules can require a sailing permit for some departing aliens, with important exceptions. Review the official guidance for your circumstances before travel. Obtaining clearance does not replace a required annual return. Update W-9 or W-8BEN certification only when appropriate to your actual status.
For India, separately review tax residence and FEMA residence. Ask your bank in India whether NRE, NRO or other accounts require redesignation and whether an RFC account is appropriate. A permanent return and a short visit are not necessarily treated alike.
Final week and after arrival
Confirm flights, shipping insurance, medical prescriptions and records. Understand the exact end date of US health coverage and arrange suitable protection for the transition. Leave emergency contacts with a trusted person without sharing account passwords.
After arrival, verify transfer receipts and refunds, complete address updates, and calendar future tax-form downloads and filing dates. Recheck account access while there is still time to resolve issues.
Should I close every US card? Assess issuer residence rules, fees and your future needs individually. Keeping or closing an account has trade-offs; neither is a universal requirement.
Sources and further reading
- IRS: Departure clearance and exceptions
- IRS tax guide for aliens
- IRS: Retirement rollover rules
- Fidelity: Overseas account restrictions
- RBI: Deposit directions
Reviewed October 12, 2026. This guide is educational; provider terms and applicable rules can change.