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Filing Taxes in Both Finland and Nepal: A Dual-Reporting Checklist for Expats

Filing Taxes in Both Finland and Nepal: A Dual-Reporting Checklist for Expats

09 May 2025


Navigating life as a Nepali expat in Finland comes with its rewards and challenges. While adjusting to a new culture and career path is already a lot, staying compliant with both Finnish and Nepali tax laws is equally essential. And when it’s time to send money to Nepal from Finland, it helps to understand the impact taxes may have on your finances. This guide walks you through the process of filing taxes in both countries to keep your money safe and your remittances worry-free.

Why Do Nepali Expats in Finland Need to File Taxes in Two Countries?

If you're living and working in Finland while maintaining financial ties to Nepal, you might be required to file taxes in both countries depending on your income sources and residency status. Finland taxes its residents on their worldwide income. So if you’ve lived in Finland for more than six months, you're considered a tax resident and must declare all global income—including any from Nepal. On the other hand, Nepal may still consider you a tax resident if you spend 183 days or more in the country in a fiscal year or maintain a permanent home there. This creates the need for dual tax reporting, even if you aren't taxed twice due to applicable tax treaties.

The Nepal-Finland Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) exists to prevent taxing the same income twice, but you’ll still need to file in both countries to claim the relief it offers. You can view the latest DTAA information through OECD resources.

What Documents Should You Prepare Before Filing Taxes?

Before the tax season begins, gather all your financial and income documents from both countries. This avoids errors, penalties, or overpayments.

From Finland

  • Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) pre-completed tax return
     
  • Payslips or salary slips
     
  • Bank statements for savings or investment income
     
  • Kela benefits (if received)
     
  • Pension contributions and deductions
     
  • Annual statement of income from an employer

From Nepal

  • PAN (Permanent Account Number) details
     
  • Proof of income generated in Nepal (e.g., rental income, dividends)
     
  • Property ownership or inheritance papers
     
  • Foreign Income Tax Credit (if applicable)
     
  • Tax clearance certificate (if previously filed in Nepal)
     

It's recommended to consult with a registered tax consultant familiar with both tax systems to ensure all your bases are covered.

How Does the Double Taxation Agreement Between Finland and Nepal Help You?

The DTAA between Finland and Nepal exists to avoid taxing the same income twice. It also outlines which country gets the taxing rights for specific income categories.

For example, if you earn a salary in Finland and pay taxes on it there, you can claim a credit for those taxes in Nepal. However, the income must be declared in Nepal, even if the tax liability is zero. Similarly, if you receive dividends from a business in Nepal while living in Finland, you may have to report this in Finland but apply DTAA provisions to avoid double taxation.

Always check the updated tax treaty details before filing. You can read a simplified version of Finland's tax rules for expats on Vero’s official site.

What Are the Key Tax Deadlines in Finland and Nepal?

Tax deadlines vary, and missing them could result in penalties. Here are the important dates to remember:

In Finland

  • The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31.
  • Pre-filled tax forms usually arrive in March–April.
  • You must make corrections and submit the final return by May, with varying dates depending on your tax group
  • Any additional taxes are due by August–October.

In Nepal

  • The tax year follows the Nepali calendar (Shrawan to Ashad), usually mid-July to mid-July.
     
  • Individual tax returns are due by the end of Ashwin (around mid-October).
     
  • Penalties are applied for late submission or inaccurate reporting.
     

Marking both timelines on your calendar can prevent late fees and give you time to plan your money transfer from Finland to Nepal efficiently.

How Can Filing Taxes Affect Your Remittances to Nepal?

Understanding how your reported income and tax deductions impact your disposable income helps you plan better for remittances. If you fail to declare an income stream properly, you may face tax reassessments.

Also, excessive or unclear foreign deposits in Nepali bank accounts may raise red flags under anti-money laundering laws. Keeping your income and remittance trail transparent is crucial, especially when large sums are involved. Filing taxes cleanly ensures your financial credibility in both nations.

What Steps Should You Take If You’re a Student or Part-Time Worker?

International students and part-time employees in Finland often assume they’re exempt from taxes. However, depending on your income level and residency status, you may still be required to file a tax return.

For instance, if you're on a student visa and work part-time, your income is taxable in Finland. If you send part of your earnings to Nepal, those funds might need to be declared in Nepal, especially if they contribute to a family business or asset purchase. Clarifying your student tax obligations with Vero is important to stay compliant.

Being transparent in your tax filings can also support any future visa extensions or PR applications in Finland.

Can You Claim Tax Deductions on Remittances or Foreign Transfers?

While Finland does not allow direct deductions for money sent abroad, your total tax liability could be reduced through various allowances, such as work-related expenses, pension contributions, or housing costs. On Nepal's side, there are currently no specific remittance-related deductions, but the income received via formal channels remains tax-exempt in most cases if it comes from legal foreign earnings.

Using formal channels for online money transfer from Finland to Nepal not only ensures better exchange rates but also provides documentary proof that supports your tax return.

How Can ACE Money Transfer Support You with Your Financial Planning?

Filing taxes and remitting money are deeply connected. Choosing a reliable remittance partner can ease financial pressure and support your compliance goals. ACE Money Transfer offers low-cost, quick, and secure ways to send funds home. Their competitive exchange rates and minimal transfer fees help you stretch your euro further.

Thousands of Nepali expats trust ACE Money Transfer because it delivers reliability, transparency, and a seamless digital experience. With 4.8+ ratings on Trustpilot, ACE Money Transfer stands out as a dependable partner for sending money and managing your global finances.


Conclusion

Staying on top of your tax responsibilities in both Finland and Nepal isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting your finances and ensuring smooth remittance flows. Keep your documents ready, understand the tax treaty benefits, and choose regulated channels when you send money to Nepal online from Finland.

With ACE Money Transfer by your side, you can worry less about high fees or currency losses and focus more on your loved ones back home. It’s time to take charge of your dual reporting and remittance strategy—smartly, legally, and confidently.

FAQs

Is it mandatory to file taxes in Nepal if I already pay tax in Finland?

Yes, even if you're taxed in Finland, you must report your global income in Nepal if you meet the tax residency criteria there.

How do I avoid paying tax twice on the same income?

By using the provisions under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between Finland and Nepal, you can claim tax credits to avoid double taxation.

What happens if I miss the tax deadline in Nepal while living abroad?

Late submissions may lead to penalties, interest on unpaid tax, or complications in property transactions or visa renewals in Nepal.

Can I file my Finnish tax return online while staying in Nepal temporarily?

Yes, the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) allows digital filing via their online portal, even from abroad.

Does ACE Money Transfer provide proof of remittances for tax purposes?

Yes, ACE provides digital receipts for every transaction, which can be used as supporting documents when filing taxes in both countries.



 


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