Understanding House Rent Allowance (HRA): Exemptions, Tax Deductions, and Regulations

In the compensation package of a salaried individual, the House Rent Allowance (HRA) plays a significant role. It is an allowance provided by employers to help employees cover the cost of renting a residence. This article aims to clarify the importance of HRA and the extent of tax deductions permissible under it.

What is House Rent Allowance (HRA)?

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a component of a salary package provided by employers to assist employees with rental housing expenses. It is a part of the Cost to Company (CTC) and is designed to make living in rented accommodation more affordable for employees.

Is HRA Taxable?

Initially, HRA is considered part of your taxable salary income. However, if you reside in rented accommodation, you can claim a partial or full tax exemption on HRA under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act. This is commonly known as HRA exemption. If you do not live in rented housing, the entire HRA amount becomes fully taxable.

Note: The HRA tax exemption is not available if you opt for the new tax regime introduced in recent years.

HRA for Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed individuals cannot claim HRA since it is an allowance provided by employers. However, they can avail of tax deductions for rent paid under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act.

HRA for Salaried Individuals

Under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act, salaried individuals can claim exemptions on HRA. As HRA is a significant part of the salary, it is essential to adhere to company policies when claiming it. Rule 2A of the Income Tax Rules specifies the amount of exemption allowed.

How to Claim HRA Exemption?

To be eligible for HRA exemption, you must:

1. Live in rented accommodation.
2. Receive HRA as part of your salary.
3. Submit valid rent receipts and proof of rent payments.

The calculation of HRA exemption depends on factors such as your salary, the actual rent paid, the HRA received, and whether you reside in a metro or non-metro city.

How to Calculate HRA Exemption?

The exemption on HRA is the minimum of the following amounts:

1. Actual HRA received from the employer.
2. 50% of [Basic Salary + Dearness Allowance (DA)] for those living in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai).
3. 40% of [Basic Salary + DA] for those living in non-metro cities.
4. Actual rent paid minus 10% of [Basic Salary + DA].

Can You Claim Both HRA and Home Loan Interest Deductions?

Yes, it is possible to claim both HRA exemption and home loan interest deductions under certain circumstances:

• Same City: If you own a house in the same city where you rent, you need to provide valid reasons for not living in your own house, such as proximity to your workplace.

• Different Cities: If your owned house is in a different city due to work relocation, you can claim both benefits without any issues.

When Do You Need a Landlord’s PAN?

If your annual rent exceeds ₹1 lakh, you must provide your landlord's Permanent Account Number (PAN) to claim HRA exemption. If the landlord does not have a PAN, a self-declaration is required as per Circular No. 8/2013 dated October 10, 2013.

For tenants paying rent to Non-Resident Indian (NRI) landlords, a Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) of 30% must be deducted before making the rent payment.

What If You Don't Receive HRA?

If you pay rent but do not receive HRA from your employer, you can still claim a deduction under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act, provided:

1. You are either self-employed or a salaried individual not receiving HRA.
2. The rent paid exceeds 10% of your total income.
3. Neither you nor your spouse or minor child owns residential accommodation in the area where you reside or work.
4. If you own property elsewhere, you must not claim it as self-occupied.

The deduction under Section 80GG is the least of the following:

• ₹5,000 per month.
• 25% of adjusted total income.
• Actual rent paid minus 10% of adjusted total income.

Adjusted total income is your gross total income minus deductions except for the deduction under Section 80GG.

Example Calculation

Scenario:

Mr. Anwar lives in New Delhi and pays a monthly rent of ₹15,000 during the Financial Year 2023-24. He receives:

• Basic salary: ₹25,000 per month.
• Dearness Allowance (DA): ₹2,000 per month (part of the salary).
• HRA received: ₹1,00,000 per annum.

HRA Exemption Calculation:

1. Actual HRA received: ₹1,00,000.
2. 50% of [Basic Salary + DA]: 50% × (₹25,000 + ₹2,000) × 12 = ₹1,62,000.
3. Rent paid minus 10% of salary: [₹15,000 × 12] - 10% of [(₹25,000 + ₹2,000) × 12] = ₹1,80,000 - ₹32,400 = ₹1,47,600.

Exempted HRA: The minimum of the above amounts, which is ₹1,00,000.

Therefore, ₹1,00,000 of Mr. Anwar's HRA is exempt from income tax, and the remaining amount (if any) is taxable.

Claiming HRA When Living with Parents

If you live with your parents, you can still claim HRA by paying rent to them. Here's how:

1. Enter into a rental agreement with your parents.
2. Pay rent to your parents via bank transfer or other traceable methods.
3. Your parents must declare this rent as income in their tax returns.

This arrangement can be tax-efficient if your parents are in a lower tax bracket or have no taxable income.

How to Claim Deduction Under Section 80GG?

To claim a deduction under Section 80GG:

• Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria mentioned earlier.

• The deduction is the least of:

  1. ₹5,000 per month.
  2. 25% of adjusted total income.
  3. Actual rent paid minus 10% of adjusted total income.

Key Takeaways

• HRA can significantly reduce your taxable income if you live in rented accommodation.
• Keep all rent receipts and documentation to substantiate your HRA claims.
• Understanding the rules can help both salaried and self-employed individuals maximize their tax benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. For personalized guidance, please consult a tax professional.