All You Need to Know about House Rent allowance

Are you looking to invest in a house but need the funds right now? Or do you want to stay rent-free in your current home but need to know how it works? If so, you’re in the correct place. Furthermore, this article gives an understanding of how House Rent Allowance (HRA) is taxed in India and gives you tips on how to maximize tax benefits from HRA. So next time you’re wondering about house rent allowance, read on to find out all you need to know.

What is HRA or House Rent Allowance?

If you’re living in a rented house and receiving social assistance, you may wonder what your house rent allowance (HRA) is. HRA is a welfare program that helps people receive social assistance to cover the cost of their rent. The amount of HRA you’re eligible for depends on your income and family size. You can apply for HRA online or at your local government office. 

If you’re applying for HRA online, submit all required information, including income tax forms and proof of address or permanent resident status. Keep your income and family size in mind when applying for HRA, as they can affect the total amount of HRA you’re eligible for. Remember that your HRA allowance is not tax-deductible, so it’s important to keep all your tax documents handy when applying.

Eligibility Criteria to Claim a Tax Deduction on an HRA

If you’re amid HRA negotiations and unsure of the eligibility criteria, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. To be eligible to claim a tax deduction on your HRA, you must meet the following criteria:

• The home must be your primary residence, and you must live there full-time.
• The property cannot be used for commercial purposes, such as renting out rooms or flats.
• You can only claim a maximum of INR 1 lakh worth of deductions per year, including rent and other expenses related to living in the property.

How is HRA Taxed in India?

If you rent or own a property in India, you may be eligible for the HRA. This tax relief is currently taxed at 25%, making it one of the most beneficial tax breaks you can claim. To claim HRA, you must first file a claim form with the income tax department annually. After you’ve filed the claim form, you will receive a TDS certificate in return. This certificate confirms that your income is tax-exempt and that you are not liable to pay income tax on the HRA you have claimed. If you are claiming HRA on a joint return, both must fill out the claim form together. Make sure to keep all your tax documentation handy, as it will help you in case of any queries from the income tax department. Now that you know everything about HRA, it’s time to start saving.

Tax Benefits of HRA

If you rent your home, you may be eligible for a tax benefit called HRA. HRA can be useful if you’re self-employed or have a high income from your rental property. The amount of the deduction you can claim depends on your income and the rent you deduct. 

Essential Points to Remember in Claiming HRA Deduction

It’s tax time again, so it’s time to calculate your HRA deduction. If you live in a qualifying property and your landlord offers you the HRA, you may be able to claim a deduction for the rent you pay for what is considered reasonable living costs. If you want to use the HRA this year, it’s essential to calculate your allowable expenses and submit your claim by December 31. There are other tax-deductible expenses you may be able to claim, too, like mortgage interest and charitable donations. 

How to Claim Deduction if You Do Not Receive HRA

If you are an employee and do not receive an HRA, you can claim the deduction on your taxes. The HRA is calculated as 32% of your monthly rent payments, up to a maximum limit of INR 20,000/month. You must include the HRA amount on your tax return as income and deduct it from your taxable income accordingly. Make sure you claim the deduction on your tax return, as it can benefit you in many ways—financially, tax-wise, and even tax-free.

Documents Required to Claim HRA Tax Exemption

If you’re self-employed and rent accommodation from a landlord, you may be entitled to HRA. This allowance is tax-free and helps reduce your tax burden. To claim the allowance, you first need to be a tenant in a property owned or leased by someone else. You must provide your landlord with certain documentation, such as your payslip and bank statement for the last three months. The total rental income you receive each month is added to and deducted from your salary before tax is calculated. If the amount withheld exceeds your taxable income, the excess will be refunded in April of the following year. Remember that the HRA is not tax-deductible, so keeping accurate records of your income and expenses is important.

Conclusion

In today’s world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to afford a home of your own. With rent prices soaring and the job market still needing to provide the stability many were hoping for, it can be hard to justify spending a large chunk of your income on rent. That’s where the HRA comes in. This allowance allows you to claim a tax deduction on your rent, making it much easier to afford a home of your own. 

If you are confused about how HRA can be helpful for you or how you should file it, you must reach out to an institution like Piramal Finance. Their experts can help you understand the entire procedure in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions that HRA seekers have, so we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the allowance. 

How Much HRA Can I Claim?

Claiming HRA is a great way to reduce your taxable income and get tax benefits. You can claim a maximum of INR 2,000/month.

Is HRA Calculated Monthly or Yearly?

In most cases, the HRA is calculated monthly. This means that the allowance will be deducted from your rent every month. If you are the landlord, the budget will be added to your rent every month based on the rental value of your property and not on its market value.

Can I Claim an HRA Tax Exemption When Paying Rent to a Family Member?

Yes, you can claim an HRA tax exemption when paying rent to a family member. The amount of rent you can deduct as HRA is determined by your income and the amount of rent you pay.  You need to file Form 6379 with your annual return and declaration form. If you claim more than INR 10,000 in rent from a family member during the year, you will also need to file an Income Tax Return (ITR).