How to Claim HRA Exemption While Filing Returns

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How to Claim HRA Exemption While Filing Returns

Feb 06, 2018

Salaried and non–salaried individuals can save quite a bit of taxes by claiming exemption on HRA (House Rental Allowance). HRA can be partially or even wholly exempt from taxes if you are living in rented accommodation. It is to be noted that HRA is fully taxable if the individual does not live in a rented home.

Who Can Claim HRA Exemption?

Any individual, who pays rent, is eligible to claim exemption on their HRA or a part of it. This is true irrespective of the individual being salaried or self-employed. Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 deals with HRA exemptions for salaried individuals. Self-employed individuals and salaried individuals who do not receive HRA can claim the said benefit under Section 80GG. Although, the method for claiming HRA exemption differs in the case of salaried and non-salaried individuals.

Claiming HRA exemption in Case of Salaried Individuals

If you are a salaried individual receiving HRA and paying rent, the least of the following three amounts can be claimed as an exemption on HRA:

  • The actual amount of HRA received.
  • The actual amount of rent paid minus 10% of the basic salary.
  • Basic Salary & DA
    • 50% (of Basic Salary & DA): for those living in metropolitan cities;
    • 40% (of Basic Salary & DA): for those living in non-metro areas.

The salaried individuals can claim exemption by submitting their rent slip or the proof of having a rented place. The employer may ask for the rental receipts monthly or quarterly as it is their responsibility to check all the claim documents. If the salaried individual has disclosed rental income as income from other sources in their Form 16, then they are not eligible for deduction.

HRA exemption claim in Case of Non-Salaried Individuals

If you are self-employed, or a salaried individual who does not receive HRA, then the exemption can be availed under Section 80GG of the IT Act. In case of non-salaried individuals, they must file Form 10BA declaring that they are staying in a rental property and neither the spouse or the children own any property, and declare the details of the rent paid by them. It is also imperative that the individual not receive HRA during the year. If the rent paid is more than Rs.1 Lakh, then the tenant should furnish the PAN of the owner.

The lowest of the following amounts can be claimed u/s 80GG:

  • 25% of the adjusted total income.
  • Rent paid to the tune of Rs. 5,000 per month.
  • Actual rent paid (-)10% of adjusted total income.

How to claim HRA When Living with Your Parents:

If you are living with your parents in a house owned by them, you can still claim the benefit of HRA. But, you need to make sure that you sign a rental agreement with your parents and transfer a pre-decided amount of rent to them every month. Also, the parents need to show rent received as an income while filing their returns.