HRA Calculator

Calculate House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption and taxable amount

Salary & Rent Details

₹50,000
₹0
₹20,000
₹15,000

Metro: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai

HRA Exemption

Enter salary and rent details to calculate HRA exemption

About HRA Exemption

Calculation Formula

HRA Exemption = Minimum of:

  • Actual HRA received
  • Rent paid - 10% of basic salary
  • 50% of basic (metro) or 40% (non-metro)

Eligibility

  • Must be a salaried individual
  • Must live in rented accommodation
  • Must receive HRA from employer
  • Rent receipts required for claim

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HRA and how is it calculated?

HRA (House Rent Allowance) is a component of your salary that provides tax exemption on rent paid. The exemption is the minimum of: (1) Actual HRA received, (2) 50% of basic salary for metro cities or 40% for non-metro cities, or (3) Rent paid minus 10% of basic salary.

Which cities are considered metro cities for HRA calculation?

Metro cities for HRA purposes include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. In these cities, you can claim 50% of basic salary as HRA exemption, while non-metro cities allow 40% exemption.

Can I claim HRA if I live with my parents?

Yes, you can claim HRA even if you live with your parents, provided you pay rent to them. You must have a rent agreement and your parents must declare this rental income in their income tax returns. However, this doesn't work if you're paying rent to your spouse.

What documents are required to claim HRA exemption?

You need: (1) Rent receipts or payment proof, (2) Rental agreement, (3) PAN of landlord if annual rent exceeds ₹1,00,000. Maintain these documents as your employer may ask for them or they may be required during income tax filing.

Can I claim both HRA and home loan interest deduction?

Yes, you can claim both, but for different properties. You can claim HRA for the rented house where you live and home loan interest deduction (under Section 24) for a house you own in a different city. Both properties must be in different locations.

Is HRA exemption available under the new tax regime?

No, HRA exemption is not available if you opt for the new tax regime (Section 115BAC). HRA benefits are only available under the old tax regime. You need to choose between lower tax rates (new regime) and deductions like HRA (old regime).

What if my HRA is less than the rent I pay?

If your HRA is less than the actual rent paid, your exemption will be limited to the actual HRA received. The excess rent cannot be claimed as HRA exemption, but you might be able to claim it under Section 80GG if you don't receive HRA from your employer.

How does basic salary affect HRA calculation?

Basic salary is crucial for HRA calculation as it forms the base for the percentage calculation (50% for metro/40% for non-metro). A higher basic salary means higher potential HRA exemption. The 10% of basic salary is also deducted from rent paid to calculate one component of the exemption.