House Rent Allowance (HRA): Can You Claim HRA on Multiple Properties? Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to taxation and claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA), there can be a lot of confusion, especially if you have multiple rental properties. In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can claim HRA on more than one property and what you need to do to ensure you’re eligible for this tax benefit.

Understanding HRA and Its Benefits

House Rent Allowance, commonly known as HRA, is a tax benefit provided under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act. It allows salaried individuals to claim a deduction on the rent they pay for their accommodation. This deduction helps reduce their taxable income, ultimately lowering their tax liability.

Conditions for Claiming HRA

To be eligible for claiming HRA, certain conditions must be met. One of these conditions is that the taxpayer should actually incur expenses related to renting a residential house. Additionally, the HRA received should be specifically mentioned in the employment contract or salary structure.

Special Allowance from the Employer

Employers often provide HRA as a special allowance to their employees. This special allowance is given to compensate for the rent paid by the employee for their residential property. It’s crucial to note that HRA is not automatically granted; you must make a claim for it.

Can You Claim HRA on Multiple Properties?

Now, let’s address the main question: Can you claim HRA on more than one property? The answer is yes, but with certain conditions.

HRA is Property-Specific

HRA is property-specific, which means you can only claim it for the residential property you are living in. If you rent out multiple properties, you can’t claim HRA for all of them. You can only claim HRA for the property in which you reside.

Limitation on HRA Claim

There is also a limitation on the amount of HRA you can claim. As per the rules, you can claim a maximum of 50% of your basic salary as HRA. For example, if your basic salary is ₹50,000 per month, and you pay ₹30,000 as rent for your residential house, your HRA claim can be a maximum of ₹25,000 per month.

Example for Clarity

To illustrate, suppose your basic salary is ₹50,000 per month, and you are eligible for an HRA of ₹20,000 per month. However, you pay rent of ₹30,000 per month for your accommodation. In this case, you can claim HRA of ₹20,000 per month, not the entire ₹30,000 you pay as rent.

Be Honest in Your Claims

It’s essential to be honest when claiming HRA, especially if you have more than one property. The tax authorities can scrutinize your claims, so ensure that you meet all the necessary conditions.

Maintain Proper Documentation

To claim HRA, you should maintain proper documentation. This includes rent agreements, rent receipts, and a declaration to your employer stating that you have not claimed HRA for more than one property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) on multiple properties, but there are conditions and limitations to consider. HRA is property-specific, and you can only claim it for the property in which you reside. Additionally, there is a cap on the maximum HRA you can claim based on your basic salary.

To ensure a smooth claim process, maintain accurate records and declare your HRA claims honestly. By following these guidelines, you can benefit from the tax relief provided by HRA without any complications.