Question 1

How is HRA exemption calculated?

Accepted Answer

HRA exemption is the minimum of: (1) Actual HRA received, (2) 50% of basic salary for metro cities or 40% for non-metro, (3) Rent paid minus 10% of basic salary. For example: Basic ₹50,000/month, HRA ₹20,000, Rent ₹15,000 in Mumbai = Exemption is minimum of ₹20,000, ₹25,000 (50% of ₹50K), ₹10,000 (₹15K - ₹5K) = ₹10,000 exempt per month.

Question 2

Which cities are considered metro for HRA?

Accepted Answer

Only 4 cities are metro for HRA: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. In metro cities, HRA exemption is 50% of basic salary. All other cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad are non-metro with 40% exemption limit. If you live in Navi Mumbai or Noida, they count as metro (Mumbai/Delhi). Gurgaon counts as Delhi (metro).

Question 3

Can I claim HRA if I live with parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can claim HRA even if living with parents by paying them rent. Requirements: (1) Create a rent agreement, (2) Parents must show rental income in their ITR, (3) Transfer rent via bank (not cash), (4) If annual rent > ₹1 lakh, deduct TDS, (5) Get rent receipts. Your parents' rental income may be exempt under ₹2.5L limit or taxed at their slab. This is legal and widely practiced.

Question 4

What documents are needed to claim HRA?

Accepted Answer

Documents needed for HRA claim: (1) Rent receipts (mandatory) with landlord signature and revenue stamp if > ₹5,000/month, (2) Rent agreement (if rent > ₹1 lakh/year), (3) PAN card of landlord (if rent > ₹1 lakh/year), (4) Bank statements showing rent payment, (5) Form 16 from employer (shows HRA component). Submit these to employer or during ITR filing. Keep copies for 6-7 years.

Question 5

Can I claim HRA and home loan deduction together?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot claim HRA and home loan deduction (Section 24) for the same property. But you CAN claim both if: (1) You own a house in City A, claim home loan interest (₹2L limit), (2) You live on rent in City B for work, claim HRA. This is common for people working in different cities. You must prove: different addresses, job location requirement, self-occupied property declaration.

Question 6

Is HRA available in new tax regime?

Accepted Answer

No, HRA exemption is NOT available in the new tax regime (FY 2023-24 onwards). New regime does not allow any deductions. However: (1) You can still choose old regime and claim HRA, (2) Calculate both regimes to see which saves more tax, (3) If HRA + other deductions > ₹2-3 lakh, old regime usually better, (4) You can switch regime every year (salaried employees). Business owners can switch only once.