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How To Calculate HRA in Salary?

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Created on
January 9, 2023

Summary

What’s Inside

HRA, or House Rent Allowance, is a part of an employee's salary that assists with renting a home. It's a fixed percentage of an employee's basic salary and varies based on factors such as location and other conditions. Calculating HRA depends on several factors.

How to calculate HRA in your salary with an example

The HRA calculation in salary can vary based on the company's policies, the employee's job level, and the cost of living in the area where the employee is located.

1. Know Your Components:

To do an HRA calculation on basic salary, first understand the components of your salary, especially the basic salary and HRA percentage provided by your employer.

2. Gather Rent Details: 

Collect information about the rent you pay for your accommodation, including the monthly rental amount and the city classification (metro or non-metro) where you live.

3. Determine HRA Exemption: 

The taxable HRA is calculated as the minimum of three components:

Actual rent paid minus 10% of basic salary.

50% (for metros) or 40% (for non-metros) of the basic salary.

Actual HRA received from your employer.

Taxable HRA = Minimum of (A) or (B) or ©

4. Calculate Non-Taxable HRA:

Non-taxable HRA is the difference between the actual HRA received from your employer and the calculated taxable HRA.

Non-taxable HRA = Actual HRA - Taxable HRA

5. Update Salary and Tax Calculations:

Adjust your salary by subtracting the taxable HRA and adding the non-taxable HRA. Your income tax calculation will also be affected by the taxable HRA amount.

6. Submit Proof and Declarations:

Provide relevant documents like rent receipts, rental agreements, and any other required proof to your employer to validate your rent payments and claim HRA benefits.

7. File Income Tax Return:

When filing your income tax return, declare the exempted portion of HRA and submit the necessary documents to support your claim.

Here is an example of how HRA is calculated on salary :

Employee Details:

Basic Salary: ₹5,00,000 per year

HRA Percentage: 40% of the basic salary

Actual Rent Paid: ₹15,000 per month (₹1,80,000 per year)

City Classification: Metro city

Calculations:

HRA Received

₹2,00,000 per year

Taxable HRA

₹1,30,000 (calculated as the smaller of ₹1,30,000 and 50% of basic salary)

Non-taxable HRA

₹70,000 (the difference between received HRA and taxable HRA)

Adjusted Taxable Income

₹4,40,000 (after subtracting taxable HRA and adding non-taxable HRA)

Conclusion

In essence, House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a vital salary component, aiding employees in meeting rental costs. With tax implications, HRA offers both financial relief and tax benefits. Its calculation hinges on factors like salary, actual rent paid, and location. Accurate understanding and utilization of HRA can assist employees in effectively managing housing expenses while optimizing tax outcomes. But HRA isn’t the only way your salary can work for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What all documents are necessary for an HRA exemption?

To claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption, typically provide rent receipts, a rental agreement, the landlord's PAN (if applicable), and proof of payment. Some employers might require a declaration form or specific documentation formats. Check with your employer for exact requirements and ensure accurate compliance with tax regulations

2. What are the eligibility criteria to claim HRA Tax Deduction?

To qualify for an HRA tax deduction, you need to reside in rented accommodation, receive HRA as part of your salary, and provide rent payment proof. City classification matters, and providing the landlord's PAN might be required for certain rent amounts. Consult your employer and tax regulations for specifics.

3. Can I save money on my tax payment if I don’t receive an HRA? 

Yes, you can save on taxes even without HRA. By claiming deductions on home loan interest, under Section 80C for investments, and other applicable exemptions, you can reduce taxable income. Consult tax experts for strategies based on your financial situation to optimize tax savings.

4. Can I claim both HRA and home loan benefits simultaneously?

Yes, you can claim HRA and home loan benefits together if conditions allow. Home loan offers deductions (Section 80C for principal, Section 24 for interest) while HRA can be claimed for a rental. Tax benefits depend on set limits and conditions.

5. What kind of tools can help me determine the HRA calculation on basic salary? 

Various online HRA calculators are available to help determine the HRA calculation on your basic salary. These tools consider factors like salary components, actual rent paid, city classification, and other parameters to estimate taxable and non-taxable HRA amounts. 

Some popular financial websites and tax software provide such calculators, ensuring accurate HRA calculations while accounting for specific tax regulations and individual financial details.

Disclaimer

Fi Money is not a bank; it offers banking services through licensed partners and investment services through epiFi Wealth Pvt. Ltd. and its partners. This post is for information only and is not professional financial advice.
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