HRA Exemption Calculation

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HRA Exemption Calculation in India (Step-by-step)

House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption can reduce taxable salary under the Old Regime (subject to eligibility and documentation). This guide explains the standard “least of three” method and shows how to use the exempt amount in our tax calculator.

Disclaimer: Educational guide only. Eligibility and the definition of “salary” for HRA purposes depend on law and facts. Verify with your payroll rules / official provisions or consult a qualified CA.

Use the tool: Income Tax Calculator India · Learn: Old vs New regime

Where does HRA affect tax?

In our tax calculator, the field “HRA / LTA / Other exemptions” affects only the Old Regime. You should enter the already-calculated exempt amount (not the HRA received).

HRA exemption formula (least of three)

HRA exemption is the least of the following:

Component How it’s computed
1) Actual HRA received Total HRA received from employer during the year
2) Rent paid − 10% of salary (Total rent paid) − 10% × (salary for HRA purposes)
3) 50% / 40% of salary 50% of salary if metro city, otherwise 40% (as per applicable rules)
Important: “Salary” for HRA purposes is not always full CTC. It’s typically based on components such as basic (and certain DA/commission components if applicable). Confirm the correct definition for your case.

Step-by-step calculation

  1. Total your HRA received for the year.
  2. Total your rent paid for the year.
  3. Compute your salary for HRA as per applicable definition.
  4. Compute the three formula amounts.
  5. HRA exemption = least of the three.
  6. Enter that exempt figure in the calculator’s HRA / LTA / Other exemptions field.

Worked example (illustrative)

Assume: salary for HRA = ₹6,00,000, HRA received = ₹2,40,000, rent paid = ₹3,00,000, metro city.

AmountValue
1) Actual HRA received₹2,40,000
2) Rent paid − 10% of salary₹3,00,000 − ₹60,000 = ₹2,40,000
3) 50% of salary (metro)50% × ₹6,00,000 = ₹3,00,000
HRA exemption (least of the above)₹2,40,000
You would enter ₹2,40,000 into the calculator’s HRA / LTA / Other exemptions field (Old regime only).

Common mistakes

  • Entering HRA received instead of the exempt HRA computed.
  • Using full CTC as “salary” for HRA without checking the correct definition.
  • Missing documentation (rent receipts/agreement; landlord PAN where applicable).
  • Claiming HRA without valid eligibility (facts and rules must align).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources