Salary BreakdownPublished: 2026-09-01•6 min read
HRA Exemption Rules, Tax Limits & Rent Receipts Guide (2026)
Learn the exact 3-step HRA exemption formula under Section 10(13A) and how to claim maximum rent exemption legally in India.
By Tax & Financial Research Team•Verified for FY 2026-27
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How is HRA Exemption Calculated?
House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption under **Section 10(13A)** of the Income Tax Act is the **minimum of the following three amounts**:
- **Actual HRA received** from employer
- **Actual rent paid minus 10% of Basic Salary + DA**
- **50% of Basic Salary** (for Metro cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) or **40% of Basic Salary** (for Non-Metro cities)
Landlord PAN & Rent Receipt Rules - **Annual Rent > ₹1,00,000:** Landlord PAN submission is **mandatory** to your employer. - **Monthly Rent > ₹50,000:** Tenant must deduct **5% TDS** under Section 194-IB and deposit with the government.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim both HRA and Home Loan tax deduction?
Yes! If you own a home but live in a rented house in another location for employment reasons, you can claim both HRA exemption and Home Loan interest deduction.