HRA Exemption Formula

Tax Formula • Published on September 01, 2026 • Last updated September 01, 2026

Mathematical Equation

$$HRA\ Exempt = \min\left( \text{Actual HRA}, \text{Rent Paid} - 10\%\ \text{Basic}, 50\%\ \text{Basic\ (Metro)}\ \text{or}\ 40\%\ \text{Basic\ (Non-Metro)} \right)$$

Variable Definitions

Actual HRA

Total House Rent Allowance received from the employer

Rent Paid - 10% Basic

Actual rent paid minus 10% of basic salary plus Dearness Allowance (DA)

50% / 40% Basic

50% of basic salary for metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) or 40% for non-metro cities

Detailed Explanation

In-Depth Guide

House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption is calculated under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act. It determines the tax-exempt portion of the HRA received by salaried individuals living in rented accommodations.

How to Calculate: Step-by-Step

1. Calculate your annual Basic Salary plus Dearness Allowance (DA). 2. Identify the annual rent paid by you. 3. Identify the total HRA received from your employer. 4. Calculate the three limits: - Limit 1: Actual HRA received. - Limit 2: Rent Paid - (10% of Basic Salary). - Limit 3: 50% of Basic (if living in a metro city) or 40% of Basic (non-metro). 5. The minimum of these three values is your tax-exempt HRA.

Worked Calculation Example

Let's calculate the HRA exemption for an employee in Delhi with Basic Salary INR 6,00,000, actual HRA INR 3,00,000, and rent paid INR 2,40,000: - Basic Salary = INR 6,00,000 - Actual HRA = INR 3,00,000 - Rent Paid = INR 2,40,000 - 10% of Basic = INR 60,000 - Limit 1 = INR 3,00,000 (Actual HRA) - Limit 2 = INR 2,40,000 - INR 60,000 = INR 1,80,000 - Limit 3 = 50% of INR 6,00,000 = INR 3,00,000 (Metro City) - Exempt HRA = min(INR 3,00,000, INR 1,80,000, INR 3,00,000) = INR 1,80,000.

Common Use Cases

Calculating monthly or annual income tax exemptions
Salary restructuring to minimize tax liabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

No, HRA exemption is only applicable if you live in rented accommodation and incur actual rent expenses.

Yes, you must submit rent receipts or a lease agreement. If annual rent paid exceeds INR 1,00,000, the landlord's PAN is also mandatory.

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