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Published on:
February 11, 2024
By
Viraaj Vashishth

Section 80GG: Tax Relief for Renters Without HRA

For most citizens residing within India, obtaining reasonably priced living accommodations while also dealing with taxation responsibilities frequently necessitates a delicate equilibrium. Those leasing lodgings who fail to obtain housing rent allowances as a constituent element of remuneration may derive much-desired fiscal alleviation through invoking Portion 80GG contained within the Revenue Tax Serve. The subsequent paragraphs delve profoundly into this beneficial portion, delineating its qualifying determinants, computation techniques, and potential advantages for tenants. Furthermore, individuals renting housing situated further than 100 km from their place of work end up being eligible to claim a higher deduction of up to ₹60,000 or 25% of their total income, whichever is lower, under Section 80GG. 

Why Do Renters Need Section 80GG?

While affluent employees obtaining housing allowances take tax deductions, renters often feel burdened by living expenses in busy cities. However, Section 80GG acknowledges such struggles by allowing taxpayers to subtract rental payments from taxable income. Some face greater hardships than others in metropolitan hubs, and the legislation aims to ease cost-related pains through tailored tax reductions. Whether receiving workplace supplements or not, high accommodation outlays weigh heavy on residents residing in pricey population centers.

Eligibility Criteria:

Individual tenants living alone in costly rented apartments, away from family homes, may deduct part of their rent from taxable income if certain conditions are met. Not permitted are businesses operating as sole proprietorships or firms, as well as those receiving housing benefits as part of employment compensation packages or already possessing ownership of other property in the same urban locality. 

Rental reimbursement qualifications necessitate residing by one's lonesome in the leased quarters serving as one's sole household, unaffiliated with any joint family businesses or partnerships that could utilize the tax break for their ends.

Important Note:

The taxpayer's spouse or minor child also shouldn't own a residential property in the city where the deduction is claimed.

Calculating the Deduction:

There exist three approaches for computing the deduction under Section 80GG:

Actual rent paid

1. The precise rent paid during the year.

2. 25% of your adjusted complete income.

3. ₹1,00,000 (for non-metro cities) or ₹1,20,000 (for metro cities).

10% of fundamental salary

Deduct 10% of your fundamental salary from the actual rent paid. The remaining quantity becomes the deduction.

Actual HRA obtained

1. For people who obtain a partial HRA, the deduction is the minimum of:

2. Actual rent paid minus HRA received.

3. Limits mentioned in choice 1 (25% of adjusted complete income or ₹1,00,000/₹1,20,000).

While deductions can assist reduce taxable income, one must carefully evaluate individual scenarios to maximize savings legally. Variations in rent, salary, or housing locale may impact the best approach under this section. Seeking guidance from a tax professional is recommended for complicated circumstances.

Benefits of Claiming it

Lower tax liability and increased savings opportunities await by reducing taxable income under Section 80GG. Rent paid translates to potentially less taxes owed at filing time. The amount protected from taxation could then fund investments, pay down debt, or tackle future goals more securely.

As taxpayers who pay rent instead of a mortgage, this provision recognizes our contributions to the housing market and lightens the financial strain. By offsetting rental expenses on tax day, it boosts discretionary funds when most needed.

Be sure to retain all rent receipts as proof. Also, submit your return electronically to swiftly claim the authorized deduction. Consulting a tax advisor ensures the best use of this provision tailored to individual circumstances. Complying with requirements secures the full reward in tax savings.

Conclusion:

Section 80GG plays a significant role in easing the financial burden for renters in India. Understanding its eligibility, calculation methods, and benefits can help you claim this valuable tax deduction and improve your financial well-being.

Suggestions

Payment of GST & Other Amounts in Installments: Section 80 & Rule 158 

Exploring Tax Benefits for Start-ups in India Through Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961 

GST & HSN for Ethyl Alcohol and Other Spirits 

Updated on:
March 16, 2024