HRA Calculator 2025-26

Calculate your House Rent Allowance (HRA) tax exemption for FY 2025-26. Compare metro vs non-metro rates and maximize your tax savings on rental expenses.

Metro vs Non-MetroTax ExemptionRent CalculationTax Savings
₹1L₹50L
₹0₹5.00 L
₹0₹5.00 L

Metro cities allow 50% of basic salary exemption, non-metro cities allow 40%

HRA Tax Exemption

₹1.32 L

Tax Savings: ₹39.60 K

Exempted Amount

₹1.32 L

Taxable HRA

₹1.08 L

HRA Exemption Calculation

Calculation Breakdown

HRA Received (Annual)₹2.40 L
50% of Basic Salary₹2.40 L
Rent Paid - 10% of Basic₹1.32 L

HRA Exemption (Minimum of above)₹1.32 L
Taxable HRA₹1.08 L

HRA Exemption Rules

HRA Exemption Rules

  • Exemption is minimum of three calculations
  • Metro cities: 50% of basic salary limit
  • Non-metro cities: 40% of basic salary limit
  • Rent minus 10% of basic salary

Important Notes

  • Rent receipts required for claims above ₹1 lakh
  • PAN of landlord needed for rent above ₹1 lakh/month
  • Only available in old tax regime
  • Cannot claim if you own house in same city

Tax Planning Tips

Optimization Tips

  • Negotiate higher basic salary component
  • Maintain proper rent receipts and agreements
  • Consider renting in metro cities for higher exemption
  • Pay rent equal to or more than 10% of basic

Documentation Required

  • Rent agreement copy
  • Monthly rent receipts
  • Landlord's PAN (if rent > ₹1L/month)
  • Bank statements showing rent payments

HRA Exemption Calculation Formula

Step 1: Actual HRA Received

The total HRA amount received from your employer during the financial year.

Monthly HRA × 12 months

Step 2: Percentage of Basic Salary

Maximum allowable exemption based on your city type and basic salary.

Metro: 50% of Basic
Non-Metro: 40% of Basic

Step 3: Rent Minus 10% Basic

Actual rent paid minus 10% of your basic salary for the year.

Annual Rent - (10% × Basic)

Final HRA Exemption

Minimum of the three amounts calculated above

Metro vs Non-Metro City Classification

Metro Cities (50% Exemption)

Delhi

National Capital Territory

Mumbai

Financial Capital of India

Kolkata

Cultural Capital of India

Chennai

Detroit of India

Non-Metro Cities (40% Exemption)

All cities except Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai

Bangalore
Hyderabad
Pune
Ahmedabad
Jaipur
Lucknow
Kochi
Indore

And many more...

HRA Tax Planning Strategies

Optimize Salary Structure

  • • Negotiate higher basic salary component
  • • Ensure HRA is included in salary structure
  • • Balance basic vs allowances ratio
  • • Consider metro posting for higher exemption

Documentation Management

  • • Maintain proper rent receipts
  • • Get landlord's PAN for high rents
  • • Keep rental agreement updated
  • • Digital payment proof preferred

Strategic Planning

  • • Plan rent amount strategically
  • • Consider joint rental with spouse
  • • Time rental agreements properly
  • • Coordinate with other tax benefits

Financial Calculator FAQs

Everything you need to know about income tax calculations

HRA exemption is the minimum of three amounts: (1) Actual HRA received from employer, (2) 50% of basic salary for metro cities (40% for non-metro), (3) Actual rent paid minus 10% of basic salary. The lowest of these three is your HRA exemption.

Need More Help?

Financial planning requires careful consideration of various factors. Consider consulting with a financial advisor for personalized advice based on your specific situation.

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