MoneyRadar

HRA exemption calculator

How much of your house-rent allowance is actually tax-free.

Quick answer

An HRA calculator computes the tax-exempt portion of House Rent Allowance under India's old tax regime. Exemption is the least of: actual HRA, rent minus 10% of basic, or 50%/40% of basic for metro/non-metro cities.

₹6L
₹3L
₹3L

Tax-free HRA

₹2,40,000

This much of your HRA escapes tax. The rest is added to your taxable income.

Taxable HRA
₹60,000

HRA exemption only helps under the OLD regime. The new regime ignores it — worth checking both.

Rates & rules checked on 15 June 2026 · based on FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27).

What this tells you

House Rent Allowance is one of the biggest tax savers for renters — but only part of it is exempt, and only under the old regime.

How it's calculated

The exemption is the least of three: actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of (Basic+DA), and 50% of (Basic+DA) for metros / 40% for non-metros. Whatever's left over is taxable.

Common questions

Can I claim HRA in the new regime?
No. The new regime removes the HRA exemption entirely. If you pay significant rent, run both regimes before deciding — HRA can tip the balance toward the old one.
Can I claim HRA while paying rent to my parents?
Yes, if you genuinely pay rent and they declare it as income. Keep proof — bank transfers and a rent agreement.
Read the full guide: HRA & tax regime

Jargon, explained

More tax tools

Sources

For general education, not personalised financial advice. Verify current rates and rules before acting — tax laws and interest rates change.