HRA Calculator — India
Estimate HRA exemption using salary, rent and city rules under India's old or new tax regime.
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Sample inputs to see how the calculator works
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Complete the fields above to see your result. You can change any value at any time.
Calculation methodology
The estimate applies the Indian HRA exemption formula: the least of actual HRA, rent paid minus 10% of qualifying salary, and 40% or 50% of qualifying salary. HRA exemption is available under the old tax regime; the new regime gives no Section 10(13A) HRA exemption.
Important assumptions
- Results are estimates based on the values you enter.
- Rates and returns are assumed for the projection period and may change in real life.
- Taxes, fees, market conditions and provider-specific rules may affect actual outcomes.
India tax-rule sources
The HRA formula is an India-specific simplified estimate. Confirm the applicable tax regime and eligibility rules; the calculator does not establish legal exemption eligibility.
Sources checked October 2, 2026. Rates and scheme terms are not live-updated.
HRA Calculator Guide
What Is House Rent Allowance (HRA)?
House Rent Allowance is a salary component that an employer may provide to help cover rented accommodation. Under applicable Indian income-tax rules, eligible employees may be able to claim an exemption for part of the HRA received, subject to the relevant conditions.
An HRA exemption is not automatically equal to the rent paid or the full HRA amount. The estimate depends on salary components, rent, the applicable city category and the tax regime and rules that apply to the relevant financial year.
How to Use the HRA Calculator
Enter the salary components, HRA received, rent paid and city or other details requested by the calculator. Select the tax regime option that matches the scenario you want to evaluate, then review the estimated exemption and taxable HRA.
Use figures for a consistent period—monthly values with monthly inputs or annual values with annual inputs, as each field specifies. Check your payslip, rent records and employer documents before entering the amounts.
How HRA Exemption Is Estimated
For eligible cases under the applicable rules, the exempt amount is generally limited by the least of specified amounts, which can include actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of eligible salary, and 50% or 40% of eligible salary depending on the relevant city classification.
The exact salary definition, eligibility conditions and tax-regime availability matter. Treat this guide as a general explanation and use the calculator's displayed methodology and current official guidance for the year you are assessing.
Which Salary Components and Rent Matter?
The salary figure used for HRA purposes may not be the same as gross salary or CTC. The relevant calculation can depend on basic salary and eligible dearness allowance under the applicable rules, as well as the HRA actually received.
Use rent actually paid for the relevant period and keep supporting records. Rent-free periods, changes of city, salary changes, partial-year employment and other special circumstances can affect an individual calculation.
HRA Under the Old and New Tax Regimes
HRA exemption is generally associated with the old tax regime in India; the new regime has different deduction and exemption rules. The applicable treatment can depend on the financial year and the individual's circumstances.
Compare regimes using a complete tax estimate rather than comparing HRA alone. This calculator estimates the HRA component and does not determine which regime produces the lowest overall tax for you.
Documents and Important Limitations
Keep rent receipts, rental payment evidence and any rent agreement or landlord details required for your circumstances. Employers may ask for documentation under their payroll process, and additional conditions can apply.
This is an estimate, not a tax filing or eligibility decision. It may not cover every employment arrangement or special case. Verify current official rules for the relevant financial year or consult a qualified tax professional when the result affects a filing.
This is an estimate, not a tax filing or eligibility decision. Verify current HRA rules for the relevant financial year and your circumstances.
What is an HRA exemption?
HRA exemption is the eligible portion of House Rent Allowance that may be excluded from taxable salary under applicable rules. It is subject to conditions and is not automatically equal to the full HRA or rent paid.
Is HRA exemption available under the new tax regime?
HRA exemption is generally associated with India's old tax regime, while the new regime has different exemption rules. Confirm the treatment for the financial year and circumstances that apply to you.
Does the city affect HRA exemption?
Yes. The applicable calculation may use a 50% or 40% salary limit depending on the relevant city classification. Use the correct city option for the period being estimated.
What if I changed my rent or salary during the year?
A change during the year can affect the estimate because HRA, eligible salary and rent need to match the relevant periods. This simplified calculator may not model every mid-year change, so calculate periods separately if needed and verify the result.
Which documents should I keep for an HRA claim?
Keep evidence of rent paid and the records required by your employer or applicable rules, such as rent receipts or an agreement where relevant. Documentation requirements can vary, so verify current guidance.
How is HRA exemption calculated?
For eligible cases, the exemption is generally limited to the least of specified amounts, including actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of eligible salary, and 50% or 40% of eligible salary depending on the applicable city classification. Check the calculator's methodology and current rules.
Does HRA exemption use basic salary or CTC?
The relevant salary definition under the applicable rules is used; CTC and gross salary are not automatically interchangeable with eligible salary. Check the fields and methodology shown in the calculator.
Can I claim HRA if I live in my own house?
HRA exemption generally relates to eligible rent paid for accommodation. If you do not pay rent, do not assume that an HRA exemption is available; check the applicable rules for your circumstances.
Does the HRA calculator decide which tax regime is best?
No. It estimates the HRA component only. Compare total tax, deductions and exemptions under the applicable regimes before deciding which one fits your circumstances.
Will this estimate exactly match my employer's payroll or tax return?
Not necessarily. Payroll treatment, period-specific salary and rent, eligibility conditions and current rules can affect the result. Verify the inputs and applicable rules before using the estimate for a filing.
Educational estimate only. Not investment, tax or legal advice. Please verify current rates, slabs, taxes, fees and rules before making a financial decision.