What Is HRA and How Is the Exemption Calculated?
House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a salary component paid by employers in India to help cover an employee's rented accommodation costs. Under Indian income tax law (Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act), a portion of the HRA you receive can be exempt from tax if you actually pay rent, based on a specific three-way comparison. This calculator applies that exact rule for salaried employees.
(a) Actual HRA Received
(b) Rent Paid − 10% × (Basic Salary + DA)
(c) 50% × (Basic + DA) for metro cities, or 40% for non-metro cities
Taxable HRA = Actual HRA Received − HRA Exemption
Which Cities Count as "Metro" for HRA Purposes?
Under Indian tax rules, only Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai qualify for the higher 50% metro rate. Every other city in India, regardless of size, uses the 40% non-metro rate for this calculation. If your rented home is in any of these four cities, select "Metro" above; otherwise select "Non-Metro."
Important Notes on Using This Calculator
This calculator is designed specifically for salaried individuals claiming HRA exemption in India under the old tax regime, and assumes you can provide rent receipts or a rental agreement if required by your employer or the tax department. If your annual rent exceeds ₹1,00,000, you generally need your landlord's PAN to claim the exemption. This is a planning estimate; consult a tax professional or chartered accountant for your specific filing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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📐 Accuracy Note: This tool uses standard, widely published formulas and guidelines. Results are estimates for informational purposes; for financial, medical, or engineering decisions, consult a licensed professional.
📅 Last Updated: September 2026.