HRA Tax Exemption Guide

Three-Part Calculation Formula

Under CBDT guidelines, your exempt HRA is the lowest value from these calculations:

  1. Actual HRA received from employer
  2. Rent paid - 10% of basic salary
  3. 50% of basic (metro) / 40% of basic (non-metro)

Real Indian Salary Scenarios

Mumbai Scenario

Basic: ₹75,000/month
HRA: ₹25,000/month
Rent: ₹20,000/month

Exempt HRA: ₹12,500/month

Formula: Minimum of ₹25,000, ₹12,500, ₹20,000-₹7,500

Ahmedabad Scenario

Basic: ₹50,000/month
HRA: ₹18,000/month
Rent: ₹12,000/month

Exempt HRA: ₹10,000/month

Formula: Minimum of ₹18,000, ₹7,000, ₹20,000