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Belated Return and HRA Exemption Issues: How to Claim and Avoid Penalties
Filing income tax returns on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure that eligible deductions and exemptions, such as House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption, are properly claimed. However, many taxpayers either miss the due date or delay filing, leading to a belated return. A belated return can impact HRA exemption claims, restrict deductions, and result in penalties. In this article, we will discuss what a belated return is, how it affects HRA exemption, the challenges t

Kanchan Bhatt
May 215 min read
How to Download Form 16 Online from TRACES in 2025: Step-by-Step Process
Form 16 is a vital document for salaried individuals in India. It serves as a certificate of tax deducted at source (TDS) by the employer, providing crucial details of the salary earned and the tax paid. For taxpayers, it acts as a proof of tax payment and is essential when filing income tax returns (ITR). The form helps in ensuring that the tax deducted by your employer is correctly reflected in the income tax system, and it provides a clear overview of your taxable income.

Astha Bhatia
May 1611 min read
Can I Claim Both HRA and Home Loan Interest Deduction in FY 2025-2026?
It is common for salaried individuals to take a home loan while continuing to live in rented accommodation, often due to work relocation, family needs, or ongoing construction of their self-owned property. In such cases, taxpayers wonder if they can claim both House Rent Allowance (HRA) and home loan interest deduction in the same financial year. The Income Tax Law do allow both benefits, but only when certain conditions are met. HRA exemption is available under Section 10(13

Astha Bhatia
May 167 min read
Can NRI Employees Claim HRA Exemption?
If you are a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) employee working abroad but still earning a salary in India, you might be wondering: Can NRIs claim HRA exemption? The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on factors like tax residency status, receiving House Rent Allowance (HRA), and proper documentation. Many salaried NRIs seek HRA exemption to reduce tax liability on rent paid for a house in India. However, HRA tax benefits differ for NRIs compared to resident Indians. Some quali

Ankita Murkute
May 157 min read
Advance Tax vs. TDS: When Do You Need to Pay Extra to Avoid Penalties?
India’s income tax system requires taxpayers to fulfill their obligations through Advance Tax and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) to ensure timely revenue collection. While TDS is deducted at the source of income, individuals and businesses with additional earnings must pay Advance Tax if their total tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year. Missing these payments can lead to interest penalties under Sections 234B and 234C, increasing the financial burden. Understanding

Kanchan Bhatt
May 1516 min read


Can Professionals Claim HRA Under Section 44ADA?
The Indian tax system offers various deductions and allowances to both salaried and self-employed individuals. Among these, House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a crucial tax benefit that helps salaried individuals reduce their taxable income by claiming deductions on rent paid. However, many self-employed professionals who pay rent wonder if they can claim HRA under Section 44ADA. Section 44ADA provides a presumptive taxation scheme for professionals, which allows them to declare 5

Astha Bhatia
May 156 min read
How to Report HRA in ITR 1?
House Rent Allowance (HRA) is one of the most significant tax-saving components for salaried employees in India. When filing an Income Tax Return (ITR), correctly reporting HRA ensures that taxpayers claim the appropriate exemption under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act, thereby reducing their taxable income. ITR 1 (Sahaj) is the most commonly used form for salaried individuals with straightforward income sources. Despite being a widely claimed exemption, many taxpayers

Kanchan Bhatt
May 155 min read
HRA vs Standard Deduction: Which is Better Under the New Tax Regime?
The Indian taxation landscape has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the new tax regime under Section 115BAC of the Income Tax Act. This regime offers taxpayers the option to choose between the existing (old) tax structure, which includes various exemptions and deductions, and a simplified new tax structure with reduced tax rates but limited deductions. Two critical components in this decision-making process are the House Rent Allowance (HRA) and the Stand

Astha Bhatia
May 146 min read


Can Salaried Employees Claim HRA in the New Tax Regime (FY 2025-2026)?
The introduction of the new tax regime has significantly altered how salaried employees manage their tax liabilities. One of the most impactful changes is the removal of common exemptions and deductions, including the widely used House Rent Allowance (HRA). For employees living in rented accommodations, HRA used to be a powerful tax-saving tool under the old regime. But with the new regime offering lower slab rates in exchange for giving up such benefits, many are now uncerta

Kanchan Bhatt
May 1410 min read
What’s the Tax Impact of Switching from Old to New Regime?
The Indian tax system provides taxpayers with two distinct tax regimes—the old tax regime and the new tax regime. Each has its own advantages and trade-offs, making the decision to switch a crucial financial consideration. While the old tax regime allows taxpayers to reduce taxable income through various deductions and exemptions, the new tax regime offers lower tax rates but eliminates most of these benefits. Understanding the implications of switching from the old to the ne

Pritish Sahoo
May 149 min read
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