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Landlord’s PAN Mandatory for HRA Exemption: Understanding the Rule
When submitting a claim for House Rent Allowance as a tax benefit, the Indian government has mandated that PAN card information be provided. A PAN card is now mandatory for these returns if the annual rent paid exceeds Rs. 1,00,000. Through the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the Income Tax Department published a circular outlining this new rule. In order to claim tax exemption, all renters now need to present their landlord's PAN card. Since a PAN card is required for HRA exe

Astha Bhatia
May 226 min read


Why Banks Are Embedding TaxBuddy’s ITR Filing APIs into Their Digital App Journeys
Banking apps quietly became one of the most frequently used financial products in a user’s life. People now open their banking apps not just for transactions, but to check salary credits, track spending, manage investments, review EMIs, monitor savings, pay bills, and increasingly understand their overall financial position. For many users, the banking app has effectively become the central dashboard of their financial life. But there has always been one strange disconnect in

Pritish Sahoo
May 227 min read
HRA and LTA Tax Benefits Comparison for FY 2025-2026
House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) are two key components of a salaried individual’s compensation package that provide tax-saving benefits under the old tax regime. However, under the new tax regime, both exemptions have been removed, which has significant implications for taxpayers. This article compares the tax treatment of HRA and LTA, helping individuals make an informed choice about their tax-saving strategies. Table of Contents Understanding HRA

Kanchan Bhatt
May 217 min read
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 Avoid Defective Return Notices (Section 139(9)) by Paying Advance Tax Correctly
A defective notice under Section 139(9) is issued when the Income Tax Department identifies discrepancies or errors in the filed tax return. These errors often arise from unpaid taxes, mismatched financial details, or incomplete disclosures. A key factor that can trigger such notices is improper advance tax compliance. Properly paying advance tax ensures that your tax liability is correctly calculated and reflected in your return, minimizing the chances of errors or discrepan

Kanchan Bhatt
May 219 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
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
HRA in Salary: A Comprehensive Overview
A portion of the HRA received is exempt from taxation, while the remaining portion is taxable income under the Income Tax Act of 1961. Following the guidelines specified in the Act is necessary to calculate the eligible HRA deduction. Calculating HRA for income tax includes figuring out deductions and exemptions. The essential part of many pay plans intended to lessen employees' financial burden of rental costs is the House Rent Allowance (HRA). Employers and employees must b

Astha Bhatia
May 158 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
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