In India, home loan borrowers can avail of several tax rebates to reduce their overall tax liability. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the tax rebates available on a home loan:
1. Tax Rebate on Home Loan Interest:
- Under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, Indian homeowners can claim a tax rebate on the interest paid on their home loans. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the maximum deduction allowed is ₹2 lakh per financial year for a self-occupied property. For properties that are not self-occupied (rented out), there is no upper limit on the interest deduction.
2. Tax Rebate on Principal Repayment:
- Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, homeowners can claim a tax rebate on the principal repayment of the home loan. The maximum deduction allowed is ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. This deduction is available for both self-occupied and rented properties.
3. Additional Deduction for Affordable Housing:
- Under Section 80EEA, there is an additional deduction of ₹1.5 lakh available for the interest paid on loans taken for the purchase of an affordable housing property. This is over and above the deductions available under Section 24(b) and Section 80C. To be eligible, the stamp duty value of the property should not exceed ₹45 lakhs, and the loan should be sanctioned between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022.
4. Tax Rebate for First-Time Homebuyers:
- First-time homebuyers can claim an additional tax rebate of ₹50,000 on the interest paid on loans up to ₹35 lakhs under Section 80EE. To be eligible, the loan amount should not exceed ₹35 lakhs, and the property value should not exceed ₹50 lakhs.
5. Joint Home Loan Tax Benefits:
- If multiple individuals take a joint home loan, all co-borrowers can claim tax benefits individually based on their ownership share and contribution towards the loan.
6. Pre-EMI Interest Deduction:
- For under-construction properties, homeowners can claim tax benefits for the interest paid during the construction period. This interest can be claimed in five equal installments starting from the financial year in which the construction is completed.
7. Tax Benefits for Second Property:
- Homeowners can avail tax benefits on the interest paid on home loans for a second property as well. However, the maximum deduction for the interest on both properties (first and second) is limited to ₹2 lakh per financial year for self-occupied properties.
8. Conditions and Eligibility:
- To claim these deductions, the property should be in the homeowner’s name, and they should be co-borrowers or sole borrowers on the loan. The property should be used for residential purposes.
9. Consult a Tax Expert:
- Tax laws may change over time, and it’s advisable to consult a tax expert or chartered accountant for the most up-to-date information and to ensure that you’re maximizing your tax benefits within the legal framework.
The tax rebates available on a home loan in India are designed to encourage homeownership and provide financial relief to borrowers. By understanding and leveraging these rebates, you can significantly reduce your tax liability while investing in a property.
