Form 10BA is crucial for renters seeking a tax deduction on their rent payments. Often, individuals who do not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) from their employers, or self-employed person living on rent can benefit significantly from Form 10BA. By understanding its purpose and filing process, you can potentially reduce your tax burden.
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What is Form 10BA?
Form 10BA is a declaration form mandated by the Income Tax Act, 1961, for individuals claiming a deduction under Section 80GG for rent paid. This section allows individuals who do not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) from their employers or self-employed person living on rent to claim a deduction on the rent paid for their residential accommodation.
Is Form 10BA mandatory?
Yes, Form 10BA is mandatory if you want to claim a deduction for rent paid under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act. This form allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income significantly, helping those who spend a large portion of their income on rent save on taxes.
The reasons for the necessity of Form 10BA include:
- Ensuring compliance with the Income Tax Act of 1961, thereby avoiding interest, penalties, or legal issues.
- Serving as documentary evidence to support your claim for deductions under Section 80GG.
- Providing a verifiable record of your rental payments.
- Assisting in income tax audits by confirming the legitimacy of your deductions, protecting you from contentious tax assessments.
- Offering proof of tax compliance, which can be beneficial for visa applications, loan approvals, or background checks.
Filing Form 10BA
A. Personal details:
- Full name and PAN: Your full legal name and Permanent Account Number (PAN) are essential for identification purposes.
- Address with postal code: Ensure you include your complete residential address along with the postal code.
B. Rental details:
- Tenure of residency (in months): Indicate the total number of months you resided in the rented property during the specific financial year.
- Rental amount: Specify the total amount of rent you paid for the entire financial year.
- Mode of payment: Mention the method used to pay your rent, such as cash, cheque, or online transfer.
- Address and name of the property owner: Provide the complete address and name of the individual or entity who owns the property.
C. Declaration and additional information:
- Declaration: Include a formal statement declaring that neither you, your spouse, nor any minor under your care own any other residential property in India.
- PAN of the property owner (if applicable): If your annual rent exceeds Rs. 1 lakh then you must provide the PAN of the property owner.
When to file Form 10BA?
Submitting Form 10BA is necessary when filing the income tax return. To ensure a successful deduction claim, it is crucial to file the form before the due date. During the filing process, it is essential to have all the necessary documents readily available for attaching to the form.
Form 10BA due date
Form 10BA of the Income Tax Act must be filed before submitting your income tax return. The due date for Form 10BA is the same as the due date for income tax returns. For instance, for the financial year 2023-24, the deadline to file Form 10BA is 31 July 2024. If your accounts require an audit, the due date for filing this form is 30 September 2024.
How to file Form 10BA online
- Visit the Income Tax Department website and log in using your user ID, password, and captcha
- Click on 'e-File' section and select 'Income Tax Forms'
- Search for and select Form 10BA
- Select the year for filing and click "Continue", then click "Let's Get Started"
- Enter rental property address, landlord information, rent details, and click save
- Click on the declaration, select the check box and click save
- Next, proceed to the e-verification section. Choose your preferred e-verification method and complete the process
Upon successful completion, Form 10BA will be submitted and e-verified.
Benefits of Form 10BA
- Filing Form 10BA allows you to claim a deduction on the rent paid for your residential accommodation under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This deduction can significantly reduce your taxable income, thereby lowering your overall tax liability.
- Individuals who do not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) from their employers can use this form to claim a tax benefit on rent paid.
- The Income Tax Department facilitates the e-filing of Form 10BA through their e-filing portal. This eliminates the need for physical submission and allows you to conveniently file the form from anywhere with an internet connection.
This deduction can help reduce your taxable income, thereby lowering your overall tax liability. The money you save on taxes could then be invested in options like Fixed Deposits (FDs) to grow your wealth. Bajaj Finance, one of the most trusted NBFCs, offers attractive interest rates of up to 8.85% p.a. on their Fixed Deposits. You can easily invest in their FDs by visiting their nearest branch or online through the Bajaj Finserv website or app.
Also read: What is Form 10E
Eligible amount of deduction
Lowest of the following will be considered as deduction under Section 80GG
- Rs. 5,000 per month (Rs. 60,000 a year)
- 25% of total income (excluding specified income and deductions)
- Actual rent paid minus 10% of total income
Conclusion
Understanding Form 10BA can simplify claiming a tax deduction for rent paid in India. This form helps renters who do not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) from their employers. It is especially beneficial for self-employed individuals and those with lower incomes. By encouraging renters to file Form 10BA, the government promotes both responsible tax compliance and a healthy rental housing market.
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Frequently asked questions
If you file Form 10BA after the due date, you may be subject to late fees. These fees are calculated at Rs. 100 per day, with a maximum limit of Rs. 5,000. Form 10BA can be submitted either online or offline.
If Form 10B is not filed by a charitable or religious trust, the organization may lose the benefit of tax exemption on its income, as the form is necessary for claiming tax benefits under Section 11.
Yes, Form 10BA is mandatory if you are claiming a deduction under Section 80GG for rent paid, without receiving House Rent Allowance (HRA). It serves as a declaration to claim the deduction.