Owning property is one of the most common forms of investment in India. Whether it’s a flat, bungalow, or commercial building, any income derived from such a property is subject to taxation under the Indian Income Tax Act.
But how exactly is income from house property taxed? Who needs to pay for it? What if your property is vacant or self-occupied? Can you claim tax deductions on your home loan?
This comprehensive guide answers all these questions and more.
📚 Table of Contents
- What is House Property Income?
- Types of House Property & Tax Rules
- How to Calculate Gross and Net Annual Value (GAV & NAV)
- Deductions Allowed under Section 24
- Tax Benefits on Home Loans (Section 24 & 80C)
- Which ITR Form Should You Use?
- Documents Required for Filing
- Step-by-Step Guide to Filing ITR for House Property
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQs
📌 What is House Property Income?
As per the Income Tax Act, any income earned from a residential or commercial property is taxable under the head ‘Income from House Property’.
Interestingly, even if you don’t rent your house out, you may still need to pay tax on it if it’s deemed to be let out (more on this later).
🏠 Types of House Property & Tax Rules
| Property Type | Description | Taxability |
|---|---|---|
| Let-Out Property | Rented to a tenant | Taxable on actual rent or higher notional value |
| Self-Occupied Property (SOP) | Used by the owner for living | Net Annual Value = ₹0, but interest deduction available |
| Deemed Let-Out Property | Vacant but not self-occupied; more than two houses owned | Taxed based on notional rent |
🔄 Example:
If you own three properties, you can treat only two as self-occupied. The third is automatically deemed to be let out, even if it’s vacant.
📈 How to Calculate Gross and Net Annual Value (GAV & NAV)
🔹 Step 1: Calculate Gross Annual Value (GAV)
GAV is the higher of:
- Actual Rent Received
- Municipal Valuation
- Fair Market Rent
Example:
| Parameter | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Actual Rent | ₹3,00,000 |
| Municipal Valuation | ₹2,80,000 |
| Fair Rent | ₹3,20,000 |
| GAV | ₹3,20,000 (Highest) |
🔹 Step 2: Deduct Municipal Taxes Paid
Only taxes paid by the owner during the financial year are deductible.
🔹 Step 3: Deduct 30% Standard Deduction
Fixed at 30% of NAV, regardless of actual expenses (no proof required).
📉 Deductions Allowed under Section 24
There are two main deductions under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act:
✅ A. Standard Deduction (30%)
- Automatically allowed
- Covers repairs, maintenance, etc.
✅ B. Interest on Home Loan
| Property Type | Maximum Deduction |
|---|---|
| Let-Out Property | Unlimited (entire interest amount allowed) |
| Self-Occupied Property | ₹2 lakh per year |
📝 If construction isn’t completed within 5 years, deduction is reduced to ₹30,000 for SOP.
💰 Tax Benefits on Home Loans (Section 24 & 80C)
You can claim both interest and principal as deductions, but under different sections.
1. Section 24(b) – Interest on Loan
- ₹2 lakh/year for self-occupied
- Full interest for let-out
2. Section 80C – Principal Repayment
- Up to ₹1.5 lakh/year
- Only for residential properties
- Property must not be sold within 5 years
- Only Resident Indians can claim (NRIs are ineligible)
🧾 Which ITR Form Should You Use?
| ITR Form | When to Use |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | One self-occupied house only, no business income |
| ITR-2 | Multiple properties, capital gains, NRI |
| ITR-3 | Property income linked with business/profession |
✍️ Joint owners must report their respective shares individually.
📂 Documents Required for Filing
Make sure you have:
- 🏡 Property ownership proof (Sale deed, Registry)
- 📝 Rent agreement (if let-out)
- 📄 Home loan statement (Interest + principal)
- 🧾 Municipal tax receipts
- 📊 Form 26AS (to check TDS, if applicable)
🧠 Step-by-Step Guide to Filing ITR for House Property
✅ Step 1: Identify the property type
Self-occupied, let-out, or deemed let-out
✅ Step 2: Calculate GAV
Use the higher of actual rent, municipal value, or fair rent
✅ Step 3: Deduct municipal taxes paid
✅ Step 4: Apply standard deduction (30%)
✅ Step 5: Claim interest on loan (Section 24)
✅ Step 6: Claim principal (Section 80C) if eligible
✅ Step 7: Report under Schedule HP in ITR
✅ Step 8: Pay balance tax (if any) using Challan 280
✅ Step 9: E-Verify your return using Aadhaar OTP or Net Banking
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| ❌ Not reporting the deemed rent on the vacant third property | Scrutiny & penalty |
| ❌ Not claiming municipal tax deduction | You pay more tax |
| ❌ NRIs claiming Section 80C on home loan | Not allowed |
| ❌ Not setting off house property loss | You lose ₹2 lakh relief |
📢 Final Thoughts
Owning a house is a major life achievement, but reporting it correctly on your tax return is equally important. With proper documentation and planning, you can save significant tax through deductions and exemptions allowed under the law.
Whether you’re a salaried individual, NRI, or landlord, make sure you understand the tax rules and file your ITR accurately.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a tax-filing portal or consult a CA if you own multiple properties or are unsure of applicable deductions.
External Sources
❓FAQs
Q1. Is rental income taxable if no rent is received?
Yes, if deemed let-out (owning >2 houses).
Q2. Can I claim HRA and home loan benefits together?
Yes, if you live in a rented house while paying EMI.
Q3. What if my home loan interest exceeds ₹2 lakh?
Excess can be carried forward for 8 years.
Q4. How is TDS on rent deducted?
Tenant deducts 5% TDS if rent > ₹50,000/month.