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When it comes to purchasing a home, many people rely on home loans to fulfill their dream. Apart from the joy of owning a home, there are also certain financial benefits associated with home loans. One such benefit is the tax deduction available under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act.
Section 24 of the Income Tax Act allows you to claim deductions on the interest paid on your home loan. This deduction can be claimed for both self-occupied and rented properties. Let’s dive deeper into how you can optimize tax benefits under Section 24.
Under Section 24, the maximum deduction limit for interest paid on a home loan is ₹2 lakh per year for self-occupied properties. However, for rented properties, there is no upper limit on the deduction. This means that if you have a rented property, you can claim the entire interest paid as a deduction.
If you have taken a home loan for the construction of a property, you can claim the interest paid during the construction period in five equal installments. The deduction starts from the year in which the construction is completed. This can help you optimize your tax benefits over a longer period of time.
If you have taken a joint home loan with a co-borrower, both of you can claim a deduction on the interest paid, up to the maximum limit of ₹2 lakh each. This can significantly increase the overall tax benefit and reduce the burden of repayment.
Section 24 also allows you to claim a deduction on the interest paid during the pre-construction period. This period is defined as the time between when the loan is taken and when the construction is completed. The deduction can be claimed in five equal installments, starting from the year in which the construction is completed.
While Section 24 deals with the deduction on interest paid, Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows you to claim a deduction on the principal repayment of your home loan. Under Section 80C, you can claim a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh per year on the principal amount repaid. This can further optimize your tax benefits.
If you own multiple properties, the tax benefits under Section 24 can still be claimed on each property individually. However, the maximum deduction limit of ₹2 lakh applies to each property separately. Therefore, if you have multiple properties, you can potentially claim a higher total deduction.
To claim tax benefits under Section 24, you need to provide the necessary documents, such as the home loan statement and interest certificate from the lender. These documents will help you calculate the interest paid and claim the deduction while filing your income tax return. It is important to keep these documents safely for future reference.
Optimizing tax benefits on your home loan is not only a smart financial move but also a legal way to reduce your tax liability. By understanding and utilizing the provisions of Section 24 of the Income Tax Act, you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you. Remember to consult a tax professional or financial advisor for personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice.
This post was published on January 26, 2024
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