HRA Tax Rules: When Rent Receipts and Landlord PAN Are Essential for Exemption

• HRA is a key tax-saving component for salaried professionals living in rented accommodation under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act.
• Rent receipts or landlord's PAN are not required if annual rent is below Rs 36,000 (Rs 3,000/month).
• For annual rent exceeding Rs 36,000, rent receipts are mandatory; for rent over Rs 1 lakh, the landlord's PAN is also required.
• If the landlord refuses to provide PAN for rent over Rs 1 lakh, tenants must submit Form 10BA explaining non-availability.
• Rent paid to parents can also be claimed for HRA, provided it's documented via banking channels and parents declare it as income.

Why It Matters: Understand HRA rules to maximize tax savings; rent receipts and landlord PAN are crucial for higher claims.