Rent Receipt Generator for HRA
Salaried employees who live in rented accommodation can claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption under Section 10(13A) of the Income-tax Act (old regime). Employers ask for rent receipts as proof before computing TDS. This tool creates a receipt for every month in the period you select — tenant name, landlord name and PAN, property address, amount in figures and words, payment mode and a signature line — laid out three per A4 page so a full year fits on four sheets. Download as PDF or print and get the landlord to sign.
Rules your receipts should satisfy
- Landlord PAN is mandatory if the annual rent exceeds ₹1,00,000 (CBDT Circular 08/2013). If the landlord has no PAN, a declaration in Form 60 style is required.
- Cash receipts above ₹5,000 need a ₹1 revenue stamp; receipts for UPI or bank transfer do not.
- If monthly rent exceeds ₹50,000, the tenant must deduct TDS at 2% under Section 194-IB once a year and file Form 26QC.
- Paying rent to parents is allowed if the house is theirs and they declare the rent as income; paying rent to a spouse is generally not accepted.
How HRA exemption is calculated
The exempt amount is the least of: (a) actual HRA received; (b) rent paid minus 10% of basic salary (plus DA if it counts for retirement benefits); (c) 50% of basic salary in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai or 40% elsewhere.
Worked example
Basic salary ₹40,000 per month, HRA received ₹16,000, rent paid ₹12,000 in Sikar (non-metro). (a) ₹16,000; (b) 12,000 − 4,000 = ₹8,000; (c) 40% × 40,000 = ₹16,000. Exemption = ₹8,000 per month = ₹96,000 a year. Annual rent is ₹1,44,000, so the landlord's PAN must appear on the receipts — the tool flags this automatically.
Submitting to your employer
Attach the receipts to Form 12BB along with the rent agreement if asked. Keep copies; the tax department can ask for them for up to six years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a receipt for every month?
Employers usually accept one receipt per month or quarter. Generating monthly receipts is the safest option and is what this tool does.
Is a rent agreement compulsory for HRA?
Not legally, but most employers ask for it when rent is high. Receipts plus bank transfer proof are usually sufficient for modest rents.
Can I claim HRA under the new tax regime?
No. HRA exemption is available only under the old regime.
What if my landlord refuses to give PAN?
Obtain a signed declaration from the landlord stating they do not hold a PAN, along with their name and address, and submit it with the receipts.
Disclaimer: This tool is for general information and estimation only. Tax rates and rules change — verify with official sources or a professional before acting. Read full disclaimer.