How to File Rental Income in Your Tax Returns

Rental Income​ in your income tax returns is a crucial task for property owners, ensuring that your earnings are properly documented while optimizing your tax position. By accurately declaring your rental income and claiming eligible deductions, such as property maintenance, loan interest, and taxes, you can minimize your taxable income and potentially reduce your overall tax burden.

This guide simplifies the process, helping you navigate the steps to seamlessly incorporate rental income into your tax filing while making the most of the benefits available to you.

How to File ITR with Rental Income

These steps will ensure that you properly report rental income and stay compliant with tax regulations.

Check Out: ITR Filling Guide in Simple Steps

Understanding Rental Income for Tax Filing

Rental income includes the earnings you receive from renting out properties like houses, apartments, or commercial spaces. According to the Income Tax Act in India, this income must be declared in your annual tax return. Failing to report rental income can lead to penalties under tax laws.

Check Out: How to Save Income Tax on Rental Income?

Choosing the Right ITR Form for Rental Income

Choose the right ITR form for reporting rental income depends on factors like income type and property ownerships.

1. ITR-1 (Sahaj)

ITR-1 is the simplest form and is applicable if your rental income is your only source of income or if you have additional income from salary, one house property, and other sources like interest income.

Who Can Use ITR-1:

• Individuals who are residents.
  
• Total income is below ₹50 lakh.
  
• Do not have Directorship in any company

Who Cannot Use ITR-1:

• If you have more than one house property.
  
• If you have income from business or profession.
  
• If you are an NRI or have foreign income.

2. ITR-2

ITR-2 is used if you have income from more than one house property (including rental income) or if you have capital gains, foreign income, or other complex income sources.

Who Can Use ITR-2:

• Individuals and HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) with income from more than one house property.
  
• Individuals with capital gains, foreign income, or agricultural income above ₹5,000.
  
• NRIs with rental income in India.

Who Cannot Use ITR-2:

• Individuals with income from business or profession.

3. ITR-3

ITR-3 is used if you have rental income along with income from business or profession.

Who Can Use ITR-3:

• Individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession.
  
• Individuals with rental income and other sources like capital gains or foreign income.

Who Cannot Use ITR-3:

• Individuals with only salary, house property, and other simple income sources.

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Exemptions on Rental Income

Some exemptions available for rental income under Indian tax laws that can help reduce your taxable liability:

• Standard Deduction: A standard deduction of 30% on the Net Annual Value (NAV) of your rental property can be claimed, covering expenses such as repairs and maintenance, irrespective of actual costs incurred.
  
• Municipal Taxes Deduction: Property taxes paid to the local authority can be subtracted from the Gross Annual Value (GAV) of the property, helping to lower the taxable rental income.
  
• Home Loan Interest: If you have a home loan for the rented property, you can claim a deduction on the interest paid under Section 24(b), up to ₹2 lakh annually. This is applicable to both self-occupied and rented properties.
  
• Exemption on Self-Occupied Property: For individuals owning multiple properties, one can be treated as self-occupied, which is exempt from taxation. The rental income from the remaining properties, however, will be subject to tax.
  
• Non-Taxable Rent for Vacant Property: If part of the year is spent without renting out the property, the rent received during the vacant periods may not be fully taxable, depending on specific conditions.
  
• Commercial Property Rent Exemption: Rent from a property used for business purposes may also qualify for certain exemptions under Section 10(13A), reducing taxable rental income.

These exemptions are significant role in lowering the amount of rental income that is taxed, helping you save on taxes. However, always maintain proper records and ensure you are complying with all legal requirements to maximize these benefits.

Check Out: Tax Exemption on Housing Laon

Tax Benefits on Rental Income

Rental income offers various tax advantages, including deductions on expenses, depreciation, and potential exemptions, reducing overall tax liability for property owners.

Here are some key benefits or concessions for rental incomes:

• You can deduct expenses like property taxes, insurance, and mortgage interest from rental income.
  
• Depreciation on the property can help reduce taxable income.
  
• Profits from selling property may be exempt from capital gains tax under certain conditions.
  
• Costs for property repairs and maintenance can be deducted.
  
• Renting to low-income tenants may qualify for tax incentives.
  
• Losses from rental properties can offset other income for tax purposes.
  
• You may be eligible for tax relief on rental income losses.
  
• If the property is partially self-occupied, some rental income may be exempt.
  
• There could be tax benefits when passing rental property to heirs.
  
• You may qualify for government grants or subsidies for property development or low-income housing.

Check Out: Home Loan Tax Benefits

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on Rental Income

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on rental income in India is applicable under Section 194-IB of the Income Tax Act. Here’s how TDS works on rental income:

• Applicability: TDS is applicable when a tenant pays annual rent exceeding ₹2.4 lakh in a financial year to a landlord who is an individual or HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), and the landlord is not subject to tax audit.
  
• TDS Rate: The rate of TDS on rental income is 5% of the rent paid.
  
• TDS Deduction Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the tenant (payer of rent) to deduct TDS at the time of payment of rent and deposit it with the government. The tenant must then issue a TDS certificate (Form 16A) to the landlord.
  
• Threshold Limit: If the annual rent paid by the tenant exceeds ₹2.4 lakh, TDS must be deducted. If the rent is less than ₹2.4 lakh, no TDS is applicable.
  
• TDS Payment Due Date: The TDS deducted on rental income must be deposited with the government within 30 days from the end of the month in which the deduction was made.
  
• PAN Requirement: If the landlord has a valid PAN, TDS is deducted at 5%. If the landlord does not provide a PAN, the TDS rate increases to 20%.
  
• Filing TDS Returns: Tenants are required to file quarterly TDS returns (Form 26Q) to report the TDS deducted on rental payments.
  
• Claiming TDS Credit: The landlord can claim the TDS deducted as a credit while filing their income tax return. The amount will be adjusted against the final tax liability.

TDS on rental income ensures that tax is deducted at source, reducing the possibility of tax evasion.

Check Out: TDS Online Payment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Paying TDS Easily

Handling Multiple Properties and Sources of Rental Income

Managing rental income from multiple properties requires an organized approach to ensure accurate reporting and maximum tax benefits. Here’s how to handle it:

• Maintain separate accounts for each property’s income and expenses.
  
• Report all rental income under the “Income from House Property” section in your tax return.
  
• Claim tax deductions like the 30% standard deduction, municipal taxes, and home loan interest separately for each property.
  
• Losses from properties can be set off against other income and carried forward for up to 8 years.
  
• Ensure proper TDS deductions if rent exceeds ₹2.4 lakh annually and claim TDS credits accordingly.
  
• Keep detailed records of repair and maintenance costs for each property.
  
• Claim depreciation on each building individually to reduce taxable income.
  
• Consult a tax professional for proper filing and tax planning.

Check Out: How to Save Income Tax on Rental Income?

Required Details to File ITR

Category	Required Details
Personal Details	Name, PAN, Address, Contact Information
Property Details	Address, Ownership Type, Co-ownership Share (if applicable)
Rental Income	Total Rental Income Received During the Financial Year
Municipal Taxes	Details of Municipal Taxes Paid on the Property
Home Loan Interest	Interest Paid on Home Loans (if any) for the Rental Property
Property Expenses	Expenses Related to Repairs, Maintenance, and Upkeep of the Property
Depreciation	Depreciation Claimed on the Property (if applicable)
Standard Deduction	30% of Net Annual Rental Income
Vacant Period	Details of Any Vacant Period if the Property Was Not Rented Out for the Entire Year
Loss from House Property	Loss from House Property (if applicable) and Its Set-Off Against Other Income
Carry-Forward Losses	Details of Unadjusted Losses from Previous Years (if any)
Bank Account Details	Bank Account Information for Refund Processing (if applicable)
TDS Certificates	Form 16A or TDS Certificates (if Tax Was Deducted on Rental Income)
Interest Certificates	Proof of Interest Certificates from Banks or Financial Institutions for Home Loans
Supporting Documents	Any Other Relevant Documents Supporting Deductions or Exemptions Claimed

Conclusion

In conclusion, properly including rental income in your tax returns requires accurate reporting and strategic deductions. By choosing the right ITR form and following the proper steps, you can stay compliant and optimize your tax savings.

Frequently asked questions