Purchasing your first home is a momentous occasion, and the Indian government offers several tax benefits to make this milestone more financially manageable. Understanding these tax-saving options can help first-time buyers maximize their savings and reduce the overall cost of homeownership. Here, we explore the best tax-saving options available for first-time home buyers in India.
Section 80C
Principal Repayment
Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can claim a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on the principal repayment of your home loan. This includes payments made towards the purchase or construction of a residential property. It also covers stamp duty and registration charges, which can be claimed in the year they are paid.
Section 24(b)
Interest on Home Loan
Section 24(b) allows you to claim a deduction of up to ₹2 lakh on the interest paid on your home loan if the property is self-occupied. If the property is rented out, there is no upper limit for claiming interest deductions, but the total loss that can be set off from other income sources is capped at ₹2 lakh per annum.
Section 80EE
Additional Deduction for First-Time Buyers
Section 80EE offers an additional deduction of up to ₹50,000 on the interest paid on home loans for first-time buyers. To qualify, the loan amount should not exceed ₹35 lakh, and the property's value should not exceed ₹50 lakh. This benefit is over and above the deductions available under Section 24(b) and Section 80C.
Section 80EEA
Additional Interest Deduction
Introduced to further incentivize affordable housing, Section 80EEA provides an additional deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on the interest paid on home loans. This is available for loans sanctioned between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022. To be eligible, the stamp duty value of the property should not exceed ₹45 lakh, and the individual should not own any other residential property on the loan sanction date. This benefit is also over and above the deductions available under Section 24(b).
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS)
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) offers a Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for first-time home buyers in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Lower Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG). This scheme provides interest subsidies on home loans, reducing the effective interest rate and the overall cost of the loan. The subsidy amount depends on the income group and the size of the loan.
House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Home Loan Benefits
If you are staying in a rented house and paying home loan EMIs simultaneously, you can claim both House Rent Allowance (HRA) and home loan tax benefits. However, HRA can only be claimed if you continue to live in a rented house while your new house is under construction or located in a different city.
Joint Home Loans
Enhanced Tax Benefits
Taking a joint home loan with your spouse or family member can significantly enhance tax benefits. Each co-borrower can claim deductions individually under Section 80C, Section 24(b), and Section 80EE, effectively doubling the tax benefits available.
Conclusion
First-time home buyers in India have a plethora of tax-saving options that can make the journey of homeownership more affordable. By leveraging these deductions and benefits, you can significantly reduce your tax liability and make the most of your investment. Always consult with a tax advisor or financial planner to understand how these provisions apply to your specific situation and to ensure you’re maximizing your tax savings.