Many taxpayers in India have recently been caught off guard by notices issued by the Income Tax Department for the assessment years 2023-24 and 2024-25. These notices highlight a specific compliance issue: non-deduction of TDS on rent exceeding ₹50,000 per month.
If you’ve claimed House Rent Allowance (HRA) but failed to deduct the applicable TDS on rent payments, now is the time to act.
🏠 TDS on Rent: What Every Tenant Must Know
As per Section 194-IB of the Income Tax Act, if you’re paying ₹50,000 or more as monthly rent, you’re legally required to:
- Deduct 2% TDS on rent (updated rate applicable from October 2024; earlier it was 5%).
- Deposit the deducted TDS using Form 26QC.
- Provide a Form 16C certificate to your landlord.
Important: This rule applies even if you’re a salaried individual and not running a business or profession.
📩 Why Are Taxpayers Receiving Notices?
The Income Tax Department is cross-verifying data between:
- HRA claims made by salaried employees,
- Rent payments as per bank records,
- And TDS deductions on file.
If the department finds that you claimed HRA but didn’t deduct TDS on rent above ₹50,000/month, they issue a notice suggesting rectification or penalty.
⚖️ What If You Didn’t Deduct TDS?
You’re considered an assessee in default. Consequences include:
- Interest charges up to 1.5% per month.
- Late fees and penalties.
- Rejection of HRA claims or additional tax demand.
🧾 Is There Any Way Out?
Yes. If your landlord has declared the rental income in their ITR and paid tax accordingly, and if you can furnish proof to the Assessing Officer, you may be spared from interest and penalties.
However, due to privacy concerns, many landlords may be unwilling to share their ITR or income documents. Hence, deducting and depositing TDS yourself remains the safest approach.
⏳ Can I File an Updated Return?
Yes. If you wish to avoid legal complications or penalties, you can file an updated return under Section 139(8A) by reducing or withdrawing your HRA claim. This helps you voluntarily comply and reduce future risk.
✅ Takeaway for Taxpayers
If you’re:
- Paying rent ≥ ₹50,000/month, and
- Claiming HRA in your salary package,
Then you must deduct 2% TDS and deposit it with the Income Tax Department. Non-compliance can cost you more than you think!
💡 Expert Tip from PayrollPedia.org
Always keep these records handy:
- Rent agreement copy
- PAN of landlord
- Form 26QC filing proof
- Form 16C (TDS certificate issued to landlord)
🧠 Final Words from PayrollPedia.org
The TDS on rent rule is often misunderstood or overlooked—but the Income Tax Department is actively flagging such cases now. As a tenant, the responsibility lies with you, not your landlord.
Stay proactive, file your taxes correctly, and avoid unnecessary notices or penalties.
For more payroll, taxation, and compliance updates—explore PayrollPedia.org, your trusted source for all things payroll!