Circular No. 2/2020 — HRA exemption — calculation method

Date: 2020-01-03 Status: ACTIVE Category: Exemptions Binding on Department: Yes (Section 119 / Section 400 IT Act 2025)

Summary

Method of calculation of HRA exemption under section 10(13A). Metro vs non-metro distinction.

Key Directions

  1. Exemption: minimum of actual HRA, rent minus 10% salary, or 50%/40% salary.
  2. 50% for metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai); 40% others.
  3. Salary: basic + DA (if part of retirement benefits).

Applicability Under IT Act 2025

Saving Clause: Section 536 of IT Act 2025 saves circulars issued under the 1961 Act “so far as not inconsistent” with the new Act.

Old Section (1961 Act)New Section (2025 Act)Consistent?
10(13A)19Yes

Cross-References

Act Sections

  • Section 10(13A)
  • Section 19
  • None identified

Key Case Law (Circular Supremacy)

  • To be populated — cases where this circular was cited/applied

Full Text

Full text to be added — see raw/circulars/ for PDF when available

Source