Obtaining a home loan is one of the most important consideration when buying a house. This is because not only does it determine whether we will be able to purchase the house or not, it will probably also be the biggest loan we will take in our lifetime. Having proper knowledge of home loans not only helps in making the process of loan application but also helps in utilising the benefits associated with, one of which happens to be tax benefits.

Not many know about this but there are indeed tax benefits on home loans which can help in increasing your savings. If you do not know about this, then read on to find out.

Tax Benefits on Principal Repayment

The installment which is paid each month for repaying the loan has two parts - the interest and the principal. Towards the beginning of the repayment period, the interest remains higher than the principal but eventually the interest comes down.

Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can claim deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum for the principal which is paid as part of your home loan. However, it needs to be understood that this claim can be made only after you gain possession of the house and not when it is under construction. Also, if you happen to sell the property within five years of possession, then the tax benefit so received will be included in the taxable income.


Tax Benefits on the Interest Paid

Section 24 of the Income Tax Act allows us to claim tax benefits of the interest part of the home loan. The maximum deduction which can be obtained has been capped at Rs. 2 lakh per annum. There are, however, certain conditions which are -

  • The loan should have been used for the purpose of buying or construction of the property. If the loan has been used for construction of a new house, then it should be completed within five years.
  • If the construction has not commenced three years after obtaining the loan, the maximum deduction which can be claimed is Rs. 30,000 per annum.
  • The deduction is applicable only if the property is self-occupied and in case the property has been put on rent, then the interest amount is deducted from the rent which is received.