π HRA Update: Paying Rent to Parents? Know the New Rule!
From 1st April 2026 , the Income Tax Department has introduced an important compliance requirement for individuals claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA) —especially those paying rent to their parents. While claiming HRA on rent paid to parents is still allowed, the rules have become more transparent and stricter to prevent misuse. If you are currently availing HRA benefits or planning to do so, this update is something you simply cannot ignore. Let’s break it down in detail. π What Has Changed? The key change is the introduction of a mandatory disclosure requirement . π Taxpayers must now disclose their relationship with the landlord in Form 124 while claiming HRA. This means: If you are paying rent to your father, mother, or any relative , it must be explicitly declared. The earlier practice of claiming HRA without specifying such relationships is no longer acceptable. This step aims to improve transparency and reduce false or inflated HRA claims. π§Ύ Can You Still Claim HRA by Paying...