Home Loan Tax Benefits Explained (Problem-Solving Guide 2025)
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments in life. Thankfully, the Income Tax Act of India provides several tax benefits on home loans to reduce your financial burden. In this blog, we explain all the tax-saving provisions like Section 24(b), Section 80C, Section 80EE, Section 80EEA and solve common problems taxpayers face while claiming home loan deductions.
Section 24(b) – Interest on Home Loan
Under Section 24(b), you can claim a deduction on the interest component of your home loan EMI.
- Maximum deduction: ₹2,00,000 per annum (for self-occupied property).
- No upper limit for rented property (entire interest can be claimed, subject to loss from house property cap).
- Interest deduction is available only after the construction of the house is complete.
Section 80C – Principal Repayment
The principal component of your EMI is eligible for deduction under Section 80C.
- Maximum limit: ₹1,50,000 per annum (combined with other 80C investments like PPF, ELSS, LIC).
- Also includes stamp duty and registration charges (one-time).
- Deduction is allowed only if the property is not sold within 5 years of possession.
Section 80EE & 80EEA – Extra Deduction for First-Time Buyers
To encourage first-time homebuyers, the government introduced extra tax benefits:
Section 80EE
- Deduction of ₹50,000 on home loan interest.
- Available only if loan is sanctioned between specific dates and amount is ≤ ₹35 lakh.
Section 80EEA
- Deduction up to ₹1,50,000 on interest for affordable housing.
- Property value ≤ ₹45 lakh and loan sanctioned between April 2019 – March 2022 (extended in some cases).
Joint Home Loan Tax Benefits
If the loan is taken jointly (e.g., husband and wife), both can claim tax deductions individually, provided both are co-owners and co-borrowers.
- Each can claim up to ₹2,00,000 interest under Section 24(b).
- Each can also claim up to ₹1,50,000 principal repayment under Section 80C.
- Claims must be proportionate to each person’s contribution in EMI.
Rented vs Self-Occupied Property
Tax benefits differ depending on whether the house is rented out or self-occupied:
- Self-occupied: Max ₹2,00,000 deduction on interest (Section 24(b)).
- Rented: Entire interest can be claimed, subject to loss from house property limit of ₹2,00,000 (excess carried forward).
Common Problems & Solutions
1. Loan in Spouse’s Name but EMI Paid by You
You can claim benefits only if you are a co-owner and co-borrower. If not, you cannot claim tax deduction even if you pay EMI.
2. Under-Construction Property
Interest paid during construction is not deductible immediately. You can claim it in 5 equal installments after construction is complete.
3. Missed Claiming Deductions in Previous Years
You can file a revised return (if time allows) or adjust in future years if eligible.
4. Property Rented but Tenant Not Disclosing Rent
Always declare rental income. Deduction on interest is allowed, but hiding rent can cause penalties.
FAQs on Home Loan Tax Benefits
Q1. How much tax deduction can I claim on home loan interest under Section 24(b)?
You can claim up to ₹2,00,000 per year for a self-occupied house.
Q2. Can both husband and wife claim home loan tax benefits?
Yes, both can claim individually if they are co-owners and co-borrowers, proportionate to their contribution.
Q3. Can I claim tax benefits on an under-construction property?
Yes, but only after completion. Pre-construction interest can be claimed in 5 equal installments post-construction.
Q4. What if my property is rented?
You can claim the entire interest paid, subject to a maximum set-off of ₹2,00,000 in one year (excess carried forward).
Q5. Can I claim both 80C and 24(b) together?
Yes, you can claim both simultaneously as they cover different components (principal vs interest).