HRA or House Rent Allowance is one of the most common salary components that helps salaried individuals save tax by claiming an exemption on the rent paid. Even if you live with your parents, you can still claim HRA exemption by paying rent to parents and meeting the required conditions. However, this benefit is available only under the old tax regime and not under the new tax regime. This guide explains how to claim HRA while staying in your parent's house and the rules you must follow to avoid tax issues.New Income Tax Rules 2026 UpdateThe new income tax rules makes it mandatory to declare the relationship between the taxpayer and landlord for taxpayers claiming HRA exemption. This is to ensure no fraudulent deductions are being claimed. What Does The Income Tax Act Say?The Income Tax Act of 1961 permits claiming HRA exemption for rent paid to parents under certain conditions:Genuine Rental Agreement: A formal rental agreement is mandatory, outlining details like rent amount, duration, and payment mode.Proof of Payment: Rent should be demonstrably paid through bank transfers or traceable channels.

If you are a salaried individual, you have likely come across the term HRA in your salary slip. HRA full form is House Rent Allowance, a salary component provided by the employer to help employees cover their residential rental expenses. It forms a significant part of the employee's cost to company (CTC) and plays a significant role in tax planning. House Rent Allowance is a taxable income, the Income Tax Act offers considerable relief to taxpayers. Under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act, a portion of HRA can be claimed as an exemption, effectively reducing the taxable income. However, the HRA exemption is only available under the Old Tax Regime.

The Income Tax Act 2025 will be effective from 1 April 2026 and replaces the six decade old Income Tax Act 1961. The new Act simplifies tax provisions, introduces a single “Tax Year” concept, and retains both the New and Old Tax Regimes with updated income tax slabs and rebate provisions.Income Tax Act 2025 - Key HighlightsReplaces the Income Tax Act 1961, effective 1 April 2026Introduces a single Tax Year concept replaces Financial Year & Assessment YearNew Regime: zero tax up to Rs. 12 lakh after rebateOld Regime: zero tax up to Rs. 5 lakh after rebate1. When will the Income Tax Act 2025 come into effect?The Income Tax Act 2025 will come into effect from 1 April 2026.

If you are searching for the Income Tax customer care number, the main official helpline numbers for e-filing, refund, rectification, and CPC related support are 1800 103 0025 and 1800 419 0025. International callers can use +91-80-46122000 and +91-80-61464700. These are listed on the official Income Tax Department Contact Us page.Income Tax Helpline Number 2026The official income tax helpline number for most return filing and refund-related issues is:1800 103 00251800 419 0025+91-80-46122000+91-80-61464700Quick answerIf you searched for income tax customer care, income tax helpline number, or income tax toll free number, these are the main numbers to call first:1800 103 00251800 419 0025Official Income Tax Customer Care NumbersQuery TypeHelpline NumberTimingsEmail IDe-Filing, refund, rectification, CPC issues1800 103 00251800 419 0025+91-80-46122000+91-80-6146470008:00 hrs - 20:00 hrs (Monday to Friday)NAAIS, TIS, e-Campaign, e-Verification1800 103 421509:30 hrs - 18:00 hrs (Monday to Friday)NATRACES, Form 26AS, Form 16, TDS statements1800 103 0344 +91-120-481460010:00 hrs - 18:00 hrs (Monday to Saturday)NAOutstanding tax demand1800 309 0130 +91 821 6671200 +91 821-715151508:00 hrs - 20:00 hrs (Monday to Friday)09:00 hrs - 18:00 hrs (Saturday)taxdemand@cpc.incometax.gov.inITR-related helpNANAITR.helpdesk@incometax.gov.inTax audit report helpNANATAR.helpdesk@incometax.gov.ine-Pay Tax supportNANAepay.helpdesk@incometax.gov.inOther portal issuesNANAefilingwebmanager@incometax.gov.inWhat can you contact Income Tax customer care for?You can contact the Income Tax Department helpline for help with:income tax return e-filingrefund-related issuesrectification and intimation queriesAIS and TIS issuesForm 26AS and TRACES issuesTDS-related queriese-Pay Tax supportoutstanding tax demand follow-upIncome Tax Toll Free Number for Refund and E-FilingFor most taxpayers, the income tax toll free number they need is the CPC/e-filing helpline:1800 103 00251800 419 0025These numbers are meant for issues related to:income tax return filingrefund delaysrectification requestsportal-related supportCPC communicationsIncome Tax Helpline Number for AIS and TISIf your issue is related to AIS, TIS, SFT response, e-Campaign response, or e-Verification, use: 1800 103 4215Income Tax Helpline Number for TRACES, TDS and Form 26ASFor issues related to TRACES, Form 26AS, Form 16, TDS statements, or Form 15CA, use:1800 103 0344+91-120-4814600Income Tax Customer Care for Tax Demand QueriesIf you have an issue related to outstanding tax demand, the official contact details are:1800 309 0130+91 821 6671200+91 821-7151515Email: taxdemand@cpc.incometax.gov.inPAN and TAN Helpline NumberFor PAN and TAN application or correction issues through NSDL, the commonly listed support number is: +91-20-27218080Income Tax Department Email IDITR.helpdesk@incometax.gov.in – for ITR-related issuesTAR.helpdesk@incometax.gov.in – for tax audit report issuesepay.helpdesk@incometax.gov.in – for e-Pay Tax issuesefilingwebmanager@incometax.gov.in – for other portal-related issuestaxdemand@cpc.incometax.gov.in – for tax demand supportIncome Tax Helpline TimingsHelpline timings can vary depending on the support category. The official Contact Us page provides timings issue-wise, including CPC/e-filing, TRACES, AIS, and tax demand support. Users should check the official page for the latest operating hours before calling. Which Income Tax helpline number should you call?Use this shortcut:For income tax return filing, refund, rectification, CPC issues: 1800 103 0025 / 1800 419 0025For AIS or TIS issues: 1800 103 4215For TRACES, Form 26AS, TDS, Form 16: 1800 103 0344For tax demand issues: 1800 309 0130For PAN/TAN issues: +91-20-27218080Important Note Before Sharing any DetailsThe Income Tax Department does not ask taxpayers to share sensitive information such as passwords, OTPs, or card details through suspicious messages.

The direct tax code (DTC)  will be aimed at simplifying and modernising the existing direct tax law i.e. the Income Tax Act, 1961. The DTC will also be in-line with the global standards making the taxation simpler for both residents and non-resident taxpayers. In this article, we will explain in detail the expectations and differences between the DTC and the Income Tax Act. The Income Tax Act 2025The Income Tax Act 2025 will be effective from 1st April 2026, replacing the decade old Income Tax Act, 1961. The Income Tax Act, 2025 will be applicable from FY 2026-27 onwards. What is the Direct Tax Code 2025?The Direct Tax Code aims to simplify, streamline, and standardise the existing complex income tax laws for everyone.

The Financial Year 2025-26 ends on March 31, 2026. Missing this date could mean losing valuable deductions, paying interest, penalties, and falling short on compliance requirements. This checklist ensures you make the most of every tax saving opportunity as the deadline approaches. Why is 31 March an Important Financial Deadline?The financial year in India is from 1st April to 31st March, and March 31st is a crucial regulatory and compliance deadline that affects every taxpayer. End of Financial Year: All income earned, investments made, and expenses incurred between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 fall within FY 2025-26. After this date, a new financial year begins.Last Date for Claiming Deductions: Tax saving investments under Section 80C, 80D, and other provisions must be completed before 31 March to be eligible for deductions in that financial year.Compliance and Reporting: Advance tax instalments, TDS reconciliation, and income reporting must be settled by this date to avoid interest charges and penalties.Employer Payroll Adjustments: Salaried employees must submit investment proofs to their employer before the deadline. Failure to do so results in higher TDS deductions from the final salary of the year.10 Financial Tasks You Should Complete Before 31 March1.

The new Income Tax Act 2025 simplifies the complex Income Tax Act of 1961. The new laws aims at simplification of tax provisions, removal of redundant sections, and keep pace with the evolving technology and economic environment.Budget 2026 UpdateIncome Tax Act 2025 will come into effect from 1st April 2026 as proposed in the budget.The due date to file ITR-3 & ITR-4 for non-audit cases has been extended to 31st August.The due date to file revised return has been extended to 31st March from the existing 31st December. Key Updates - Income Tax act 2025 v/s existing ActThe new Income Tax Act 2025 spanning over 600 pages, 536 sections, 23 chapters and 16 schedules has provisions which are extensive yet easier to understand and aims at improving the compliance procedure. Being easier to read and understand for taxpayers and tax authorities alike, it is set to give more certainty to taxation and reduce litigation between taxpayers and the revenue authority. The following are the changes in the new income tax act:Ease of Compliance: The new Income Tax Act will make compliance easier for the taxpayers and the income tax authorities. It has a more structured and streamlined tax administration process and includes the use of modern compliance mechanisms.Concept of Tax Year: The tax year means the period of twelve months of the financial year commencing on 1st April. This is seen to replace the concept of Financial Year and Assessment Year reducing confusion.Virtual Digital Asset: The Income Tax Act 2025 gives a more broader definition of Virtual Digital Assets. The definition now includes crypto-assets, non-fungible tokens or any other digital asset as the Government may specify.Access to Electronic Data on Search Cases: As the transactions and asset accumulation in the digital space is more common in the present times, the act has included additional provisions under search operations. As per the proposed act, the assessee should provide access to any virtual space search officer.

The Income Tax Act 2025 was introduced in the previous budget to replace the age-old Income Tax Act 1961 in India. It consists of 536 sections over 23 chapters and 16 schedules which intend to modernise the direct tax system of the country, simplify compliance and reduce litigation. It come in effect from 1st April 2026 as announced in Budget 2026.What is the Income Tax Act 2025?The Income Tax Act 2025 is a comprehensive legislation governing the levy, administration, collection, and recovery of direct taxes in India. The new tax provision aims to bring an income tax reform by simplifying income tax laws. The act was passed in the parliament on 21st August 2025 and will come into effect from 1st April 2025.The new act aims at simplification of tax laws, making it easier to understand, interpret and comply with.

The taxation of debt mutual funds depends primarily on the date of purchase and holding period. For investments made on or after 1 April 2023, all gains are treated as short-term capital gains and taxed at the investor’s slab rate, regardless of how long they are held.However, for investments made before 1 April 2023, gains are taxed as long-term capital gains at 12.5% if held for more than 2 years, and as short-term capital gains at slab rates if held for 2 years or less.Debt Mutual Funds Taxation - OverviewPurchase date is crucial: Tax rules differ before and after 1 April 2023Post 1 April 2023: All gains taxed as STCG at slab rates, regardless of holding periodPre 1 April 2023 (> 2 years): Taxed as LTCG at 12.5% (no indexation)Pre 1 April 2023 (≤ 2 years): Taxed as STCG at slab ratesNo indexation benefit: Not available for debt mutual fundsWhat are Debt Mutual Funds?Debt mutual funds are investment funds that invest mainly in fixed-income instruments like bonds, treasury bills, commercial papers, and debentures. In simple terms, the debt mutual fund meaning refers to funds that generate returns through interest income, offering relatively stable and lower risk returns compared to equity funds, making them suitable for conservative investors.Taxation Of Debt Mutual Funds After 1 April 2023The Budget 2023 made substantial changes as to taxation treatment for debt mutual funds effective 1st April 2023. Any gains on the transfer, redemption or maturity of units, purchased on or after 1st April 2023, are deemed short-term capital gains, regardless of the hold period, and are taxed at the applicable slab rates to the investor, with indexation benefits no longer applicable as such funds won't be seen as long-term capital assets.However, in the case of investment made prior 1st April 2023, the previous norms will continue to apply; in this case, the units must be held for more than 24 months in which it would be taxed as long-term capital gains at 12.5% without indexation benefits, or 24 months or less in which it would be taxed as short-term capital gains at the applicable slab rate.This can be summarised as follows:Purchase DateTax ImplicationBefore 1st April 2023LTCG at 12.5% after holding for more than 2 years. Else STCG at slab rates.On or After 1st April 2023Gains are taxed at applicable slab rates.Taxation Of Debt Mutual Funds Before 1 April 2023Before 1st April 2023, the taxation of debt mutual funds was based on their holding period.

The new Income Tax Act 2025 replaces both the “Financial Year (FY)” and “Assessment Year (AY)” with a single, unified concept called the “Tax Year”, which is a straightforward 12 month period from April to March, during which income will be earned and for which taxes are filed in the following tax year. This concept is effective from 01st April, 2026.What is a Tax Year in Income Tax?Tax year as per the Income Tax Act 2025 will replace the existing concept of Financial Year and Assessment Year. A Tax Year is a 12 month period that begins on the 1st of April and ends on 31st March of the following year. However, for newly established business and profession, the tax year starts from the date of establishment. For example, Tax Year 2026-27 is a 12 month period which starts from 1st April 2026 and ends on 31st Match 2027. Current Income Tax Law: Which Years are relevant?In the current Income Tax Law, the concept of Previous year and Assessment year is used. Previous Year: Simply speaking, it is the year in which the income is earned. It can be less than 12 months in case the business is newly set up or the source of income is new.