Problems on Computation of Income from House Property

Income from House Property is a head of income under Sections 22 to 27 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, taxing the annual value of a building or land appurtenant thereto owned by the assessee, unless used for the assessee’s own business or profession. Taxability depends on the property’s status as self-occupied, let-out, or deemed let-out, with annual value computed under Section 23. Deductions permitted under Section 24 include a standard deduction of 30% and interest on borrowed capital for property acquisition or construction. This head ensures that income derived from property ownership, rather than active business activity, is taxed appropriately under India’s direct tax framework.

1. Self Occupied House Property

Mr. A owns a house which is used for his own residence. The municipal value of the house is ₹2,40,000 and municipal taxes paid are ₹20,000. He has taken a loan for construction of the house and paid interest of ₹1,80,000 during the year. Compute Income from House Property.

Solution:

Particulars Amount (₹)
Annual Value Nil
Less: Municipal Taxes Nil
Net Annual Value Nil
Less: Interest on Housing Loan 1,80,000
Income from House Property (1,80,000)

Answer: Loss from House Property = ₹1,80,000

For a self occupied property, the annual value is generally taken as Nil, subject to the applicable conditions.

2. Let Out House Property

Mr. B owns a house property having a municipal value of ₹3,60,000 and fair rent of ₹4,20,000. The actual rent received is ₹40,000 per month. Municipal taxes paid by him are ₹30,000. He paid interest on housing loan of ₹1,00,000. Compute Income from House Property.

Solution:

Expected Rent = Higher of Municipal Value and Fair Rent
= ₹4,20,000

Actual Rent = ₹40,000 × 12
= ₹4,80,000

Gross Annual Value = ₹4,80,000

Less: Municipal Taxes = ₹30,000

Net Annual Value = ₹4,50,000

Standard Deduction = 30% of ₹4,50,000
= ₹1,35,000

Interest on Housing Loan = ₹1,00,000

Income from House Property:

₹4,50,000 − ₹1,35,000 − ₹1,00,000
= ₹2,15,000

Answer: ₹2,15,000

3. House Property with Vacancy

Mr. B owns a house with municipal value of ₹3,00,000 and fair rent of ₹3,60,000. The property was let out at ₹35,000 per month but remained vacant for 3 months. Municipal taxes paid were ₹24,000 and interest on housing loan was ₹80,000. Compute Income from House Property.

Solution:

Annual Rent = ₹35,000 × 9 months
= ₹3,15,000

Expected Rent = ₹3,60,000

Since the property was vacant and actual rent is lower because of vacancy, actual rent is considered for determining Gross Annual Value, subject to the applicable conditions.

Gross Annual Value = ₹3,15,000

Less: Municipal Taxes = ₹24,000

Net Annual Value = ₹2,91,000

Standard Deduction = 30% of ₹2,91,000
= ₹87,300

Interest = ₹80,000

Income from House Property:

₹2,91,000 − ₹87,300 − ₹80,000
= ₹1,23,700

Answer: ₹1,23,700

4. Partly Self Occupied and Partly Let Out

Mr. C owns a house consisting of two equal portions. One portion is used for his own residence and the other portion is let out for ₹15,000 per month. Municipal taxes paid for the entire property are ₹24,000. Interest on housing loan is ₹1,20,000. Compute Income from House Property.

Solution:

Self Occupied Portion:

Annual Value = Nil

Interest attributable = ₹1,20,000 × 50%
= ₹60,000

Income = ₹60,000 loss

Let Out Portion:

Annual Rent = ₹15,000 × 12
= ₹1,80,000

Municipal Taxes = ₹24,000 × 50%
= ₹12,000

Net Annual Value = ₹1,68,000

Standard Deduction = 30% of ₹1,68,000
= ₹50,400

Interest = ₹60,000

Income from Let Out Portion:

₹1,68,000 − ₹50,400 − ₹60,000
= ₹57,600

Total Income from House Property:

₹57,600 − ₹60,000
= ₹2,400 loss

Answer: Loss from House Property = ₹2,400

5. Property Owned by Two Co-Owners

Mr. A and Mr. B are co owners of a house in equal shares. The annual rent is ₹4,80,000. Municipal taxes paid are ₹40,000 and interest on housing loan is ₹1,20,000. Compute the income from house property of each co owner.

Solution:

Annual Rent = ₹4,80,000

Less: Municipal Taxes = ₹40,000

Net Annual Value = ₹4,40,000

Standard Deduction = 30% of ₹4,40,000
= ₹1,32,000

Interest = ₹1,20,000

Total Income from Property:

₹4,40,000 − ₹1,32,000 − ₹1,20,000
= ₹1,88,000

Each co owner has 50% share:

₹1,88,000 × 50%
= ₹94,000

Answer:
Mr. A = ₹94,000
Mr. B = ₹94,000

6. Deemed Let Out Property

Mr. D owns three residential houses. One house is self occupied and the second house is used by him for personal purposes. The third house is not occupied by him and is also not let out. The annual value of the third house is ₹2,40,000. Municipal taxes paid are ₹20,000 and interest on loan is ₹60,000. Compute Income from the third house.

Solution:

The third property is treated as a deemed let out property, subject to the applicable provisions.

Annual Value = ₹2,40,000

Less: Municipal Taxes = ₹20,000

Net Annual Value = ₹2,20,000

Standard Deduction = 30% of ₹2,20,000
= ₹66,000

Interest on Loan = ₹60,000

Income from House Property:

₹2,20,000 − ₹66,000 − ₹60,000
= ₹94,000

Answer: ₹94,000

7. Composite Rent

Mr. E owns a building along with furniture and fixtures. He receives ₹50,000 per month as composite rent. The building rent is ₹35,000 per month and rent attributable to furniture is ₹15,000 per month. Municipal taxes on the building are ₹30,000 and interest on housing loan is ₹90,000. Compute Income from House Property.

Solution:

Rent relating to building:

₹35,000 × 12 = ₹4,20,000

Municipal Taxes = ₹30,000

Net Annual Value = ₹3,90,000

Standard Deduction = 30% of ₹3,90,000
= ₹1,17,000

Interest = ₹90,000

Income from House Property:

₹3,90,000 − ₹1,17,000 − ₹90,000
= ₹1,83,000

The furniture rent of ₹15,000 per month is considered separately under the appropriate head depending upon the facts and applicable provisions.

Answer: Income from House Property = ₹1,83,000

House Property Incomes exempt from Tax

Income from House Property is one of the five heads of income under the Income Tax Act. Under Section 22, income arising from a building or land attached to a building is taxable under this head when the taxpayer is the owner, subject to prescribed conditions. The provisions from Sections 22 to 27 deal with chargeability, determination of annual value, deductions, treatment of self occupied and let out properties, and certain special ownership situations. The taxable income is generally calculated by determining the Gross Annual Value, deducting municipal taxes to arrive at Net Annual Value, and then allowing deductions under Section 24.

House Property Incomes exempt from Tax:

1. Property Used for Agricultural Purposes

Income from a building may be exempt where the building is used for agricultural purposes and the prescribed conditions are satisfied. Such a building should generally be situated on or in the immediate vicinity of agricultural land and be used by the cultivator or receiver of rent or revenue for agricultural operations. The exemption is connected with the nature and use of the property. If the building is used for residential, commercial or other non agricultural purposes, the income may not qualify for the exemption. Therefore, while determining exemption, the taxpayer must examine the location, ownership and actual use of the building. The applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act must also be considered.

2. Property Held for Charitable or Religious Purposes

Income from house property held under a trust or other legal obligation for charitable or religious purposes may qualify for exemption, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Income Tax Act. Such property must be held for eligible charitable or religious purposes, and the income must be applied or accumulated according to the applicable provisions. The exemption is not automatic merely because a property is owned by a charitable or religious organisation. The organisation must satisfy the required conditions relating to registration, application of income and compliance with tax provisions. Therefore, income from qualifying house property may be exempt when the prescribed requirements are fulfilled. This provision encourages the use of property income for charitable and religious activities.

3. Property of a Local Authority

Income from certain house property belonging to a local authority may be exempt under the applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act. Local authorities include bodies established for performing functions connected with local administration and public services. The exemption is subject to the specific conditions and statutory requirements applicable to the concerned authority and property. Therefore, it should not be assumed that every property owned by a local authority is automatically exempt. The nature of the authority, ownership of the property and the relevant statutory provision must be examined. This exemption recognises the public and administrative functions performed by local authorities and prevents certain qualifying property income from becoming taxable under the normal provisions relating to Income from House Property.

4. Property of a Statutory Corporation

Certain income from house property belonging to a statutory corporation may receive exemption where specifically provided under the Income Tax Act. A statutory corporation is an organisation established by or under a specific law for carrying out defined public or statutory functions. The exemption depends upon the nature of the corporation, the property and the conditions prescribed by the relevant provision. It is therefore necessary to verify whether the particular corporation and its property qualify for exemption. Such provisions are intended to provide tax relief to specified statutory bodies performing important public functions. Students should remember that exemption is available only when the specific legal conditions are satisfied and should not be treated as a general exemption for every statutory corporation.

5. Property Income of Certain Co-operative Societies

Certain income from house property of a co operative society may qualify for exemption or deduction where specifically provided under the Income Tax Act and subject to prescribed conditions. The availability of tax relief depends upon the nature of the society, the activity carried on and the applicable provisions. A co operative society should therefore examine the relevant statutory requirements before claiming any exemption. The purpose of such provisions is to provide appropriate tax treatment to qualifying co operative organisations performing specified activities. Students should distinguish between exemption from house property income and deductions available under other provisions of the Act. The exact tax treatment depends upon the applicable law and the particular circumstances of the co operative society.

error: Content is protected !!