First-time homebuyers in India can enjoy tax benefits through Section 80EE and Section 80EEA of the Income Tax Act. Both sections allow individuals to deduct certain expenses from their taxable income related to the interest portion of their home loan. However, there are significant differences in the amount of deduction and eligibility criteria between these sections. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Section 80EE and Section 80EEA, their key features, and how first-time homebuyers can benefit from these provisions.
Section 80EE provides tax benefits on the interest paid on a home loan for first-time homebuyers. The government introduced this section to make homeownership more affordable by allowing taxpayers to deduct a portion of the interest they pay on a home loan from their taxable income.
The government introduced Section 80EEA as an extension to Section 80EE in the Union Budget of 2019 to further incentivize affordable housing. It allows additional deductions for first-time homebuyers purchasing property under specific conditions.
You may also want to know Section 194IA of Income Tax Act
Though Section 80EE and Section 80EEA serve similar purposes, they differ in their deduction limits, property value criteria, and eligibility conditions. Here’s a comparison of the main differences:
| Characteristics | Section 80EE | Section 80EEA |
| Meaning | According to the Income Tax Act, a tax deduction or tax benefit can be applied to the interest on a residential mortgage. Section 80EE permits the deduction of up to ₹50,000 per fiscal year. The tax benefit is available until the loan has been paid in full and there are no outstanding interest payments. | First-time homebuyers investing in reasonably priced homes in India benefit from additional income tax deductions on home loan interest payments under Section 80EEA. However, they can only take advantage of Section 80EEA’s advantages if they use a home loan to purchase a reasonably priced property worth ₹45 lakhs. |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Maximum Amount of Up To ₹35 Lakhs. | Not Described. |
| Maximum Deduction Permitted | A maximum deduction of ₹50,000 is permitted only on the interest portion of the loan EMIs. | A maximum deduction of ₹1,50,000 is permitted only on the interest portion of the loan EMIs. |
| Conditions for Claiming Deduction | Only first-time homebuyers who are individuals are eligible. The amount of stamp duty must be no more than ₹45 lakhs. For metro areas, the property’s carpeting cannot be larger than 60 square meters (645 square feet). For other towns and cities, the carpet area of the property cannot be greater than 90 square meters (968 square ft). | Only first-time homebuyers who are individuals are eligible. The amount of stamp duty must be no more than ₹45 lakhs. For metro areas, the property’s carpeting cannot be larger than 60 square meters (645 square feet). For other towns and cities, the carpet area of the property cannot be greater than 90 square meters (968 square feet). |
| Property Value | Up To ₹50 lakhs. | Up To ₹50 lakhs (of stamp duty). |
| Loan Applicability Period | Applicable on Home Loans obtained in Fiscal Years 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2016-17. | Applicable on Home Loans obtained in Fiscal Years 2020-21 and 2021-22. |
| Unclaimable For | Associations of Persons (AOP), Hindu Unified Families (HUF), trusts, and other entities are not eligible to take advantage of Section 80EE’s income tax deduction. | Associations of Persons (AOP), Hindu Unified Families (HUF), trusts, businesses, and other entities are not eligible to claim an income tax deduction under Section 80EEA. |
| Lock-In Period | None | None |
You may also want to know Section 194IB of Income Tax Act
Both Section 80EE and Section 80EEA aim to make homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers by offering tax deductions on the interest portion of home loans. However, the eligibility criteria, loan sanction periods, and deduction limits vary between these sections. Homebuyers must carefully evaluate which section applies to them based on their property value, loan sanction date, and other conditions. Understanding these differences can help first-time buyers maximize their tax savings and reduce the financial burden of homeownership.
No, you can claim deductions under either Section 80EE or Section 80EEA, but not both. Which section you claim depends on when your home loan was sanctioned and other eligibility criteria.
The maximum deduction available under Section 80EEA is ₹1.5 lakhs per year, in addition to the ₹2 lakhs available under Section 24(b) for interest paid on home loans.
Yes, both Section 80EE and Section 80EEA are available only to first-time homebuyers.
Under Section 80EEA, the stamp duty value of the property should not exceed ₹45 lakhs to be eligible for deductions. If your property value exceeds ₹45 lakhs, you cannot claim this deduction. However, you may be eligible under Section 80EE if the property value is below ₹50 lakhs.
There is no specific time limit. You can claim deductions under Section 80EE for as long as the home loan is being repaid.
No, both Section 80EE and Section 80EEA apply only to a single home loan for the purchase of a first property.
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