06 June 2010
i hav a question that--can husband and life both take a loan for purchasing a house...if yes thn who is eligible for deduction...both or whose name in the first in loan agreement...
28 July 2024
Yes, both husband and wife can jointly take a home loan for purchasing a house. Here’s how the eligibility for deductions works:
### **Eligibility for Home Loan Deductions**
1. **Interest on Home Loan (Section 24(b))**
- **Joint Loan:** - Both husband and wife can claim a deduction for the interest on the home loan, provided the loan is taken jointly and the property is either co-owned or owned by the borrower(s). The maximum deduction allowable under Section 24(b) is ₹2 lakh per annum per borrower.
- **Deduction Allocation:** - The deduction is available to both borrowers regardless of who makes the payment. Each borrower can claim up to ₹2 lakh on their share of the interest paid. This means if both husband and wife are joint borrowers, both can claim the deduction individually, subject to their share of the loan.
2. **Principal Repayment (Section 80C)**
- **Joint Loan:** - Both husband and wife can claim a deduction for the principal repayment under Section 80C, provided the loan is taken jointly and the property is co-owned. The maximum deduction allowed under Section 80C is ₹1.5 lakh per annum per borrower.
- **Deduction Allocation:** - The deduction for principal repayment is available to both borrowers based on their share of the repayment. Even if one person makes the payments, both can claim their respective share of the principal repayment deduction.
### **Important Points to Note:**
1. **Co-ownership:** - For claiming deductions, the property should ideally be co-owned by the borrowers. If the property is not co-owned but only in one person’s name, then the deductions are limited to the actual owner of the property.
2. **Loan Agreement:** - The order of names in the loan agreement does not affect the eligibility for claiming deductions. As long as both husband and wife are joint borrowers, they are eligible to claim deductions.
3. **Payment Responsibility:** - The person making the payment does not need to be the one claiming the deduction. The deduction is based on the borrower's status and the loan arrangement.
4. **Tax Filing:** - Ensure proper documentation of the loan and repayment details when filing tax returns. Each borrower should maintain records of the interest and principal payments made.
### **Summary:**
- **Joint Loan and Co-ownership:** - Both husband and wife can claim deductions for interest and principal repayment if the home loan is jointly taken and the property is co-owned. - The order of names in the loan agreement does not impact the eligibility for deductions.
- **Documentation:** - Maintain thorough documentation of loan repayments and property ownership to support your claims for deductions.
For specific tax advice and to ensure compliance with the latest tax laws, consider consulting with a tax professional or chartered accountant.