Relocation Allowance Calculator
Moving to a new city for work? Calculate how much of your lump sum relocation allowance is tax-exempt and your final net in-hand amount.
Allowance & Expenses
Actual Expenses Incurred (with bills)
Net In-Hand Allowance
₹94,000
After paying ₹6,000 in taxes
Total Actual Expenses
₹80,000
Sum of all bills
Tax-Exempt Amount
₹80,000
Under Sec 10(14)
Taxable Amount
₹20,000
Unspent allowance
Unspent & Retained
₹14,000
Extra money kept after tax
Allowance Breakdown
Understanding Relocation Allowance Taxation
When you move to a new city for a job, your employer may provide a relocation allowance to help cover the costs. How this allowance is taxed depends on how much you actually spend and can prove with bills.
Section 10(14) Exemption
Under Section 10(14) of the Income Tax Act, allowances granted to meet the cost of travel on transfer (including packing and transportation of personal effects) are exempt from tax.
Bills are Mandatory
The exemption is strictly limited to the actual expenditure incurred. You must submit valid original bills to your employer. Any amount received as an allowance that is not backed by bills is fully taxable.
Example Scenario
If your company gives you a lump sum of ₹1,00,000 for relocation, and you submit bills worth ₹60,000 for flights and movers:
• Exempt Amount: ₹60,000 (No tax on this)
• Taxable Amount: ₹40,000 (Added to your taxable salary)
• Tax Paid (assuming 30% slab): ₹12,000
• Net Amount Retained: ₹28,000 (The unspent ₹40,000 minus ₹12,000 tax)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Relocation Allowance taxable in India?
Relocation allowance is exempt from tax under Section 10(14) of the Income Tax Act, but only to the extent of actual expenses incurred for the transfer. Any unspent amount from a lump sum allowance is fully taxable as part of your salary.
What expenses can be claimed for tax exemption?
You can claim expenses directly related to your relocation, such as travel tickets for you and your family, cost of packing and moving household goods, transportation of your vehicle, and initial transit accommodation (usually up to 15 days).
Can I claim brokerage or security deposit?
No, brokerage fees for finding a new house and security deposits are generally not considered exempt under Section 10(14) for relocation. However, some employers may have specific policies to reimburse these separately (which would be taxable).
Do I need to submit bills?
Yes, to claim the tax exemption on your relocation allowance, you must submit valid original bills and receipts to your employer. Without bills, the entire allowance will be taxed.
What if my actual expenses exceed the allowance?
If your actual expenses are higher than the lump sum allowance provided by your employer, the entire allowance is tax-exempt. However, you cannot claim the excess expenses as a deduction against your other salary income.