Union Budget 2025-26 (Full) + Finance Bill, 2025

IV. Annual value of the self-occupied property simplified

Section 23 of the Act relates to determination of annual value. Sub-section (2) of the said section provides that where house property is in the occupation of the owner for the purposes of his residence or owner cannot actually occupy it due to his employment, business or profession carried on at any other place, in such cases, the annual value of such house property shall be taken to be nil. Further, sub-section (4) of the said section provides that provisions of sub-section (2) of the Act will be applicable in respect of two house properties only, which are to be specified by the owner.

2. With a view to simplifying the provisions, it is proposed to amend the sub-section (2) so as to provide that the annual value of the property consisting of a house or any part thereof shall be taken as nil, if the owner occupies it for his own residence or cannot actually occupy it due to any reason. The provision of sub-section (4) of section 23 of the Act which allows this benefit only in respect of two of such houses shall continue to apply as earlier.

3. This amendment will take effect from the 1st day of April, 2025 and shall accordingly apply for assessment year 2025-26 onwards.

[Clause 10]

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Full Text:

Union Budget 2025-26 (Full) + Finance Bill, 2025

Annual value of self-occupied property simplified, nil deemed where owner occupies or cannot occupy for any reason. The annual value of a property used as the owner's residence shall be taken as nil if the owner occupies it for residence or cannot actually occupy it for any reason; the existing restriction limiting this benefit to a specified limited number of houses remains unchanged and the amendment applies prospectively under the Finance Bill.