Can I Claim Multiple LTAs in One Year and How Are Split-Year Travels Counted?

Hi,

I wanted to check if there is any sub-limit set by the income tax department on the number of LTAs that can be claimed in one calendar year under the main category of 2 exemptions in a block of 4 years. To be explicit, can I claim an exemption on one LTA in Jan 2010 and the next in March 2010? If the answer to the above is NO: Can I claim an exemption on one in Jan 2010 and another in May 2010? (I understand no further claims will be available in that block of 4 years after that). I did not find it in Section 10(5) and Rule 2B.

Next question is if travel starts on 28 Dec 2009 and ends on 4 Jan 2010, which block is it counted in? Similarly, if travel starts on 28 March 2010 and ends on 4 April 2010, in which financial year is the exemption to be availed?

Thanks & Regards,
Anubhav

LTA is exempted from Income Tax once in two years in a block of four years. Therefore, if you claim it in Jan 2010, you cannot claim it again in March 2010. However, you can claim it in May 2010 provided you had not availed it in the preceding two years; but if so claimed, you cannot claim it for another three years.

If the journey is undertaken in December to January period, then it is deemed to have been conducted in the same financial year. However, in the case of a journey started in March and ended in April, you may have to get clarification from the Finance Department. Please bear with me.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

Hi,

Pardon me as I am a novice, but I read that I can claim LTA in 4 consecutive years also till 2 claims in a block of 4 years are maintained. They say I can claim in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 in continuation; provided I have not taken it in 2006/2007 and will not claim for 2012/2013. That thread might have incorrect info, but can you refer me to the section/clause/rule where this restriction is mentioned? 2010 is the start of a fresh block, so why do you mention the previous 2-year restriction?

On a journey starting in Dec '09 and ending in Jan '10, it is important to know because will my claim be counted in the block of 2006-09 or 2010-2013?

Thank you.