Published Oct 17, 2025 4 Min Read

Special allowances are additional monetary benefits provided by employers to employees for specific purposes, such as compensating job-related expenses or rewarding exceptional performance. These allowances can significantly impact an employee’s take-home salary and tax liability. Understanding the types, exemptions, and tax rules surrounding special allowances is crucial for optimising your salary structure and financial planning.


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Taxability of Special Allowances

Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, special allowances are generally taxable unless explicitly exempted. The taxability of these allowances depends on their nature and purpose.


Key Taxation Rules for Special Allowances:

  • Taxable Allowances: Any allowance used for personal expenses or exceeding exemption limits is taxable.
  • Exempt Allowances: Allowances granted for official purposes and used as specified are exempt under Section 10(14)(i) and Section 10(14)(ii) of the Income Tax Act.
  • Conditions for Exemption:
    • The allowance must be used exclusively for official purposes.
    • The exemption amount is capped at the lower of the allowance received or the actual expenses incurred.

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Special Allowance Categories and Exemptions Under New and Old Tax Regimes

Special allowances are categorised into personal and official allowances, with varying exemptions under the old and new tax regimes.


Exemptions Under Old Tax Regime:

AllowanceExemption Limit
Children Education AllowanceRs. 100 per child/month (up to 2 children)
Hostel Expenditure AllowanceRs. 300 per child/month (up to 2 children)
Tribal Area AllowanceRs. 200 per month
Transport AllowanceRs. 1,600 per month (Rs. 3,200 for differently-abled employees)
High Altitude AllowanceRs. 1,060–1,600 per month (based on altitude)

Exemptions Under New Tax Regime:

  • Fully taxable, except for allowances granted to differently-abled employees and official travel-related allowances.

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Special Allowance Calculation in Salary

Special allowances are calculated based on an employee’s salary structure and the exemptions available under the Income Tax Act.


Example Calculation:

  • Basic Salary: Rs. 50,000 per month
  • Transport Allowance: Rs. 1,600 per month (fully exempt)
  • Taxable Salary: Rs. 50,000 (transport allowance is non-taxable)

By understanding your salary components, you can identify taxable and tax-free allowances to optimise your financial planning.

Conclusion

Special allowances play a vital role in shaping your salary structure and tax liability. By understanding their taxability and exemptions, you can manage your finances more effectively and maximise your savings.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the special allowance of salary?

Special allowance refers to additional monetary benefits provided by employers to employees for specific purposes, such as compensating job-related expenses.

Is special allowance equal to DA?

No, special allowance and Dearness Allowance (DA) are different. DA compensates for inflation, whereas special allowance serves specific purposes like travel or education.

What is Section 10(14) exemption of special allowance?

Section 10(14) provides tax exemptions for special allowances granted for official purposes or specific personal expenses, subject to conditions.

How can I make my salary tax-efficient while saving for the future?

One way to make your salary tax-efficient is by understanding taxable and exempt allowances under the Income Tax Act. Additionally, you can invest in Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits, which offer guaranteed returns and help you grow your savings without worrying about market volatility. Book FD

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.