Can personal loans be deductible?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Feb 14, 2026
Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, allows for a tax rebate on personal loan if the amount is used for home renovation or improvement. In this case, interest paid on personal loan repayment up to Rs. 30,000 can be claimed as deduction from the total taxable income. 2 lakh is allowed for the interest paid.
Can home improvement loans be tax deductible?
Tax benefit: A house renovation loan fetches you a tax benefit on the interest component, that is, you can avail a deduction of up to Rs. 30,000 per annum (under section 24) for the interest that you pay on these loans. This deduction of Rs. 2 Lakh available on loan interest payment of self-occupied homes.
Can you loan someone money with interest?
Can I lend money to a friend and charge interest? Yes, you can, but the tax ramifications can be tricky and complicated. You would have made interest on the money if you had kept it an interest-bearing account, and that’s one good reason to charge interest.
What kind of tax return do I need for personal loan?
The loan will be considered income at this point, and you should receive a Form 1099-C from your lender. You will need to report the forgiven amount on that form to the IRS as taxable income. You might receive Form 1099-C after:
How does a personal loan affect your tax return?
Not necessarily. Personal loans only affect your tax returns if you have part of your debt forgiven or if you earn money from interest on a loan to a friend or family member. Interest on personal loans isn’t tax deductible, though it might be on student loans or mortgages. You could draw up a contract.
Do you have to pay tax on loan to family member?
There is no easy answer to this one. Some experts advise that you charge interest on a loan to a family member no matter what to avoid tax complications. The government may end up taxing you on interest that you should have charged, or taxing it as a gift. Gifts come with an annual exemption limit.