Claiming tax benefits on home loan payments requires proper documentation each year. Lenders issue the Home Loan Interest Certificate (also called Housing Loan Certificate) for this purpose. This certificate enables you to file your income tax return correctly.
Last updated on: Apr 10, 2026
A Home Loan Interest Certificate is provided by banks at the end of the financial year. The certificate displays the total interest amount paid on your home loan. You must submit the Home Loan Interest Certificate for income tax to the Income Tax Department, as it allows you to save on taxes under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act. Banks typically issue house loan interest certificates between April and July each year. You can download the house loan interest certificate online or request it from your bank branch. The certificate should be kept safely for tax records and future reference. Tax deductions of up to ₹2 Lakhs on interest payments can be claimed for self-occupied properties.
A Home Loan Interest Certificate is an official document from your lender. Banks issue this certificate at the end of each financial year. The certificate shows the total interest amount paid on your home loan. It also lists the principal amount repaid during that period.
This certificate enables you to claim tax deductions on your home loan payments. Banks may call it an interest certificate from the bank or a Housing Loan Certificate. The document contains your name, loan account number, and property address. It also includes the total loan amount and the yearly repayment breakup. You need to submit the Home Loan Interest Certificate for income tax while filing returns. The certificate acts as proof of your payments to the Income Tax Department.
Home loan interest certificates are issued in different forms based on the stage and purpose of the loan.
A provisional interest certificate is issued at the start of the financial year. It provides an estimated breakup of interest and principal payable based on the current loan balance and repayment schedule. This certificate is commonly used for tax planning and for submission to employers to adjust TDS calculations.
Note: A provisional home loan interest certificate is only an estimate and cannot be used for filing income tax returns. For actual tax filing, borrowers must use the annual (final) home loan interest certificate issued after the financial year ends.
The annual interest certificate is issued after the financial year ends. It reflects the actual interest and principal paid during the year and is used while filing income tax returns under Sections 24(b) and 80C of the Income Tax Act.
A consolidated certificate is provided when a borrower has multiple home loans or has opted for a balance transfer. It combines interest details across loan accounts for easier tax reporting.
If the original certificate is misplaced, lenders can issue a duplicate copy upon request, usually through online banking portals or customer support.
The Home Loan Interest Certificate contains essential details about your loan repayments. The document includes borrower information, loan breakup, and the relevant financial year. Here are the key components you will find:
The borrower's name and loan account number
The property address that is linked to your loan
Your lender's complete details and contact information
The total sanctioned loan amount
A detailed breakup of repayments covers both interest and principal components separately.
The period covered, which matches the financial year
This document serves as your annual financial summary for the home loan. You can verify all repayment details using this certificate.
The Home Loan Interest Certificate can help you save on taxes each year, serving as proof of your interest payments for income tax claims. The certificate enables you to claim various tax deductions on your home loan:
Claim deduction on interest under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act
Deduct up to ₹2 Lakhs for self-occupied property interest payments
Deduct unlimited interest amount for let-out property
Claim principal repayment under Section 80C up to ₹1.5 Lakhs
Submit the Home Loan Interest Certificate for income tax with your return
Verify all details match your loan statements before filing
The house loan interest certificate supports your tax filing process throughout the year. Banks issue it annually to enable these tax benefits for borrowers.
You need basic identity proofs to access your Home Loan Interest Certificate. Lenders verify your details before releasing the document. Gather these documents for online or offline requests:
Loan account number or customer ID
Registered mobile number for OTP verification
PAN card number
Aadhaar card or other KYC documents for branch visits
Registered email ID for emailed interest certificate
Online portals require your login credentials for access. Branches may ask for physical ID proof during in-person requests. This process ensures secure access to your Home Loan Interest Certificate.
You can download the Home Loan Interest Certificate online or offline from your lender. Follow these steps to obtain the house loan interest certificate from the bank. Select the method that works best for you.
Online Method
Log in to your lender’s net banking or mobile banking portal using your registered credentials.
Navigate to the accounts section.
Select the relevant financial year for which you need the interest certificate.
Download the Home Loan Interest Certificate in PDF format for tax filing or employer submission.
Some lenders may also allow you to email the certificate directly to your registered email ID.
Offline Method
Visit the nearest branch of your bank or housing finance company.
Submit a written request or application for the home loan interest certificate.
Provide required details such as loan account number, financial year, and identity proof if requested.
The certificate may be issued instantly at the branch or sent to your registered email or postal address.
Reviewer
The Home Loan Interest Certificate is not mandatory for filing income tax returns. You can submit Form 16 from your employer along with other documents. However, the home loan certificate supports your tax deduction claim under Section 24(b) effectively. Keep the home loan certificate safely in your records in case of future audits.
The Home Loan Interest Certificate lists several important details about your loan. The document includes your name, loan account number, and property address. It also shows lender details, total sanctioned loan amount, and interest paid. The home loan certificate displays the principal amount repaid and the relevant financial year.
You must provide your loan account number and registered mobile number for OTP verification. Online downloads require your PAN card number and login credentials for the bank portal. Branch visits need physical ID proof like Aadhaar card or other KYC documents.
The house loan interest certificate allows you to claim up to ₹2 lakhs interest deduction yearly. This deduction falls under Section 24(b) for self-occupied properties. The principal repayment qualifies for deduction under Section 80C up to ₹1.5 lakhs.
Contact your bank branch or customer care with your account details. Provide the loan closure date when making the request. Request the House Loan Interest Certificate for the partial year period. You can download the Interest certificate from the bank portal if available post-closure.