13 August 2025
Can LTA be claimed if travel is by own car or taxi? LTA exemption under Income Tax Act is allowed only for travel by the shortest route to visit home town or any other place in India. Travel by own car or taxi is NOT eligible for LTA exemption. The exemption is restricted to travel by air, rail, or bus (public transport modes). So, if you travel by own car or taxi, you cannot claim LTA exemption for that travel. What about petrol charges? Petrol or fuel expenses for own car or taxi cannot be claimed as LTA. However, if you travel by train (e.g., AC first class) or bus (AC deluxe), you can claim actual fare paid or fare of shortest route, whichever is less. Documents needed for claiming LTA (for eligible travel modes): Tickets / Boarding passes (train/flight/bus tickets). Proof of payment (receipts). Proof of travel (travel date, boarding point, destination). Summary Table: Mode of Travel LTA Exemption Allowed? Documents Required Own Car / Taxi No N/A Train (AC/First Class) Yes Tickets, receipts, boarding passes Flight (Economy class) Yes Tickets, boarding passes Bus (AC Deluxe) Yes Tickets, receipts Key Point: If you travel by own car or taxi, you cannot claim LTA exemption, but your employer may reimburse expenses under other allowances (like conveyance allowance) which are taxable.