How to File a Revised ITR After Missing the Section 80D Deduction
- Farheen Mukadam
- Jul 17
- 8 min read
Section 80D of the Income Tax Act allows taxpayers to claim deductions on premiums paid for health insurance policies, both for themselves and their family members. This section encourages individuals to secure health coverage and provides financial relief by reducing their taxable income. It is one of the most beneficial sections for individuals looking to minimize their tax liabilities while ensuring adequate health coverage. The deduction under Section 80D can be claimed for premiums paid on policies covering self, spouse, children, and parents (whether dependent or not). It is available for both individual and HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) taxpayers. As health insurance has become an essential part of financial planning, Section 80D provides a straightforward tax-saving avenue, reducing overall taxable income and contributing to better financial planning.
Table of Contents
What is Section 80D?
Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, offers a deduction for premiums paid towards health insurance policies for oneself, spouse, children, and parents. The primary aim of this section is to promote the culture of health insurance and protect families from the rising cost of healthcare. The key aspects of Section 80D include:
Eligibility: Both individuals and HUFs can avail of this deduction.
Deduction Limits:
For self, spouse, and children: A maximum deduction of ₹25,000 is allowed for premiums paid on health insurance policies.
For senior citizens (aged 60 years or more): The deduction limit increases to ₹50,000.
For parents: The same deduction limits apply. An additional deduction of ₹25,000 is available for premiums paid on policies covering parents. If the parents are senior citizens, the deduction can be as high as ₹50,000.
This section also covers preventive health check-ups, which can be claimed as part of the overall deduction. The objective of Section 80D is to ease the financial burden of health insurance premiums while encouraging taxpayers to invest in health security for themselves and their families.
Can You File a Revised ITR to Claim Missed Section 80D Deduction?
Yes, if you missed claiming the Section 80D deduction while filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), you can file a revised return under Section 139(5) to claim the missed deduction. The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to revise their return within the same assessment year, making it possible to correct errors or omissions, including missed deductions.
A revised ITR allows you to amend your original return if you realize that you have overlooked eligible deductions or incorrectly reported your income. The revised return can be filed before the completion of the assessment year. By filing the revised ITR, you can ensure that the health insurance premiums you paid for yourself or your family members are reflected in your tax calculations, and the corresponding deduction under Section 80D is claimed, potentially lowering your taxable income and increasing your refund.
Latest Changes: What’s New for AY 2025–26?
For the Assessment Year 2025-26 (FY 2024-25), there are a few key changes to the way Section 80D deductions and other related filings are processed. These changes are designed to make the filing process more efficient and ensure better compliance with tax laws. Some of the notable updates include:
E-filing Enhancements: The Income Tax Department has improved the online filing platform to make it more user-friendly. Taxpayers can now easily input details regarding insurance premiums paid, along with other deductions like Section 80D, directly into the form without facing technical difficulties.
Expanded Scope of Deduction: There are also talks of expanding the scope of Section 80D to include additional health-related expenditures, such as preventive healthcare check-ups or fitness-related expenses. These changes are aimed at encouraging taxpayers to invest in health and wellness.
Changes in the Senior Citizen Category: The limit for senior citizens may be further increased, making it more beneficial for taxpayers who are 60 years or older to claim deductions under this section.
These changes aim to ensure that the health insurance deduction continues to be a valuable tool for taxpayers while promoting better health practices across the country.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Revised ITR for Section 80D
If you’ve missed claiming the Section 80D deduction while filing your original ITR, filing a revised return is the best way to rectify this mistake. Here’s how to file a revised ITR to claim your missed Section 80D deduction:
Log in to the E-filing Portal: Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in) and log in using your credentials.
Select ‘File Revised Return’: Once logged in, go to the 'e-file' tab and choose the option to file a revised return under Section 139(5).
Select the Original Return: Choose the original ITR form that you initially filed. You will be asked to provide details such as the acknowledgment number of the original return.
Claim Section 80D Deduction: Under the 'Deductions' section, select the appropriate option to claim the Section 80D deduction. Enter the amount of premiums paid for yourself, your family, and parents.
Submit the Revised Return: After making the necessary corrections, verify the information provided, and submit the revised return.
Confirmation and Acknowledgment: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment from the Income Tax Department confirming that your revised return has been successfully filed.
Filing a revised return allows you to rectify your mistake and claim the missed deduction. Ensure that all details are accurate to avoid further complications.
What Happens After Filing the Revised ITR?
Once you file a revised ITR to claim the Section 80D deduction, the Income Tax Department will process the revised return and update your tax records accordingly. Here’s what happens after submission:
Processing of the Revised Return: The Income Tax Department will review the revised return. If everything is in order, the revised return will be processed, and any excess tax paid will be refunded.
Refund or Adjustments: If the revised return leads to a lower taxable income and a higher refund, the Department will initiate the refund process. If you owe additional taxes, the Department may ask you to pay the balance amount before proceeding with the processing.
Communication from the Department: The Department will communicate the status of your revised return. If there are any discrepancies or issues, they may request further clarification or documentation.
Filing a revised return can result in a corrected refund amount or a more accurate tax liability, ensuring you receive the correct benefit from the Section 80D deduction.
Conclusion
Section 80D provides valuable tax-saving opportunities for individuals investing in health insurance, covering not only premiums for oneself but also for family members, including parents. If you’ve missed claiming the deduction in your original ITR, filing a revised return under Section 139(5) can help correct the oversight and ensure you benefit from the deduction. By following the correct steps and staying updated on changes for the Assessment Year 2025-26, you can maximize your tax benefits and reduce your taxable income. Always ensure your filings are accurate to avoid penalties and delays in refunds.
For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download theTaxBuddy mobile appfor a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1: Can I claim Section 80D deduction if I have already filed my ITR for FY 2024-25?
Yes, if you have already filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 2024-25 and missed claiming the Section 80D deduction, you can still make the necessary correction by filing a revised return under Section 139(5). The revised return can be filed before the end of the assessment year (December 31, 2025, for FY 2024-25), allowing you to claim deductions for health insurance premiums paid for yourself, your family, and your parents, thus reducing your taxable income.
Q2: What is the maximum deduction under Section 80D for senior citizens?
For senior citizens (individuals aged 60 years or above), the maximum deduction under Section 80D for premiums paid on health insurance is ₹50,000. This is higher than the limit for individuals below 60 years, which is ₹25,000. Additionally, if the senior citizen is covered under a preventive health check-up plan, up to ₹5,000 can be claimed as part of this ₹50,000 deduction.
Q3: Can I claim a deduction for premiums paid for my parents under Section 80D?
Yes, under Section 80D, you can claim a deduction for premiums paid for your parents’ health insurance, irrespective of their age. For parents below 60 years of age, the maximum deductible amount is ₹25,000. However, if your parents are senior citizens (aged 60 years or above), the deductible amount increases to ₹50,000. This allows you to claim significant deductions if you pay for their health insurance premiums.
Q4: What if I miss the deadline to file a revised ITR?
If you miss the deadline to file a revised ITR, which is typically December 31 of the assessment year (for FY 2024-25, the deadline is December 31, 2025), you will not be able to correct the errors in that year. You will need to wait for the next assessment year to rectify any mistakes. It's crucial to ensure that the revised ITR is filed before the deadline to avoid missing out on potential refunds or deductions.
Q5: How can I claim Section 80D for preventive health check-ups?
Under Section 80D, you can claim a deduction for preventive health check-ups, but it is part of the total ₹25,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens) deduction limit. The maximum amount you can claim for preventive health check-ups is ₹5,000. However, it is important to note that this ₹5,000 is included in the overall deduction for premiums and health check-ups under Section 80D.
Q6: Is Section 80D applicable to HUFs?
Yes, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) can also claim deductions under Section 80D for premiums paid on health insurance policies for family members. This includes premiums for the health insurance of the HUF’s members, including the Karta, family members, and parents. The deduction is subject to the same limits applicable to individual taxpayers, i.e., ₹25,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens).
Q7: How do I know if I’ve made a mistake in claiming Section 80D?
If you have made a mistake or missed out on claiming the Section 80D deduction in your original ITR, you can identify the error by reviewing your tax return and verifying the deductions. If you discover a missed deduction, you can file a revised return under Section 139(5) to correct the mistake and claim the deduction. TaxBuddy offers an easy way to identify and correct such errors during the filing process.
Q8: Is the deduction under Section 80D available for all health insurance premiums?
Yes, the deduction under Section 80D is available for premiums paid for health insurance policies covering yourself, your spouse, children, and parents. It applies to premiums paid for individual and family floater policies, provided the insurer is recognized by the government. The deduction is available for both traditional health insurance policies and critical illness policies.
Q9: Can I claim a deduction under both Section 80D and Section 80C for insurance premiums?
Yes, you can claim deductions under both Section 80D and Section 80C for different types of premiums. Section 80D allows deductions for health insurance premiums, while Section 80C allows deductions for premiums paid on life insurance policies. These deductions are separate, so you can claim the maximum deduction under each section as applicable, helping you maximize your tax savings.
Q10: Does the Section 80D deduction cover premiums for critical illness policies?
Yes, the premiums paid for critical illness policies are eligible for a deduction under Section 80D, as long as the policy meets the criteria specified by the Income Tax Department. This includes coverage for various types of critical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and renal failure. The deduction for critical illness policies is included in the overall deduction limit under Section 80D.
Q11: How often can I revise my ITR?
You can file a revised ITR once within the same assessment year to correct any errors or omissions in your original return. The revised return must be filed before the end of the assessment year, i.e., by December 31 of the year following the financial year. For example, if you filed your ITR for FY 2024-25, you can revise it until December 31, 2025, to correct any mistakes and claim additional deductions.
Q12: How can TaxBuddy help with claiming Section 80D deductions?
TaxBuddy helps you claim Section 80D deductions by guiding you through the entire filing process. The platform ensures that all eligible premiums for health insurance policies (for yourself, your family, and parents) are included in your return. With expert assistance, TaxBuddy maximizes your tax benefits, ensuring that you receive the full benefit of Section 80D deductions and avoid mistakes that could delay your refund or attract penalties.
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