Starting from Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25), the Income Tax Department now requires taxpayers to mention the name of the insurer and the policy number while claiming deductions under Section 80D.

Why This Change Matters

Section 80D lets you claim deductions on health insurance premiums paid for yourself, your family, and even your parents. Depending on the age of the insured, you can claim up to ₹25,000 or ₹50,000, and in some cases up to ₹1 lakh per year.

Until now, taxpayers could claim this deduction without providing detailed policy information. But this often made it difficult for the tax authorities to verify claims. The updated rule brings in more clarity and fairness, ensuring that only genuine deductions are allowed.

What's New in the ITR Forms?

The Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for FY 2024-25 now include new fields to enter:

• The name of your health insurance company, and

• The policy number of the plan you're claiming under Section 80D

These details are now mandatory for all taxpayers claiming a health insurance deduction, whether you're filing ITR-1, ITR-2, or any other applicable form.

Filing Deadlines You Should Know

You can file your ITR for FY 2024-25 until September 15, 2025. But if you have any unpaid tax, it must be paid by July 31 to avoid interest.

In case you miss the September deadline, you can still file a belated or revised return by December 31, 2025. But a late fee of up to ₹5,000 may apply.

How It Affects You

If you're planning to claim a deduction under Section 80D, you now need to enter both the insurer's name and the policy number in your ITR. This applies whether you're claiming for yourself, your family, or your parents.

Before filing, keep the following ready:

1. Your policy document or e-policy to get the correct policy number

2. The exact name of your insurer as registered

3. Separate details for each policy if you're claiming for multiple people, such as parents and self

Section 80D Deduction Limits (FY 2024-25)

• Taxpayers can claim up to ₹1,00,000 in total if both the individual and their parents are senior citizens.

• Preventive health check-ups of up to ₹5,000 are allowed within the overall limits above.

Does It Apply to All 80D Claims?

The requirement mainly applies to health insurance premium deductions. If you're claiming for preventive health check-ups or medical expenses for senior citizens without insurance, you still need to maintain proof, but the insurer name and policy number may not be required.

What You Should Do Next

With the July 31 tax filing deadline approaching, now's the right time to:

1. Collect all health insurance documents

2. Verify your insurer name and policy number

3. Ensure your deduction matches your actual payments

Summing Up

This new rule for Section 80D deductions is a small but important shift towards smarter, cleaner, and more personalised tax filing. Just like how insurance has become more digital and user-focused, income tax filing is following suit.

By entering the right policy details upfront, you not only stay compliant but also make your tax return easier to process, saving time, reducing the chance of notices, and contributing to a fairer system overall.

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SOURCE: Acko