Income-Tax returns: Taxpayers get rebate under Section 87A — Check here for eligibility, limit and rules, explained

All Indian taxpayers are required to file their income tax returns (ITR) and while the e-filing process has become quicker and easier over the years, the process can be daunting for first-time filers. Here is a breakdown of what rebate is offered and how you can apply for it.

What is rebate? How much can you claim?

Rebate reduces tax payable by deducting a fixed amount from the calculated tax for middle to low-income earners.

Under the old regime, a rebate of ₹12,500 is allowed for an income up to ₹5 lakhs, while the new tax regime allows rebate of ₹60,000 for income up to ₹12 lakhs.

How is rebate applied?

Notably, unlike income tax exemptions and deductions, rebate under Section 87A is to be claimed by individual taxpayers from the total tax payable within the 10% tax slab.

According to Clear Tax, rebate can be applied to the total tax before adding a health and education cess of 4%.

• Declare your total taxable income in ITR after factoring in deductions.
• Claim rebate under section 87A for income within prescribed limits (mentioned above).

The Income-Tax Department reportedly allows taxpayers to claim rebate in the updated ITR forms — ITR-2 and ITR-3.

Rebate: What is marginal relief?

Under the new tax regime, for individuals whose income exceeds the ₹12 lakh limit with a slight gap, and where the tax exceeds the income over the cap, the tax is limited to income exceeding ₹12 lakh, the Clear Tax report added.

For example: For income of ₹12.15 lakh the income over limit is ₹15,000. For the full income, the tax would work out to ₹62,250. But with marginal relief factored in (tax more than income over limit i.e. 62,250 > 15,000), the difference is calculated as rebate (62,250 – 15,000 = 47,240).

Thus, you tax liability would be calculated tax – rebate (62,250 – 47,240) = payable tax (15,000) + health and education cess at 4% = ₹15,600. This has effectively brought down your tax liability from ₹62,250 to ₹15,600.

Under what circumstances is rebate not allowed?

Rebate cannot be claimed against:

• Short-term capital gains (STCG) under Section 111A of the Income Tax Act, which also deals with profits from shares.
• For income taxed at special rates such as winnings from lottery and game shows.
• Companies and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) cannot claim rebate under Section 87A.
• Non-resident Indians (NRI) are also not eligible for a rebate under 87A.

What is the difference between rebate vs deduction vs exemption?

Deductions are offered under various sections under the Income Tax Act while rebate is available only u/s 87A. Further, exemptions are provided on sources of income as defined in the ITA.

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