Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) involves entering a wide range of details, from your total income to deductions under various sections. It is easy to overlook some benefits, especially when dealing with multiple documents and deadlines. One common mistake is forgetting to claim a deduction under Section 80D, which allows tax benefits on health insurance premiums.
If this happened to you, the good news is that all is not lost. You may still be able to correct the mistake, depending on the timing and type of return you filed. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can do next.
Why Claiming Deductions Like Section 80D Matters
Section 80D deduction on premiums paid for health insurance policies covering:
Self, spouse and dependent children: up to Rs. 25,000
Parents (under 60 years): additional Rs. 25,000
Parents (60 years or above): additional Rs. 50,000
Senior citizens (self and parents): total benefit can go up to Rs. 1,00,000
You can also claim up to Rs. 5,000 for preventive health check-ups within the above limits.
If you forget to claim this deduction, you may end up paying more tax than required and possibly lose out on a refund. But depending on your situation, you may be allowed to revise your return and include the missed deduction.
What to Do If You Forgot to Claim Section 80D
Check If You Filed Your Original Return on Time
If you filed your original ITR on or before the due date, you are eligible to file a revised return under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This gives you a chance to correct any omissions, such as a missed deduction.
Why You Should File a Revised Return
There are several valid reasons to revise your ITR:
Correcting missed deductions or income details
Adding exemptions or adjusting tax calculations
Fixing data entry errors made during original filing
Revising your return ensures that your assessment is based on accurate information and allows you to claim refunds or reduce excess tax liability.
How to File a Revised Return
Here’s a simple process to file your revised return online:
Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal. Log in using your PAN and credentials
Go to Income Tax Return and choose the same assessment year as before
Use the same ITR form used for your original filing
In the ‘Filing Type’ section, select ‘Revised Return’
Enter the 15-digit acknowledgment number from your original return
Make the necessary changes (such as adding your 80D deduction)
Review the updated return and submit it online
You will receive an acknowledgment once processed
If You Missed the Deadline to Revise
If you did not file your original return on time or if the deadline to revise it has already passed, you cannot claim the deduction for that financial year. In such cases, you will have to let go of the benefit for that year. However, you can:
Plan better for future tax filings
Keep a dedicated record of insurance premiums and payment dates
Track the tax regime you are using (old vs new) to understand what deductions are applicable
Keep These Points in Mind Going Forward
Section 80D benefits are only available under the old tax regime
Health check-ups are included in the 80D limit but must not exceed Rs. 5,000
Only premiums paid in the same financial year can be claimed
Payments must be made via non-cash modes to be eligible
It’s important to file your return well before the due date to leave room for correction, if needed.
Final Word: Know Where You Stand
Missing a tax deduction like Section 80D can lead to unnecessary tax outgo, but if you act on time, a revised return can help fix it. To avoid such errors, it helps to understand how to calculate taxable income correctly. This means factoring in all your income sources, allowable deductions and applicable exemptions.
Once you’re clear about how your income and savings affect your taxes, it becomes easier to plan, file and avoid missing out on benefits you’re entitled to.
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