How to Claim Tax Exemptions while filing ITR?

There are times when some salaried tax payers are not able to claim tax exemption as they were not able to submit the required documents within timelines. Generally companies start asking for the tax exemption documents like investment proof, rent receipt, Loan payment certificates etc from January on wards. But in case you were not able to submit the proof and your employer has deducted excess tax, you need not worry.

You can claim some of these exemptions while filing your income tax return (ITR).

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

You need to submit rent receipts, PAN card number of landlord (or declaration in case of no PAN card) and in some cases rent agreement to your employer to claim tax deduction against HRA.

In case you did not submit your documents before the deadline, your employer would not give tax exemption on HRA and deduct tax accordingly.

But the good news is you can claim HRA exemption even while filing your tax return.

You need to calculate the amount of HRA exemption which is minimum of

1. Actual HRA Received or
2. 40% (50% for metros) of (Basic + Dearness Allowance) or
3. Rent paid (-) 10% of (Basic + Dearness Allowance)

You can use our HRA Tax exemption calculator for the same.

Also Read: Can I claim Tax Benefit on both HRA & Home Loan?

The next step is to subtract the above HRA exemption from the total taxable salary. This is the new “total taxable salary” to be used for filing your tax returns.

You need not submit any of the documents to the income tax department but will have to keep it safely with yourself in case your Assessing Officer asks for them.

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Here are some posts which can help you with e-filing of ITR 2019:

1. 9 Most Important Changes in ITR Forms for AY 2019-20

2. Calculate your Tax liability for FY 2018-19 (AY 2019-20)

3. Download 44 page slideshow showing all tax exemptions

4. Which ITR form to fill for Tax Returns for AY 2019-20?

5. How to Claim Tax Exemptions while filing ITR?

6. Use Challan 280 to Pay Self Assessment Tax Online

7. Form 26AS – Verify Before Filing Tax Return

8. 5 Ways to e-Verify your Income Tax Returns

9. What if You DO NOT file your Returns by due Date?

10. Can I file my Last Year Tax Return?

11. Why and How to Revise Your Tax Return?

12. What does Intimation U/S 143(1) of Income Tax Act mean?

13. What happens after you file your ITR?

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Section 80C/80D Deductions:

In case you did not submit your investment proof for eligible instruments under section 80C like PPF, ELSS, Insurance etc you can claim these exemptions while filing your ITR. You can also claim Section 80D Deductions for Medical Insurance Premium paid for self and parents.

All you need to do is mention the investments in ITR. Again you need not send any proof to income tax department but will have to keep it safely with yourself in case your Assessing Officer asks for them.

Also Read: Best Tax Saving Investments u/s 80C

Home Loan/ Education Loan Deductions:

Again fill the relevant details in corresponding sections to claim the deduction in ITR to claim exemption, in case you had not submitted the relevant proof to your employer.

Also read: 11 Tax Free Components You Must have in Salary

LTA (Leave Travel Allowance):

LTA is tax free in case you submit relevant travel bills to your employer. In case you have not done so and the employer would pay it after deducting tax. You cannot claim tax benefit on LTA while filing ITR.

Points to Note:

For claiming any of the eligible tax exemption as above, you should not submit any document to Income tax Department. However keep the proofs safe with you as it may be asked by Income tax officer while scrutinizing your returns.

The IT Department can ask for above proofs up to six years from the year of assessment.

Also Read: How to Pay 0 Income Tax on Rs 20 Lakh Salary?

In case you were not aware of above provisions, you can file your revised return and claim tax refund. Both online and offline returns can be revised. An online return can be revised only online, and an offline one can be revised offline.

There is no limit on number of times you can file revised returns provided it is done within the prescribed time limit.