New Delhi:
Filing ITR for the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26) has become stricter, especially for those using the old tax regime.
Taxpayers must now provide proper documents to claim deductions for investments and expenses under different sections of the Income Tax Act.
Lump Sum Declarations No Longer Accepted
The Income Tax Department has made it clear that deductions will not be allowed just by mentioning a lump sum amount.
A detailed breakup of each deduction and related proof will be mandatory. This step is aimed at stopping fake refund claims and false deductions.
What’s New in Tax Deduction Rules?
Now, all investment and expense details must be linked with PAN and Aadhaar.
This will help the department cross-check claims with data from banks, insurance companies, vehicle portals, employers, and other official sources. The goal is to catch hidden income and incorrect filings.
Deductions That Require Proof
Here’s a list of sections where detailed information is now mandatory:
Section 80C (Investments): Policy number or document ID must be provided for LIC, PPF, NSC, ELSS, principal on home loans, etc.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): You must give your basic salary, work location, HRA received, and rent paid.
Section 80D (Health Insurance): Mention the name of the insurer and the policy number.
Section 24b (Home Loan Interest): Provide loan provider name, account number, sanction date, total loan amount, outstanding balance, and interest paid.
Section 80E (Education Loan): Full loan account details and interest amount must be given.
Section 80EEB (Electric Vehicle Loan): Mention the vehicle registration number and complete loan information.
Section 80DDB (Critical Illness): Clearly mention the disease being treated.
Section 80EEA (Affordable Housing Loan): Provide complete details as required under this section.
ITR Filing Deadline Extended
Due to these updates in both the old and new tax regimes, the Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing returns for AY 2025–26.
The last date has been moved from 31 July to 15 September 2025, giving taxpayers an extra 45 days.
What Should Taxpayers Do?
Experts recommend keeping all proof of investments and expenses ready in advance. This will help in filing accurate and timely returns.
If you provide wrong information or claim deductions without documents, the tax department may take action.
