Rebate u/s 87A: Tax Relief for Low Income Earners For FY 23-24

Rebate u/s 87A of the Income Tax Act provides tax relief to taxpayers whose total income does not exceed a specified limit.

It allows a reduction in tax liability up to a maximum specified amount, if their total income is below a certain threshold.

Recent Update

The ITR utility will not provide rebate u/s 87A for any special rate incomes, including STCG under Section 111A.

The Income Tax Department updated the ITR utility on 5th July 2024.

How much Rebate u/s 87A is eligible?

Under Old Tax Regime

• Taxpayer must be a resident individuals.
• A rebate of upto Rs 12,500 is allowed.
• If the total income of such individual does not exceed Rs. 5,00,000.

Under New Tax Regime

• Taxpayer must be a resident individuals.
• A rebate of upto Rs 25,000 is allowed.
• If the total income of such individual does not exceed Rs. 7,00,000.

Note : Rebate is available on the tax computed before charging of Health and Education Cess @ 4%.

Who cannot claim the benefit of Rebate u/s 87A?

• HUF
• Firms
• Companies
• Non-resident Individuals
• Senior citizens above 80 years of age

Click here for Applicable Income Tax Slab For FY 2023-24

Steps to claim Rebate under Section 87A

• First calculate gross total income for the financial year.
• Subtract eligible deductions such as LIC and tax savings investments from your gross total income.
• Calculate your total income after reducing the tax deductions.
• If your total income does not exceed Rs 7 lakh under the new tax regime or Rs 5 lakh under the old tax regime, you can claim the rebate.
• The maximum rebate for the Assessment Year 2024-25 can be claim is Rs 25,000 under the new tax regime and Rs 12,500 under the old tax regime.

Example

Let us know with an example how rebate can be claimed:

Under New Tax regime

Particulars	No Rebate	Rebate
Total Income	7,52,000	6,51,000
Less : Deduction 80C to 80U	NA	NA
Total Taxable Income	7,52,000	6,51,000
Tax on Total Income	30,200	20,100
Rebate u/s 87A	Nil	20,100
Tax Payable	30,200	Nil

Under Old Tax Regime

Particulars	No Rebate	Rebate
Total Income	7,50,000	6,50,000
Less : Deduction 80C to 80U	1,50,000	1,50,000
Total Taxable Income	6,00,000	5,00,000
Tax on Total Income	32,500	12,500
Rebate u/s 87A	Nil	12,500
Tax Payable	32,500	Nil

Rebate in case of Capital Gain

Rebate u/s 87A can be adjusted against tax on LTCG u/s 112 and STCG u/s 111A.

But it cannot be adjusted against tax on LTCG u/s 112A on the equity shares and equity oriented mutual funds.

Rebate Limit for the Previous Years

Financial Year	Limit on total taxable Income	Rebate allowed u/s 87A
2023-24	Rs. 7,00,000 (New tax regime) Rs. 5,00,000 (Old tax regime)	Rs. 25,000 Rs.12,500
2019-20 to 2022-23	Rs. 5,00,000	Rs. 12,500
2017-18 to 2018-19	Rs. 3,50,000	Rs. 2,500
2016-17	Rs. 5,00,000	Rs. 5,000
2013-14 to 2015-16	Rs. 5,00,000	Rs. 2,000

Conclusion

The tax rebate under Section 87A was introduced to help resident individuals including seniors, reduce their tax liability.
This provision supports economic well-being, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive tax system.

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