Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (2024)

ITR Filing FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (3)

File your ITR Hassle-Free and Maximise your Refunds

File Today

  • Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (4)Trusted by 1 Million+ Users
  • Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (5)4.8 Star User Rating
  • Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (6)Authorized by Tax Department

Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (7)

  1. Home
  2. Income Tax
  3. Income Tax Deductions
  4. Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate

Updated on: 12 Mar, 2024 11:57 AM

In 2013-14, the government of India introduced a rebate u/s 87A. This rebate helps reduce the income tax liability of taxpayers. It is a benefit provided by the government to incentivize and provide relief to certain categories of taxpayers. The rebate amount under Section 87A allows a tax rebate of up to Rs. 12,500 for individuals with taxable income up to Rs. 5,00,000 (FY 2022-23) under the old regime.

Under Budget 2023, the government announced that any individual opting for the new tax regime and having taxable income up to Rs. 7 lakh will be eligible for a tax rebate of Rs 25,000.
(The change is effective from 1st April 2023.)

Contents

  • Rebate u/s 87A for FY 2021-22( AY 2022-23) and FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24)
  • Rebate u/s 87A for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)
  • What is Total Taxable Income for Claiming Rebate u/s 87A?
  • How to Claim Rebate u/s 87A?
  • Eligibility to Claim a Rebate from Section 87A?
  • Rebate Against Various Tax Liabilities
  • FAQs on Rebate u/s 87A

Rebate u/s 87A for FY 2021-22( AY 2022-23) and FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24)

Rebate u/s 87A provides a benefit on tax payments to a Resident Individual. The only condition to avail of the benefit is:-

“Your total taxable income (after reducing the deductions under Chapter VI-A (Section 80C, 80D, and so on) shall not exceed the threshold limit.”
Only the taxpayers falling under the specified threshold limit can claim the benefit of rebate u/s 87A. For the FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 [AY 2022-23) (AY 2023-24)], this limit is Rs. 5,00,000. This means, under both the old and new tax regimes, a resident individual with taxable income up to 5 lakh is eligible to claim the tax rebate of 12,500, or the amount of tax payable (whichever is lower).

Rebate u/s 87A for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)

Budget 2023 proposed several amendments, and the aim was to make the new tax regime more lucrative. For the FY 2023-24(AY 2024-25)], the rebate limit has been increased to Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime. This means a resident individual with taxable income up to Rs 7,00,000 will receive Rs 25,000 or the amount of tax payable (whichever is lower) as tax relief. However, for the old tax regime, the threshold limit will remain the same, i.e.12,500 for income up to Rs 5,00,000.

Please Note:- This is applicable from the fiscal year (FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25).

Financial YearLimit on total taxable IncomeAmount of rebate allowed u/s 87A
2023-2024Rs. 5,00,000
Rs.7,00,000
Rs. 12,500
Rs. 25,000
2022-2023Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 12,500 (under the old regime)
Rs.12,500 (under the new regime)
2021-22Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 12,500
2020-21Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 12,500
2019-20Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 12,500
2018-19Rs. 3,50,000Rs. 2,500
2017-18Rs. 3,50,000Rs. 2,500
2016-17Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 5,000
2015-16Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 2,000
2014-15Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 2,000
2013-14Rs. 5,00,000Rs. 2,000

What is Total Taxable Income for Claiming Rebate u/s 87A?

Total Taxable Income to claim rebate u/s 87A shall be your:

  • Gross Total Income
  • Less: Deduction u/s 80C to 80U

Example to understand the calculation of Total Taxable Income for rebate u/s 87A
Mr. Virat, a resident individual aged 28 years, has

Total IncomeRs. 5,75,000
Investments made u/s 80CRs. 1,50,000
Medical policy taken u/s 80DRs. 25,000

What will be the total taxable Income of Mr Virat for Assessment Year 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Solution: Total Taxable Income of Mr Virat will be

Total IncomeRs. 5,75,000
Less : Investments made u/s 80CRs. 1,50,000
Less : Medical policy taken u/s 80DRs. 25,000
Total Taxable Income (TTI)Rs 4,00,000

Since, his TTI is below the threshold of Rs. 5,00,000, hence taxpayer Mr. Virat is eligible for claiming rebate u/s 87A for FY 2022-23 and FY- 2023-2024. This rebate limit is increased from 5 lakhs to 7 lakhs under the new regime for FY 2023-24.

Calculating your taxable income and filing an ITR can be time-consuming as well as confusing, especially for laymen. Don’t worry! Leave ITR filing on tax experts. Book eCA Now!

How to Claim Rebate u/s 87A?

The sequential steps involved in the calculation of rebate u/s 87A are

  • Calculate your Gross Total Income(GTI).
  • Reduce the deductions under sections 80C to 80U.
  • Calculate your Tax Payable as per Income Tax slabs.
  • The amount of rebate is tax calculated or Rs 25000/12500, whichever is lower ( if your total income does not exceed Rs 7 lakhs in case of the new tax regime and 5 lakhs in case of old tax regime.)

The taxes payable for the FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) under the old regime are as under:

Tax PayableRebate u/s 87A
Less than Rs. 12,500Equal to the tax amount payable
Exactly Rs. 12,500 Rs. 12,500
More than Rs. 12,500NIL

Rebate granted under section 87A will depend upon your taxes payable for the FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) under the new regime. As under:

Tax PayableRebate u/s 87A
Less than Rs. 25,000Equal to the tax amount payable
Exactly Rs. 25,000Rs. 25,000
More than Rs. 25,000NIL

Let us consider an example to understand the calculations better

Suppose the Total Taxable Income of Mr. Virat who opted for the new regime is
A) Rs. 5 Lakhs
B) Rs. 7 Lakhs
C) Rs. 8 Lakhs

Calculation of rebate u/s 87A and Tax Payable for the FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)

ParticularsAmountAmountAmount
Total Taxable Income5,00,0007,00,0008,00,000
Less: Basic Exemption Limit300000300000300000
Taxable Income after Basic exemption limit200000400000500000
Tax Payable100002500035000
Less: Rebate under section 87A
Lower of
1) Tax Payable or
2) Rs 12,500/25000
1000025000NIL*
Balance Tax PayableNILNIL35000
Add: Health & Education Cess @ 4%--1400
Final Tax payable--36400

*The benefit of rebate u/s 87A is not available because total taxable income exceeds Rs 7,00,000 under the new tax regime.

Finding it hard to calculate taxes manually? Check out our Free Income Tax Calculator!

Eligibility to Claim a Rebate from Section 87A?

The income tax rebate under section 87A will be automatically claimed when filing your Income Tax Return. The condition to avail of rebate under Section 87A is:-

  • Only resident individuals are eligible
  • Senior citizens above 60 years and up to 80 years of age are eligible to claim rebates under Section 87A.
  • Super senior citizens above 80 years are not eligible to claim the rebate.
  • The rebate is applicable to the total tax amount before applying 4% health and education cess.
  • The total income after subtracting the deductions should not exceed the threshold limit of Rs. 5 lakhs under the old regime or Rs. 7 Lakhs for FY- 2023-24 under the new regime.

Rebate Against Various Tax Liabilities

Section 87A rebate can be claimed against tax liabilities on:

  • Income which is calculated as taxable as per the slab rate.
  • Long-term capital gains under Section 112 of the Income Tax Act other than listed equity shares and equity-oriented schemes of mutual funds.
  • Short-term capital gains under Section 111A for listed equity shares and equity-oriented schemes of mutual funds on which tax is payable at a flat rate of 15%.

The main aim of introducing Rebate under section 87A was to alleviate the burden on taxpayers falling within the lowest tax bracket. This provision empowers the government to offer direct benefits to this specific group without necessitating a decrease in overall tax rates.

Filing income tax returns can be complex, and availing the benefits of rebates requires careful planning. If you are uncertain about the process or need expert advice, consider seeking assistance from a qualified tax consultant or chartered accountant. Get Tax Consultancy Now!

FAQs on rebate u/s 87 A

Q- Can NRI claim rebate u/s 87A?

No, the benefit of rebate u/s 87A is not available to Non-Resident Indians (NRI’s)

Q- Is rebate u/s 87A available to HUF or its members?

Rebate u/s 87A is allowed to individuals only. Hence, the members of HUF can claim rebate u/s 87A in their capacities as a resident of India. But, no rebate shall be allowed to HUF.

Q- Can my father be a Senior Citizen and claim rebate u/s 87A?

Yes, he can validly claim rebate u/s 87A. He is a Resident Individual, and all Resident Individuals can claim rebate u/s 87A if their total taxable income is up to Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime. Learn how, with the help of the example below :

Total Taxable Income (FY-2023-24) Opted new Regime7,00,000
Less : Basic Exemption Limit (For Senior citizen)3,00,000
Taxable Income4,00,000
Tax Payable25,000
Less : Relief under section 87A,
lower of 1) Tax amount or
2) Rs 25000
25,000
Add : Health & Education Cess @4%0
Final Tax payable0

Q- Will my exempt income, like interest earned from the PPF account, be added back to calculate rebate u/s 87A?

For the purpose of calculating rebate u/s 87A, no special adjustments are required to be made. Hence, taxable income will be computed in the usual manner, and exempt income like PPF interest earned shall not be added back.

Q- How to claim rebate u/s 87A while filing my ITR with Tax2win?

Every year, you have to worry about a lot of things, like paying taxes, availing exemptions, and filing the ITR. Finally, it's your time to take a break and rest!! While filing your income tax return with Tax2Win, you need not worry about claiming a rebate u/s 87A. Our software automatically allows you to benefit with 100% accuracy.

Q- Whether a surcharge will apply in calculating the rebate u/s 87A?

A person claiming rebate u/s 87A will never attract a levy of surcharge. Rebate under this section is allowed to a resident individual having a total taxable income maximum of up to Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime. Whereas a surcharge @ 10% is triggered if the total income of an individual exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs but does not exceed Rs. 1 crore. Since the TTI of a person claiming a rebate will always be at most Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime, he will never attract a surcharge while claiming rebate u/s 87A.

Q- What is the difference between Relief u/s 89 and rebate u/s 87A?

Apart from what their name suggests, one is a Relief, and the other is a rebate; there are numerous differences between sections 89 and 87A. A better understanding of this could be drawn with the help table below

Rebate u/s 87ARelief u/s 89
Applies to income earned from all heads of IncomeApplies only to Income under the head salaries
No separate form is required to be filledFor claiming the relief individual is required to fill form 10E
Health & Education Cess is levied after allowing rebate u/s 87AHealth & Education Cess is levied before Relief u/s 89 is provided.
The surcharge can never apply in this caseSurcharge may be attracted
Rebate is granted to each resident individual upto a maximum prescribed limit of Rs 12,500 for FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22, and FY 2022-23 and under the new regime Rs 25,000 for FY 2023-24No such standard predefined limit prevails in case of Relief u/s 89 of the Income Tax Act
For claiming rebate u/s 87A a threshold is described for Total Taxable IncomeThere is no threshold on Total Taxable Income of the assessee
Rebate is accorded for the current year incomeRelief is related to past year income received in current year
A calculation of past year taxes is not required for claiming rebate in the current yearRelief in the current year is sought upon tax calculation of previous years
A resident individual is entitled to rebate at the time of filing his income tax return for the relevant yearAn individual is entitled to Relief when he files both his income tax return and Form 10E.

From the above comparative study, we can successfully infer that rebate u/s 87A and Relief u/s 89 are two completely distinguished provisions made under the same Act.

Q- What is the income tax exemption limit for calculation of income tax rebate under section 87A?

For the purpose of the calculation of Sec 87A, the income tax exemption limit shall be the same as basic exemption limit. Currently this limit stands at Rs. 3,00,000 under new regime for FY- 2023-2024. However if your total income is upto Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime then you are entitled to get the benefit of tax rebate u/s 87A of Rs. 25,000 or 100% of tax amount whichever is lower.

Q- What is the difference between income tax rebate and income tax deductions?

Following are the differences between income tax rebate and income tax deduction

Income Tax RebateIncome Tax Deductions
Allowed without any investmentNormally available for the amount invested
Taxable income should be up to the limit specifiedNo restriction on taxable income
Cannot be claimed by NRI and HUFEligible deductions can be claimed by HUF and NRI as well
Rebate u/s 87A is deducted from tax payableDeductions are reduced from income and not the tax amount

Q- Is income tax rebate u/s 87A available on Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG)?

Rebate u/s 87A is not available on sale or transfer of equity shares i.e. on Long Term Capital Gains from equity or others as specified under section 112A. It is available on all other capital gains.

Q- Is rebate u/s 87A available on agricultural income?

Yes, income tax rebate u/s 87A is available on taxable income which includes agricultural incomes as well.

Trending Guides New

  • Income Tax High-Value Transactions: How to Submit Response in Compliance Portal
  • Last Date to File ITR for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) - Income Tax Return Due Date
  • Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25): How to File ITR Online India
  • Documents Required for Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing in India FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)
  • How to Calculate Income From House Property
  • 80G Deduction: Claim Tax Benefits on Donations to Charitable Institutions

People Also Ask New

  • Which ITR Form Should I File?
  • What are the Deductions Under Section 80C to 8OU?
  • How to Calculate Income Tax on Salary with Example?
  • How to Check ITR Refund Status Online?
  • How to View and Download Form 26AS from TRACES Online?

Looking for Tax Help

Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (13)

Thank You!

Your request has successfully been received. Our experts will contact you soon.

Any Query?? Contact us at
[emailprotected] or +91 91166 84439

Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (14)

CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.

Mobile Validation

Invalid OTP or Account does not exists

Income Tax Rebate under Section 87A: Claiming the 87A Rebate (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 5746

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.