The income tax return filing deadline is approaching, prompting taxpayers to prepare documents and explore deductions. According to reports from Mint, Section 80D allows deductions for preventive health checkups, capped at ₹5,000, applicable only in the old tax regime. However, taxpayers must note that deductions under Section 80D are available only under the old tax regime. Those opting for the new tax regime for AY 2026-27 or any subsequent assessment year cannot claim this deduction.
As reported by Mint, expenses incurred on preventive health check-ups are eligible for a tax deduction of up to ₹5,000 in a financial year. This deduction covers routine screenings, doctor consultations, and diagnostic tests for yourself, your spouse, dependent children, as well as parents. Under Section 80D of the Income-tax Act, individuals and Hindu undivided families (HUFs) can claim deductions of up to ₹25,000 for health insurance premiums paid for themselves, their spouse, and children. The deduction increases to ₹50,000 where the insured person is a senior citizen.
According to Mint, a preventive health check-up deduction is available under Section 126 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, introduced by the government in the financial year 2013-14 with an objective to encourage early detection and prevention of diseases by promoting regular health screenings. To successfully claim this benefit, taxpayers must know that eligible dependents include themselves, spouse, parents and children. Unlike health insurance premiums which must be paid electronically, preventive checkup expenses can be paid in cash or via digital modes to be claimed as a deduction. No specific forms are mandated, but taxpayers must retain invoices or receipts from the recognised healthcare facility or diagnostic center as proof.
As reported by Mint, the income tax department prescribes different ITR filing deadlines for taxpayers depending on their income source, audit requirements, and business status. ITR-1 and ITR-2 (Salary and capital gains income) have a deadline of 31st July 2026. ITR-3 and ITR-4 (Business income - Non-audit cases) have a deadline of 31st August 2026. ITR-3 and ITR-4 (Business income - Cases requiring audit) have a deadline of 31st October 2026. Businesses requiring transfer pricing reports have a deadline of 30th November 2026. Belated (Late) Return has a deadline of 31st December 2026. Revised Return has a deadline of 31st March 2027. Updated Return (ITR-U) has a deadline of 31st March 2031.
Putting an end to widespread speculation, the Income Tax Department has officially clarified that taxpayers are not required to file dual returns for the same earnings during the transition period. The regulatory authority explicitly stated that regardless of the changes in terminology or statutory provisions, individuals only need to file a single, standard return for their annual income. The tax department confirmed that the upcoming structural updates will follow a strict chronological timeline, ensuring a smooth transition process. Tax officials have assured the public that the central e-filing backend architecture has been upgraded to simultaneously support both legacy and new processing engines without any functional glitches.
