What Are The Tax Benefits Available For Differently-Abled Persons?

To support differently-abled individuals, the Income Tax Act of India provides specific deductions and exemptions to help them and their families reduce tax liabilities. These provisions cover medical expenses, assistive devices, and disability-related expenses.

Key Tax Benefits for Differently-Abled Persons

1. Deduction for Self-Disability (Section 80U)

Available for individuals diagnosed with at least 40% disability.

Deduction amount:

• ₹75,000 for 40% to 80% disability.
• ₹1,25,000 for severe disability (80% or more).

No medical bills required—only a disability certificate from a government medical authority.

2. Deduction for Disabled Dependent (Section 80DD)

Available to individuals supporting a disabled dependent (spouse, child, parents, or sibling).

Deduction amount:

• ₹75,000 for 40% to 80% disability.
• ₹1,25,000 for severe disability (80% or more).

Can be claimed for expenses on medical treatment, nursing, and rehabilitation.

3. Deduction for Medical Treatment (Section 80DDB)

Covers specific diseases (e.g., neurological diseases, cancer, chronic kidney failure).

Maximum deduction:

• ₹40,000 (for individuals below 60 years).
• ₹1,00,000 (for senior citizens).

4. Deduction on Medical Insurance Premium (Section 80D)

Additional ₹50,000 deduction for differently-abled individuals under senior citizen benefits.

5. GST Concessions on Assistive Devices

5% GST on wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prosthetics (instead of standard GST rates).

Available on Braille printers, walking aids, and rehabilitation equipment.

Legal Actions and Protections

• Obtain a disability certificate from a certified medical board to claim deductions.
• Maintain records of medical expenses and assistive devices for tax filing.
• File ITR under the correct section to avail of maximum tax benefits.

Example

A salaried person with 80% disability can claim:

• ₹1,25,000 deduction under Section 80U.
• ₹50,000 deduction under Section 80D for medical insurance.
• GST benefits when purchasing assistive devices.

By claiming these benefits, the individual can significantly reduce taxable income and overall tax liability.