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Tax

Understanding tax deductions before you file

A deduction lowers the income you are taxed on. A rebate reduces the tax itself. Confusing the two leads to surprises.

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Written by adminPublished Reading time 3 minute read

Most filing mistakes come from treating a deduction as though it were a rupee-for-rupee refund. It is not. A deduction reduces the amount of income that is taxed, so its value depends on your rate.

Deduction vs rebate

How the same amount behaves at different points in the calculation.

Deduction of 10,000 Lowers income Saves tax at your rate
Rebate of 10,000 Lowers tax Full value, subject to rules

A deduction saves tax at your marginal rate; a rebate reduces the tax itself, which is why the two are not interchangeable.

Before you file

Reconcile your income statements against your bank records, confirm which regime applies to you, and gather proofs for every claim. A short checklist prevents most corrections.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch tax regimes every year?

The rules vary and some options are locked in once chosen. Check the current rules for your situation before deciding.

What if I miss the deadline?

A late return is usually still accepted, sometimes with a fee. Filing late is generally better than not filing at all.

Sources

  1. Placeholder tax education page Example Authority, 2025

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