Hidden ITR Fields You’re Missing in FY 2024‑25 That Lower Your Tax
Table of Contents
Hidden ITR Fields You’re Missing in FY 2024‑25 That Lower Your Tax
Introduction
As the July 31, 2025, due date for submission of Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 2024–25 is near, taxpayers in India are in a haste to finish their returns. But it may surprise you to know that most individuals overlook hidden fields in their ITR forms which would otherwise reduce their taxable income legally?
These areas aren’t illegal stunts—they’re completely valid segments usually bypassed through ignorance or misinformation. No matter if you work as a salaried employee, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this article will aid you in defining underappreciated areas that can result in considerable savings.
Why these ITR fields matter
Filing your Income Tax Return is not merely about compliance—it’s a vital chance to minimize your tax liability legally. Most taxpayers lose out on savings merely because they ignore certain lines that don’t automatically fill up in the ITR form. Such concealed portions—such as extra deductions, carry-forward losses, or exempt incomes—can really make a big difference to your net taxable income.
Let’s dive in and uncover how you can maximize your tax refund.
1. Claim Interest on Home Loan Under Section 80EEA
Many first-time homeowners don’t know about Section 80EEA, which allows you to claim an additional ₹1.5 lakh deduction on interest paid on home loans over and above the ₹2 lakh allowed under Section 24(b).
Conditions to claim:
- Home value should not exceed ₹45 lakhs.
- Loan should have been sanctioned between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022.
- You should not own any other property.
Hidden Field Tip: This field doesn’t show up in your Form 16. You need to manually enter it in “Schedule VI-A” in ITR-1/2/3 depending on your form type.
2. Loss Carry Forward from Previous Years
Did you suffer short-term capital losses or business losses last year? You can carry forward these and offset them against current-year gains if you’ve filed your ITR on time.
Unfortunately, many users forget to fill Schedule CFL (Carry Forward of Losses).
Why it matters: This lets you set off losses for up to 8 assessment years.
Hidden Field Tip: Check “Schedule CFL” and enter the correct year-wise losses manually, even if the pre-fill skips it.
3. Exempt Allowances Not Mentioned in Form 16
Your employer might give you reimbursements or allowances like:
- Children’s education allowance
- Hostel allowance
- Leave travel allowance (LTA)
- Food coupons
While Form 16 may not list all exempt components, you can still claim these manually.
Hidden Field Tip: Go to the “Exempt Income” section and declare under “Other Exempt Allowances” if not auto-filled.
4. Claiming Donations Without Uploading 80G
Section 80G offers deductions for donations to eligible charitable institutions. While many taxpayers donate, they forget to claim deductions, assuming it will reflect in AIS (Annual Information Statement).
But that’s not always the case.
Hidden Field Tip: Enter eligible donations manually under “Schedule 80G.” Don’t forget to mention mode (cash/digital) and PAN of the organization.
5. Minor Child Income Clubbing Exemption
If you’ve invested in FDs or mutual funds in the name of your minor child, the income is clubbed with yours. But you are entitled to a ₹1,500 deduction per child per year.
Hidden Field Tip: In “Schedule SPI (Income of specified persons includible),” ensure you declare the clubbed income, and in the ‘Exempt Income’ section, claim the ₹1,500 deduction.
6. Medical Insurance for Parents Over 60 (Section 80D)
Many salaried people assume they can claim only ₹25,000 for health insurance premiums. But if your parents are senior citizens, you can claim an additional ₹50,000 under Section 80D.
Even if they are uninsured and you pay for their medical treatment, you can still claim ₹50,000.
Hidden Field Tip: Navigate to “Schedule VI-A” and claim both your and your parents’ premiums under separate heads.
7. Rent Deduction Without HRA
If your employer doesn’t offer House Rent Allowance (HRA), you may assume you can’t claim rent. But under Section 80GG, non-HRA taxpayers can claim rent deductions up to ₹60,000/year.
Hidden Field Tip: In “Schedule VI-A,” enable Section 80GG and enter rent paid and PAN of landlord if rent > ₹1 lakh/year.
8. Education Loan Interest (Section 80E)
Interest paid on loans taken for higher education (for self, spouse, or children) is fully deductible under Section 80E for up to 8 years.
Even if it’s not reflected in AIS or Form 26AS, you can claim this manually.
Hidden Field Tip: Fill “Schedule VI-A,” section 80E, and attach bank-issued interest certificate if needed.
9. Agricultural Income Entry (If Applicable)
If you or your family earn agricultural income above ₹5,000/year, you must declare it—even if it’s tax-free. Not doing so can lead to notices or rejection of refunds.
Hidden Field Tip: Declare it under the “Exempt Income” section clearly.
10. Tax Relief Under Section 89(1)
Did you receive arrears in salary or pension this year? Section 89(1) allows you to split such income across relevant years to avoid excess tax burden.
Hidden Field Tip: Use the Form 10E calculator, upload it in the e-filing portal, and mention the claim in “Tax Relief” section.
FAQs
Q1. Are hidden ITR fields illegal?
No, they are legal and meant for tax-saving, but often ignored by mistake.
Q2. Can I revise my ITR if I missed some of these fields?
Yes, you can revise your ITR before December 31, 2025.
Q3. Does the portal auto-fill all hidden sections?
No. You must verify or enter data in sections like 80EEA, 80GG, or carry-forward losses manually.
Q4. Will I get a refund if I fill these correctly?
Yes, if your tax paid exceeds your liability after claiming deductions, you’ll get a refund.
Conclusion
Filing ITR is not just about compliance—it’s about being smart. If you’re not taking full advantage of these hidden fields, you’re leaving money on the table.
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