SECTION 80DD – MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HANDICAPPED DEPENDENTS, ETC.
Clarification regarding possibility where, in absence of relevant rules at the time returns for assessment years 1990-91 and 1991-92 were due, certain eligible assessees could not have claimed deduction either under section 80DD or section 80U(1)(iii)
1. Section 80U as it existed till the assessment year 1989-90 and earlier years provided for a deduction in the case of a resident individual assessees suffering from a permanent physical disability (including total blindness).
3. A similar issue has arisen in respect of section 80DD, which was inserted by the Finance Act, 1990 w.e.f. 1991-92. This section provides for a deduction in respect of medical treatment, training and rehabilitation of handicapped dependants of assessees. The deduction is applicable if the dependant is suffering from a permanent physical disability including blindness or is subject to mental retardation being a permanent physical disability or mental retardation specified in the rules made in this behalf by the CBDT. Though this section became effective from the assessment year 1991-92 the rule specified therein viz., rule 11A was introduced only on 27-1-1992 though with retrospective effect from 1-4-1991. It is possible therefore that certain eligible assessees may not have claimed the deduction due to absence of rules at the relevant time when the return for the assessment year 1991-92 was due.
4. It is clarified that such of those assessees in whose cases the assessments, for these assessment years have already been made, or intimations under section 143(1)(a) have already been issued, are free to file rectification applications under section 154 or revision petitions under section 264 enclosing proper medical certificates and such petitions shall be admitted by the concerned authorities, if necessary by condoning the delay, and shall be disposed of on merits. Where any refund is due on this account the same shall be granted.
5. In the cases of those assessees in whose cases the assessments are still pending or no intimation under section 143(1)(a) has so far been served, they may file revised returns for the limited purposes of claiming deduction under either section 80U(1)(iii) or section 80DD and, for this purpose, the Board, in exercise of the powers vested in it under section 119(2)(a) of the Income-tax Act, hereby extends the time limit mentioned under section 139(5), till 31-12-1993, for filing such revised returns for the aforesaid assessment years. The Assessing Officers are authorised to deal with such returns on merits according to law and grant refunds wherever due.
6. If there are any other cases of hardship, not covered by this Circular, the same be brought to the notice of the Board for appropriate action.
Circular : No. 653, dated 15-6-1993.
