Clarification regarding applicability of standard deduction to pension received from former employer

Government of India 

Ministry of Finance 

Department of Revenue 

Central Board of Direct Taxes 

New Delhi, 5th April, 2018 

PRESS RELEASE 

Clarification regarding applicability of standard deduction to pension received from former employer 

Finance Act, 2018 has amended Section 16 of the Income–tax Act, 1961(“the Act”) to provide that a taxpayer having income chargeable under the head “Salaries” shall be allowed a deduction of Rs 40,000/- or the amount of salary, whichever is less, for computing his taxable income. Representations have been received seeking clarification as to whether a taxpayer, who receives pension from his former employer, shall also be eligible to claim this deduction. The pension received by a taxpayer from his former employer is taxable under the head “Salaries”. Accordingly, any taxpayer who is in receipt of pension from his former employer shall be entitled to claim a deduction of Rs 40,000/- or the amount of pension, whichever is less, under Section 16 of the Act.

(Surabhi Ahluwalia)

Commissioner of Income Tax

(Media & Technical Policy)

Official Spokesperson, CBDT