The 2025 GST exemption for individual health and term insurance in India has not led to significant premium reductions because insurers cannot claim input tax credit on operating expenses. The article explains how insurers absorb costs or adjust premiums, and outlines industry demands for partial ITC restoration and other reforms.
The exemption became effective on 22 September 2025.
Group and corporate health policies continue to attract an 18% GST rate.
Because the exemption removed the ability to claim input tax credit on operating expenses, increasing insurers' costs.
They want partial restoration of ITC, a concessional GST rate, or a carve‑out allowing ITC on distribution, technology, and marketing costs.
Higher tax deductions under Sections 80C and 80D, extension of insurance tax benefits to the new tax regime, GST rationalisation, simplified regulations, and incentives for preventive healthcare.
Get VAT and indirect tax news delivered to your inbox twice a week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
LinkedIn Article by Darda Advisors LLP · 6 days ago
The Supreme Court of India clarified that a 'part' of machinery must functionally participate in the machine’s operation, while structures that merely support do not qualify. It reaffirmed that tariff classification is a rule‑based exercise grounded in the Customs Tariff and HSN, and that end‑use is not determinative unless the tariff allows it. The ruling also confirmed that HSN explanatory notes carry binding interpretive value.
TaxScan · 11 days ago
The Madras High Court has ruled that input tax credit (ITC) claimed by dealers is provisional until they provide proof of the underlying sale transaction. The court directed the dealer to submit the required documentation, emphasizing that ITC cannot be confirmed without supporting evidence. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining proper records for GST compliance.
IRISGST · 13 days ago
The article presents the GST compliance calendar for January 2026, detailing key due dates for monthly returns, payments, and the annual return. It serves as a reference for businesses to plan filing and payment schedules. The calendar is hosted by IRISGST and includes an interactive selector for other months and years.
Business Standard · 17 days ago
India rolled out Next Generation GST Reform (GST 2.0) in September 2025, introducing a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18% to replace the previous four-slab system, easing compliance for MSMEs.
Manila Times · about 9 hours ago
The Manila Times opinion piece explains how the Supreme Court’s February 4 2025 ruling in the Subic Bay Freeport case clarified that domestic market enterprises (DMEs) are entitled to VAT zero‑rating under the Create Act, overturning earlier BIR issuances that excluded them. It also outlines the conditions under which DMEs can still claim the benefit under the newer Create More law, namely high‑value DMEs with significant investment capital or export sales, and stresses that purchases must be directly attributable to the registered project. The article advises businesses in freeports and ecozones to update their ERP systems, document eligibility, and align procurement processes to avoid disputes.
Comarch · 2 days ago
Sri Lanka has launched a national electronic invoicing framework to modernize its tax administration and curb tax evasion. The system, integrated with the existing Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) via a secure Web API, will roll out in stages, starting with a pilot phase expected to be fully deployed by the end of 2025 and eventually becoming mandatory for all VAT‑registered businesses and B2C POS transactions.
