BSNL Clarification vide No. BSNLCO-TAXN/13(18)/3/2020-TAXATION/4362 Dated:-22-09-2021.
Query :Whether reimbursement of CGHS subscription to BSNL absorbed retired employees is to be treated as income of the retired employee? And, if the answer is in affirmative, the head under which it is chargeable.
Reply: As per the proviso to section 17(2) of the Income Tax Act,1961 any reimbursement by the employer in respect of any insurance premium paid by the employee to effect an insurance on his health or the health of his family under any approved scheme by Central Govt. or IRDA is a tax free perquisite. However, in the absence of clarity on whether reimbursement to BSNL absorbed retired employees on account of CGHS subscription is an insurance premium or not, on a conservative basis, tax may be deducted at source under the head of salary.