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Microlesson · 5-min read

Deduction for Voluntary Retirement Scheme [Section 35DDA]

## Deduction for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) — Section 35DDA

### Idea

When an employer pays compensation to employees under a Voluntary Retirement Scheme, the payment is allowed as a deduction — but, like preliminary expenses, it is spread over 5 years rather than allowed all at once.

### Rules

1. Applicability: Any assessee making payment to employees under a VRS.

2. Amount & timing: The actual expenditure is allowed in 5 equal instalments, commencing from the year of payment (1/5th each year).

3. Exclusivity: No deduction for this expenditure is allowed under any other provision of the Act.

Worked example

### Example 1

Spreading VRS payment.

An employer pays ₹25,00,000 to employees under a VRS during PY 2024-25.

Deduction allowed = ₹25,00,000 ÷ 5 = ₹5,00,000 per year, starting PY 2024-25 and continuing for the next four previous years.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Claiming the entire VRS payment as a deduction in the year of payment instead of over 5 instalments.
  • Attempting to claim the same VRS expenditure under another section (e.g., Section 37) — expressly barred.
Reference: Section 35DDA
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