Religare Enterprises: Co' Unit Faces Tax Demand of ₹140 Crores, Plans to Rectify and Appeal
Care Health Insurance Limited, a material subsidiary of Religare Enterprises, has received income tax demand orders totaling Rs 140.20 crores from tax authorities for assessment years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The company disputes the tax computation and expects the rectified demand to be approximately Rs 96 crores. The disallowances include provisions for IBNR, IBNER, outstanding claims, TDS compliance issues, and marketing expenses, with CHIL planning to file rectification applications and appeals based on previous favorable judicial precedents.

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Religare Enterprises ' material subsidiary Care Health Insurance Limited (CHIL) has received income tax demand orders totaling Rs 140.20 crores from tax authorities for assessment years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The orders, dated March 17, 2026, were issued by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Income-Tax, Central Circle 6(2) Mumbai under Sections 147 and 143(3) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Tax Demand Details
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Demand: | Rs 140.20 crores (including interest) |
| Assessment Years: | 2023-24 and 2024-25 |
| Issuing Authority: | Assistant Commissioner of Income-Tax, Central Circle 6(2) Mumbai |
| Order Date: | March 17, 2026 |
| Expected Rectified Demand: | Rs 96 crores |
CHIL disputes the tax computation by the authority and considers the demand and applicable interest to be incorrectly calculated. The company is preparing to file a rectification application before the authority and expects the rectified tax demand, including interest, to be approximately Rs 96 crores after the rectification order is passed.
Primary Adjustments and Disallowances
The assessing officer made several additions to CHIL's total taxable income through various adjustments:
- Claims Provisions: Disallowance of provision of Claims Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) and Claims Incurred But Not Enough Reported (IBNER)
- Outstanding Claims: Disallowance of provision of unsettled claims outstanding
- TDS Compliance: Disallowance under Section 40(a)(ia) for non-deduction of TDS on certain expenses
- Business Expenses: Disallowance of marketing and advertisement expenses as inadmissible under Section 37(1)
According to CHIL, issues related to IBNR and IBNER provisions have been previously adjudicated in the company's favor by various judicial forums, including Delhi High Court, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Delhi, and Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). These disallowances primarily relate to industry-wide issues affecting insurance companies.
Company's Response Strategy
CHIL has outlined a two-pronged approach to address the tax demand:
- Rectification Application: Filing an application before the authority seeking rectification of the incorrectly computed tax demand and applicable interest
- Appeal Process: Filing an appeal against the assessment orders before an appropriate forum within prescribed timelines, based on advice from tax consultants
The income tax demand, if required to be paid, would be payable by CHIL. However, the company's financials are consolidated with Religare Enterprises Limited, meaning any financial impact would reflect in the parent company's consolidated accounts. The regulatory disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as CHIL is a material subsidiary of the listed entity.
Historical Stock Returns for Religare Enterprises
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.39% | +0.36% | +1.47% | -15.12% | +4.11% | +147.99% |
How might this tax dispute impact Care Health Insurance's cash flow and ability to meet regulatory solvency requirements in the coming quarters?
Will other insurance companies face similar IBNR and IBNER provision challenges, potentially creating industry-wide tax compliance issues?
Could this tax demand affect Religare Enterprises' planned business expansion or acquisition strategies for 2026-27?


































