5 Most Popular Ways to Save Tax
1. Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS)
As the name suggests, Equity Linked Saving Scheme or ELSS is a type of mutual fund scheme that primarily invests in the stock market or Equity.
Investments of up to 1.5 Lac done in ELSS Mutual Funds are eligible for tax deduction under section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The advantage ELSS has over other tax-saving instruments is the shortest lock-in period of 3 years.
This means you can sell your investment only after 3 years, from the date of purchase! However, to maximize returns from ELSS funds, it is recommended to keep your investments intact for the maximum duration possible.
If you have an ELSS SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), each installment has a lock-in period of three years, which means each of your installments will have a different maturity date.
2. Life Insurance
Life insurance policies can be useful tax planning tools because the policyholder is eligible for tax benefits under the Income Tax Act 1961 (Act).
Though there are multiple modes for saving tax, life insurance is one of the most effective tax planning instruments. Plans from Life Insurance can be used for protection, long-term savings, and tax planning.
3. Health Insurance
Health care plans provide tax benefits. Premiums paid towards your health care policy are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The quantum of the deduction is as under:
- A) In the case of the individual, Rs. 25,000 for himself and his family
- B) If an individual or spouse is 60 years old or more the deduction available is Rs 50,000
- C) An additional deduction for insurance of parents (father or mother or both, whether dependent or not) is available to the extent of Rs. 25,000 if less than 60 years old and Rs 50,000 if parents are 60 years old or more.
- D) For uninsured super senior citizens (80 years old or more) medical expenditure incurred up to Rs 50,000 shall be allowed
4. National Pension Scheme (NPS)
A tax exemption of Rs.1.5 lakh can be claimed on the employee’s and employer’s contribution towards the National Pension System (NPS). Tax benefits can be claimed under Section 80CCD(1), 80CCD(2), and 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act.
A) 80CCD(1), which comes under Section 80C, covers self-contribution. Salaried employees can claim a maximum deduction of 10% of their salary, while self-employed individuals can claim up to 20% of their gross income.
B) 80CCD(2), which is also a part of Section 80C, covers the employer’s contribution towards NPS. This benefit cannot be claimed by self-employed individuals. The maximum amount that an individual is eligible for deduction is either the employer’s NPS contribution or 10% of basic salary plus Dearness Allowance (DA).
C) Under Section 80CCD(1B), individuals can claim an additional amount of Rs.50,000 for any other self-contributions as an NPS tax benefit.
Therefore, individuals can claim up to Rs.2 lakh as tax benefits under NPS.
5. Home Loans
A) Under Section 80C, you can claim a deduction up to ₹ 1.50 Lakh for the principal repayment done in the financial year.
B) Under Section 24B, you can claim a deduction for up to ₹ 2 Lakh for the accrual and payment of interest on the home loan.
C) Under Section 80EEA, you can claim a deduction for up to ₹ 1.50 Lakh for the interest payment of a home loan availed during the financial year.
D) Under Section 80EE, you can claim an additional deduction of up to ₹ 50,000 for the interest payment of the home loan, if you have availed home loan for an amount less than ₹ 35 Lakh and the value of the property is within ₹ 25 Lakh.
E) In the case of a joint home loan, each borrower can claim a deduction of principal repayment (section 80C) and interest payment (section 24b) if they are also the co-owners of the property.
