Tax Planning - Importance and Benefits of Tax Planning

There are many options available to save more and reduce taxes. If an individual has done proper financial & tax planning then deductions would be subtracted from the gross total income and income tax would be levied on the balance income as per the income tax slabs.

What is Tax Planning?

Individuals, businesses and organizations do tax planning to assess their financial profile and save on the taxes paid on their annual income and profits earned.

‘Govt. data as per the assessment year 2014-2015 reveals that only 1.5 per cent of Indians actually pays their taxes’.Therefore, proper tax planning is required for both first-timers and veteran tax-payers. So that an appropriate tax amount is paid to the government to promote economic activity and personal savings are also managed.

As per the Income Tax Act, 1961 a number of legal tax saving options are available under section 80C&80D and beyond 80Csuch as 80 EE, including other rebates and reliefs.

You can actually start the fiscal year on a secure footing if you timely review your financial portfolio and then make tax-related investments.

Types of Tax Planning in India

The different methods of tax planning in India are described below -

• Short-term Income Tax Planning- It implies planning closer to the end of the financial year and choosing the best investment options to save tax. However, you might end up making hasty decisions to file your ITR in the nick of time.

• Long-term Income Tax Planning-As the saying goes, well begun is half done. So, when you start planning your tax saving investments at the beginning of the financial year it is long-term tax planning. And a well chalked out plan always helps in the long-run.

• Purposive IncomeTax Planning- Purposive tax planning means specifically planning the taxes to avail maximum benefits by taking right investment decisions, changing the residential status, through correct selection of investment, replacing the assets, business expansion programme, income etc.

• Permissive Income Tax Planning-It means making tax saving investments to avail different tax concessions, different deductions and incentives, and other exemptions that are permissible under the law.

Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen to carry out proper tax planning. There are various benefits that you can avail with tax saving schemes based on your tax slab, social liabilities, and personal preferences.

A good tax planning is done by using the right mix of investments in order to minimize the tax liabilities.

Here are some tips to help you save tax on your income:

1. Save via interest payment on loan

If you have a loan such as education loan, home loan, car or personal loan then tax saving becomes easy. The government allows tax benefits for individuals who are repaying loans. Some investments that you many consider under Section 80C are: Life insurance premium paid towards self, spouse or child, contribution towards statutory provident fund or superannuation fund, contribution towards public provident fund scheme, subscription to units of mutual fund equity linked saving scheme notified by the central government, etc. It can be a better tax saving option if tax planning by payment of loan is done wisely.

2. Buy a Health Insurance Policy

Premium paid on health insurance policies is allowed as deduction from your total income, according to Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. Deduction up to Rs 15,000 is available for insurance of self, spouse and dependent children. This is one of the best options and can be part of tax planning.

3. Make a donation

Making a donation is a good way to save tax on your income. Section 80G of the Income Tax Act allows an individual to claim deductions up to a specified limit for contributions made to charitable organizations or NGOs. This option will save taxes as well as bring some virtue.

4. Equity Mutual Funds

Investment in equity mutual funds is a great way to make your profits 100% non-taxable. However, it is advisable not to sell your equity shares before a period of one year as anything less than 12 months may incur tax on profits.

5. Amount received as gifts

Any gifts received on your marriage in the form of cash or cheque are totally tax free. You can receive cash gifts from your relatives or friends for which you don’t have to pay any tax.

6. House Rent Allowance

You can claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) to save tax on your house rent. However, this is applicable only when you are staying in a rented accommodation.

7. Medical Bills

You can keep all the medical receipts of your medical expenses to use them for tax saving at the end of the year. An amount up to Rs 15000 is non-taxable on medical expenses for yourself and your dependent family members.

8. Telephone/Internet Expenses

You can check with your employer if they have a tax saving policy on telephone or internet expenses. You can either get telephone/internet expenses reimbursed or claim tax benefits for the same. Income tax planning for small amounts has impact on total taxes. So don’t ignore it.

9. Daily Travel Allowance

You can avail tax benefits up to Rs 1600 per month from your company for conveyance. This will allow you to save tax on Rs 19,200 annually on conveyance allowance. Also, you do not have to submit any invoices or proof to avail the same.

10. Meal Coupons

Meal vouchers or any gift vouchers including Sodexo are not taxable up to Rs 2600 per month. You can ask your employer to either issue you meal coupons every month to claim tax benefits or reimburse the same.

11. Leave Travel Allowance

Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) can be utilized by you for domestic vacations. You will not be taxed on travel expenses for yourself and your dependents.