Easy Ways to Maximize Your Tax Savings

If you closely look through the saving options under the section 80C,you’d find that you can save tax not only by investing your saved funds in specified investment instruments but also by claiming deduction for certain expenses that you usually incur. Therefore, it is necessary to understand all the provisions under the section so as to get the maximum benefits from your tax saving efforts.

 Following are some easy ways by which you can generate further tax savings:

Consider an appropriate mix of investments:

In order to avail maximum tax benefit, you must plan your investments and spread out your savings across the diverse instruments listed under Section 80 C. The section implies no sub-limits and allows you to invest regardless of your income and the tax bracket you fall under. A suitable mix of investments, along with maximizing your tax savings, will help you in meeting your financial goals. You can log on to Policybazaar.com for comparing and calculating the various channels through which you can maximize your tax savings.

Check your savings and expenses:

According to a provision under the section, if you have borrowed funds for your home and you fulfill certain conditions, then the amount you give away towards the repayment of the principal sum of your home loan is eligible for a deduction under Section 80C.

Education/tuition fee of the children:

Looking at the rising cost of education, a major chunk from the income of most parents goes towards the education fees of their child/children. To promote literacy in the nation, Government of India has allowed the school and college fee of students as a deduction under 80C. Therefore, the tuition fee you pay at your child’s school or college is also eligible for a deduction under the Income Tax Act. 

Almost all the salaried income tax payers have a mandatory saving i.e. Employer Provident Fund (EPF). This deduction from your salary is made at a specified rate that ranges between 8.33 to 12%. Therefore, it is imperative to check the total amount that is deducted towards EPF during the financial year and claimed deductions for the same.

NSCs follow a cumulative scheme of interest, meaning, the interest you earn on your investment every year is reinvested in the next year. Therefore the interest becomes tax free and is also eligible for deduction under 80C. So, if you have invested in NSCs, then the accrued interest is eligible for deductions under Section 80C.

Check the Lock-In Period of the Investments

All tax saving plans have a minimum lock-in period, meaning, the period during which withdrawal of a policy is usually not allowed.  If a plan is withdrawn during the lock-in period, it will be subject to the applicable tax slab in the year of withdrawal.  For example, PPF (Public Provident Fund) has a lock-in period of 15 years, a National Savings Certificate has a lock-in period of 5 years, and ELSS (Equity Linked Saving Schemes)have a lock-in period of three years.  Therefore, before you choose an option it is essential to evaluate it on the basis of its lock-in period and invest only if it suits your budget and requirements.

 You may also like to know about Best Investment Options in India