n a bid to entice citizens to invest in various avenues, the Government allows deductions while computing Income Tax. The most popular ones are covered under Section 80C. Here’s a guide.
An individual's gross income is calculated by adding the income he earns from various sources. Deductions, as the name suggests, are certain expenditures that can be subtracted from the gross income. This reduces the total tax liability of the individual.
The main intention for providing tax deductions is to reduce the tax liability of an individual. Moreover, certain deductions are provided in order to encourage one to save and invest more. Such a deduction is provided under Section 80C.
Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 includes a large spectrum of eligible items for deduction. Most of these items are in relation to the investments that one can make.
In order to ensure that every individual understands these items and get the most benefit out of it, the Income Tax Act has simplified it by categorizing these items under various sub-sections. Let’s have a look at them.
Section 80C: provident fund investments like EPF and PPF, ELSS, payment towards life insurance premium and principal repayment of housing loan, senior citizen savings scheme, etc.
Section 80 CCC: payment towards mutual funds and pension plans.
Section 80 CCD(1): payment towards government-backed schemes.
Section 80 CCD (1B): NPS investments of up to Rs.50,000.
Section 80 CCD (2): employer’s contribution towards NPS.
Now that we have a brief idea of the subsections, let’s look into them in detail. But let us make it clear that the benefits under this section can be availed only by individuals and Hindu Undivided Family (HUF). Here’re some of them:
Life insurance premium
Life insurance is one of the most crucial instruments that one is looking for. This section provides a deduction in respect of any premium paid towards life insurance policies. The policy could be for self, spouse, dependent, children, etc.
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
Interest Rate: 8%-10%
Lock-in period: 5 years.
If you aren’t already aware, ULIPs are a modified and better version of endowment plans. ULIPs did face some criticism initially but are now preferred over term life insurance policies.
Tax-saving FD
Interest rate: 7%-8%
Lock-in period: 5 years.
This is a special scheme provided by banks and post offices. It is to be noted that, though the contribution towards this scheme is deductible, the returns earned attract tax liability.
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Interest Rate: ~6.8%
Lock-in period: 5 years
One of the safest investment avenues as the government of India backs it. The best part about this is that the investor only avails the deduction of Rs.1,50,000, but the interest receivable is not subject to TDS.
How can you invest? Well, investments in National savings certificate NSC are to be made through post offices. A resident Indian can visit a post office, fill in the required application, buy the certificate, and post certain documentation.
Bonus- one can avail loans against their NSC certificates.
Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
Interest rate: 12%-15%
Lock-in period: 3 years
As the name suggests, it includes some proportion of equity, and therefore the returns on this scheme fluctuate with market changes. ELSS is the only kind of mutual fund that is covered under the ambit of Section 80. So if you are looking to invest in a mutual fund but also want a tax exemption, ELSS must not be ignored.
Home loan
If you have a housing loan in your balance sheet’s liabilities, this section provides relief for the principal’s repayment. The interest payable is not included, though. Sounds vague? Worry not! Section 80C offers clear instructions with regards to the amount eligible for deduction.
The construction of the house must be completed to avail of this exemption.
The property under question must not be transferred within five years of possession of the property.
If the property is transferred after the stipulated period of 5 years, any amount claimed as a tax deduction will attract a tax liability in the year of such transfer.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Interest rate: 8.4%
Lock-in period: till the girl turns 21 years of age.
There is an exception for the lock-in period. Partial withdrawal is allowed when the girl turns 18.
This scheme was introduced in 2015 focused on meeting the financial requirements of a girl child’s education and marriage. Parents or legal guardians of a girl child aged less than ten years can invest in this scheme and avail of the benefits. The maximum limit is two girls, with the exception of twin girls.
Public Provident Funds (PPF)
Interest rate: 7.9%
Lock-in period: 15 years
Available to all Indian citizens either on their own name or on behalf of a minor, contribution to PPF is eligible for deduction under section 80C. If one opens two accounts, one on their own name and the other on behalf of a minor, the combined deduction allowed is Rs.1,50,000.
Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
This section allows a deduction of any amount, including interest receivable on the contribution made towards EPF, subject to a condition that the employee continues his service for a minimum period of 5 years.
Infrastructure bonds
These long-term government-backed securities also fall under the ambit of this section’s deductions. The only condition to consider is that the exemption can be availed only for investments above Rs.20,000.
NABARD rural bonds
NABARD is a regulatory body in India that supervises the rural and cooperative banks in India. Any bonds issued by NABARD are also present in the list of deductions under this section.
Stamp duty and registration charges
Two significant expenses one incurs while taking ownership of the property are stamp duty and registration charges. In the year of incurring such expenses, the deduction can be availed.
Senior citizen’s savings scheme
Interest rate:7.40%
Lock-in period: 5 years.
Backed by the government, this senior citizen savings scheme can be availed by a senior citizen with a minimum investment of Rs.1,000.
The deductions, and even in general, the Income Tax Act is quite complex as it has to cater to the needs of a large population. If you can understand the complexities, well and good. Otherwise, it’s advisable to consult a professional who can help you manage your taxes better.
Invest wisely!