by Are you in a situation where the deadline for submitting tax is fast approaching? This quick guide can assist you in organizing your finances effectively!
Maximize the benefits of Section 80C: The highest possible deduction you can claim is Rs. 100,000. Evaluate your income to determine how much you need to invest this section. Investment options include the Public Provident Fund (PPF) up to Rs. 70,000, National Savings Certificate (NSC), life insurance premiums, tuition fees for up to two children, Equity-linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), Post Office Savings Deposits (POSD), and five-year fixed deposits with banks, among others.
For those in higher income brackets, Section 80C may not suffice to significantly reduce overall tax liability. This is where other sections become crucial in lowering tax expenses.
- Interest on Home Loans: If you plan to purchase a home, consider applying for a home loan. Deductions for interest payments of up to Rs. 150,000 per annum can be claimed under Section 24.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): If you are renting a property, you may take advantage of HRA. There are specific guidelines for determining the deductible amount. Remember to submit both the rent agreement and rent receipts.
- Health Insurance Premium: You can claim an annual deduction of Rs. 15,000 for yourself, your spouse, and dependent children. Additionally, another Rs. 15,000 is allowed for your parents.
- Medical Reimbursement: You can deduct medical expenses up to Rs. 15,000 per year from your salary under Section 17(2). Ensure you keep the actual bills as proof.
- Donations to Charitable Institutions: Contributions to approved funds/institutions are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80G, subject to specified limits. Retain the receipt for verification.
- Educational Loan Interest: You can claim a deduction on the interest paid for educational loans taken for your own higher education, as well as for your spouse and children, under Section 80E. There’s no cap on the deduction amount, but the loan must be for a graduate or post-graduate program in fields like engineering, medicine, management, or in pure/applied sciences.
Points to Remember
- Section 80C allows for the deduction of tuition fees for children’s education.
- If paying rent to parents or relatives (not applicable to your spouse), treat them as landlords and ensure that the owner of the house reports it on their personal income tax return.
- The maturity proceeds of life insurance policies are exempt from tax.
- A conveyance allowance of up to Rs. 800 can be claimed monthly as a deduction from salary under Section 10(14).
- Long-term capital gains from listed shares/securities are not taxable.
- You can avoid capital gains tax on the sale of a property by purchasing another property within two years after or one year before the sale date.
- Stamp duty and registration charges incurred when buying a new home are also eligible for deduction under Section 80C.
The first step to effective tax savings is to evaluate your tax liability. Start the process so you can identify the best options for maximizing tax savings.
Consider this seriously! Tax benefits are designed to promote savings and investments. Savings play a key role in your overall financial strategy, meaning that tax planning is a component of financial planning. Your financial plan should establish goals based on your ambitions, lifestyle, age group, and family size, among other factors. Reflect on this question: “Did I stay true to my financial plan while investing in tax-saving instruments?” If you answered “yes,” you’re on track to achieve your financial objectives. If “no,” it’s time to rectify the situation. Although the past year may pose challenges, the upcoming year presents a fresh opportunity for better planning. Remember, procrastination steals valuable time; if you delay now, this year will likely mirror the last.
