There are many clever strategies to reduce taxes and reap the biggest savings. However, tax planning is typically a let’s do it later for most people. A better strategy is to start investing in the first quarter of the fiscal year to give one time to make wise plans and to take advantage of the best returns from various tax-saving investments.
Taking safety, returns, and liquidity into account is crucial when choosing the best tax-saving investing programs. Additionally, it’s critical to be thoroughly aware of the tax implications of the returns. The potential to accumulate wealth over the long term is limited if investment returns are taxed.
Different types of tax-saving investments
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Public Provident Scheme is a well-liked investing tool for tax reduction. A PPF account must first be opened at the post office or specific branches of banking sectors. It is a long-term savings and investment program. A guaranteed rate of interest is earned on contributions to the PPF account. These deposits are eligible for Section 80C deductions worth up to Rs 1.5 lakh each fiscal year.
ULIPs
ULIPs serve various financial needs at once and are a valuable tool for rebalancing. Since investors can switch from equities to debt (or vice versa) based on how the market is reading, they outperform ELSS funds and are more flexible. Additionally, as income from ULIPs is tax-free, there are no tax repercussions on the earnings generated through such flipping. However, a ULIP might not be able to provide you with the level of life insurance you require. Additionally, because the policy is a long-term investment, you must maintain it during its whole term to avoid losing liquidity. Avoid asset advisers that try to sell you ULIPs, incredibly close to the tax-savings deadline.
National Savings Certification
A national savings certificate is a government-sponsored fixed-income investment program that targets small and middle-income investors with the promise of attractive returns. As safe as the Provident Fund, it is regarded as a low-risk investment. Investors can make investments based on their investing preferences and income profile.
Investment in NSC is eligible for a deduction of up to Rs. 1.50 lakh under section 80C of the income tax act. In addition to offering tax exemption, it fully protects the investor’s capital and guarantees interest.
Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme
After the extra tax exemption for income up to Rs 50,000, SCSS is the best investment choice for people over 60. The program offers higher interest rates than PPF. SCSS is superior to even 5-year tax-saving FDs, which provide better returns than standard FDs. The eligibility is only open to elderly citizens, though. The total investment cap is set at Rs. 15 lakh per person. The minimum age is sometimes lowered to 58 years if the investor chooses voluntary retirement and does not accept another work. Defense personnel is not restricted by age either.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is a crucial component of a person’s financial plan since it protects the person’s family in the event of an untimely death. As a result, the primary duty to secure the family’s economic future rests with the earner.
Traditional life insurance (endowment) and market-linked life insurance (ULIP) provide tax advantages to policyholders on the insurance premiums.
Fixed Deposit Scheme
Security deposits, like other guaranteed return investment choices, are what bank FDs are. The sole distinction is that bank FDs have an investment term of five years. The bank FD provides tax-free income as an investing strategy that saves on taxes.
This plan best suits those who choose low-risk and wish to save money over the long term.
One may claim up to Rs. 1.5 lakh in tax-saving investment FDs under section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The banks determine the interest rate for the fixed deposit plan, which is subject to vary every quarter or fiscal year. Compared to a savings account, a bank fixed deposit provides a better potential for interest generating and only permits one-time lump sum deposits.
Bottom Line
When used properly, these tax-saving strategies can help people and families avoid losing too much money to taxes while, in some instances, generating long-term profits on their assets. To ensure a knowledgeable and calculated strategy toward minimising taxable income, it is essential to understand all terms and restrictions related to each method.
