Best Tax-Saving Tools and Their Returns

BLOG | February 8, 2024

Efficient tax-saving strategies are vital for investors aiming to safeguard their overall income. Several investments offer this advantage, significantly enhancing the overall investment portfolio. This article’ll explore the finest tax-saving investment options that can help minimize your tax liability. Keep reading!

Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

ELSS stands out as a favoured investment tool among investors for tax-saving purposes. Not only does it assist in tax reduction under section 80C, but it also provides substantial returns through market participation. ELSS funds allocate a minimum of 80% of the portfolio to equity securities, offering higher returns compared to similar instruments. With a mandatory three-year lock-in period, ELSS provides liquidity compared to other securities.

Under section 80C:

– The principal amount invested in ELSS is eligible for tax exemption up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

– Long-term capital gains below Rs. 1 Lakh are not subject to taxation.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Sponsored by the Government of India, PPF serves as a tax-saving instrument under section 80C. With a lock-in period of 15 years, PPF delivers a fixed return with interest rates declared quarterly by the government. An annual investment of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh enjoys tax exemption for both the principal and interest.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

SCSS emerges as a tax-saving investment under section 80C, allowing individuals aged 60 and above (or those above 55 with voluntary retirement, or above 50 in the defense sector) to invest up to Rs. 15 Lakh. The interest rate, determined by the Central Government, ensures stable returns.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna (SSY)

Aligned with section 80C, SSY provides tax benefits of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh per annum. This exclusive scheme is available to individuals with daughters below ten years old. The interest rate surpasses other government instruments, and investments exceeding Rs. 1.5 Lakh in a year do not qualify for tax benefits.

Tax Saver Fixed Deposit (FD)

Fixed deposits with a five-year lock-in period qualify for tax exemptions under Section 80C. Assuring guaranteed returns, premature withdrawals negate tax benefits, and the interest earned is taxable.

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

NPS, a systematic investment policy for retirement, offers tax benefits under section 80C. Salaried individuals can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh, with an additional Rs. 50,000 for self-employed individuals under Section 80CCD (1B).

National Savings Certificates (NSC)

NSC provides tax-saving benefits with exemptions up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh on the principal and reinvested interest. The maturity period is flexible, offering options for five or ten years.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP)

ULIPs qualify for tax redemption up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh on the investment part, along with 10% of the total premium (if less than Rs. 1.5 Lakh). Both the investment and premium amounts are exempt.

Life Insurance

Premiums paid on life insurance policies are deductible under section 80C, with a maximum limit of Rs. 1.5 Lakh. The returns are fixed, and the exemption is subject to the premium amount.

All these instruments aim to provide tax exemptions, with ELSS offering market-oriented returns. Choose an option that aligns with your financial goals, ensuring both tax savings and wealth creation.

Conclusion:

Selecting an option that offers dual benefits of tax saving and wealth creation is crucial. Plan your taxes in advance, optimize your tax strategy, and utilize the tax exemption limit effectively. Happy Investing!

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Efficient tax-saving strategies are vital for investors aiming to safeguard their overall income. Several investments offer this advantage, significantly enhancing the overall investment portfolio. This article’ll explore the finest tax-saving investment options that can help minimize your tax liability. Keep reading!

Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

ELSS stands out as a favoured investment tool among investors for tax-saving purposes. Not only does it assist in tax reduction under section 80C, but it also provides substantial returns through market participation. ELSS funds allocate a minimum of 80% of the portfolio to equity securities, offering higher returns compared to similar instruments. With a mandatory three-year lock-in period, ELSS provides liquidity compared to other securities.

Under section 80C:

– The principal amount invested in ELSS is eligible for tax exemption up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

– Long-term capital gains below Rs. 1 Lakh are not subject to taxation.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Sponsored by the Government of India, PPF serves as a tax-saving instrument under section 80C. With a lock-in period of 15 years, PPF delivers a fixed return with interest rates declared quarterly by the government. An annual investment of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh enjoys tax exemption for both the principal and interest.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

SCSS emerges as a tax-saving investment under section 80C, allowing individuals aged 60 and above (or those above 55 with voluntary retirement, or above 50 in the defense sector) to invest up to Rs. 15 Lakh. The interest rate, determined by the Central Government, ensures stable returns.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna (SSY)

Aligned with section 80C, SSY provides tax benefits of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh per annum. This exclusive scheme is available to individuals with daughters below ten years old. The interest rate surpasses other government instruments, and investments exceeding Rs. 1.5 Lakh in a year do not qualify for tax benefits.

Tax Saver Fixed Deposit (FD)

Fixed deposits with a five-year lock-in period qualify for tax exemptions under Section 80C. Assuring guaranteed returns, premature withdrawals negate tax benefits, and the interest earned is taxable.

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

NPS, a systematic investment policy for retirement, offers tax benefits under section 80C. Salaried individuals can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh, with an additional Rs. 50,000 for self-employed individuals under Section 80CCD (1B).

National Savings Certificates (NSC)

NSC provides tax-saving benefits with exemptions up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh on the principal and reinvested interest. The maturity period is flexible, offering options for five or ten years.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP)

ULIPs qualify for tax redemption up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh on the investment part, along with 10% of the total premium (if less than Rs. 1.5 Lakh). Both the investment and premium amounts are exempt.

Life Insurance

Premiums paid on life insurance policies are deductible under section 80C, with a maximum limit of Rs. 1.5 Lakh. The returns are fixed, and the exemption is subject to the premium amount.

All these instruments aim to provide tax exemptions, with ELSS offering market-oriented returns. Choose an option that aligns with your financial goals, ensuring both tax savings and wealth creation.

Conclusion:

Selecting an option that offers dual benefits of tax saving and wealth creation is crucial. Plan your taxes in advance, optimize your tax strategy, and utilize the tax exemption limit effectively. Happy Investing!

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