5 Last-Minute Income Tax Saving Instruments

Did you remember that soothsayer who warned Julius Caesar to “beware the ides of March”? If that seer was alive today, he would have uttered the same thing to millions of taxpayers. Yes, the countdown to the new financial year, 2020-21, has started. By now, you might have already submitted investment proofs to your company’s finance department to claim a tax deduction. However, if you have been running behind date, here are some useful tips to save your hard-earned money and taxes before the D-day.

1. Invest in an ELSS: An ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) is a diversified equity mutual fund in which a major chunk of the invested amount is put into equities. It is one of the best investment options which come with a shorter lock-in period of three years and 100% tax exemption. Moreover, ELSS funds do not require recurring payment and therefore, if you realize that the fund doesn’t meet your needs, you can stop making payment and you don’t need to pay any charges. If your KYC is done, the investment in ELSS becomes hassle-free. All you would require to do is to take the help of reputed third-party websites which track the mutual funds. Choose the fund with the help of the ratings given by them and then log on to the selected fund house’s portal for making investment.

Though, the investment is market-oriented and some risk is involved, if you do your market research well, you won’t face any problem afterward.

• Tax Benefit: Under Section 80C, up to Rs 1.5 lakhs
• Taxability on Maturity: Exempt

2. Health Insurance: In today’s internet driven world, you can buy health insurance online in a few clicks and enjoy tax benefits. Usually, insurance applicants under 45 year of age do not need to go through medical tests. In case you are above 45, buy a mediclaim policy now because the policy will be issued post-medical tests only. It means, even if you will apply for the health insurance policy before 31^st, if the insurer doesn’t offer you the policy, you can’t claim tax deduction on the basis of the insurance application.

In addition to buying health insurance for yourself, you can insure the health of other family members and enjoy tax benefits. A quick look at the tax deduction under section 80D available on health insurance policies bought for family members:

• In case of the individual, Rs. 25,000 for himself and his family
• If individual or spouse is 60 years old or more the deduction available is Rs 50,000
• An additional deduction for insurance of parents (father or mother or both, whether dependent or not) is available to the extent of Rs. 25,000 if less than 60 years old and Rs 50,000 if parents are 60 years old or more.
• For uninsured super senior citizens (80 years old or more) medical expenditure incurred up to Rs 50,000 shall be allowed
• A deduction of Rs. 5000 will be allowed under this section for payment of preventive health check-up of either the individual himself or his family members which includes spouse, parents and dependent children.This deduction is NOT in addition to the deduction of Rs.25000/50000 stated above, but is included in the above deduction

Even top-up and super top-up health insurance plans are eligible for tax deduction.  Remember, premium payment made via cash doesn’t get tax advantages.

• Tax Benefit: Under Section 80D, up to Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 in case of senior citizens
• Taxability on Maturity: Not Applicable

3. Invest in a Tax-Saver Bank Fixed Deposit: It is a popular investment option, especially among conservative investors. You can open a five-year tax saver fixed deposit online by transferring funds from your savings account. However, do check with your bank, as there are very few banks, which allow customers to open a tax-saver FD online, even though a regular FD can be opened

• Tax Benefit: Under Section 80C, up to Rs 1.5 lakhs
• Taxability on Maturity: Interest is taxable

4. Go for PPF: As a part of government-backed small saving scheme, Public Provident Fund or PPF is a traditional yet popular investment option. An individual with a zero risk appetite can open a PPF and invest in it for 15 years.

• Tax Benefit: Under Section 80C, up to Rs 1.5 lakhs
• Taxability on Maturity: Tax-free

5. Buy Term Insurance: A term insurance ensures financial security of your family even after your death. It is one of the cheapest insurance policies, as benefits are paid only when a policyholder dies. In case, he/she survives the tenure, nothing will be paid. In addition to covering your life, a term insurance policy also gives tax benefits.

• Tax Benefit: Under Section 80C, up to Rs 1.5 lakhs
• Taxability on Maturity: Not Applicable

 A Snapshot of Tax-Saving Instruments under Section 80C

EEE*: Exempt, Exempt, Exempt. The first exempt means that your investment is eligible for deductions. The second exempt means that there is no tax on the returns earned during the accumulation phase. The third and final exempt means that the income earned from investment would be tax-free at the time of withdrawal.

ETE**: Exempt, Taxable, Exempt: The first exempt means that your investment is eligible for deductions. The taxable means that there is tax on the returns earned during the accumulation phase. The third exempt means that income earned from investment would be tax-free at the time of withdrawal.

EET***: Exempt, Exempt, Taxable: The first exempt means that your investment is eligible for deductions. The second exempt means that there is no tax on the returns earned during the accumulation phase. The taxable means that the income earned from investment would be taxable at the time of withdrawal.

Remember, tax planning should be a continuous process. So, instead of making it a ‘last-minute’ exercise, plan in advance, preferably when the financial year starts. Unlike Caesar, you should pay heed to this important tip!

(Republished with Amendments)