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Best Tax Saving Investment Options AY2018-2019
A comprehensive list income tax saving investment options in India and our detailed analysis including rate of return, risks, rewards. Covering under Section 80C, 80CCC, 80CCD(1), 80CCD(1b), 80CCD(2), 80D, 80DD, 80U, 80DDB, 80E, 80G, 80GGA, 80GGB, 80GGC, 80GG.
Tax Saving Investments under 80C:
| Type of Investment | Reason for Recommendation | Typical Return % Per Year | Risks | Maximum Deduction Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELSS (Equity Linked Saving Scheme) | You can not only save tax but also grow money. | 18.50% | Invest long period get more benefit and try to avoid dividends | 1,50,000 |
| NPS (National Pension Scheme) | Get money at the time of retirement, 40% of the return is tax exempted. | 12.30% | Only 20% exempted when you withdraw before 60 years of age. | |
| i) Employee's contribution to NPS (Section 80CCD-1) | 1,50,000 | |||
| ii) Employer's contribution to NPS (Section 80CCD-2) | 10% of salary | |||
| iii) Additional Employee's contribution to NPS (Section 80CCD-1B) | 50,000 | |||
| ULIPS (Unit Linked Saving Scheme) | 5 Years lock-in-period gives you Savings and Tax-free Returns | 10.70% | Early withdrawal may incur charges that may reduces return on investment. | 1,50,000 |
| Sukanya Samriddhi | For higher education purpose you can withdraw 50% deposited | 8.50% | Available for Girl child under 10 years of age. | 1,50,000 |
| VPF (Voluntary Providend Fund) and PPF (Public Providend Fund) | Safe and Secure; Money automatically flows into the PF account. | 8.50% | 1,50,000 | |
| Senior Citizen Saving Scheme | Post Office saving scheme; Maturity period is 5 years. After 5 years you can increase your period, interest will be added to your savings account | 8.30% | If account is closed before 2 years, you have to pay 1.5% of balance in to the account, after 2 years 1% of the balance. | 1,50,000 |
| NSCs (National Saving Certificate) | Like FD of Money, but the earned interest is not taxable; On retirement, it will fetch you monthly pension as the NSC matures. | 8.20% | Investments cannot be withdrawn prematurely unless the case involves the death of the primary holders. | 1,50,000 |
| Pension Plan | 33% of Tax free at the time of withdraw | 8-10% | High Charges | 1,50,000 |
| Bank FDs | The interest rate on tax saving FD is decided by the banks. Senior citizens get a higher interest rate. | 7.50%-8.50% | Tax on interest, The lock in period for the Tax Saving FD is 5 years. | 1,50,000 |
| Insurance Plan | Lower the taxes | 5.50% | May earn 5 to 6% of savings only | 1,50,000 |
| Total Deduction Allowed across all Investments | 1,50,000 + 50,000 + 10% of Salary | |||
Health Insurance (80D):
A taxpayer may maximise the tax benefit under Section 80D to a total of Rs.55,000 /- (Rs.25,000 for Self + Rs.30,000 for Parents) if the tax payer's age is below 60 years while the parent's age is above 60. Or
A Total of Rs. 60,000/- if the tax payer age is 60 years, and also have their health insurance premium for their parents.
Health insurance cover for self and family premium paid not only buys the health cover but also help in saving their taxes. In view of the rising hospital costs, buying a health insurance certainly helps.
Note: From 2018-19 financial year onwards, for senior citizens, the Health Insurance deduction has increased from Rs.30,000 to Rs.50,000.
Savings Interest (80TTA):
An individual can claim a deduction of up to Rs.10,000/- of interest received from Savings Account
Note:- From 2018-19 financial year onwards, Savings Account Interest deduction allowed for senior citizens has increased from Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000/- .
- No deduction is allowed for the interest earned on fixed deposit.
Interest on Education Loan (80E):
There is no limit on the amount of interest on education loan, you can claim as deduction for interest that you pay towards your Education Loan. This loan should have been taken for higher education for you, your spouse or your children or for a student for whom you are a legal guardian.
Note:- Principal Repayment on educational loan cannot be claimed as tax deduction.
- The deduction is available for a maximum of 8 years or till the interest is paid, whichever is earlier.
Donations (80G):
Donations made to specified relief funds and charitable institutions as a deduction from gross total income before arriving at taxable income.
The amount of donation which can be claimed as a deduction under section 80G is determined as per certain rules. You can claim either 100% or 50% of the amount donated as a deduction subject to 'With' or 'Without' the upper limit.
Donations (80GGA):
Donation made for scientific research or rural development the whole amount given is allowed as deduction
Eligibility:- No deduction shall be allowed in respect of any sum exceeding ten thousand rupees unless amount is paid by any mode other than cash.
- No deduction shall be allowed in case of an assesse whose gross total income includes income which is chargeable under the head 'Profits and gains of business or profession'.
Donations (80GGC):
Donation to a recognised political party or an electoral trust can claim full tax deduction.
Assesse needs to pay donation through cheque, demand draft or internet banking. Cash payments are not eligible for rebate.