How To Save Tax Legally?

[Naina Rajgopalan]

We've all heard the famous saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned." When it comes to taxes, that saying holds true. Tax planning is your secret weapon for saving money and boosting your income legally. The Indian Income Tax Act offers deductions for various investments, savings, and expenses incurred during a financial year. Let's dive into some tips to help you legally save on income tax in India.

The Importance of Tax Planning

Effective tax planning is not merely a financial strategy but an essential tool for securing your financial future. It holds several key benefits:

• Maximizing Savings: By taking advantage of tax deductions and exemptions, you can legally reduce your tax liability, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money.
• Financial Security: Tax planning ensures that you have resources available for emergencies, investments, and retirement, promoting long-term financial stability.
• Fulfilling Financial Goals: Strategic tax planning aligns with your financial goals, whether it's buying a home, providing for your family's healthcare, or planning for your children's education.
• Contributing to Society: Participating in government programs and charitable giving, both encouraged by the tax system, allows you to play a role in the betterment of society.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are complying with tax laws and optimizing your finances within legal boundaries provides peace of mind and reduces financial stress.

How To Save Tax Legally?

1. Interest on Savings Account

Did you know that the interest earned on your savings account is generally tax-exempt for up to Rs. 10,000? This includes the total interest from all your savings accounts, making it a convenient way to grow your money without worrying about income tax on savings accounts. For senior citizens, this limit is even higher at Rs. 50,000 under section 80TTB. 

2. Health Insurance Premiums

Under Section 80D, the premiums you pay to insure yourself, your spouse, and your dependent children against health issues can get you a deduction of up to Rs. 25,000 from your taxable income. If you're paying premiums for your senior citizen parents, you can claim an additional deduction of Rs. 30,000. This limit also covers expenses of up to Rs. 5,000 incurred on preventive health checkups.

3. Using A Progressive Insurance Agent

Tax planning with a progressive insurance agent involves considering how insurance products and strategies can be used to optimize your tax situation. Progressive insurance agents primarily focus on providing various insurance products, such as auto, home, and renters insurance. While their main role is not tax planning and tax management, insurance can still play a role in your overall financial plan.

4. Home Loan Benefits

Buying a home can also mean tax benefits. Under Sections 80C and 24(b), you can reduce your tax liability while investing in government programs like the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) and DDR (Delhi Development Authority) Housing Scheme. You can get deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C for the principal repayment, and Section 24(b) allows tax exemption on the interest portion of your home loan up to Rs. 2 lakh per year.

If you decide to rent out your newly purchased home, the entire interest component becomes exempt from annual income tax calculations. First-time homeowners can also enjoy additional tax reductions under Section 80EEA.

5. Life Insurance Payouts

If your life insurance premium is less than 10% of the sum assured (for policies bought after April 1, 2012), the maturity amount or bonus is entirely tax-free under Section 10. The maturity amount remains tax-free for policies bought before this date if the premium is 20% of the sum assured. Policies issued after April 1, 2013, covering individuals with disabilities or diseases listed under Sections 80U or 80DDB, also fall into this category, provided the premium is below 15% of the sum assured.

6. House Rent Allowance (HRA)

If you receive HRA from your employer and live in rented accommodation, you can claim deductions under Section 10(13A). You can claim the least of the following three exemptions from your taxable income before calculating your total tax liability:

• Actual HRA received from your employer.
• Actual rent paid, minus 10% of your salary.
• 50% of your salary (for metro city residents) or 40% (for non-metro city residents).
• If you don't receive HRA or own a residential house, you can still claim a deduction on house rent expenses under Section 80GG.

7. Government Schemes

Investing in government-mandated schemes not only offers high returns but also comes with tax waivers. You can claim deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on your annual income under Section 80C by investing in various tools like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension Scheme and more.

8. Income from Agriculture

Income from agriculture is generally not subject to income tax. However, the Income Tax Act has a partial integration method for such income, which aims to impose higher tax rates on non-agricultural income.

9. Charitable Donations

Donating to specific relief funds and charitable organisations can make you eligible for deductions under Section 80G. However, contributions in kind, such as food materials and medicines, do not qualify for deductions. To claim deductions under Section 80G, donations must be made through a cheque, demand draft, or cash (with no deductions allowed for cash donations exceeding Rs. 2,000). Contributions in kind are not eligible for deductions. This tax-saving opportunity extends to all taxpayers—individuals, companies, or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs).

Final Thoughts

Tax planning is a valuable tool that can help you legally reduce your tax liability and increase your disposable income. Understanding and strategically utilizing the tax-saving opportunities provided by the Indian Income Tax Act can significantly impact your financial well-being. 

By staying informed about these provisions and integrating them into your financial planning, you not only secure your own economic stability but also contribute to the development of society through charitable giving and participation in government programs. As the tax system is designed to reward responsible financial behaviour, it's a win-win situation for both individuals and the nation as a whole.

So, take charge of your financial future, explore these tax-saving options, and consult with a tax professional to ensure you're making the most of every opportunity available. With sound tax planning, you can enhance your financial security and ensure that your hard-earned money continues to work for you.