Is enhanced survival benefit of LIC Jeevan ASHA 2 Table 131 option 2 tax exempt or taxable on maturity?

Ans: Hello there,

Based on the information available, the survival benefit you're receiving from your Birla Sun Life Insurance Income Assured 2017 Term 15 Years Pay 05 Years policy is generally not taxable. This is because any sum received from a life insurance policy, including maturity proceeds and death benefits, is usually tax-free, subject to certain conditions.

However, it's important to note that there was a change proposed in Budget 2023. If the aggregate annual premium of a life insurance policy exceeds Rs. 5 lakh, the maturity amount may be taxable. So, if your annual premium is more than Rs. 5 lakh, you might have to pay tax on the maturity amount.

Remember, these are general guidelines and tax laws can change. It's always a good idea to consult with a tax advisor or professional to understand the specific tax implications for your situation.

I hope this helps!

Ans: You're right, there seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the TDS deduction on your Jeevan Asha-II policy maturity amount. Here's a breakdown:

TDS on Maturity: Generally, for pre-2014 ULIPs and traditional endowment plans like Jeevan Asha-II, maturity proceeds are exempt from tax if the annual premium doesn't exceed 20% of the sum assured. In your case, the premium amount seems to be well below the 20% limit.

Possible Reasons for TDS: There could be a few reasons for the TDS deduction:

Technical Error: An error in LIC's system might have triggered the TDS deduction.
Change in Rules: While the rule generally applies to pre-2014 policies, there might have been a specific clarification or change applicable to your policy.
Recommendations:

Contact LIC: Get in touch with LIC's customer care or your agent. Explain the situation and the relevant tax rule. Request clarification on the reason for TDS deduction and explore the possibility of a refund if it was an error.
Tax Return Filing: While filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), you can mention the maturity amount received, the TDS deducted (Rs. 16,180), and the exemption clause applicable to your policy (premiums below 20% of sum assured). This will help you claim the deducted TDS amount if it wasn't justified.
Calculating Your Tax Liability:

Since the maturity amount is likely exempt from tax, you don't need to calculate any additional tax liability on it (assuming you haven't received any taxable bonuses). However, your total income for the year will determine your tax bracket (30% in your case) and the tax applicable to your other income sources.

Remember: For specific advice on your situation and the possibility of an LIC error or rule change, consulting a tax advisor familiar with LIC policies and tax rules for pre-2014 plans might be helpful.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: The enhanced survival benefit under Option 2 of LIC Jeevan Asha 2 is considered taxable income in India. Here's why:

Option 2: This option allows you to withdraw a lump sum amount for meeting hospital expenses in case of a surgical procedure.

Income Tax Rules: According to the Income Tax Act, any money received under a life insurance policy, except for the maturity benefit or death benefit, is considered taxable income. This includes benefits received for specific situations like critical illness or surgical procedures.

Therefore, the enhanced survival benefit withdrawn under Option 2 will be added to your mother-in-law's taxable income for the year.

It's essential to consult with a tax advisor or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to understand the specific tax implications based on your individual circumstances and prevailing tax regulations. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial situation and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance policy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Broadly there are two types of Life Insurance Policy (1) ULIP (2) others
[ULIP insurance plan offers the dual benefit of investment to fulfil your long-term goals, and a life cover) and other policies]

1. Policy taken before 1st February 2021

The amount received on the maturity of your ULIP is free from tax as per section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, if the amount of premium paid is less than 10% of the sum assured you will receive [For the ULIPs that are purchased before April 2012, the rate is 20%].

2. Policy taken on or After 1st February 2021

After the amendments that were made with the 2021 budget, the returns from your ULIP will be taxed if the premium paid by you in a year exceeds Rs 2.5 lakhs. ULIP proceeds will now be charged as a Capital gain (whether long-term or short-term will be decided by the tenure)

Payouts from life insurance policies (excluding ULIPs) issued after April 1, 2023, will be taxable if the total annual premium exceeds Rs. 5 lakhs.