Every month I am paying 30% tax on my salary .I have invested in PPF,NPS,EPF L,MEDICLAIM,LIC and also HRA. I have utilised the maximum benefits available in all sections.Still the amount of tax I have to pay is humongous. Can u please let me know if there is any other financial products that I should invest to save more tax

Ans: Hi Kalim, There are multiple tax saving options you can use.  Following are few of the popular tax saving options available:

You can save tax up to 1.5 lakhs under section 80C by investing in PF, PPF, ELSS, ULIP, Insurance, home loan principal repayment, etc

Investing in NPS helps you to save further of 50k under section 80CCD which is over and above 1.5 lakhs under section 80C.

Section 80D provides income tax deduction on medical insurance premium paid for self and family. You can claim up to 25,000 for premium paid for self, spouse and kids. In case of senior citizens the limit is 50k.

If you have a home loan, you can also claim tax deduction on the interest paid towards home loan. You can claim deduction for up to 2 lakhs for the interest paid.

Further you can claim the contributions made to certain relief funds and charitable institutions under section 80G.

Ans: Since you have covered many of the commonly used tax saving options, the few available exemptions/deductions are:

1. Tax saving on home loan interest paid, under Section 24, upto Rs 2 lakhs
2. Tax savings on interest repayment on a home loan for first-time owners, under Section 80EE, upto Rs 50,000 (the value of the house to be less than Rs 50 lakhs and the loan less than Rs 35 lakhs) over and above the deduction of Section 24 above.
3. HRA/tax savings on rent paid in cases where HRA isn't paid under Section 80GG, upto Rs 60,000 in a financial year (deduction is not applicable to taxpayers who own a house, but live in a rented house in the same city). It cannot be availed by taxpayers who own a house in another city and claim tax deduction under Section 24 towards repayment of home loan interest on that house)
4. Leave Travel Allowance under Section 10 (5) for domestic travel
5. Tax savings on interest earned from savings bank accounts under Section 80TTA, for a maximum limit of Rs 10,000
6. Reimbursements: You need to check with your company on the various reimbursements possible, like medical, transport allowance, food coupons, vehicle reimbursement, etc

 

Ans: Under new tax regime in addition to low tax slab rate, few deductions are available like Employer’s Contributions to Employees NPS Accounts, certain deduction from salary income like standard deductions, Transport Allowance, Conveyance Allowance, Perquisites for official purpose etc

Ans: Dear Praveen,

Thank you for your question. I understand that you're looking for tax-saving options under the new tax regime. While the new tax regime does limit some of the deductions available under the old regime, there are still a few options you can consider.

Standard Deduction: A fixed amount of Rs. 50,000 is allowed as a deduction from the total income of salaried individuals. Please note that if you claim this standard deduction, you cannot claim any other deduction for the same amount under any other section of the Income Tax Act.
Employer's Contribution to NPS: If your employer contributes to your National Pension Scheme (NPS) account, this contribution can be claimed as a deduction.
Transport Allowances for Persons with Disabilities: If you have a disability, you may be eligible for deductions related to transport allowances.
Gratuity: If you receive a gratuity from your employer, it may be exempt from tax under Section 10(10).
Leave Encashment: If you receive any amount in lieu of leave not taken, it may be exempt from tax under Section 10(10AA).
Please remember that tax planning should be a part of your overall financial planning. It's important to choose the options that best suit your financial goals and circumstances. If you need more detailed advice, I would recommend consulting with a tax advisor who can provide guidance based on your specific situation.

I hope this helps!

Ans: Congratulations on your recent retirement and your prudent investment choices so far. You've already made a smart move by investing in the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). Now, with Rs. 50 lakhs in liquidity and an annual tax liability of Rs. 3 lakhs, let's explore some tax-saving schemes that can also help you achieve financial stability.

Exploring Tax-Saving Investment Options
Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS)

The Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme is a government-backed savings instrument for individuals above 60 years. It offers regular income and tax benefits.

Strengths

Regular Income: Quarterly interest payments provide steady income.

Tax Benefits: Investments qualify for deductions under Section 80C.

Challenges

Lock-in Period: Five-year lock-in period, extendable by three years.

Investment Cap: Maximum investment limit is Rs. 15 lakhs.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)

NSC is another government-backed fixed-income investment scheme. It is safe and offers tax benefits under Section 80C.

Strengths

Safety: Backed by the Government of India.

Tax Savings: Qualifies for Section 80C deductions.

Challenges

Interest Taxable: Interest earned is taxable.

Fixed Tenure: Five-year lock-in period.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a long-term investment scheme with attractive interest rates and tax benefits. It is suitable for building a retirement corpus.

Strengths

Tax Benefits: Contributions qualify for Section 80C deductions, and interest earned is tax-free.

Safety: Government-backed scheme.

Challenges

Lock-in Period: 15-year lock-in period, but partial withdrawals are allowed after the seventh year.

Investment Cap: Maximum annual investment limit is Rs. 1.5 lakhs.

Tax-Free Bonds

Tax-free bonds issued by government entities offer tax-free interest income. They are suitable for conservative investors seeking regular income.

Strengths

Tax-Free Income: Interest earned is exempt from tax.

Safety: Issued by government-backed entities.

Challenges

Lower Returns: Generally offer lower interest rates compared to other fixed-income investments.

Liquidity: Can be traded in the secondary market but with low liquidity.

ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme)

ELSS are mutual funds with a lock-in period of three years, providing tax benefits under Section 80C. They invest primarily in equities.

Strengths

Tax Benefits: Investments qualify for Section 80C deductions.

Potential for High Returns: Equity exposure can provide higher returns over the long term.

Challenges

Market Risk: Subject to market fluctuations.

Lock-in Period: Three-year lock-in period.

Optimizing Your Investment Strategy
Diversification

Diversify your investments across different asset classes to manage risk. A mix of fixed-income and equity investments can provide stability and growth.

Balanced Approach

Given your current investments and tax liability, a balanced approach between safe, income-generating investments and growth-oriented investments is ideal.

Regular Monitoring

Keep an eye on your investments and tax liability. Adjust your portfolio as needed based on performance and changes in tax laws.

Utilize Section 80C Fully

Make sure you fully utilize the Rs. 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C. This includes investments in SCSS, PPF, NSC, and ELSS.

Maximize Tax-Free Income

Consider tax-free bonds to maximize tax-free income. They provide steady, risk-free returns.

Implementing the Strategy
Step 1: Invest in SCSS

Invest Rs. 15 lakhs in the Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme for regular income and tax benefits under Section 80C.

Step 2: Allocate Funds to PPF

Invest Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually in a Public Provident Fund for long-term growth and tax-free interest. This also qualifies for Section 80C deductions.

Step 3: Purchase Tax-Free Bonds

Invest in tax-free bonds for steady, tax-exempt interest income. This will enhance your regular income without adding to your tax burden.

Step 4: Explore ELSS

Consider investing in Equity-Linked Savings Schemes for potential higher returns and additional Section 80C benefits. Start with a small allocation due to market risks.

Step 5: Consider NSC

Allocate some funds to National Savings Certificates for additional tax savings and safe, fixed returns.

Ensuring Financial Security
Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your expenses. This will provide a financial cushion in case of unexpected expenses.

Health Insurance

Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Medical expenses can deplete your savings quickly.

Estate Planning

Plan your estate and ensure your financial documents are in order. This includes writing a will and nominating beneficiaries for your investments.

Additional Tips for Financial Well-Being
Stay Informed

Keep yourself updated on changes in tax laws and new investment opportunities. Staying informed will help you make better financial decisions.

Seek Professional Guidance

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals. Professional guidance can help optimize your investment strategy.

Regular Review

Review your investment portfolio and financial plan regularly. Adjustments may be needed based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Empathy and Encouragement
Retirement is a significant life transition, and managing your finances effectively is crucial for peace of mind. Your proactive approach to investing and tax planning is commendable. Remember, the key to successful financial planning is diversification, regular monitoring, and staying informed.

You're already on the right track with your investments in the PMVVY. By strategically allocating your remaining funds into tax-saving schemes, you can reduce your tax liability and ensure a steady income stream.

Conclusion
Your retirement planning is off to a great start. With careful consideration of tax-saving schemes like SCSS, PPF, tax-free bonds, and ELSS, you can optimize your investment portfolio. Diversification, regular monitoring, and professional guidance will ensure financial stability and peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in