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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7014 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 11, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 04, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi, my package is around12lpa. I hv invested in PPF for 3k SIP and 5k SIP in mutual funds, HRA with 20k monthly rent. Still I hv my tax deducted monthly around 5-8k. Can u help me in wat ways can I invest and wer do I need to invest that would help me in zero tax cut

Ans: Understanding Your Financial Situation
Income and Tax Structure
Your annual package is Rs 12 lakh, translating to Rs 1 lakh per month. You currently invest Rs 3,000 in PPF and Rs 5,000 in mutual funds via SIPs. You also pay Rs 20,000 per month as rent. Despite these investments and deductions, your monthly tax deduction ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000. Let's delve deeper into optimizing your investments and tax planning.

Monthly Breakdown
Monthly Income: Rs 1,00,000
Rent: Rs 20,000
PPF SIP: Rs 3,000
Mutual Fund SIP: Rs 5,000
Tax Deduction: Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000
Maximizing Tax Savings
Section 80C Investments
You can claim deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C. Currently, you are investing Rs 3,000 per month in PPF, totaling Rs 36,000 annually. You can optimize this section further.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF offers a safe investment with attractive interest rates and tax benefits. Continue with your current PPF SIP and consider increasing it if possible.

Current Annual Investment: Rs 3,000 * 12 = Rs 36,000
Potential Increase: Aim for Rs 1.5 lakh annually to maximize the Section 80C limit.
Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
ELSS mutual funds are tax-saving instruments with a lock-in period of three years. They offer the dual benefit of tax savings and potential market-linked returns.

Annual Investment: Consider allocating a portion of your Rs 5,000 SIP towards ELSS funds.
Lock-in Period: 3 years
Potential Returns: Higher than traditional instruments but with market risk.
Section 80D: Health Insurance
Premiums paid for health insurance policies qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D. This can include policies for yourself, your spouse, children, and dependent parents.

Health Insurance Premiums
Self, Spouse, and Children: Deduction up to Rs 25,000.
Parents (Below 60): Additional deduction up to Rs 25,000.
Parents (Above 60): Additional deduction up to Rs 50,000.
Benefits
Tax Savings: Up to Rs 75,000 if parents are senior citizens.
Health Coverage: Ensures financial support during medical emergencies.
Section 80E: Education Loan Interest
Interest paid on education loans for higher studies can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80E. This deduction is available for a maximum of 8 years or until the interest is fully repaid, whichever is earlier.

Education Loan Interest
Eligibility: Loans taken for higher education of self, spouse, or children.
No Upper Limit: The entire interest amount is deductible.
Section 80G: Donations
Donations made to specified charitable institutions and relief funds are eligible for deductions under Section 80G. The deduction can be either 50% or 100% of the donation amount, depending on the type of institution.

Charitable Donations
Eligible Donations: Donations to specified funds, NGOs, and charitable institutions.
Deduction: 50% or 100% of the donation amount.
Documentation: Ensure proper receipts and documentation for claiming the deduction.
Section 24(b): Home Loan Interest
Interest paid on a home loan for a self-occupied property is deductible up to Rs 2 lakh under Section 24(b). This deduction is over and above the Section 80C limit.

Home Loan Interest
Self-Occupied Property: Deduction up to Rs 2 lakh.
Rented Property: Entire interest amount deductible without any upper limit.
Principal Repayment: Eligible under Section 80C within the Rs 1.5 lakh limit.
Investment Planning
Diversifying Investments
Diversification helps in spreading risk and optimizing returns. Your current investments are a good start, but further diversification can enhance your portfolio.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer a range of investment options across different asset classes. Diversify your mutual fund investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Equity Funds: For long-term growth and higher returns.
Debt Funds: For stability and regular income.
Hybrid Funds: For a balanced approach combining equity and debt.
Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
EPF is a retirement benefits scheme available to salaried employees. Contributions to EPF qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C.

Employee Contribution: 12% of basic salary.
Employer Contribution: 12% of basic salary.
Tax Benefits: Employee's contribution qualifies under Section 80C.
National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a government-backed pension scheme offering tax benefits under Section 80C and an additional Rs 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B).

Section 80C: Contribution up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Section 80CCD(1B): Additional Rs 50,000.
Tax Savings: Up to Rs 2 lakh in total.
Additional Tax Saving Strategies
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
HRA can be claimed if you live in rented accommodation. The deduction is the least of the following:

Actual HRA received: Rs 20,000 per month.
50% of Salary (Metro): 50% of Rs 1,00,000 = Rs 50,000 per month.
Rent Paid – 10% of Salary: Rs 20,000 - Rs 10,000 = Rs 10,000 per month.
Optimizing HRA Claim
Ensure you have rent receipts and rental agreement documentation. Claim the maximum allowable deduction based on actual rent paid.

Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)
LTA can be claimed for travel expenses incurred for trips within India. It can be claimed twice in a block of four years.

LTA Claim
Eligibility: Travel expenses for self, spouse, children, and dependent parents.
Exemptions: Actual travel expenses (travel fare only, not food or accommodation).
Documentation: Maintain proper travel tickets and receipts.
Tax-Free Allowances and Perquisites
Certain allowances and perquisites provided by employers are tax-free. These can include meal coupons, telephone reimbursements, and conveyance allowances.

Utilizing Tax-Free Allowances
Meal Coupons: Up to Rs 50 per meal is tax-free.
Telephone Reimbursements: Actual expenses incurred for official purposes.
Conveyance Allowance: Up to Rs 1,600 per month is tax-free.
Regular Review and Rebalancing
Importance of Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your portfolio ensures it remains aligned with your goals and market conditions. Rebalancing helps maintain the desired asset allocation.

Quarterly Review: Assess the performance and make necessary adjustments.
Annual Review: Reevaluate your financial plan based on changes in income, expenses, or goals.
Professional Guidance
Benefits of Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP provides personalized advice, helping you achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Tailored Strategies: CFPs design investment strategies based on your specific needs and risk tolerance.
Regular Monitoring: They monitor your portfolio and suggest timely adjustments to optimize returns.
Comprehensive Planning: CFPs assist in tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning, ensuring holistic financial health.
Actively Managed Funds vs Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds offer low costs, they may not provide the best returns. Actively managed funds, despite higher fees, aim to outperform the market.

Expert Management: Fund managers actively select stocks to generate higher returns.
Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adapt to market changes, potentially reducing losses.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct mutual funds require investor expertise and regular monitoring. Without professional guidance, there’s a risk of poor investment decisions.

Complexity: Direct funds demand more time and knowledge to manage effectively.
Risk of Underperformance: Investors may not achieve optimal returns without proper guidance.
Final Insights
By optimizing your tax-saving investments and making strategic contributions, you can significantly reduce your taxable income. Utilize Section 80C, 80D, 80E, and other sections effectively. Diversify your investments across different asset classes and seek professional guidance for personalized advice. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7014 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 22, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I am currently earning 1 lakh per month Regarding the investment purpose i am having a house loan emi per month, also doing fixed deposit after every 3-4 months and also investing in ppf and nps I cannot invest in term life insurance due my medical issues and cannot also invest in medical insurance for parent they are also facing medical issues so what can be done in this case monthly around 16k tax is getting deducted
Ans: Your current financial situation reflects a well-structured approach towards savings and investments despite the constraints posed by medical issues. You have a steady income of ?1 lakh per month, and you are diligently paying off a home loan EMI, investing in fixed deposits (FD), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and the National Pension System (NPS). This detailed guide aims to help you navigate your financial strategy effectively while considering your limitations and future goals.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income and Expenses
Your monthly income is ?1 lakh, with an approximate deduction of ?16,000 for taxes. This leaves you with ?84,000 per month.

Home Loan EMI
Your home loan EMI is a significant fixed expense. Ensure this is a manageable proportion of your income to avoid financial strain.

Investments
You are making regular investments in FDs, PPF, and NPS. This is a prudent approach for tax savings and long-term financial security.

Medical Insurance Constraints
You cannot invest in term life insurance or medical insurance for your parents due to medical issues. This presents a unique challenge that requires a tailored financial strategy.

Optimizing Investments
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a secure, long-term investment that offers tax benefits. Continue maximizing your PPF contributions up to the permissible limit.

Benefits
Tax-free interest
Long-term growth
Safe investment option
National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is excellent for retirement planning. It offers tax benefits and the potential for higher returns due to market-linked investments.

Benefits
Additional tax deduction under Section 80CCD(1B)
Flexibility in choosing the investment mix
Pension income post-retirement
Fixed Deposits (FD)
FDs offer guaranteed returns, making them a safe investment. However, their returns are generally lower compared to other investment options.

Considerations
Ensure you ladder your FDs to manage liquidity.
Compare interest rates across banks for better returns.
Exploring Additional Investment Options
Mutual Funds
Actively managed mutual funds can provide higher returns compared to FDs. They offer diversification and professional management.

Equity Mutual Funds
Suitable for long-term investments.
Higher potential returns but with market-linked risks.
Debt Mutual Funds
Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Suitable for short to medium-term investments.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIP)
Investing through SIPs in mutual funds helps in averaging out the market volatility and compounding returns over time.

Benefits
Disciplined investment approach
Flexibility in investment amount and tenure
Potential for higher returns compared to lump-sum investments
Tax-saving Investments
Consider other tax-saving instruments under Section 80C and 80D to reduce your taxable income further.

Examples
Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS)
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) (if applicable for your parents)
Managing Medical Expenses
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund will provide a financial cushion for unexpected medical expenses.

Strategies
Keep this fund in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Regularly review and adjust the fund amount based on your expenses.
Government and Employer Schemes
Explore any government or employer-provided health schemes that might offer some coverage for medical expenses.

Benefits
Reduced medical costs
Additional financial support for treatments
Financial Planning for Your Parents
Health Savings
Since insurance isn't an option, allocate a portion of your savings specifically for your parents' medical expenses.

Strategies
Create a dedicated medical fund.
Invest in low-risk, high-liquidity options like savings accounts or liquid funds.
Estate Planning
Ensure that you have an estate plan in place. This includes having a will to manage and distribute your assets efficiently.

Benefits
Clear instructions for asset distribution
Minimizes legal complications
Budgeting and Expense Management
Monthly Budget
Create a detailed monthly budget to track your income, expenses, and savings.

Steps
List all sources of income.
Categorize and list all expenses.
Allocate funds for essential expenses first (EMI, utilities, groceries).
Set aside a portion for savings and investments.
Review and adjust the budget regularly.
Expense Tracking
Use expense tracking apps or maintain a manual record to monitor your spending habits.

Benefits
Identifies unnecessary expenses
Helps in sticking to the budget
Reducing Tax Liability
Explore ways to reduce your taxable income through various deductions and exemptions.

Strategies
Maximize contributions to tax-saving instruments.
Claim deductions for home loan interest under Section 24(b).
Long-term Financial Goals
Retirement Planning
Continue contributing to your NPS and PPF for a secure retirement. Evaluate the corpus required for your retirement and plan accordingly.

Strategies
Review and adjust your retirement corpus based on inflation and lifestyle changes.
Diversify retirement investments for better risk management.
Child’s Education and Future
Start planning for your child’s education early to ensure you have sufficient funds when needed.

Education Fund
Consider starting an education fund through SIPs in equity mutual funds.
Use PPF and other long-term instruments for this purpose.
Investment Diversification
Diversify your investments across different asset classes to balance risk and return.

Examples
Equity and debt mutual funds
PPF and NPS
FDs and other fixed-income instruments
Conclusion
Your financial journey requires a balanced approach given the constraints on insurance and the need to manage medical expenses. By optimizing your current investments, exploring additional options, and maintaining a disciplined budgeting approach, you can secure a stable financial future for yourself and your family. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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