I'am working in the IT sector in TCS with about 8 years of experience and earning approx. 90 lakh per annum. However, a significant component goes as tax inspite of 80 CC investments. What other tax saving options can i have?

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: Hi,

Given your annual CTC of Rs 17.6 lakh and your current investments, here are some tax-saving investment options you can consider for the financial year 2023-24:

1. Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): This is a type of mutual fund that not only helps you save tax but also gives you an opportunity to grow your money. They have a lock-in period of 3 years.

2. Public Provident Fund (PPF): You've mentioned planning for Sukanya Samriddhi for your daughter, which is a great choice. In addition to that, you can also consider investing in PPF. It's a long-term investment option that offers tax-free interest.

3. Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP): Since you already have life insurance policies, you might want to look into ULIPs. They offer both insurance and investment under a single integrated plan.

4. National Savings Certificate: This is another safe investment option that you can consider.

5. New Pension Scheme (NPS): It's a voluntary, long-term retirement savings scheme designed to enable systematic savings. It is a mix of equity, fixed deposits, corporate bonds, liquid funds, and government funds.

6. Fixed Deposits: Some fixed deposits offer tax-saving benefits. However, the interest earned might be taxable.

7. Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS): Since you've mentioned senior citizen health insurance, if you or your family members qualify, SCSS can be a good option. It offers a good interest rate.

Remember, the key is to diversify your investments and not put all your money into one basket. It's also essential to keep in mind the lock-in periods, returns, and tax implications of each investment option.

I hope this helps!

Ans: FIrstly, please ascertain whether the Old Tax Regime is beneficial to you or the New Tax Regime. If it is the new one, you do not have to bother about saving any income tax as there are hardly any deductions available in it but the tax rates are lower. If Old Tax Regime is beneficial to you, then the tax benefits are available to you only if there are special circumstances for you, eg, you take a home loan and loan interest saves a bit of tax under IT Section 24(b), education loan under Section 80E, disability of self and/or dependents under Sections 80DD, 80DDB, and/or 80U, etc.

Ans: Unfortunately salaried people do not have many options, but if you have a housing loan or an education loan then you can get additional benefits. Donation is always an option u/s 80G.

Please consult with your CA once.

Ans: Interest paid on Home Loan is also exempt under the new tax regime. You may plan for that.
I feel in your case old regime may not be beneficial even after all tax savings under 80-C, 80-D & 80CCD(1b).
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.