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How can I save on taxes with an income of Rs.35 lakhs and a home loan?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6997 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 16, 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 - Jul 28, 2024Hindi
Money

I would like to seek your advice on tax-saving options. My yearly income is approximately ?35 lakhs. Every month, ?28,000 is deducted for PF. I have medical insurance with a premium of ?50,000 and I contribute to NPS over 12 months. Additionally, I have a home loan with an annual interest payment of ?2 lakhs. Could you please suggest some ways to save on taxes? Thank you for your assistance.

Ans: With a yearly income of Rs. 35 lakhs, you fall into a higher tax bracket, so it's essential to optimise your tax-saving strategies.

Let's explore various options to help you reduce your taxable income and increase your savings.

1. Utilising Section 80C Deductions
Section 80C offers deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on various investments and expenses. Given your salary, it's vital to ensure you're fully utilising this limit.

Provident Fund (PF) Contributions:

Your monthly PF deduction of Rs. 28,000 amounts to Rs. 3.36 lakhs annually. However, only Rs. 1.5 lakh of this can be claimed under Section 80C.
National Pension System (NPS):

Contributions to NPS are eligible for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B). This is over and above the Rs. 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C.
Home Loan Principal Repayment:

The principal repayment of your home loan is also eligible for deduction under Section 80C. Ensure you include this when calculating your total 80C limit.
Other 80C Investment Options:

If you have not exhausted your Rs. 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C, consider investing in other eligible options such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), and life insurance premiums.
2. Leveraging Section 24 for Home Loan Interest
Interest Payment Deduction:
You can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakh on the interest paid on your home loan under Section 24(b). You've mentioned an annual interest payment of Rs. 2 lakh, which you can fully utilise to reduce your taxable income.
3. Maximising Health Insurance Benefits under Section 80D
Health Insurance Premium:
You are already paying a premium of Rs. 50,000 for medical insurance. Under Section 80D, you can claim a deduction for health insurance premiums up to Rs. 25,000 for yourself, spouse, and dependent children.
If your parents are senior citizens, you can claim an additional deduction of Rs. 50,000 for their health insurance premiums. If they are not senior citizens, the limit is Rs. 25,000.
4. Additional Deductions under Section 80E for Education Loans
Education Loan Interest:
If you have an education loan for yourself, spouse, or children, you can claim a deduction on the interest paid under Section 80E. This deduction is available for up to 8 years or until the interest is paid off, whichever is earlier.
5. Contributing to the National Pension System (NPS)
Additional Deduction for NPS Contributions:

Besides the Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B), you can also claim a deduction for your own NPS contributions under Section 80C, as mentioned earlier. This can be part of your Rs. 1.5 lakh limit.
Employer Contribution:

If your employer contributes to your NPS account, it can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80CCD(2). This is an additional deduction and does not fall under the Rs. 1.5 lakh limit of Section 80C.
6. Donations and Charitable Contributions under Section 80G
Eligible Donations:

Contributions to certain charitable organisations and relief funds are eligible for deductions under Section 80G. The deduction percentage varies depending on the organisation and the donation amount.
Claiming Deductions:

Ensure you have valid receipts and the organisation is eligible under Section 80G before claiming the deduction. This can help reduce your taxable income while contributing to a good cause.
7. Claiming Deductions for Savings Account Interest under Section 80TTA
Interest on Savings Account:

If you earn interest on your savings account, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 10,000 under Section 80TTA. This deduction is available for individual and HUF taxpayers.
Interest on Fixed Deposits (FDs):

Interest on FDs is fully taxable. However, senior citizens can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 on interest income from FDs, savings accounts, and post office schemes under Section 80TTB.
8. Avoiding Common Tax Mistakes
Accurate Record Keeping:

Maintain records of all your investments, insurance premiums, home loan statements, and other eligible expenses. Accurate records ensure that you claim all possible deductions and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities.
Tax Planning Throughout the Year:

Tax planning should be an ongoing process, not just something to consider at the end of the financial year. Regularly review your investments and expenses to maximise your tax-saving opportunities.
9. Final Insights
By strategically planning your investments and expenses, you can significantly reduce your tax burden. Ensure you are fully utilising deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and 24(b) for your provident fund contributions, home loan interest, and medical insurance.

Consider contributing to the National Pension System (NPS) for additional tax benefits and explore other options like charitable donations under Section 80G. With careful planning, you can achieve substantial tax savings and improve your financial well-being.

It's always a good idea to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor these strategies to your specific situation. They can provide detailed guidance based on your financial goals and current tax liabilities.

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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Hardik

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Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Jul 07, 2023

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Dear Mr. Parikh, Are there any tax saving options available, considering I am on new tax regime. Also, I don't have any home/auto/etc. loan, and stay in my own apartment. Regards, Praveen
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!

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Nov 09, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 45 working and wants to retire now. My wife salary is around 50k/month and she can work for another 18 yrs. Have 2 kids studying in 7th and 2nd class. I have ancestors home to live and major future expense will be kids higher education and marriage. Presently monthly expense is 40k. Regarding investment I have PPF 28 lacs maturing is 2 years, SSY 9 lac, wife PPF 5 lac, MF value 50 lac, equity 12 lac, EPF 11 lac, SGB 6 lac and FD/NSC 26 lac maturing all in next 3-4 yrs. No need of instant money. Please suggest if I can retire now and yes how can I invest my corpus for steady return
Ans: Retiring early is achievable for you with some strategic planning. Given your wife's consistent income, your existing corpus, and the specific needs for children's education and marriage, you can structure investments to sustain both immediate and future financial needs.

Here's a structured approach to plan your retirement:

1. Assessing Income Requirements
With monthly expenses at Rs 40,000, your wife’s income should comfortably cover routine household costs. However, you must ensure your investments provide a stable income as a buffer.

Estimating future inflation and children’s education costs is essential. Education and marriage may require sizable amounts, so it’s wise to earmark specific investments for these expenses.

2. Investment Allocation for Stability and Growth
To sustain your corpus and ensure it grows, dividing it into various categories can be beneficial:

2.1. Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
PPF: With Rs 28 lakh in PPF maturing in two years, the amount can continue growing without immediate withdrawal. This will allow it to act as a secondary emergency fund.

SSY: Your SSY amount of Rs 9 lakh offers good returns until maturity, making it ideal for your daughter’s future education or marriage needs.

Wife’s PPF: With Rs 5 lakh in her PPF, continue this as a low-risk, tax-free growth option. It will contribute toward your retirement needs.

2.2. Mutual Funds (MF) and Equity
Mutual Funds: At Rs 50 lakh, mutual funds can provide a balance of growth and steady returns. Continue your SIPs in actively managed funds for higher potential returns, as these are guided by expert fund managers compared to index funds. Actively managed funds allow flexibility, adapt to market trends, and provide a diversified growth path.

Equity: Your Rs 12 lakh in stocks offers high growth potential. However, direct stocks come with higher volatility. Rebalancing a portion to a balanced or flexi-cap mutual fund could add stability.

2.3. Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
EPF at Rs 11 lakh acts as a stable, long-term asset with tax-free growth. This can be a reserve fund for later years of retirement, extending your income over time.
2.4. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
With Rs 6 lakh in SGBs, you have a secure inflation hedge. Gold generally appreciates over time, offering a safety net. Keep this as a long-term asset for emergencies or children’s marriage.
2.5. Fixed Deposits and National Savings Certificates (FD/NSC)
Rs 26 lakh in FDs and NSCs maturing over 3-4 years can ensure short-term liquidity. For reinvestment, consider liquid funds or ultra-short-term debt funds for modest but stable returns, as they offer flexibility and better tax efficiency compared to traditional FDs.
3. Strategy for Steady Income Generation
Given your corpus and minimal monthly needs, you can rely on a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) and other low-risk options for steady income.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Consider setting up an SWP from your mutual fund corpus. This approach can provide a monthly cash flow without depleting the corpus immediately, especially if you use balanced or hybrid funds.

Debt Funds: Post maturity of your FD/NSC, consider reinvesting in debt mutual funds. These can offer better returns than traditional bank deposits with tax efficiency. Opt for funds with moderate durations to reduce interest rate risk.

4. Child Education and Marriage Planning
Education and marriage planning can be handled by earmarking specific assets for predictable growth:

PPF and SSY for Education: PPF maturity in two years can coincide with your child’s high school expenses. Likewise, SSY can be reserved for your daughter's education or marriage expenses. These instruments offer tax benefits and assured returns.

Dedicated Mutual Funds: You may consider allocating some portion of mutual funds specifically for children’s future. Balanced Advantage Funds or multi-cap funds could suit this purpose, providing both growth and stability.

5. Tax-Efficient Planning
Given the new capital gains tax rules, consider tax efficiency in each asset class:

Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Plan withdrawals strategically to keep gains within tax-free limits where possible.

Debt Mutual Funds: Gains are taxed as per your income slab. Post-retirement, when your income is lower, debt funds may become more tax-efficient than fixed deposits.

6. Emergency Fund and Health Coverage
Having a reserve is crucial for any unplanned expenses or emergencies:

Emergency Fund: Retain some funds in liquid investments, like liquid or ultra-short-term funds. This fund should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses.

Health Insurance: Ensure your family’s health coverage is adequate. Health costs tend to rise, so enhancing health coverage can prevent corpus depletion.

7. Estate Planning and Succession
Since you have ancestral property, structuring an estate plan is crucial to ensure a smooth inheritance for your children. A well-drafted will and nomination updates for all financial assets will make it easier for your family in the future.

Finally
Early retirement is achievable with smart financial moves. Your existing portfolio has significant potential, and with a structured plan, you can generate a stable income for years.

The outlined steps above ensure that your financial goals, family needs, and investment potential are fully covered. Focus on disciplined re-investment and consider reviewing your portfolio periodically to ensure alignment with evolving needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |26 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2024Hindi
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I have been working for more than 13 years in IT now and have played roles such as Software Support Engineer, Implementation Consultant, Business Analyst, Senior Business Analyst and now working as a Deplyoyment Lead. I have total 19 years of experience including 13 years in IT. I have not been getting good appraisals for the last 2 years and cannot see growth in my current job. Its been 6.5 years that I have been working with the same organization. Althought the organization is part of the Fortune 200 companies, its parent company is a non IT firm. I have recently got certified with PMP and have compeleted the training for PSM and PSPO. I am also trained on CBAP. Most importantly, I have a legal case where I am accused with few charges and this scares me everytime I think about changing my job. I am confused whether the new employers will reject me only on this basis. It had happened a couple of years ago and hence although I want to switch my job, I am unable to. Can someone guide me with the right path please?
Ans: I am a career consultant, not legal consultant. I understand your situation. In spite of ocean of experience you are not getting the desired jump in your career. First I would advise you to seek legal help from some good legal expert. I can refer you to a very good legal advisor Mr. Tanoj Joshi whose phone no is 89996 69167.With my reference just talk to him. First you have to get rid of the legal case.But I would request you to follow me in LINKEDIN and send request so that I can accept you, then through LINKEDIN I can counsel you in the future multiple times. I have counselled and changed thousands of lives. Best of luck. Professor

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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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