KKN Gurugram Desk | When it comes to managing taxes, one of the best ways to reduce your taxable income is by making tax-saving investments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. For individuals who prefer to stick to the old tax regime, Section 80C provides an opportunity to claim deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh annually. But if you plan to claim deductions for the financial year 2024-25, you need to make your investments before March 31, 2025.

This article will guide you through various investment options under Section 80C that can help you save taxes and plan better for the upcoming year.

What is Section 80C of the Income Tax Act?

Section 80C of the Income Tax Act offers a tax deduction for various investments that you make towards certain eligible instruments. If you opt for the old tax regime, this section allows you to reduce your taxable income by up to ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year. These investments not only help in tax savings but also provide long-term benefits like wealth creation and financial security.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best tax-saving investment options under Section 80C that can help you maximize your deductions.

1. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is one of the most popular and attractive tax-saving investment options under Section 80C. PPF is a government-backed scheme offering a guaranteed return, making it an ideal choice for conservative investors.

• Interest Rate: Currently, the PPF offers an interest rate of 7.1%, which is higher than many other traditional investment options.
• Investment Limit: You can invest between ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh annually in a PPF account.
• Tax Benefits: The interest earned on PPF is tax-free, and the maturity proceeds are also exempt from tax.

PPF is a long-term investment with a maturity period of 15 years, making it a safe and stable option for building wealth over time.

2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme designed specifically for the parents of girl children. It offers a higher interest rate than PPF, making it an attractive option for those looking to secure their daughters’ future.

• Interest Rate: The current interest rate for SSY is 8.2%, which is higher than the PPF rate.
• Investment Limit: A minimum of ₹250 must be deposited in the account annually, and the maximum investment is ₹1.5 lakh.
• Tax Benefits: The contributions to the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C, and the interest earned is completely tax-free.

This scheme is available for parents with daughters under the age of 10, and they can open an account in the name of two daughters. The maturity amount, along with the interest, is also tax-free.

3. National Savings Certificate (NSC)

National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a low-risk investment option that provides guaranteed returns. It’s a popular choice among conservative investors looking to save taxes.

• Interest Rate: The current interest rate for NSC is 7.7%.
• Investment Limit: The minimum investment amount is ₹1,000, and there’s no upper limit for investment. However, the tax deduction under Section 80C is limited to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year.
• Maturity: The NSC has a lock-in period of 5 years, after which it matures, and you can redeem your invested amount along with the interest.

NSC is an excellent option for individuals who do not want to take any risks and are looking for a stable, government-backed investment.

4. Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)

For individuals above the age of 60, the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers a great way to save taxes while earning attractive returns. It is specifically designed for senior citizens who are looking for a safe and secure investment option.

• Interest Rate: The interest rate for SCSS is 8.2%, which is considerably higher than the interest rates of many other fixed-income instruments.
• Investment Limit: Senior citizens can invest a minimum of ₹1,000 and a maximum of ₹30 lakh under this scheme.
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ₹1.5 lakh are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C. The interest earned is taxable, but it is a good option for those looking for regular income in their retirement years.

SCSS comes with a 5-year lock-in period, and the interest is paid quarterly, making it a great option for senior citizens seeking steady cash flow.

5. 5-Year Tax-Saving Fixed Deposit

A 5-year tax-saving fixed deposit is another popular choice for individuals who want to save taxes. This is a simple and easily accessible option available through various banks.

• Interest Rate: The interest rates on tax-saving fixed deposits vary from 5% to 7% depending on the bank.
• Investment Limit: You can invest up to ₹1.5 lakh in these fixed deposits and claim tax benefits under Section 80C.
• Lock-in Period: These fixed deposits have a 5-year lock-in period, meaning you cannot withdraw your money before the end of the term.

The interest earned on these fixed deposits is taxable, but it provides a relatively safe way to invest for tax savings.

6. Tax-Saving Fixed Deposit (Bank FD)

A tax-saving fixed deposit is a straightforward investment option where you deposit a lump sum amount in a fixed deposit for a tenure of 5 years. The key feature of this type of FD is that it comes with a tax deduction benefit under Section 80C.

• Minimum Investment: You can start investing with a minimum of ₹1,000.
• Interest Rate: The interest rate varies between 5.5% to 7% depending on the bank.
• Tax Benefit: The investment made in a 5-year tax-saving FD qualifies for a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C.

The lock-in period is 5 years, and premature withdrawal is not allowed during this period. Interest earned is taxable, but you can enjoy the benefit of tax savings in the initial years.

Choosing the Right Investment Option for Tax Savings

While all of the investment options mentioned above are part of Section 80C, choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Risk Appetite: If you prefer a low-risk option, go for PPF, NSC, or Senior Citizens Savings Scheme. If you’re open to moderate risk, tax-saving fixed deposits and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana could be good choices.
• Interest Rates: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers a higher interest rate (8.2%) compared to PPF (7.1%) and NSC (7.7%).
• Investment Horizon: If you’re looking for long-term growth, PPF is a great option with a 15-year lock-in period. For medium-term goals, NSC or SCSS may be more suitable.
• Tax-Free Returns: Both PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offer tax-free returns, making them highly attractive for long-term wealth building.

It is important to balance your portfolio with different types of investments to optimize both tax savings and returns.

Last Date to Invest for FY 2024-25

To claim deductions for the financial year 2024-25 under Section 80C, you need to make your investments before March 31, 2025. After this date, you will not be able to claim the tax deductions for the previous year.

Be sure to make the necessary investments well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. Planning your investments early in the financial year will not only help you claim tax deductions but also ensure you are on track to achieve your long-term financial goals.

Section 80C provides multiple options for saving taxes while building wealth. Whether you are looking for guaranteed returns or prefer a higher risk for higher rewards, there are plenty of investment vehicles to choose from. PPF, NSC, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, and tax-saving FDs are among the most popular choices.

By planning ahead and making informed decisions, you can effectively save taxes while working towards your financial security. Just remember to make your investments before March 31, 2025, to claim the deductions for the 2024-25 financial year.