Best Tax Saving Investments In India

The Best tax-saving investments in India play a crucial role in financial planning for both individuals and businesses. Key sections like 80C, 80D, 80CCD (1B), 24(b), 80TTA/80TTB, and 10(10D) within the Income Tax Act, 1961, hold considerable importance in best tax saving investments for individuals. By thoughtfully allocating funds to these investment avenues, taxpayers can effectively lower their tax obligations and simultaneously work towards growing their wealth over the long term.

Let’s talk about some of the amazing best tax-saving investments in India:

10 Best Tax Saving Investments in India 2023

Although there are various best tax-saving investments in India available in the market, people often get confused about which plan best suits them.

The following table of the best tax-saving investments under the Income Tax Act, 1961 will help you to choose the best investment plan as per your risk appetite and preferences:

Investment option	Returns	Lock-in period	Tax benefits under the Income Tax Act
United Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)	Returns may vary according to plans	5 years	According to section 80C and 10 (10D)
Sukanya Samridhi Yojana (SSY)	8% per annum	21 Years	According to section 80C and 10 (10D)
Public Provident Fund (PPF)	7.1%	15 years	According to section 80C
Employee Provident Fund (EPF)	8.15%	5 Years	According to section 80C
Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS)	8.20% per annum	5 Years	According to section 80C
National Pension Scheme (NPS)	9 -12%	Until Retirement	According to sections 80C, 80 CCD (1B), and 80 CCD (2)
National Saving Certificate (NSC)	7.7 % per annum	5 years	According to section 80C
Tax Saver FDs	5.5 – 7.5%	5 Years	According to section 80C
ELSS Fund	Performance varies as per the assets	3 years	According to section 80C
Life Insurance	Returns may vary according to plans	vary according to plans	According to section 80C and 10 (10D)

Details of 10 Best Tax Saving Investments in India

Let’s discuss the 10 best tax-saving investments in India in detail:

1. United Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)

ULIPs, or Unit Linked Insurance Plans, represent a fusion of investment and insurance products in India, presenting a dual advantage of wealth accumulation and financial security. These plans amalgamate life insurance and investment components, enabling individuals to enhance their financial assets while securing themselves and availing tax-saving advantages. Thus, these are considered the best tax-saving investments.

2. Sukanya Samridhi Yojna

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed best-tax saving investment that offers attractive tax benefits. It aims to promote the well-being of the girl child and persuade parents to save for their daughter’s education and marriage expenses. This best tax saving investment scheme is the small deposit scheme launched as part of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign.

3. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) stands as the best tax-saving scheme, entailing a lock-in period of 15 years. Persons can invest a maximum amount of Rs. 1.5 lakhs in a financial year within the PPF scheme.

4. Employee Provident Fund (EPF)

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a compulsory best tax saving investment mandated by the government of India. It serves the purpose of securing retirement benefits for employees. EPF encompasses tax benefits for both employees and employers, making it a significant component of financial planning and retirement savings in the country.

5. Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS)

The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a savings and investment option initiated by the Government of India, specifically designed for senior citizens aged 60 years or above. It provides a secure and attractive interest rate on their investments, offering them a safe financial avenue. The tax benefits associated with SCSS are exclusively accessible to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria of being senior citizens aged 60 years or above.

6. National Pension Scheme (NPS)

The National Pension System (NPS) is a government-sponsored pension cum best tax saving investment scheme in India, intended to encourage individuals to save for their retirement. NPS provides various tax benefits as an incentive for individuals to contribute towards their pension fund and secure their financial future during retirement.

7. National Saving Certificate (NSC)

The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is indeed a secure and reliable best tax saving investment option, providing investors with the assurance of guaranteed returns. Additionally, NSC offers tax benefits, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking long-term investments. This investment avenue aligns well with those looking for a steady and dependable way to grow their savings over time while enjoying tax advantages.

8. Tax Saver FDs

Tax-Saver Fixed Deposits (FDs) are a specific category of fixed deposit schemes provided by banks in India. They are the best tax-saving investment because they offer under the Income Tax Act, of 1961. Investors can avail tax deductions on the amount invested in these FDs, encouraging long-term savings. These best tax saving schemes come with a lock-in period of 5 years, during which the deposited amount cannot be withdrawn, ensuring a disciplined approach to saving and maximizing the tax benefits.

9. ELSS Fund

The Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) is a type of mutual fund that predominantly invests in equity and equity-linked securities. Best tax saving schemes offer individuals the potential for capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks. ELSS is a unique and the best tax-saving investment scheme, allowing investors to claim tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making it an attractive investment option for tax planning and wealth growth.

10. Life Insurance

Life insurance policies indeed serve as a valuable financial tool, offering both peace of mind for individuals and the best tax saving schemes. These policies not only provide financial protection to the policyholder’s loved ones in the event of their demise but also offer tax benefits, allowing policyholders to reduce their tax liability through premiums and other associated features. This dual benefit makes life insurance an essential component of financial planning for many individuals.

Conclusion

Absolutely, when it comes to the best tax-saving investments, there’s a diverse range of options to choose from. Each option of the best tax saving investment schemes has its unique benefits and limitations, tailored to suit the needs, risk tolerance, and financial goals of investors at different stages of life. Making informed choices and investing in these schemes can effectively help individuals save on taxes while simultaneously growing their money to achieve various financial objectives. It’s crucial to assess one’s financial situation and consult with a financial advisor to determine the best tax-saving investments for an individual’s circumstances.

Best Tax Saving Investments In India – FAQS

What are some best tax-saving investments in India?

Ans. Several notable investment options come with tax exemptions, including

The Sukanya Samriddhi Account
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Senior Citizens Saving Scheme
National Pension Scheme (NPS)
Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF)

Is tax applicable to my investments?

Ans. The tax implications on your investments depend on the specific investment type. Taxes are typically levied on:

Capital Gains: Taxes are applicable when you sell investments at a profit.
Dividends and Other Income Types: Tax is levied on dividends, interest, rental income, or other forms of earnings from your investments.

Tax on Interest: While interest from various tax-saving schemes is generally tax-free, some situations might require you to pay taxes on the interest earned.

How many tax-free investment instruments one can buy?

Ans. There is no restriction on the quantity of the best tax-saving investment schemes one can hold. However, there are limits on deductions that can be claimed for tax benefits.