Tax Saving Options Other Than Section 80C

When we start earning, we realize the significance of tax planning as we see deductions from our salaries. While many know about the ₹1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C, there are numerous overlooked avenues. This article explores tax-saving alternatives beyond Section 80C, aiming to maximize savings and minimize tax liability.

Being aware of these options is essential for effective tax planning and optimizing financial well-being. Explore these strategies to make informed decisions and alleviate the tax burden, complementing your life choices and financial goals.

Section 80D - Health insurance premiums

Section 80D of the Income Tax Act serves as a catalyst for promoting self-financed health insurance by offering a valuable tax incentive. This section enables taxpayers to claim deductions from their total taxable income for payments made towards health insurance premiums and healthcare-related expenses. It's important for individuals to carefully review their policy documents to ensure that the premiums paid qualify for tax deduction under Section 80D.

The deduction limits under Section 80D vary depending on the composition of the insured individuals and their ages, thus reflecting the diverse family situations of taxpayers. These limits can range from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh, offering flexibility to taxpayers in maximizing their tax benefits based on their specific circumstances.

For instance, if the health insurance policy covers an individual, their spouse, and their children, the deduction limit stands at ₹25,000. However, this limit increases to ₹50,000 if any of the insured individuals is a senior citizen. Similarly, when the policy extends coverage to include parents, the deduction limit remains at ₹25,000 for non-senior citizen parents and escalates to ₹50,000 for senior citizen parents.

It's noteworthy that these deduction limits are independent of the family coverage limit, ensuring that taxpayers can avail significant tax benefits irrespective of their family composition. By leveraging the tax deductions provided under Section 80D, individuals can effectively manage their healthcare expenses while simultaneously reducing their tax liabilities, thereby enhancing their financial well-being.
 

Section 80DD - Expenses towards a handicapped dependant

Under Section 80DD, individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) supporting disabled family members can claim tax exemptions for expenses incurred towards their treatment and well-being. The extent of coverage is contingent upon the degree of disability.

Those with disabilities ranging from 40% to 80% are eligible for deductions up to ₹75,000. Families caring for individuals with disabilities exceeding 80% can claim up to ₹1.25 lakh, encompassing all related expenses. However, such exemptions are exclusively applicable to the family of the dependent individual with severe disabilities.

Section 80DD of the Income Tax Act extends tax deductions to taxpayers responsible for caring for disabled dependents, aiming to alleviate financial burdens associated with their support. 
Disabled dependents, as per the section, encompass spouses, children, parents, siblings, or any member of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF). To qualify for deductions, the dependent should not have claimed benefits under Section 80U, which pertains to taxpayer disabilities.

The disabilities covered under this provision include blindness, low vision, locomotor disability, hearing impairment, mental retardation, mental illness, autism, cerebral palsy, among others. Eligible medical expenses encompass costs for medical treatment, nursing, training, rehabilitation, and premiums for specific insurance policies catering to such disabilities.

Deduction amounts vary based on the severity of the disability. Taxpayers can claim up to ₹75,000 annually if the dependent has at least 40% disability and up to ₹1.25 lakh if the disability is severe (80% or more). For instance, if medical expenses for an autistic child amount to ₹35,000, the deduction would be ₹75,000 or ₹1.25 lakh based on certification.

Taxpayers must provide medical certificates from qualified institutions to validate the dependent's disability status. Certification for conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, or multiple disabilities necessitates Form 10-IA submission.

Moreover, Section 80DDB offers tax deductions for specified disease treatment costs incurred by taxpayers or their dependents. Diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders (dementia, motor neuron diseases), AIDS, among others, qualify for deductions. Taxpayers can claim up to ₹40,000 or the actual amount spent (whichever is lower), with the limit increasing to ₹1 lakh for senior citizens or their dependents.

Section 80DDB – Expenses towards treatment of specified illnesses

Taxpayers facing diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders (including dementia, motor neuron diseases, Parkinson's disease), or AIDS, which require expensive treatments, can avail tax deductions under Section 80DDB. 

Under Section 80DDB of the Income Tax Act, individuals can avail tax deductions for medical expenses related to specified diseases for either themselves or their dependents. The deduction limits are contingent upon the taxpayer's age and the actual expenses incurred:   

• Taxpayers below 60 years of age can claim either the actual expenses incurred or ₹40,000, whichever is lower.
• Taxpayers aged 60 years or above can claim either the actual expenses incurred or ₹1,00,000, whichever is lower.

Section 80E – Interest payment towards education loan

Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, individuals can claim deductions for interest paid on educational loans taken for higher studies, applicable to the taxpayer, their spouse, or children. This deduction applies solely to the interest component of the loan and is available for the initial eight years of loan repayment.

Loans must be obtained from recognized institutions, not from family or friends, to qualify for this benefit. There is no limit to the deduction amount, and it can be claimed for up to eight years or until the interest is fully paid, whichever comes earlier. After eight years, the interest repayment becomes taxable.

Section 80EE - Home loan interest payment for first-time home-owners

First-time homebuyers can avail of a tax deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 under Section 80EE, provided they do not own any other property at the time of loan sanction. This deduction is over and above the Rs. 2 lakh limit under Section 24 for home loan interest repayment.

To qualify, the property value must be below Rs. 50 lakh, and the loan amount should not exceed Rs. 35 lakh. Introduced in 2013-14 and reinstated since 2016-17, this provision offers an annual tax benefit until the loan is fully repaid, capped at Rs. 50,000.

Section 80G - Donations to approved charitable institutes

Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, you can avail tax benefits by donating to registered charitable organizations. Cash donations are exempt up to Rs. 2,000 annually, while bank transfers have no specific limit on tax exemption. However, cash donations exceeding Rs. 2,000 do not qualify for deductions.

You must obtain a stamped receipt from the trust or institution, containing their details and PAN. Deductions can be either 50% or 100% of the donation amount, limited to 10% of the taxpayer's adjusted gross total income. Different categories of donations offer varying deduction percentages, with some having no qualifying limit.

Section 80GG - Rent paid by employees without HRA component in salary

Under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act, taxpayers who don't receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) from their employers can claim tax deductions on rent paid.

The deduction under Section 80GG is allowed on the lowest of the following:
    • Rs. 5,000 per month.
    • 25% of the total annual income.
    • Annual rent minus 10% of the basic annual income.

This provision allows a deduction of up to Rs. 60,000 in a financial year for salaried individuals not receiving HRA due to working in the informal sector or being self-employed. However, this deduction is not applicable if the taxpayer owns a house in the same city they reside in or claims tax deductions under Section 24 for a home loan on another property.

Section 80GGA - Donation to specified institutions

Section 80GGA offers deductions for donations towards scientific research or rural development, available to all taxpayers except those with business or professional income. Cash donations above Rs 2,000 are not deductible, and 100% of the donated amount qualifies for deductions.

Eligible donations include contributions to research associations conducting scientific or social research, institutions promoting rural development, and approved projects or schemes under Sections 35(1)(ii), 35(1)(iii), 35CCA, and 35AC. Donors can contribute via cheque, draft, or non-cash modes.

However, expenses claimed under Section 80GGA cannot be deducted under any other provision of the Income Tax Act. It's noteworthy that this deduction isn't applicable under the new tax regime (115BAC).

Section 80GGC - Contributions made to a political party

Under Section 80GGC, individuals can claim a deduction for contributions made to registered political parties or electoral trusts. This provision aims to encourage individuals to participate in the political process and support political parties.

The entire amount contributed to a registered political party or electoral trust is eligible for deduction under Section 80GGC. This deduction serves as an incentive for citizens to engage in political activities and contribute to the democratic process of the country.

Section 80TTA - Saving account interest

Under Section 80TTA, individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) can claim a tax deduction on interest earned from savings accounts. The maximum deduction limit under this section is Rs. 10,000 annually. This deduction is applicable for taxpayers who are not senior citizens. If the interest earned exceeds Rs. 10,000, the excess amount will be considered as income from other sources and will be taxable.

For those above the age of 60, Section 80TTB allows a higher deduction of Rs. 50,000 on interest earned from savings accounts and fixed deposits combined. This provision provides a more substantial tax benefit for senior citizens.

Section 80RRB - Royalty income from patents

Section 80RRB of the Indian Income Tax Act incentivizes innovation by providing tax deductions to Indian residents who earn royalties from patented works they have created. To be eligible for these deductions, individuals must meet specific criteria:

1. Indian Residency: Only Indian residents are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80RRB. Non-residents and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) cannot avail of this benefit.
2. Patent Ownership: Eligible candidates must be original patent holders. Those who do not own the original patent cannot claim deductions.
3. Patent Registration: The patent must be registered under the Patent Act of 1970, and the registration must have occurred on or after April 1, 2003.
4. Income Tax Filing: Patent holders must file income tax returns to claim deductions against the royalties they earn.

Under Section 80RRB, individuals can claim a maximum tax deduction of up to ₹ 3,00,000 against their royalty income. However, if the royalty income is lower than ₹ 3,00,000, only the actual amount earned qualifies for deductions. This provision aims to encourage innovation and creativity by rewarding individuals for their patented works.

Taxpayers should be mindful of tax-saving avenues beyond Section 80C, ensuring that their financial decisions align with their overall financial well-being. For example, taking a home loan solely for tax benefits is not advisable. Instead, individuals in need of housing should consider leveraging tax benefits to ease their loan repayment burden. It's essential to strike a balance between tax savings and financial stability.

The Income Tax Act provides various legal options to reduce taxable income. Taxpayers should capitalize on available deductions when filing their returns, optimizing their tax liability without compromising their financial health. By leveraging these deductions effectively, individuals can navigate tax obligations while maintaining a sound financial footing.