Insurance and Tax Saving instruments

Insurance and Tax-saving instruments in India are financial products that serve dual purposes: they offer financial protection and are conducive to saving on taxes. Insurance products like life and health insurance provide coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring financial security for the individual or their beneficiaries. Simultaneously, premiums paid towards these insurance policies can be deducted from taxable income, under sections like 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, thereby reducing the overall tax liability. Tax-saving investment vehicles, such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), and others, not only facilitate long-term savings but also offer tax benefits. Investments in these instruments can be claimed as deductions under various sections of the Income Tax Act, primarily under Section 80C, making them attractive options for individuals aiming to maximize their savings while minimizing their tax outlay. These instruments encourage disciplined investment and savings habits among individuals, aligning financial security with tax efficiency.

Insurance Products with Tax Saving Benefits:

1. Life Insurance Policies:

Premiums paid for life insurance policies are deductible up to ₹1.5 lakh per annum under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The maturity benefits are generally tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to certain conditions.

2. Health Insurance Policies (Mediclaim):

Premiums paid for health insurance for self, spouse, children, and parents offer a deduction under Section 80D. The limit is ₹25,000 for individuals and ₹50,000 for senior citizens, with an additional deduction for parents’ medical insurance.

Tax-Saving Investment Vehicles:

1. Public Provident Fund (PPF):

A favorite among tax-saving options, the PPF offers an attractive interest rate with the interest earned and the maturity amount being entirely tax-free under Section 80C.

2. National Savings Certificate (NSC):

Investments in NSC are eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C. The interest on NSC is compounded annually and is taxable but can be reinvested as a new investment for tax deduction.

3. Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS):

ELSS funds are tax-saving mutual funds that offer the dual benefits of capital appreciation and tax saving. Investments up to ₹1.5 lakh in ELSS can be deducted under Section 80C, with a lock-in period of 3 years.

4. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

Aimed at the girl child’s future education and marriage expenses, SSY contributions are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C. The interest earned and maturity amount are tax-free.

5. Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS):

Available to individuals above 60, SCSS offers a secure and regular income with tax benefits under Section 80C for the investment made.

6. Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF):

Beyond the mandatory 12% contribution towards EPF, employees can voluntarily contribute more through VPF. The entire VPF contribution is eligible for deduction under Section 80C.

7. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs):

ULIPs offer a mix of investment and insurance. The premium paid is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C, while the maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to certain conditions.

Tax Benefits on Loan Repayments:

• Home Loan:

The principal amount repaid up to ₹1.5 lakh on a home loan qualifies for deduction under Section 80C, while the interest payment is eligible for deduction under Section 24.