Tax season. You hear these two words and think of the time when wallets weep and bank accounts whimper.
Imagine a chunk of your hard-earned money disappearing each year to taxes. Frustrating, right? But what if there was a way to fight back and keep more of your money in your pocket?
Buckle up, because we’re about to introduce your secret weapon. Enter tax-saver fixed deposit (also known as tax saving fixed deposit).
Tax-saver Fixed Deposit (FD) is like a special piggy bank at the bank. You put your money in, and the bank promises to return it with a bonus (interest) after a set time. What’s more? The Indian government lets you deduct the amount you save in this FD, from your taxable income. This can lower the amount of tax you pay.
How is the tax-saver FD different?
With any regular FD, you set aside an amount you’ve decided to save, for set duration. Your interest is accrued at a predetermined interest rate throughout the chosen tenor. While you can take your money out when you need it, there might be a penalty for early withdrawal. But they don’t offer any tax benefits.
The tax-saver FD works in the same manner. However, there is usually a lock-in period of at least 5 years. Your money is locked away for at least 5 years and you can’t withdraw it early without a penalty. But the good news is – you can deduct up to ₹1.5 lakh (as of 2024) from your taxable income for the amount you invest! This deduction saves you a significant amount of tax, depending on your tax bracket.
Tax Saving FD may offer slightly lower interest rates compared to regular FDs. But, the tax benefits outweigh this difference, especially for higher tax brackets. So even with a lower interest rate, you may gain more because of your tax savings.
How to make the right choice?
If you have a short-term goal, like saving for a vacation next year, a regular FD might be a better option. But a tax-saver FD can be great for you, if:
- You’re okay with locking in your money for 5 years
- You’re looking to save money and reduce your tax burden at the same time
- You have long-term goals, like:
- Retirement planning
- Child’s education
- Downpayment for your home
While great for long-term goals, they might not be ideal for every long-term objective.
How to expand your tax-saving arsenal?
While FD offering tax savings are great, they’re not the only weapon in your tax-saving arsenal. Here are some additional strategies to consider:
- Medical Expenses: Did you know you can claim deductions for medical expenses? Besides expenses incurred on yourself, you can claim deductions on expenses for:
- Spouse
- Dependent parents
- Children
- Keep receipts for doctor consultations, medicines, and medical treatments to claim these deductions.
- Education Loan Interest: Paying interest on an education loan? The good news is you can claim a deduction on the interest paid each year. This can ease the burden of educational expenses for yourself or your children.
- Home Loan Interest: Did you know that you can claim a deduction on the interest of your home loan repayment? This deduction can be significant, especially in the initial years of your loan.
Keep relevant documents like bills, receipts, and loan statements. You must preserve them for at least 7 years after filing your tax return. These will be crucial as proof for any deductions you claim.
Tax season doesn’t have to be a source of stress. The key is to plan and invest wisely, while reaping benefits offered by the government.
