ULIPs basically work like a mutual fund with a life cover thrown in. They invest the premium in market-linked instruments like stocks, corporate bonds and government securities. Investments in ULIPs attract tax benefits under Section 80C. The returns and the lock-in period depend on the plan chosen.
The best method to reach financial independence is through maximum savings and the least amount of tax payout from your income. The maddening chaos that ensues every year in February for people with regard to deciding upon tax saving instruments and investment products can be reduced with a little bit of research. Remember, investments only for tax saving purposes are not advisable.
Let’s look at some investment options in the order of their risk factors, tax savings and returns.
Bank Fixed Deposits
In a fixed deposit saving scheme a certain sum of money is deposited in the bank for a specified time period with a fixed rate of interest (currently between 8% and 10% depending on banks). When you want to invest your hard earned money for a longer period of time and get a regular income, a Fixed Deposit Scheme is ideal. It is safe, liquid and fetches high returns.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Given its safety (its government backed) with relatively high returns (currently 8 % p. a. compounded annually) and tax exemptions on its interest earnings and the final corpus; its effective post-tax return currently works out to above 11.57% (for someone paying 30.9% tax). Given its Rs. 500 per year minimum investment stipulation, with one contribution allowed every month, you can even invest small amounts for your long-term. However, the money is locked in for 15 years.
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
The National Savings Certificate – popularly referred to by its acronym NSC – is a post-office savings scheme. Backed by the government, it is one of the safest investment options. The minimum amount is Rs 100, with no upper limit on investment. NSC is for a much shorter duration of 6 years from the date of investment. You get 8% p. a. compounded half-yearly (twice a year). However, NSCs are taxable under the head ‘income from other sources’.
Infrastructure Bonds
Through Infrastructure Bonds India or Tax-Saving Bonds an investor can save on taxes as provided under Section 80 C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Though the interest is taxable, you can claim exemption from tax to the tune of Rs. 15,000 under Section 80 C. The maximum investment is Rs. 1 L. The lock-in period is of 3 years and the returns work out to 5% – 6% or 8.7% – 11.71% if the tax break is taken into account. This interest is taxable.
Life Insurance Schemes
When buying insurance, keep one thing in mind, look to maximize your cover, not returns. The maximum investment depends on the terms of the policy. The total premium paid has to be within the Rs 70,000 limit of rebate under Section 80C. The lock-in period and the returns depend on the scheme and its tenure.
Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
ELSS as the name clearly suggests is a savings scheme linked to equity markets. The minimum amount of Rs. 5000 is locked in for three years. Although, ELSS gains are linked to the market performance, it has been seen that they yield healthy returns. From March 31st, 2006 the investment limit in ELSS has been increased to Rs.1, 00,000/- and this entire investment is eligible for deduction under sec 80C of Income tax Act, 1961.
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS)
ULIPs basically work like a mutual fund with a life cover thrown in. They invest the premium in market-linked instruments like stocks, corporate bonds and government securities. Investments in ULIPs attract tax benefits under Section 80C. The returns and the lock-in period depend on the plan chosen.
| Investment and Tax saving Instrument | Interest | Term (if applicable) | Features |
| Bank Fixed Deposits | 8% – 10% (depending on banks) | 15 days to 5 years and above | Investments
Tax benefits
Other Benefits
|
| Public Provident Fund (PPF) | 8% | 15 years | Investments
Tax benefits
|
| National Savings Certificate (NSC) | 8% (compounded half yearly | — | Investments
Tax benefits
Other benefits
|
| Infrastructure Bonds | 5.5% to 5.6% | 3 Years | Investments
Tax benefits
|
| Life Insurance Schemes | Depending on scheme | Depending on scheme | Tax benefits
|
| Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) | Depending on the scheme | 3 years | Investments
Tax benefits
|
| Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS) | Depending on the scheme | Depending on the scheme | Investments
Depending on scheme. Tax benefits
|
It is an informative article
SEC 88 is no longer available. Infrastructure bonds have been included under section 80C. This article needs to be update on that front.
Thanks for pointing out the lapse. It has been corrected and updated. Cheers!
What ever be the investments in 80 c the max can be 1,00,000 only ? am I right , on what else can I invest to avoid tax
Interests on savings such as bank fixed deposits, NSS etc. are taxable. Also the NSS amount is taxable on withdrawals after maturity. Such existing rules significantly reduce the tax benefits, in the final analysis. This article seems to have glided over this fact and needs to be corrected appropriately.
The article does not talk about INVESTMENTS IN POST OFFICE SCHEMES such as SENIOR CITIZENS SAVING SCHEME and Monthly Income Scheme. A sizable population invest in these schemes. Pl. clarify whether the investment in Post Office Monthly Income Scheme is / was allowed to be included under Section 80C / Section 88 [ at anytime in the past ]. Thanks for the ILLUMINATING WRITE-UP.
Interested in where to invest money? Then, MMCIS investment fund is what youwant.
MMCIS investments Investement Fund will let you receive stable profits and minimize risks. MMCIS Investment Fund is an active participant of innovative tendencies of investing in Europe.