How Can a Salaried Individual Save Taxes in India in 2024?

Tax season is upon us again in India, and for salaried individuals, navigating the different options to minimize your tax burden can be a complex task. This blog aims to be your one-stop guide for understanding tax-saving strategies in 2024.

1. New Tax Regime vs. Old Tax Regime

The Indian government introduced a new tax regime in 2020. This offers a simplified tax structure with lower tax rates, but it comes at the cost of giving up many deductions and exemptions available under the old regime.

2. Choosing the Right Regime

Deciding which regime is better for you depends on your individual circumstances. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Opt for the New Regime if: You don’t have many tax-deductible investments or expenses and have a low to moderate income.
• Stick with the Old Regime if: You have significant tax-deductible investments (like PPF, ELSS), medical insurance premiums, or other deductions you can claim under various sections of the Income Tax Act.

3. Exhaustive List of Tax Deductions

The Income Tax Act offers various deductions that can significantly reduce your taxable income. Here are some key ones:

• Section 80C: This allows deductions for investments up to Rs. 1.5 lakh in PPF, ELSS, National Pension System (NPS), Life Insurance premiums, children’s school fees, etc.
• Section 80D: Deductions for health insurance premiums for self, spouse, parents and dependent children.
• Section 80E: Interest paid on education loans
• Section 80G: Deductions for donations to charitable organizations.
• HRA: Exemption for House Rent Allowance received from your employer.
• LTA: Exemption for Leave Travel Allowance provided by your employer.
• Section 24: Allows deduction for interest paid on a home loan.

4. Tax Saving Investments

Many investment options offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Here are a few popular choices:

• Public Provident Fund (PPF): Safe, long-term investment with attractive interest rates and tax-free maturity. However, it has a lock-in period of 15 years.
• Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS): High potential returns but subject to market risk. Investments qualify for Section 80C deduction (Lock-in period of 3 years), and Capital gains taxed at 10% if held for over 1 year.
• National Pension System (NPS): Option for retirement planning with tax benefits. Partial withdrawal allowed at maturity.
• Tax-Saving Fixed Deposits (FDs): Lower returns compared to other options but come with guaranteed returns and lower risk. Interest income is taxable.
• National Savings Certificate (NSC): Regular interest payouts. Taxable on maturity.

5. Tax Return Filing & Importance of Timely Filing

The due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the financial year 2023-24 (Assessment Year 2024-25) is generally 31st July 2024. Timely filing allows you to carry forward any losses and claim tax refunds. Delaying can attract penalties and interest. Filing your ITR on time is crucial for various reasons, including claiming tax refunds, loan applications, visa processing, etc.

Magnus Consulting can Help!

Navigating tax laws and making informed decisions can be challenging. Magnus Consulting, with its team of experienced tax professionals, can help you:

• Choose the right tax regime.
• Optimize your tax deductions and exemptions.
• Plan your investments for maximum tax benefits.
• File your Income Tax Returns accurately and efficiently.

6. Smart Tax-Saving Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you save taxes:

• Negotiate your salary structure: Explore options like increasing allowances like House Rent Allowance (HRA) to reduce your taxable income.
• Invest strategically: Make smart investment decisions like investing in ELSS on March 31st and April 1st to maximize benefits (remember the 3-year lock-in for tax benefits). Plan withdrawals to minimize tax impact.
• Plan withdrawals: Understand the tax implications of withdrawals from your investments before encashing.

By understanding the different tax regimes, deductions, and tax-saving strategies, you can significantly reduce your tax liability in 2024. Remember, consulting a tax professional like Magnus Consulting can ensure you leverage all available benefits and file your returns smoothly.