It is no secret that taxes can be a burden on our finances. But did you know that there are ways to save tax in India? By following some simple tips, you can reduce your tax liability and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best ways to save tax in India. From claiming deductions to investing in tax-saving instruments, read on to learn more about how you can reduce your tax bill.
Types of Taxes in India
The Indian tax system is complex and can be quite confusing for those who are not familiar with it. There are a variety of taxes that individuals and businesses must pay in India, and the amount of tax that is payable depends on the income bracket that the taxpayer falls into.
Individuals who earn an annual income of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh are exempt from paying any income tax in India. Those who earn between Rs. 2.5 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh per year are taxed at 10%. Individuals who earn between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh per year are taxed at 20%. And finally, those who earn more than Rs. 10 lakh per year are taxed at 30%.
Businesses in India must also pay a variety of taxes, depending on the type of business they are engaged in. For example, companies that manufacture goods or provide services must pay a corporate tax of 30% on their profits. Businesses that deal in trading or retailing may have to pay excise duty on certain goods, as well as VAT (Value Added Tax) on the sale of goods and services. Additionally, businesses may also have to pay import duty on certain products if they are imported into India from another country.
Who is Liable to Pay Tax in India?
When it comes to taxes, there are a few different types of taxes that people are liable for in India. These include income tax, corporate tax, and value-added tax (VAT). Each type of tax has different rules and regulations regarding who is responsible for paying the tax.
Income tax is levied on an individual’s or a company’s total income. This type of tax is typically progressive, meaning that the more income you earn, the higher your marginal rate of taxation will be. The current income tax rates in India range from 5% to 30%.
Corporate tax is levied on the profits of companies. The current corporate tax rate in India is 30%. However, many companies are eligible for various deductions and exemptions, which can lower their effective tax rate.
Value-added tax (VAT) is a consumption tax that is levied on the sale of goods and services. The current VAT rate in India is 12.5%.
What are the Different Methods of Tax Saving in India?
There are a number of ways to save taxes in India. Some of the most common methods include:
1. Investing in tax-saving instruments: There are a number of investment options available that offer tax benefits. These include products such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) and life insurance policies. investing in these products can help you save taxes as well as earn returns on your investment.
2. Taking advantage of tax deductions: There are a number of deductions that you can claim on your income tax return. This includes deductions for investments made under Section 80C, medical expenses, interest paid on home loans and charitable donations made to eligible institutions. By taking advantage of these deductions, you can reduce your taxable income and consequently, your tax liability.
3. Opting for the presumptive taxation scheme: Under this scheme, small businesses and professionals can opt to pay taxes at a flat rate without having to maintain detailed records of their income and expenses. This simplifies the tax filing process and can help you save money on accountancy fees.
4. Taking advantage of special rebates and exemptions: There are a number of rebates and exemptions available for certain categories of taxpayers such as senior citizens, women taxpayers and farmers. By availing of these benefits, you can reduce your overall tax liability
Section 80C Deductions
There are many ways to save tax in India, and one of the most popular is by taking advantage of the deductions available under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. This section provides a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs on various investments and expenditures, including life insurance premiums, PPF contributions, ELSS investments, home loan principal repayments, and more.
To avail of the deduction, you will need to ensure that your investment or expenditure is made before the end of the financial year. For example, if you want to claim a deduction for PPF contributions made in FY 2019-20, you will need to make them before March 31, 2020. Similarly, for ELSS investments, the cut-off date is December 31st each year.
While the Section 80C deduction can be a great way to reduce your tax liability, it’s important to remember that it is subject to certain conditions and limits. For instance, you can only claim the deduction for investments and expenditures made in your name or in the name of your spouse or dependent children. Additionally, the total amount claimed under this section cannot exceed Rs. 1.5 lakhs in a financial year.
So if you’re looking to save on taxes, be sure to take advantage of all the deductions available under Section 80C!
Also Read: Section 192 of Income Tax Act