Exploring New Tax Regime Beyond Section 80C

Reducing your tax liability is a fundamental aspect of personal finance. While Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, is well-known for its tax saving benefits, the new tax regime has brought about a change in the landscape of tax saving instruments. In this article, we’ll explore a wide range of tax saving options, including those beyond Section 80C, such as Section 80RRB, Section 80D, Section 80EE, and deductions under Section 80C to 80U, while also discussing the implications of the new tax regime.

1. Section 80C in the New Tax Regime

With the introduction of the new tax regime (effective from the Financial Year 2020-21), taxpayers have the option to forgo deductions under Section 80C. Under this new regime, you can’t claim deductions for investments in schemes like PPF, EPF, NSC, and ELSS, among others. However, this regime offers lower tax rates, simplifying the tax calculation process for many individuals.

2. Section 80RRB – Deductions for Royalty Income

Section 80RRB offers deductions for income received as a royalty on patents. The eligible amount for deduction is the lower of the royalty received or Rs. 3 lakh. This deduction is beneficial for individuals involved in research and intellectual property-related income. It encourages innovation and provides a tax relief to those contributing to the development of new technologies.

3. Section 80D – Health Insurance Premium Deduction in the New Tax Regime

Under the new tax regime, Section 80D continues to be relevant. This section allows you to claim deductions on health insurance premiums for yourself, your family, and your parents. However, the maximum deduction limit under this section is lower in the new regime, making it vital to choose a health insurance plan that balances premium costs with coverage.

4. Section 80EE – Home Loan Interest Exemption

Section 80EE provides tax benefits on interest payments for home loans, especially for first-time homebuyers. In the old tax regime, you can claim an additional deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 over and above the deductions available under Section 24(b) for home loan interest. This is an excellent incentive for individuals looking to purchase their first home.

5. Deductions Under Section 80C to 80U

Beyond Section 80C, the Income Tax Act offers a plethora of deductions to cater to various financial situations:

• Section 80DDB: This section provides deductions for medical treatment expenses of specified diseases for yourself or your dependent family members.
• Section 80E: If you have taken an education loan for higher studies, the interest paid on this loan is deductible under Section 80E. This applies to loans for your children, spouse, or yourself.
• Section 80G: Donations made to approved charitable institutions qualify for deductions under this section. The amount you donate can be claimed as a deduction from your taxable income.
• Section 80TTA: This section offers deductions for interest earned on a savings account with banks, cooperative societies, or post offices. The maximum deduction allowed is Rs. 10,000.
• Section 80U: Individuals with disabilities are eligible for deductions under this section. The amount of deduction depends on the degree of disability.

Certainly, let’s delve deeper into some additional tax-saving instruments and deductions under various sections of the Income Tax Act:

6. Section 80GGA – Deductions for Agricultural Income

If you are involved in agricultural activities, you can claim deductions under Section 80GGA. This deduction applies to expenses incurred for scientific research related to agriculture. It encourages investment in agricultural research and development.

7. Section 80GGC – Political Contributions Deduction

Contributions made to political parties qualify for deductions under Section 80GGC. These deductions are designed to encourage transparency and participation in the political process. However, these contributions are subject to specific limits and conditions.

8. Section 80TTB – Senior Citizen Interest Exemption

For senior citizens aged 60 and above, Section 80TTB provides deductions of up to Rs. 50,000 on interest income from savings accounts and fixed deposits. This helps senior citizens enjoy tax benefits while earning income from their savings.

9. Section 80GG – House Rent Allowance Deduction

If you do not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) as a part of your salary but are paying rent, you can claim deductions under Section 80GG. The allowable deduction is the least of 25% of total income, actual rent paid minus 10% of total income, or Rs. 5,000 per month.

10. Section 80RR – Deduction for Income Earned from PatentSection 80RR offers deductions for income received by individuals from patents. The deduction is available for a specified period and is applicable to both residents and non-residents. This provision encourages innovation and rewards those involved in patent-related income.

11. Section 10(14) – Tax-Free Allowances

While not a deduction, per se, certain allowances are exempt from tax. These include House Rent Allowance (HRA), Leave Travel Allowance (LTA), and more. Understanding these exemptions can help you optimize your tax planning.

Conclusion

When it comes to tax-saving instruments, it’s crucial to explore options beyond Section 80C and assess their relevance in the context of your financial situation and the applicable tax regime. While the new tax regime simplifies tax calculations for many, it may or may not be the best choice for you, depending on your financial goals and tax planning strategies. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you make informed decisions and optimize your tax-saving strategies while ensuring compliance with the latest tax laws.