Deduction u/s 80C
The most important aspect under this section needs to be kept in mind is that the total exemption limit is Rs. 1,00,000 only. This benefit is available to everyone, irrespective of his or her income levels.
For example, if an employee is in the highest tax bracket of 30%, & he invest the full Rs. 1,00,000/- Then he will save tax of Rs. 30,000. The following is section 80c deductions / exemption list.
a) Provident Fund (PF)
Any contributions to Provident Fund, Voluntary provident Fund (VPF) or savings made in Public Provident Fund (PPF Account) are eligible for income tax deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
b) Life Insurance Premium
Any Life Insurance premiums (for one or more insurance policies) paid by him for himself, his/her spouse or children is eligible under income tax deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
c) ELSS Equity Linked saving Scheme
Any investment made in certain Mutual Funds called equity linked saving schemes qualifies for section 80C deduction. Please note that not all mutual fund investments are eligible for this deduction. Some examples of ELSS funds are – SBI Magnum Tax Gain, HDFC Tax Saver, HDFC Long term advantage, etc.
d) ULIP Unit Linked Insurance Plan
Investments made in certain ULIPs of Unit Trust of India and LIC of India are eligible for 80C deduction.
e) Bank Fixed Deposit or Term Deposit for the Period more than 5 year.
According to a relatively new provision amount saved in fixed deposits of term at least five years is eligible for income tax deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
f) Principal Part of EMI on Housing Loan deduction u/s 80C
If Employee is paying EMI on a housing loan, he would be aware that the EMI (equated monthly installments) consists of two parts – principal part and interest part. The principal part of the EMI on his housing loan is eligible for income tax deduction under section 80C. The interest part is also eligible for tax deduction u/s 24.
g) Tuition fees deduction u/s 80C
Amount paid as tuition fee for the education of two children of the employee is eligible for deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
h) Other deduction u/s 80C
Amount saved in National Saving Certificate (NSC), Infrastructure Bonds or Infra Bonds, amount paid as stamp duty and registration charges while buying a new home are eligible for income tax deductions under section 80C of Income Tax Act.