Tax Saving Options Beyond Section 80C

Introduction

Tax planning extends well beyond Section 80C. For the financial year 2023-24, several strategies can help reduce your taxable income while simultaneously promoting savings and investments. Key options include contributions to the National Pension System (NPS), health insurance premiums, medical expenses, home loan interest, and electric vehicle purchases. Additionally, making charitable donations, earning interest on savings accounts, and claiming eligible tax rebates can further lower your tax liability. Leveraging these diverse options allows individuals to optimize savings across different investment and expenditure areas.

Tax Saving with NPS (Section 80CCD(1B))

Investing up to ₹50,000 in the National Pension System (NPS) provides additional tax benefits beyond the Section 80C limit of ₹1,50,000. By combining both provisions, taxpayers can potentially claim a total deduction of ₹2,00,000, reducing taxable income while simultaneously contributing to retirement savings.

Tax Savings on Health Insurance Premiums (Section 80D)

Under Section 80D, individuals can claim deductions on health insurance premiums and preventive health check-ups:

Up to ₹25,000 for self, spouse, and dependent children.
Up to ₹25,000 for parents (₹50,000 if parents are senior citizens).
Medical expenses for the individual/family: Up to ₹50,000.
Medical expenses for parents: Up to ₹50,000.

These provisions reduce taxable income while ensuring health coverage for you and your family.

Tax Savings on Medical Expenses for a Disabled Dependent (Section 80DD)

Individuals supporting a disabled dependent can claim:

₹75,000 for a normal disability.
₹1,25,000 if the dependent has a severe disability (80% or more).

This deduction applies regardless of actual expenses, providing significant financial relief.

Interest on Loans for Residential House Property (Section 80EE)

For first-time homebuyers, Section 80EE allows a deduction of up to ₹50,000 on interest paid for home loans obtained from approved financial institutions. This benefit supports individuals in managing home purchase costs.

Deduction for Electric Vehicle Purchase (Section 80EEB)

To encourage environmentally friendly transport, Section 80EEB allows a deduction of up to ₹1,50,000 on interest paid for loans taken to purchase an electric vehicle.

Donations to Charitable Institutions (Section 80G)

Donations made to government-approved charitable institutions are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80G:

Only monetary donations are eligible. Cash donations exceeding ₹2,000 are not allowed.
The deduction can be 100% or 50%, depending on the institution.
Keep receipts with the institution’s registration details and, for 100% exemptions, Form 58 if applicable.

Note: Certain funds like the Prime Minister’s Drought Relief Fund and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation are no longer eligible for deductions from FY 2023-24 onward.

Interest on Savings Bank Accounts (Sections 80TTA / 80TTB)

Section 80TTA: Deduction up to ₹10,000 for interest earned on savings accounts.
Section 80TTB: For senior citizens, the limit rises to ₹50,000 per year.

Tax Rebate for Low Income (Section 87A)

For resident individuals with total income up to ₹5,00,000, Section 87A provides a rebate of up to ₹12,500, reducing the overall tax liability.

Enhancing Tax Efficiency Beyond Section 80C for FY 2023-24

By exploring deductions beyond Section 80C, individuals can significantly optimize their tax planning. Options such as NPS contributions, health insurance, medical expenses, home loan interest, EV purchases, charitable donations, savings account interest, and applicable rebates offer multiple avenues to reduce taxable income. Understanding and leveraging these provisions can maximize your tax savings while supporting financial security and personal goals.

About the Author

Dakesh

Dakesh transforms complex legal regulations into clear, actionable insights, helping entrepreneurs remain compliant while building sustainable and scalable businesses.

February 19, 2026