Mansi Sawant

Expert

Published on: Sep 15, 2026

Tax Savings Options

Tax savings investment plans are essential for achieving financial goals. Various investment schemes available in the market offer tax exemptions and deductions. This article explores how to effectively reduce your tax burden by investing in tax-saving schemes at the right time. For FY 2020-2021, you can opt for the new tax regime with lower concessional rates without any deductions, or continue with the old regime, which offers higher rates combined with various exemptions and deductions. If you are following the old tax regime without finalizing financial products to minimize your tax outgo, consider these online options to save time.

5 Year Tax Savings Bank Fixed Deposit

A five-year fixed deposit is a hassle-free online tax-saving option. Using internet banking, you can easily invest in a tax-saving bank fixed deposit, which cannot be auto-renewed. Bank FDs offer cumulative and non-cumulative interest options. The interest earned is taxable and added to your income. Banks generally provide higher interest rates for senior citizens, typically 0.50% more than those for non-senior citizens. This product preserves capital while helping save taxes, though it may not enhance long-term wealth as post-tax returns might be lower than the inflation rate for those in the 30% tax bracket.

Term Life Insurance Policy & Tax Savings

Consider purchasing a term insurance policy or a unit-linked insurance plan (ULIP) online. Buying a term life insurance policy in a last-minute rush may require medical tests or additional information before issuance, impacting your tax benefits for FY 2020-2021. Ensure the issuance date is before March 31, 2021, for eligibility.

ULIPs for Tax Savings

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) offer potential wealth creation alongside life cover security. Part of your premium funds life cover, while the remainder invests in equities, debt, or both. Returns hinge on the performance of the chosen fund. Consider exploring ULIPs for tax savings and financial protection.

Public Provident Fund

The Public Provident Fund (PPF), introduced in 1968, encourages small savings with investment returns. Serving as a dual-purpose savings and tax-saving tool, PPF accounts help build retirement funds while offering annual tax savings. If you seek safe, tax-efficient investments with guaranteed returns, consider opening a PPF account.

Health Insurance Policy for Tax Savings

Health insurance is crucial for financial security during emergencies. It ensures comprehensive coverage for any planned or emergency hospitalization. You can avail tax benefits on premiums paid toward health insurance under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, subject to terms and conditions.

Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

ELSS mutual funds come with a three-year lock-in period, offering an option alongside PPF, EPF, Tax-saving FDs, etc. There's no cap on investment amounts, but deductions are capped at Rs.1.5 lakh under Section 80C. Choose between regular and direct options, ensuring the right ELSS fund aligns with your risk profile and financial goals.

The best time to start planning tax-saving investments is at the start of the financial year. Early planning allows your investments to compound and achieve long-term goals. Tax savings is a goal unto itself.

Review existing tax-saving expenses such as insurance premiums, children's school fees, EPF contributions, and home loan repayments. Select tax-saving investments suited to your goals and risk profile, such as ELSS funds, PPF, NPS, and Fixed deposits.

Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tax Savings Options.

The article highlights several tax-saving investment options such as 5-year tax-saving bank fixed deposits, term life insurance policies, unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs), Public Provident Fund (PPF), health insurance policies, and equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS).
No, investing in a term life insurance policy at the last minute may not be feasible. The article suggests that you might be called for medical tests or the underwriter may require additional information before issuing the policy. If the policy is issued after March 31, you will not get the tax benefit for that financial year.
ULIPs are insurance policies that offer the potential for wealth creation while providing life cover. A portion of your premium is allocated towards life cover, and the rest is invested in equity, debt, or a combination of both. The returns on these investments are tax-deductible, providing tax savings.
While there is no limit on the maximum amount that can be invested in ELSS, the maximum deduction that can be claimed under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act is Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Planning tax-saving investments at the beginning of the financial year allows your investments to compound and also helps in achieving long-term goals. It ensures that you have sufficient time to research and choose the right investment options.
PPF was introduced as a small savings investment scheme that offers guaranteed returns. Investing in a PPF account allows you to build a retirement corpus while also saving on annual taxes.
Yes, health insurance premiums paid can be claimed as tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, subject to certain terms and conditions.
ELSS investments have a lock-in period of three years, similar to other tax-saving investment options like PPF, EPF, and tax-saving fixed deposits.
Tax-saving investment schemes like ELSS, PPF, and ULIPs not only provide tax benefits but also offer the potential for wealth creation over the long term. By investing in these schemes, you can build a corpus for achieving long-term financial goals while enjoying tax savings.
The article suggests that you can choose between regular and direct options for ELSS investments. Direct options may have lower expense ratios, but you should consider your investment knowledge and preference for professional advice when making this decision.