Section 80C Tax Saving Planner
Section 80C lets you deduct up to ₹1.5 lakh from taxable income — the single biggest tax-saving tool for salaried Indians. Combined with 80D (health insurance), 80CCD(1B) (NPS), and Section 24(b) (home loan interest), total deductions can exceed ₹4 lakh. This planner maps your existing investments to each section and shows remaining headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum deduction under Section 80C?+
₹1.5 lakh per financial year. Eligible investments include: EPF/VPF, PPF, ELSS mutual funds, life insurance premiums, NSC, 5-year tax saver FD, home loan principal repayment, tuition fees for 2 children, SCSS, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
Which 80C investment is the best?+
ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) for growth seekers: 3-year lock-in (shortest), equity returns (12–15% historical), tax-free LTCG up to ₹1L. PPF for safety: 15-year lock-in, 7.1% guaranteed, fully tax-free. EPF is automatic for salaried — already a 80C investment. Avoid ULIPs and most insurance-investment hybrids.
Can I claim 80C in the New Tax Regime?+
No — Section 80C deductions are only available under the Old Tax Regime. The New Regime has no 80C but offers lower slab rates and a ₹75,000 standard deduction. Compare total tax under both regimes before choosing — use the Income Tax Calculator.
What is 80CCD(1B) and is it separate from 80C?+
Section 80CCD(1B) allows an additional ₹50,000 deduction for NPS contributions — over and above the ₹1.5L limit of Section 80C. Combined with 80C, you can get ₹2L in deductions just from 80C + 80CCD(1B). This extra ₹50K NPS deduction is often overlooked.