First: Choose the Right Regime
Before claiming any deduction, decide which tax regime you're in. Under the New Regime (now the default), most deductions don't apply — but the tax-free limit is ₹12 lakh. Under the Old Regime, you can claim all the deductions below but pay higher base rates.
If your total deductions would exceed ₹4–4.5 lakh, the Old Regime usually saves more. Use the Income Tax Calculator to compare both with your actual numbers before choosing.
Section 80C — Up to ₹1.5 Lakh
The most widely used deduction. Total across all 80C instruments cannot exceed ₹1.5 lakh per year.
PPF (Public Provident Fund) Up to ₹1.5L/year
7.1% guaranteed returns, completely tax-free at maturity, 15-year lock-in. Best fixed-return 80C option.
ELSS Mutual Funds Up to ₹1.5L/year
Shortest lock-in (3 years) among 80C options. Market-linked — potential 12–15% returns but with volatility. LTCG above ₹1.25L taxed at 12.5%.
EPF / VPF Up to ₹1.5L/year
8.25% guaranteed, employer contributes matching amount. VPF lets you contribute extra above mandatory 12%.
Home Loan Principal Repayment Part of ₹1.5L
Principal portion of EMI qualifies under 80C. Shared bucket with other 80C investments.
5-Year Bank FD Up to ₹1.5L
Tax-saving FDs have 5-year lock-in. Interest is taxable unlike PPF. Less attractive but simpler.
Life Insurance Premium Part of ₹1.5L
Annual premium for life insurance (not ULIPs) qualifies. Premium must be ≤10% of sum assured.
Tuition Fees Part of ₹1.5L
School/college tuition fees for up to 2 children. Only tuition — not development fees, transport etc.
Section 80CCD(1B) — Extra ₹50,000 for NPS
This is completely separate from the ₹1.5L 80C bucket. Contributions to NPS Tier 1 account of up to ₹50,000 get an additional deduction. At 30% tax bracket, this saves ₹15,600 in tax annually.
HRA — House Rent Allowance Exemption
If you receive HRA as part of your salary and pay rent, you can claim exemption on the least of: (a) actual HRA received, (b) rent paid minus 10% of basic salary, (c) 50% of basic salary (metro cities) or 40% (non-metro). This is often the single largest deduction for urban salaried employees — sometimes ₹2–3 lakh per year. Use the HRA Calculator to find your exact exemption.
Section 24 — Home Loan Interest (Up to ₹2 Lakh)
Interest paid on a home loan for a self-occupied property is deductible up to ₹2 lakh/year. For a property that is rented out, there's no upper limit (though losses can only be set off against other house property income with a cap). This deduction is only available under the Old Regime.
Section 80D — Health Insurance (Up to ₹25,000–₹1 Lakh)
Premium paid for health insurance (mediclaim) for yourself, spouse, and dependent children: up to ₹25,000. Additional ₹25,000 for parents' premium (₹50,000 if parents are above 60). Total potential deduction: ₹75,000 (or ₹1 lakh if you're also a senior citizen).
Other Useful Deductions
Section 80E — Education Loan Interest No limit
Interest paid on education loan for higher studies — no upper limit, available for 8 years.
Section 80G — Charitable Donations 50% or 100%
Donations to notified institutions — 50% or 100% deductible depending on the organisation.
Section 80TTA — Savings Interest Up to ₹10,000
Interest earned on savings bank accounts (not FD) is deductible up to ₹10,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens under 80TTB).
Maximum Tax Saving — Worked Example at ₹15 Lakh Income
Here's how a salaried employee earning ₹15 lakh (gross) can minimise Old Regime tax:
- Standard Deduction: ₹50,000
- Section 80C (PPF/ELSS/VPF): ₹1,50,000
- Section 80CCD(1B) — NPS: ₹50,000
- HRA Exemption (metro city, ₹25K rent/month): ₹1,80,000
- Section 80D (health insurance): ₹25,000
- Total deductions: ₹4,55,000
- Taxable income: ₹15,00,000 − ₹4,55,000 = ₹10,45,000
Source: Income Tax Department India · Finance Act 2025 · Last Updated July 2026 · Not tax advice — consult a CA for personalised guidance