Tax-Saving Investments Under Section 80C — Complete List

Section 80C — Up to ₹1.5 Lakh Deduction

The most popular tax-saving section with a combined limit of ₹1,50,000:

• Life Insurance Premium (LIC/other): Premiums paid for self, spouse, children
• PPF (Public Provident Fund): 15-year lock-in, tax-free returns
• ELSS Mutual Funds: 3-year lock-in, market-linked, best returns potential
• EPF contribution: Your share of PF automatically qualifies
• NSC (National Savings Certificate): 5-year lock-in, fixed returns
• 5-year Tax Saving FD: Fixed deposit with 5-year lock-in
• SCSS (Senior Citizens Savings Scheme): For persons above 60 years
• Tuition fees: For 2 children's full-time education
• Home loan principal repayment: Principal portion of EMI qualifies

Other Important Deductions (Beyond 80C)

• Section 80D: Health Insurance — ₹25,000 (self/family), ₹50,000 (senior citizen parents)
• Section 80CCD(1B): Additional ₹50,000 for NPS contribution
• Section 24(b): Home loan interest — up to ₹2 lakh for self-occupied property
• Section 80G: Donations to approved NGOs/funds — 50% or 100% deduction
• Section 87A: Tax rebate of ₹12,500 if income up to ₹5 lakh (old regime)
• Section 80E: Education loan interest — no upper limit, 8 years
• Section 80TTA/80TTB: Savings account interest up to ₹10,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens)

Old Regime vs New Regime

• Old Regime: All above deductions available. Better if total deductions exceed ₹3.75 lakh.
• New Regime: Lower slab rates but most deductions (80C, 80D, HRA) NOT available. Better for those with limited deductions.
• Choose based on your actual deduction amount. Calculate both before deciding.