How to Save Tax on Salary Legally – Smart Planning for Salaried Individuals
Tax season doesn’t have to mean stress. With proper planning, you can reduce your tax liability and still stay fully compliant with the law. Here are smart, legal ways to save tax on your salary in India: 1. Utilize Section 80C Deductions (Limit: Rs. 1.5 Lakhs) Invest in these to claim deductions: Employee Provident Fund (EPF) Public Provident Fund (PPF) ELSS (Tax-saving mutual funds) Life Insurance Premiums Principal repayment of home loan Children’s tuition fees 2. House Rent Allowance (HRA) If you live in a rented house and receive HRA, you can claim exemption based on: Actual HRA received 50% of basic salary (for metro cities), 40% for others Rent paid minus 10% of salary Tip: Keep rent receipts and PAN of your landlord if rent exceeds Rs. 1 lakh annually. 3. Standard Deduction (Flat Rs. 50,000) This is a no-questions-asked deduction available to all salaried individuals. It’s automatically factored into your taxable income 4. Tax-Free Allowances & Reimbursements Ask your employer to structure your salary smartly with: Meal Coupons (e.g., Sodexo): Exempt up to Rs. 50/day Telephone/Internet Reimbursement Uniform Allowance Books & Research Allowance (for professionals) 5. Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) Can be claimed twice in a block of 4 years for travel within India. Covers travel fare for self and family. Ensure you keep travel tickets. 6. Section 80D – Medical Insurance Deduction up to Rs. 25,000 for premiums paid for self, spouse, and children Additional Rs. 25,000–50,000 for parents depending on their age 7. National Pension Scheme (NPS) – Section 80CCD(1B) Additional deduction of Rs. 50,000 over and above the 80C limit for NPS contributions. Great for retirement planning and tax saving. 8. Education Loan Interest – Section 80E If you’re repaying an education loan, you can claim the interest as a deduction for up to 8 years—no upper limit. 9. Home Loan Interest – Section 24(b) Deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakhs annually on interest paid on a home loan for a self-occupied property. Final Tip: Plan Early, Save More Waiting until March to start tax planning is a common mistake. The earlier you plan your salary and investments, the more you save—without stress. Need Help with Salary Structuring or Tax Planning? Radgiver Business Advisors offers personal tax consultation to help you minimize taxes while staying fully compliant with the law. Let’s make your salary work smarter for you.
