As the end of the financial year approaches, taxpayers are actively exploring ways to reduce their tax liability. With December 31 marking key deadlines for many tax-saving investments and deductions, now is the ideal time to act. Whether you’re planning new investments or evaluating your salary structure, these six expert-backed tax-saving strategies can help you minimize your tax outgo for FY 2024–25 and boost long-term financial security.

1. Maximize Deductions Under Section 80C
Under the old tax regime, individuals can claim deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh through eligible investments. Consider these top instruments:

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Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
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Public Provident Fund (PPF)
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5-year tax-saving fixed deposits
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Life insurance premiums
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Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) mutual funds
These options not only reduce taxable income but also support disciplined, long-term wealth creation.
2. Leverage NPS for Extra Tax Savings
The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is one of the most efficient tools for dual benefits: retirement planning and tax savings.
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Deduction of up to 10% of salary (or 20% of gross income for self-employed) under Section 80CCD(1)
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Additional ₹50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B) over and above the 80C limit
NPS is a must-consider option for those looking to save more on taxes while securing their retirement.
3. Optimize Salary Structure for Maximum Tax Efficiency
Salaried individuals can minimize taxable income by restructuring salary components. Here are some tax-saving elements to consider:
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House Rent Allowance (HRA)
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Telephone and internet reimbursements
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Children’s education and hostel allowance
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Meal coupons or food vouchers
A smart salary structure helps you increase your take-home pay while keeping tax liability in check.
4. Claim Tax Benefits on Home Loan Repayments
Buying a house? You can claim deductions under both Sections 80C and 24(b):
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Up to ₹1.5 lakh for principal repayment under Section 80C
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Up to ₹2 lakh for interest payments under Section 24(b) (self-occupied properties)
This not only lowers your tax burden but also makes homeownership more financially viable.
5. Get Tax Deductions on Health Insurance Premiums
Health insurance serves a dual purpose: financial protection and tax savings. Under Section 80D, you can claim:
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₹25,000 for self, spouse, and dependent children
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₹50,000 if covering senior citizen parents
Protecting your family’s health also secures your finances against unexpected expenses.
6. Choose the Right Tax Regime: Old vs New
With two tax regimes now in place, choosing the right one can make a significant difference:
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The old regime allows for deductions and exemptions
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The new regime offers lower tax rates, but most deductions are disallowed
Compare your tax liability under both regimes using online tax calculators to determine which one yields greater savings for your income and investment pattern.
Author Profile

- My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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