Tax Saving Investments – 3 Ways Insurance Can Help You Save Tax

What Is Life Insurance

By investing in life insurance plans, policyholders can secure their future, as well as the future of their family. This insurance cover is important as it provides support to the family members of the policyholder upon their demise. Furthermore, the life insurance premiums are tax deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961 (subject to provisions stated therein), and policyholders can select the plan that best suits their needs from a wide range of insurance plans available in the market.

While investing in any plan, the primary objective is to accomplish short-term and long-term goals. Furthermore, it is also imperative for policyholders to compare different policies, assess their risk-appetite, and their ability to pay premium.

Types of Life Insurance Policies

Depending on the term, possibility of investment and maturity benefits, life insurance policies can be divided into the following types of plans.

• Term Insurance Plans:

  
  

  Term life insurance or pure life insurance guarantees payment of a defined benefit in case of death within a specified term. This type of term insurance policy not only offers guaranteed death benefit but also return of premium option. Unlike other insurance policies, pure term life insurance plan has no savings option, and is only used to provide insurance to life assured against the loss of life. Considering there is no saving element, the term life insurance premiums are generally low as compared to premiums of other life insurance plans. The term premiums, set by the insurer, depends on various factors, such as the individual’s age, health and life expectancy. If the life assured passes away during the specified policy term, the nominee will be paid sum assured by the insurer. However, there will be no payment if the policy matures before the death of the policyholder.

  
  

• Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP):

  
  

  One of the preferred tax saving investment options is the Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), which offers policyholders insurance along with the option to invest in equity or debt funds (or both). Policyholders can choose the type of investment based on their long-term goals and risk appetite, while a charge is deducted for life insurance cover provided. When a policyholder invests in a ULIP plan, the insurance company invests the premium in equity and/or debt funds of the policyholder’s choice, and a mortality charge is deducted for the life cover provided. ULIPs are one of the preferred tax saving investment options as they also allow the policyholders to switch their portfolio between equity and debt funds. ULIPs have a lock-in period of five years, which was increased from three years in 2010 by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). For investors to truly reap the benefits of ULIPs, it is advised that they hold it for the entire duration of the policy term.

  
  

• Traditional Endowment Plan:

  
  

  In a traditional endowment plan, policyholders are offered insurance cover, along with the option to save a certain amount over a specified period. Upon the maturity of the policy term, the policyholder gets the lump sum amount if they are alive, and if the policyholder passes away during the policy period, the beneficiaries receive the life cover amount. As such, taxpayers can opt for endowment plans if they want to receive a lump sum amount after a certain period. Furthermore, this type of plan is subdivided into two types - with profit and without profit. Furthermore, endowment plans are not high risk, and are ideal for goal-based savings. This plan enables individuals to build a corpus over a long period, and investors can receive the lump sum amount after the maturity of the policy period.

  
  

• Money Back Plan:

  
  

  One can describe money back insurance plan as a pure endowment plan, with the added benefit of regular liquidity. In a money back insurance plan, the policyholder or the beneficiaries receive multiple survival benefits, which are spaced out or staggered evenly during the course of the policy period, thus ensuring periodic pay-outs. The nominees receive death benefit if the life assured passes away.

  
  

• Retirement Plan:

  
  

  As the name suggests, retirement plans are insurance products which provide policyholders with financial security after their retirement. Policyholders can also opt for monthly pension benefits with the proceeds from the retirement plans, which can be done by purchasing annuity plans. Taxpayers can invest the amount they’ve earned and saved over the years by creating a fund, and reap the benefits when they have accumulated their corpus in the long run. Policyholders can choose to receive payments systematically i.e. yearly, quarterly or monthly subject to features available in the product.

  
  

• Whole Life Plan:

  
  

  A whole life insurance policy, like its name suggests, is a life-long insurance protection. Most of the insurers provide protection up to 99 years of age. Apart from having an insurance benefit, this policy also has an investment benefit. It offers guaranteed death benefit in the event of the death of the policy holder during the policy period. If the policyholder ends up living the term of the policy, he is entitled to a maturity benefit as per the sum assured he has selected at the time of inception. Annuity plans are further divided into fixed, variable and indexed annuity plans. While fixed annuities pay guaranteed returns, their annual returns might be on the lower side. Variable annuity plans can offer higher returns, but also come with greater risks. Indexed annuity plans offer policyholders guaranteed minimum pay-outs. However, a portion of their returns would be dependent on the performance of the market index.

  
  

List of Tax Saving Investments and Schemes in India

There are many ways to save tax in India. The government offers several schemes where you can put your money and reduce your tax burden. These investments also help you plan for future needs like retirement, child’s education, or buying a house. Some of these schemes are safe and government-backed, while others offer good returns through market-linked investments.

Here’s a simple table of popular tax-saving schemes under old tax regime:

Three Ways In Which Insurance Plans Provide Tax Benefits

Below are different ways through which insurance plans provide tax benefits:

1. Tax Deduction on Premiums:

   
   

   Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961, taxpayers can claim deduction up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs on the premium paid, either on their own life, or the life of their spouse or children under old tax regime. Furthermore, the tax exemption is restricted up to 10 percent of the sum assured. However, if the policyholder either stops paying premium or terminates policy before the lock-in period ends in case of ULIPs, the exemption will not be available.

   
   

2. Tax Exemption on Claims:

   
   

   Under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act 1961, tax exemptions are offered on claims (death and maturity benefit) subject to satisfaction of conditions mentioned therein. All types of accrued bonuses against life insurance policies are included, and there is no upper cap on the claim. The tax exemption is only available if the premium payment is not greater than 10 percent of the sum assured.

   
   

3. Tax Benefit Under Section 80D:

   
   

   Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, the premium paid on medical insurance offers tax benefits, and it is over and above the deductions claimed under Sections 80C/CCC/CCD under old tax regime. If a policyholder has insured themselves, or their spouse or children, they can claim deductions of up to Rs. 25,000, while an additional deduction of Rs. 25,000 is also available if their parents are also insured, and are below 60 years of age. If the parents are above 60, an additional deduction of Rs. 50,000 is available. The maximum deduction that is available is Rs. 1 lakh if both the taxpayer and their parents, for whom the medical covers were taken are above 60 years old. Furthermore, under Section 80DD, any amount spent towards the treatment or maintenance of a person with specified disability is treated as a deduction, but is limited to Rs. 75,000 per year under old tax regime.

   
   

Post Office Tax Saving Schemes

Post office savings are popular for being safe and giving returns. These schemes are backed by the Government of India and are ideal for low-risk investors.

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

NPS is a long-term savings plan for retirement. It helps you build a retirement fund and also save taxes. You get tax benefits under both Section 80C and an extra ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) under old tax regime. You can start investing in NPS from the age of 18 to 70. When you retire, you can take out a part of your money, and the rest is used to give you a monthly pension.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a long-term savings option with a 15-year lock-in. It gives a fixed return, reviewed by the government every quarter. You can invest up to ₹1.5 lakh per year and save tax under Section 80C in case of old tax regime. The interest earned is tax-free. It is a great option for those who want safe, long-term savings.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

SSY is a savings scheme for the girl child. You can open the account when your daughter is below 10 years of age. It has a high interest rate and tax benefits under Section 80C in case of old tax regime. You can deposit as little as ₹250 per year. The maturity amount and interest are completely tax-free.

Why Should You Invest in Tax Saving Plans?

Investing in tax-saving plans can be a helpful way to manage your finances wisely. They lower your taxable income and help you build wealth for future needs. Whether it’s saving for retirement, your child’s future, or medical needs, these plans give you financial security. Including such plans in your overall financial strategy can support your goals for growth and security over time.

Important Income Tax Savings Tips

Start early in the year. Spread your investments instead of putting all money at once. Choose the right mix of safe and high-return options. Don’t wait till the last minute.

Tax Saving Investments for Young Unmarried Tax-Payers

Life Insurance can be an important part of financial planning with tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act (under the old tax regime). Premiums paid for Life Insurance policies may qualify for deductions up to ₹1.5 Lakh annually, helping reduce taxable income. Starting with affordable premiums might make it easier to include Life Insurance in your overall tax planning, supporting both protection and tax efficiency as you build your financial future. The earlier you start, the better your long-term growth and tax savings will be.

Tax Saving Investments for Single Income Couples

If only one person is earning in the household, you need to save carefully. Insurance-based tax-saving investments might help reduce taxable income while securing financial protection . Buy life insurance to secure your family and get 80C benefits in case of old tax regime. Term insurance plans provide financial support to your family in case of your untimely death. They generally have low premiums, and the sum assured paid to the nominee is usually tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act.

Tax Saving Options for Double Income Couples

If two people in a family earn money, they might save more and reduce tax liability . Each person might put money into different savings plans to get tax benefits under Section 80C (available under the old tax regime). Under section 80 C tax benefits are available for plans like ULIPs , National Savings Certificate , ELSS etc. Health Insurance Plans also help save tax under Section 80D (under the old tax regime). Combine savings smartly to lower your total tax.

Tax Saving Investment Options for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens should go for options that are safe and give regular income. The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers a high return and tax benefit under 80C in case of old tax regime. I Other options include tax-saving fixed deposits and recurring deposits, which are generally low-risk. PPF is also safe and tax-free. Use Section 80TTB to claim up to ₹50,000 deduction on interest earned. Don’t forget health insurance—deductions up to ₹50,000 are allowed under 80D for seniors in case of old tax regime.

Tax Saving Options for Family Business Owners

Running a business? You can still save tax smartly. I Contributions to the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and investments in National Savings Certificates (NSC) can offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act under the old tax regime. If your parents are senior citizens, get them covered under health insurance and claim ₹50,000 extra under 80D in case of old tax regime. If you pay rent and don't get HRA, claim deduction under 80GG in case of old tax regime. Donations to registered NGOs can help you save under 80G in case of old tax regime. Keep records to support all claims.

Conclusion

Insurance policies are crucial for families, as they offer financial assistance during emergencies. Insurance covers enable policyholders to secure their future, and the future of their spouses and children. Life insurance policies such as ULIPs are also considered to be one of the preferred tax saving investments in India, as they serve as an investment tool to create wealth, while offering insurance coverage to the policyholder.

It is imperative for taxpayers to identify their short-term and long-term goals before choosing an insurance plan. Not only does it ensure a sound financial future, but it also ensures that the futures of those who are dependent on the policyholder are secured. Furthermore, investors can also take advantage of the tax benefits on insurance, thus helping them save on tax payable.

FAQs

Which investment is best for tax savings?

It depends on your goal. For long-term safety, go for PPF or NSC. For higher returns, ELSS is a good choice. If you want insurance too, consider ULIP.

What is the best investment to reduce taxable income?

Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh per year on investments such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), and Life insurance premiums.. Health insurance premiums under 80D and NPS under 80CCD(1B) also help reduce taxable income in case of old tax regime.

How can I save 100% tax?

If your taxable income is low and you use all the deductions under 80C, 80D, 80CCD(1B), etc. in case of old tax regime, you may reduce your tax to zero. But this depends on your income and expenses.

Is 5-year FD tax-free?

Only tax-saving fixed deposits with a 5-year lock-in are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C in case of old tax regime. However, the interest earned on these FDs is taxable.