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Section 80C

Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows Indian taxpayers to claim a deduction of up to Rs 1,50,000 per year from their taxable income by investing in specified instruments like PPF, ELSS, and tax-saver FDs.

Detailed Explanation

## What Is Section 80C? Section 80C is one of the most widely used sections of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. It allows individual taxpayers and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) to reduce their taxable income by up to Rs 1,50,000 per financial year through investments in specified instruments. ## Eligible Instruments Under 80C The most common investments that qualify: - **PPF**: Public Provident Fund (up to Rs 1,50,000/year) - **ELSS**: Equity Linked Saving Scheme mutual funds - **EPF**: Employee Provident Fund (employee's contribution) - **NSC**: National Savings Certificate - **Tax-saver FD**: 5-year fixed deposit with a bank - **Life insurance premium**: Subject to conditions - **Tuition fees**: For up to 2 children - **Home loan principal repayment**: Up to the 80C limit ## How Much Tax Can You Save? The actual tax saved depends on your income tax slab: - 30% bracket: Up to Rs 46,800 (including 4% cess) - 20% bracket: Up to Rs 31,200 - 5% bracket: Up to Rs 7,800 Note: These deductions apply under the old tax regime. The new tax regime (from FY 2024-25) generally does not allow 80C deductions but offers lower tax rates. ## PPF and 80C PPF is considered one of the best 80C investments because it combines the deduction with tax-free returns and tax-free maturity (EEE status). Unlike a tax-saver FD where you get the deduction but pay tax on interest, PPF gives you triple tax benefits. Plan your 80C allocation with our [PPF calculator](/) to see how your tax-saving deposits grow over time.

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Related Terms

PPF

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme backed by the Government of India that offers tax-free returns at 7.1% per annum with a 15-year lock-in period.

EEE Status

EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status means an investment is tax-free at all three stages: when you invest, while it earns returns, and when you withdraw at maturity.

Compound Interest

Compound interest is interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods, causing your money to grow exponentially over time.

Maturity Amount

The maturity amount is the total sum you receive when a PPF account completes its full tenure, including all your deposits plus accumulated compound interest.

Lock-in Period

The lock-in period is the minimum time you must keep your investment before you can withdraw. PPF has a 15-year lock-in, though partial withdrawals are allowed from year 7.

Partial Withdrawal

Partial withdrawal from PPF is allowed from the 7th financial year onwards, with the maximum amount being 50% of the balance from 4 years prior or the preceding year's balance, whichever is lower.

Loan Against PPF

PPF account holders can take a loan against their PPF balance from the 3rd to 6th financial year, borrowing up to 25% of the balance from two years prior at an interest rate of PPF rate plus 1%.

PPF Extension

After the 15-year maturity, a PPF account can be extended in 5-year blocks either with continued contributions or without, allowing the corpus to keep earning tax-free interest.

Tax-Free Returns

Tax-free returns mean the gains from an investment are not subject to income tax, allowing you to keep the full amount earned without any deductions for taxes.

Risk-Free Investment

A risk-free investment is one where your principal and returns are guaranteed, typically backed by a sovereign government. PPF is considered risk-free because it carries a Government of India guarantee.

PPF Account

A PPF account is a savings account opened under the Public Provident Fund scheme at designated banks or post offices, where deposits earn 7.1% annual interest with tax benefits under Section 80C.

Annual Deposit

The annual deposit in PPF refers to the total amount contributed to a PPF account in a financial year, with a minimum of Rs 500 and a maximum of Rs 1,50,000.

Interest Rate

The PPF interest rate is the annual rate at which your PPF balance earns returns, currently set at 7.1% per annum and revised quarterly by the Government of India based on government bond yields.

Sovereign Guarantee

A sovereign guarantee means the Government of India stands behind the PPF scheme, ensuring that both your principal and accumulated interest are fully protected regardless of economic conditions.