Penalties should start by choosing the NPS benefit offered by his company. Under section 80CCD(2), up to 10% of basic pay in NPS is tax free. If his company puts Rs 5,400 (10% of basic salary) in NPS every month, his annual tax will be reduced by about Rs 20,000. Another Rs 15,600 can be saved if he himself invests Rs 50,000 in NPS. At the age of 36, Dand should opt for aggressive allocation in NPS and invest maximum in equity funds.

Next, they should ask their company for some basic tax-exempt components such as vehicle, telephone and newspaper allowance. If they get Rs 5,000 as monthly vehicle reimbursement, Rs 1,500 for telephone and internet bills, and Rs 500 per month for newspapers and magazines, their annual tax will be reduced by about Rs 17,000. Dund and his family and parents belong to the group health insurance policy from your employer. He has also opted for top up by paying Rs 24,000. But the group cover continues only till one is employed in the company. That’s why Dand should buy health insurance on his own. The additional premium of Rs 21,000 would reduce his tax by about Rs 6,600.

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