There are several ways to reduce income tax in India, some of which are:
- Invest in tax-saving instruments: Investing in tax-saving instruments such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), and National Pension System (NPS) can help reduce your taxable income and save you tax.
- Claim deductions under Section 80C: You can claim deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act by investing in specified instruments such as life insurance, provident fund, and mutual funds. The maximum deduction available under this section is Rs. 1.5 lakh.
- Claim deductions for medical expenses: You can claim deductions for medical expenses under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act by purchasing a health insurance policy for yourself or your family members.
- Claim deductions for rent paid: If you are living in a rented house and are not receiving any house rent allowance (HRA) from your employer, you can claim deductions for the rent paid under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act.
- Claim deductions for interest on home loan: You can claim deductions for the interest paid on a home loan under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act. The maximum deduction available under this section is Rs. 2 lakh.
- Donate to charity: Donations made to specified charitable institutions are eligible for deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
- Claim deductions for education expenses: You can claim deductions for the tuition fees paid for your children’s education under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act.
It is important to note that you should consult a tax professional or financial advisor to determine the best tax-saving strategies for your specific situation, as the tax laws and regulations in India are subject to change.