Last minute tax planning? Here is a quick guide!

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Do you find yourself in a situation where there are just a bunch of days ahead for the deadline of submission of tax documents? Here is a quick guide to help you sort out your finances last minute!

1. Target full utilisation of Section 80 C: Maximum deduction available is to the tune of Rs. 100,000. Assess your income to arrive at the amount you need to invest in this section. The investment avenues include; Public Provident Fund (PPF) up to Rs. 70,000, National Saving Certificate (NSC), Life Insurance or ULIP premium, tuition fees paid for children's education (2 children max), Equity linked savings schemes (ELSS), Post office saving deposit (POSD) and five year fixed deposits with banks among others.

For individuals in the higher income bracket, section 80 C which is the most popular one may not be sufficient to reduce overall tax liability. Here is where the other sections will play a key role in reducing tax outflow.

2. Interest on home loan: Individuals intending to buy a house should consider opting for a home loan. Interest payments up to Rs 150,000 pa are eligible for deduction under Section 24

3. House Rent Allowance (HRA): You can take advantage of this if you are renting an accommodation. There are set guidelines determining the amount deductible. Please note that the rent agreement and the rent receipts need to be submitted

4. Health Insurance Premium: Annual deduction of Rs. 15,000 is permissible for self, spouse and dependent children. Also and additional Rs. 15,000 is allowed for parents

5. Medical reimbursement: Medical treatment expenses up to Rs. 15,000 can be claimed annually as deduction from salary u/s 17(2). Actual bills need to be produced

6. Donation to Charitable institutions: Subject to the stated limits, donations to specified funds/institutions are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80G. Receipt needs to be produced.

7. Interest paid on educational loans: Deduction can be claimed on interest paid on educational loans taken for higher education of you, your spouse and children under section (u/s) 80 E. There is no limit on the amount of deduction you can claim. However, the loan should be taken for a graduate or post-graduate program in engineering, medicine or management or a post-graduate course in the pure or applied sciences