Tax guide

Maximize Your Tax Deductions - Complete Guide

Comprehensive AY 2026-27 guide to deductions under Income-tax Act, 1961 sections, with 2025 Act cross-references for 80C, 80D, 80G, and more.

Published 2026-05-05

Section 80C Deductions (₹1.5 Lakh; 2025 Act: Section 123)

Most popular section with multiple investment options.

  • PPF (Public Provident Fund) - 15 year lock-in
  • ELSS Mutual Funds - 3 year lock-in, best returns
  • NSC (National Savings Certificate)
  • Tax Saving FD (5 year lock-in)
  • EPF/VPF contributions

Section 80CCD - NPS Benefits (Extra ₹50K; employer contribution maps to 2025 Act: Section 124)

Additional deduction for NPS investment.

  • 80CCD(1): Employee contribution - part of 80C
  • 80CCD(1B): Additional ₹50,000 over 80C
  • 80CCD(2): Employer contribution (up to 10%/14%)

Section 80D - Health Insurance (₹25K-₹1L; 2025 Act: Section 126)

Deduction for health insurance premiums.

  • Self & family premium: Up to ₹25,000
  • Parents premium: Additional ₹25,000
  • Senior citizen limit: ₹50,000 each
  • Preventive health check-up: ₹5,000 (within above)

Section 24(b) - Home Loan Interest (₹2L)

Deduction on home loan interest for self-occupied property.

  • Self-occupied property: Up to ₹2 lakh interest
  • Let-out property: No limit on interest deduction
  • Under construction: Interest deductible in 5 installments
  • Joint loan: Each co-owner claims separately