Ease Your Tax Burden - Invest Now

An small investor (and tax payer) is one who manages his finances in such a way that the TDS is just equal to the tax he is supposed to pay for a particular year. You need to balance your needs based on need for liquidity in hand, investment returns and tax savings.

Every individual get more tensed in the month of February /March every year as in this month when they feels like they are being subject to extortion in form of Tax Deduction at Source or Advance Tax. And advised if not want to pay tax then go to invest in tax saving investments.

There could be moments when you feel that you have paid too much of taxes or too much of tax has been deducted from your salary. So to avoid such situation one should start planning their taxes from the beginning of the year itself so that you don’t end your year by paying more taxes.

When the employer deducts tax at source, more particularly, during last two months, as he would like to avoid defaults on his part, to save on interest and penalties, he shall consider all your investments which give you tax deductions or savings. While deducting tax at source, he shall consider investments such as in

Insurance premium,

Provident fund contributions,

National saving certificates,

Investment in pension plans,

ULIPs, Mediclaim etc.

Not only this, he shall also consider certain amounts spent by you on specified items and on your health such as 

Tuition fee of children (80C), 

Repayment of principal amount of home loan (80C),

Medical expenses (80D, 80DD), 

Expenses on specified illnesses (80DDB) (upto Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 60,000 for senior citizens (Rs 1,00,000 wef A.y 2019-20) and for super senior citizen Rs 80,000 from A.y 2016-17 to 2018-19 ( Rs 1,00,000 from A.y 2019-20)

Any amount of interest paid on educational loan (80E) etc.

Donations made to specified eligible funds etc are also eligible for allowance (100% or 50% depending upon type of donation.

Employer is also supposed to consider your house rent receipts but may ask for landlord’s PAN number also.

You can plan you taxes including TDS by integrating your tax planning and investment planning. The investments you make should also have a tax saving objective. If choosing between two options with similar returns and safety features, tax saving would play an important role. In such situations, investments like housing, provident funds, insurance, equity linked saving options etc. can give you some relax feeling.

However, if tax has been deducted in absence of investment or forget to inform the Deductor in time (like bank etc), and your tax liability does not arise as per your income details or tax deduction becomes more than actual tax liability, you should not worry much as it is now mandatory for tax payers to quote then bank account number and details in the return itself which makes refunds faster, safer and hassle free.

Read More

Submission of Investment Proof

Third quarter of this current financial year 2017-18 is near to end. All employees who earn more than taxable limits has to submit their investment/expenses proof, which makes them eligible to get benefit of tax saving option provided by Income Tax Department, to their Employer / HR department for the year 2017-18.

Since the Income Tax Department made it very clear to all employer to verify the geniuses of each claim made by their employee  (vide Circular No.01/2017). This submission is subject to TDS deduction on Salary. Employers have right to act as per guidelines in accordance with the income tax rules to safeguard the interest of the organisation.

Here some list of document pertaining to Expenses/Investment proof needs to submit with employers for the TDS purpose.

Tax Section	Guidelines
Rent Payments	Monthly rental receipts Following information is mandatory in the rent receipt. Landlord’s name and address, signature of the Landlord. Landlord’s PAN or a self-declaration, in case the annual rent amount is greater than 1.0 lakh. Revenue stamp to be affixed for the cash payments.
Insurance Premium/ULIP/ Pension scheme.	Premium receipts paid during current financial year, in name of self, spouse, children.
Children Tuition Fees.	Copy of Tuition Fees paid to educational institution. Payment in nature of Donations, Capitation fees, Uniform fee, Sports fee, Van Fees, Shoes & Sock etc., are not allowed.
Public Provident Fund- PPF	Copy of the stamped deposit receipt, paid during current financial year or Copy of the Passbook with clear mention as PPF Account
National Saving Certificate (NSC) And Interest accrued on  NSC deposited in the earlier FYs.	Copy of NSC certificate in the name of employee. Copy of the NSC’s purchased in the previous FYs. Interest accrued will be considered as other income too.
MEDICLAIM – Deduction U/S 80 D – including preventive health checkup. Employee, spouse, dependent children, and parents	Copy of premium receipt paid during the FY. Receipt of payment of preventive health check-up of the employee or family
Tax Saving Mutual Funds	Copy of investment certificate with the employee name, Investment Date, Amount, Type of Investment. Only the investments made under Tax Saving Fund / Plan will be considered
ELSS (Equity Linked Saving Scheme)	Copy of investment certificate with the employee name, Investment Date, Amount, Type of Investment. Only the investments made under Tax Saving Fund / Plan will be considered.
Income / Loss from House Property- Let out Property	Detailed calculation of Let out house property's income/loss.
Principal & Interest Repayment of Housing Loan	Interest certificate from the bank/financial institution with the total interest and principal paid/due for the FY.
Post Office –Term Deposit with more than 5 year term.	Copy of deposit receipt
Tax Saving Fixed Deposits with Scheduled Banks.	Copy of Deposit Receipt invested during current financial year, qualified benefit under Sec 80C of the Income Tax Act
Medical Treatment on Handicapped Dependent – Deduction U/S 80DD	Proof of a. Expenditure incurred towards medical treatment, training and rehabilitation of a handicapped dependent ., or b. Amount paid or deposited under any scheme framed in this behalf by the LIC or UTI or any other insurer and approved by the Board for the maintenance of the handicapped dependent c. Form 10-IA
Medical Treatment Expenses for the specified disease  – Deduction U/S 80DDB	Medical Bills / expenditure incurred by way of medical treatment for a specified disease along with a certificate from a hospital in the prescribed form. Form 10-I
Interest paid on Higher Education Loan – Deduction U/S 80 E	Copy of Bank certificate stating that the loan and interest has been paid and amount payable during the financial year
Additional Deduction in respect of housing loan interest for the first house property acquired in FY 16-17 U/s 80EE	Maximum deduction u/s 80EE is allowed Rs. 50000/-. The deduction shall be subject to the following conditions: 1. Loan should be sanctioned during the Financial Year 2016-17 2. The amount of loan sanctioned for acquisition of the residential house property does not exceed 35 lakh rupees; 3. The value of the residential house property does not exceed 50 lakh rupees; 4. The assesse does not own any residential house property on the date of sanction of the loan. All proofs should be provided, as applicable for loss on house property.
Donations eligible U/s 80G	Employers may not consider all the Donations for taxation, hence employees have to consider the same at the time of filing their personal returns and have to claim the tax refund
For Self – Permanent Disability – Deduction U/s 80 U	Any Individual suffering from a permanent physical disability (including blindness) or is subject to mental retardation, on the production of medical certificate from Government Hospital in the prescribed form and manner, along with a Return of Income, shall be allowed a deduction of Rs.75000/-. Where such assessee is a person with severe disability, a deduction of Rs.125,000/- can be claimed. (Photocopy of certificate (Form – 10 IA) issued by the competent medical authority specifying the % of disability)
For Self – Permanent Disability – Deduction U/s 80 U	Form 10 I-A
NPS – 80CCD(1B)	Copy of the stamped deposit receipt, paid during current financial year and copy of the Passbook with clear mention as NPS Account

SUGGESTION TO EMPLOYEE ON TAX SAVING INVESTMENT/EXPENSES 

Please review your tax liability of the year in start of the financial year. 

Keep copy of all investment/ expenses related with year. This habit helps you and your employer to clear off tax liability and saves you from interest / penalty factor for less tax payment.

This habit also helps you to assess your options to invest in right investment scheme which are eligible under section 80C.

Read More

How To Link Aadhar No. With Insurance Policies ?

On 08th November 2017, IRDA (Insurance Regulatory And Development Authority of India) issued a Circular No.IRDAI/SDD/MISC/CIR/248/11/2017  that linking your Aadhar No. and PAN is mandatory with all your insurance policies. Read this Circular is as below :

"Central Government vide gazette notification dated 1^st June 2017 notified the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules, 2017 making Aaadhar and PAN/Form 60 mandatory for availing financial services including Insurance and also for linking the existing policies with the same.

The Authority clarifies that, linkage of Aadhaar number to Insurance Policies is mandatory under the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules, 2017.

These Rules have statutory force and, as such, Life and General Insurers (Including Standalone Health Insurers) have to implement them without awaiting further instructions".

Why it is became so important to all policy holder? It is just to save your investment from any future fraud. We have to understand the importance to link Aadhar to LIC Policies and Linking of PAN to all insurance policies you are having. 

However the question is, How to link Aadhar No. to LIC Policies? Neither IRDA nor LIC company provided any facility to link their policies with Aadhar. Though there are two ways that you can link your Aadhar no with your insurance policies.

1. Link Aadhar / PAN while buying New Policy:

If you are planning to buy any new insurance policy then there are facility to link your Aadhar No. along with your PAN by providing a self attested copy with new proposal form. 

Therefore who are buying new LIC products should no need to bother now. The process will be completed by LIC itself before issuing a new policy to you.

2. Link Aadhar / PAN to existing LIC Policies:

As I told you, as of now LIC did not came up any online linking facility to existing policies. However you can visit your branch and link Aadhar & PAN to LIC Policies. Do remember to get an acknowledgement of the same.

LIC has the main problem that they don' have any centralized system to manage all policies and customer. It will be little problematic if you have policies from different branch but if it is from same branch then it will be easy.

You can make a list of all your policies with other details like Insured Person Detail, Premium (without tax) along with a letter and self attested Aadhar copy along with PAN/Form 60 (If not provided earlier) and put request to the concerned authority/ LIC agent to do the same.

It is clearly stated in this circular that every person/entities has to link their Aadhar with all kind of insurance policies including Group Policies.

Aadhaar Number has to be captured for both Customer and Proposer.

In case where the Aadhaar number has not been assigned to a client, the client shall furnish proof of application of enrollment for Aadhaar.

The various entities and whose Aadhaar Number has to be captured is clarified as follows,

a.       Individual : The Aadhaar Number of the Individual.

b.      Company / Partnership / Trust :Aadhaar Number issued to the person holding an attorney to transact on the Company’s/Partnership’s/Trust’s behalf.

Click here to link your Aadhaar with LIC Policies

Or  

if you want to link process manually/self by visiting branch, here is the Annexure (Application Format) 

What is Form 60? 

Form 60 is a self declaration provided as per requirement & filled by those individuals or person who does not have a PAN ( Permanent Account Number) and who enters into any transaction specified in Rule114B.

Who Require to provide Form 60?

Some person who have insurance policies but they do not earn as per Income Tax threshold limit then they can provide Form 60. 

Before signing the declaration, this declarant should satisfy himself that the information furnished in this form is True, Correct and Complete in all respects. Any person making a false statement in the declaration shall be liable to prosecution under section 277 of the income tax act,1961 and on conviction be punishable.

HOW TO LINK STAR HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY WITH AADHAR NO.?

Here providing you the link. Click here. You will be asked for Policy No., fill up and submit it. 

An OTP will be sent on your registered email ID and your registered Mobile No., fill OTP and submit.

Now provide your Aadhaar No. and PAN no. and submit.

A massage will prompt for successfully submission of PAN And Aadhaar No.


Don't go with any spurious  call to help to link your Aadhaar with Policy. 

Don't Share your personal details with any unknown person.

Read More

How to Avoid Insurance Claim Rejection ?

Life insurance is not just a tax saving tool, it is a serious financial product which if used correctly can be a bless for your family and dependents. We people take life insurance to safe our future from any mishappen.      

But it will be only if it get paid to our nominee on time without hassle. There are so many clauses, conditions and exceptions in insurance policies. Failure to meet any of these conditions would result in no insurance benefit being pay out. Most often, insurers rely on legal loopholes and clauses in their policy documents to avoid making payments of sums assured, but surprisingly a large number of times, the fault and blame belongs to the customers themselves.

Here are some points to ensure yourself as a customer that you always get paid.

1. Don't Conceal Information:- While taking a life insurance policy any information pertaining to your health/habits which can put an impact should disclose. Any pre-existing disease or condition or smoking/drinking habits or anything that can be linked as being as cause to your hospitalization or death will be investigated and if you have not disclosed to the company about it then sum assured & other benefits will not be given to you or your dependents/nominee. Remember your premiums are decided on this information. If there is nothing that can be held against you then the insurer will have to honor the insurance claim.

2. Accept Medical Examination: After certain age, life insurer ask for sponsored medical examination and test to get better understanding of your medical condition. These test may also help you detect diseases early, and treat them accordingly. These test will decide acceptance/rejection of policy or clear your doubts about any future rejection of claims due to concealing health information. 

3. Pay Insurance Premium On-Time: Remember Insurance company only settle claims on Active Insurance Policies. But there are number of people who do not understand that delaying premium payments result in lapsed policies. Once your policy get lapse, you are no longer covered and all your premiums paid that far will be rendered useless. Your nominee may lost their legal validity to get sum assured on death from the company. In some cases delaying your insurance premium payments lead to Late Payment Surcharge for re-reinstatement of the policy.

4. Nominee Information: Nominee is the person who will receive any and all benefits that come out of your insurance policy in your absence. Nominee should be generally that person whose livelihoods are directly depends on you being alive and well. So nominate some one is more important. If you are single than nominate your parents, if married then spouse or children. Whatever your present relationship status is, always keep nominee name update so that some benefits will to some dependents of yours. If there is no nominee then death benefits may be freeze/rejected.

5. Scrutinize the Policy Documents: Merely telling the insurance agent everything about your medical history will not qualify him to understand and explain all on the form about your medical history. Insurers decide your premium payment amount, overall coverage, and even some exclusions based on whats' filled out in your forms. No one knows better that you, and you need to make sure the insurance provider knows too. You need to take the time out of your busy schedule and check the form that all details are filled in order and truthfully. Check Clauses such as the exception list that indemnifies the insurer from any kind of liability towards you exist all over your policy documents. 

Keep  yourself informed about all developments with your insurer. Keep yourself informed about the details in your policy documents. Stay well informed about the conditions under which you will be eligible for a claim. 

Read More

Personal Loan - How To Avail it !

Personal Loan everybody's prime requirement nowadays. Every persons are in need of some fund to fulfill their desire, enjoy their festivals, or special occasion. But sometimes earlier people thinks taking loan is almost a big sin. Daily you certainly get some calls from bank or financial institution asking you about your willingness to take personal loan. It seems Personal Loan is become your helping hand. Here we shall discuss about your financial companion i.e. Personal Loan. 

Unsecured Loan: Personal Loan comes under Unsecured Loan category. It is unsecured because you do not have to put any thing lien or give guaranty to get it. So, it becomes attractive.

Tenure: You can generally get personal loan for the period of 1-5 years. 

Documentation: First you should know the documents mandatory to apply for personal loan. The list of documents are as follows:

1) PAN Card

2) Aadhar Card (It is mandatory)

3) Passport or Driving License as Identity Proof

4) For Resident Proof you can submit Passport copy, Ration Card Copy, Electricity/Telephone bill, Gas Bill, Bank Statement copy etc.

5) If you are salaried then arrange Salary Slip (latest 3 Months), Form 16 and Six month Bank Statement. If you are self employed then you have to provide 2-3 years account statement and Income Tax Return copy as proof of Income.

Other Charges: Bank charge not only interest on the loan amount for the given tenure but also charges Service Tax / GST (now) on  interest amount and a processing fee with GST. 

  (a) Processing Fee is charged for complete the loan procedure. Sometimes this processing fee is non-refundable depending upon bank/financial institution' policy. It can be 0.5% to 3% of the loan amount or upto a maximum amount.

  (b) Pre-closure charges, is if you repay the entire loan amount before it's sanctioned tenure the bank levy a pre-closure/pre-repayment charges which is upto 2% - 5% with applicable taxes

   (c) Apart from this if you make late to pay EMI then an other charges levy that is Late Fee, Finance charges with applicable taxes.

Interest Rate: Personal Loan is totally unsecured loan so bank try to charges as maximum as possible interest rate. Normally this rate is discussed before the deal. Range of interest is between 12% to 30% per annum. Moreover interest rates are differ from bank to bank. For government employee interest rates may go down further. So, depending upon your repaying capacity and bank's policy to lend you can, negotiate for the better rates. 

You can even offer Mutual Fund, Insurance or Fixed Deposits as security to increase loan amount.

Requirement / Usage of Personal Loan, depends on your financial/social positions. You may require it if you have taken any borrowing at higher interest rate. In such cash take a personal loan and repay it. Personal loan for paying off Credit Card balance which is being rolled over for months and attracting charges. 
So you can take it to fulfill your requirements or pay off dues or liabilities but remember loan is always injurious to your financial health.

Read More

Insurance Premium Saving Factors !

Friends asks, how to save insurance premium? What are the way to save insurance premium? How I can save insurance premium? What are the factors that affect insurance premiums? Hope many of us always thinking about this. And always ask our Insurance Agent friends. 

A Lower premium paid can yield to a good amount of savings over a period of few years. Life insurance premiums are based on number of factors and it can be quite tedious for few people to understand. Like why insurance premium of  same same are not same? Why premium of same age & same amount not same? etc..

There are some factors that many insurance companies consider when pricing their policies. Those factors can effect your life insurance premium which not in our control but we can.

There are some factors listed below which affect our life insurance premiums are:

a) Age Factor: This is factor always affects insurance premium. If you are young the rates will be lower in comparison to someone older. The death possibility or contract to life threatening disease in younger individual are very low. The insurance companies believes that a young can pay many insurance premium installments before they have to write a cheque for your family.

b) Policy Type Factor: Different type of policy charges different types of life insurance premium for the same person for same tenure and same Sum Assured. It differs the bonus amount/ Loyalty Amount payable on that policy. Like Premium of New Jeevan Anand Policy and New Endowment Policy of 21 year old person for 20 years terms are differ.  

c) Policy Tenure Factor: The policy tenure also affects insurance premium. The longer the tenure of the policy the larger the amount of benefit at the time of death as well as lower premium amounts. Short term policy are more expensive than of long term insurance policy.

d) Rider Factors: Some policy offers riders on that particular policy. If someone opt this rider than its premium amount become higher than without rider. So when you opt it think about it.

e) Medical History Factor: Every person who like have an insurance policy need to provide their health records.These records ensures that you don't have any chronic diseases or potential health issues. This keeps a check on your premium amount.  

But if a person has medical history of serious illness like cancer, heart diseases or any other then that makes them susceptible to get these from a hereditary perspective. Which increases the individuals insurance premium by larger margin than.

f) Profession Factor: Your profession/job also plays an important role in the premium you pay for the policy you want to take. Any policy holder working in the mining industry, oil And gas, fisheries or any other dangerous profession increases the premium amount.

g) Hobby Factor: Many insurers have a higher premium for people who love to takes risks for the thrill of it, like speeding cars / car race, climbing treacherous mountains or participates in other high risks activities. Thereby increasing your premium to substantially more than other.

h) Drinking / Smoking: Insurance companies ensure to ask the applicant if they are smoker or drinker. Drinking or smoking is always injurious to health. So if you are a smoker / drinker that raises red flag to insurance companies. Mostly these kind of people pays double the insurance premium than that of non-smoker/drinker. So, avoid it.

i) Gender Factor: Insurance companies ask for your gender. This does not mean insurance companies are against gender equality, But they believes that there is a different life expectancy for different genders. As per studies and statistical findings, women are believed to live 5 years more than men at the minimum resource. Therefor affecting the premium they pay for a larger period of time but at lower rate which is a plus point for the women.

How these factors affect your insurance premium is depends on the insurance company policy about the way they treat these factors and the combination of them. Every insurance policy is based on each individual and premiums are calculated on the insurance company's rules of rating.

Consider these above factors to live a health life and save money.

Read More

Notice For Modification of LIC Jeevan Akshay - VI (Plan No.189)

Today LIC has issued a Notification regarding Modification of LIC's Jeevan Akhay - VI (Plan no.189) (UIN:512N234V05). Read Complete Notification here as-

LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF INDIA

CENTRAL OFFICE

Dept: Product Development                 "Yogakshema"
                                        Jeevan Bima Marg.
                                        Mumbai - 4000021
                                       24th November, 2017

Ref: CO/PD/100

To
All HODs of Central Office
All Zonal Offices,
All Divisional Offices
All Branch Offices (Through D.O's)
MDC, ZTCs, STC, NIA and
Audit & Inspection Depts. of Zonal Offices


Re: Modification of LIC's Jeevan Akshay -VI (Plan No. 189)(UIN:512N234V05)

This is to inform that the current annuity rates applicable to individual annuities under LIC's Jeevan Akshay -VI (UIN:512N234V05) will not be available with effect from 01.12.2017

The existing annuity rates would apply on all proposals with full premium received proposals registered and also completed as on 30.11.2017 or before. The annuity rates of LIC's Jeevan Akhshay-VI (UIN:512N234V05) will be revised with effect from 01.12.2017. The revised annuity rates would apply on all proposals registered and / or completed from 01.12.2017.

Therefore, all our offices are requested to ensure that all the proposals received under this plan LIC's Jeevan Akhshay-VI (UIN:512N234V05) on or before 30.11.2017 are completed as at 30.11.2017. For any incomplete proposal even if registered on or before 30.11.2017 but not completed on a date before or as at 30.11.2017, revised annuity rates would apply.

For the proposals completed before or as at 30.11.2017, in case of cheque dishonour and sbsequent receipt of money and completion of such cases after 30th November 2017, revised annuity rates would apply.

[Signature]
Executive Director (Marketing & Product Develpment)

FAQ
What is LIC's Jeevan Akhshay-VI (Plan No. 189) (UIN:512N234V05) ?
It is an immediate Annuity Plan. It is one time investment with Life Time Return Pension Plan applicable with next Month, Quarterly, Half Yearly or Yearly.

Can we Surrender Jeevan Akshay VI (Plan -189) ?
Yes! You can Surrender Jeevan Akshay -VI after one year and get back your money with OPTION-F

What are the Special Features of Jeevan Akshay VI (Plan -189) ?
There are lots of special feature this plan has. Some of them are listed below :
1> It Does Not Effect Your Pension Amount inspite of regular changing in Bank's FD Rate
2> After Policy Holder All Money Will Be Returnable to Nominee. 
3> Available Pension Option of Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly And Yearly
4> Pension Available From Just Next Month 
5> Minimum Entry Age 30 Years, Maximum Entry Age 85 Years
6> Minimum Investment Limit - 1 Lakh, Maximum Investment Limit - No Limit
7> Direct Credit of Pension Into Your Bank Account.
8> After Death of Husband & Wife All Amount Returnable to Next Legal Successor (Option-J)

ACT  NOW. NO TENSION ONLY PENSION

Read More

Life After Life With Life Insurance

One of my client asked me "why every alternate day an LIC Agent came to me and asked to buy an insurance policy? How I can buy if not able save to afford premium amount? I ask him just to imagine "you are the head of the family and only earning member. You have a good job, own flat, kids taking education in good school. But suppose unfortunately you are no more or no-more earning as now, then............. " that person silence for some time. Again I asked can you again imagine that your family can live without you as comfortable as now. They need money to fulfill their needs even in your absence... so we people come and tell you to do some for future cash requirement.
Always remember loss of an income always creates a dent in the financial plans of any family, and if that income is the only income, the damages can be very severe.
Nothing can be done to compensate for the emotional loss of the family. But we do something to take care of them financially when we are not there.
Therefore we can secure our family's financial future by buying a life insurance policy. Besides do not overlook benefits of a life insurance during your lifetime, especially if you are young. Here  I am listing some reasons for buying Life Insurance Policy.
1. Life After Life : As I illustrated above there are life after your life who need money to survive and fulfill their requirements. They are your dependent spouse, your child, your mother-father whom you love so much.
2. Supplements for your Retirement Goals: With a life insurance plan, you can ensure you have a regular stream of income every month till you survive. So, invest some money in  Pension Fund scheme.
3. Tax Saving Purpose: The premium you pay on an insurance policy is eligible for maximum tax benefit upto Rs.1.50 Lakh under section 80C. And give you a tax free return at the time of Maturity or death under section 10(D) of IT Act, 1961. So, you can save tax with insurance policies irrespective of what plan you buy. 
4. Peace of Mind: We all knows death is unavoidable. Atleast you can do this for your family to secure their financial future. Even if it is a small policy, you know that you have done all you can.
5. Forced Saving Tools: If you are not able to invest thou this investment forcefully ask you to save some money for future. If you choose a traditional or ULIP policy, you pay a premium each month, means each month savings.
6. Delay Cost More: Life insurance policy run on uncertainties. Now you are healthy so you can buy a life insurance but if you are ill your policy may be rejected. Buying life insurance early is cheaper than buying later. 
7. Helpful in Debt-dealing: If you have any home loan or car loan, you must not want your family to deal with financial liabilities during a crisis. Any outstanding debt either home loan, auto loan, personal loan or credit card outstanding will be taken care of if you have right (amount) insurance policies.
8. Fulfill Long-Term Goal: Life insurance a tool for long-term investment. It may help you to achieve your future goals such as buying home, fund for higher education of your child.

Using life insurance as an investment tool might make sense for some people in some situations - usually high net-worth individuals looking for a way to minimize income taxes. For the average person, it may fulfill their future financial needs.

Read More

Top Investment Idea U/s 80C

Many of us start investment only in February or March, i.e. just before the Financial Year getting over. This could be a big mistake. You may invest your money without proper planning. You may lose interest/appreciation for the whole year. Right time to start planning to invest is start of the financial year. This way you would not only make well informed decisions but also can earn interest for the whole year.

Here we will discuss about investment and tax deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act. Section 80C replaces Section 88. Section 80C has become effective from 1st April 2006. Section 80CCC on Pension Scheme also merged with this section. Section 80C of IT Act allows certain investment and expenditure to be tax exempt. 

The maximum limit of deduction under section 80 is Rs.1.50 lakh from F Y 2014-15 / A Y 2015-16. Before F Y 2014-15 the limit was Rs.1.00 Lakh.

Most of the Income Tax payer try to save tax by saving under section 80C. Must note that under this section you can not only just save tax on investment bust also save tax on certain Expenditure.

Top Investment idea U/s 80C:-

1. Life Insurance Premium: Any amount that you pay towards life insurance premium for yourself, your spouse or your children can also be included in this section deduction.

2. Unit Linked Insurance Plan: ULIP covers life insurance with benefits of equity investments. They have attracted the attention of investors and tax-savers not only because it help us to save tax  but also give decent returns in long-term.

3. Provident Fund: PF is deducted from your salary every month and both you and your employer contribute to it. While employer's contribution is exempt from tax, your contribution will come under section 80C. This deduction is compulsory, so this has to be the first and also apart from tax saving, it builds a long term, tax free retirement corpus for you.

4. Public Provident Fund (PPF): Public Provident Fund  is one of the best investment. Interest is compounded yearly and the normal maturity period is 15 years. You can deposit minimum Rs.500.00 and maximum Rs.1.50 Lakh. Remember rate of interest may vary by govt. notification.

5. Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS): This is a mutual fund (MF) specially designed to save tax. The investments that you make in ELSS are eligible for deduction under section 80C.

6. National Savings Certificate (NSC): It is good investment option with a maturity period of Five years and Ten Years. Compounded Interest accrued Half Yearly. Minimum investment in NSC is Rs.100.00 and No Maximum limit. You can withdraw NSC before maturity period in case of certificate holder. Remember Investment in NSC are eligible for deduction but accrue interest income is chargeable to tax in the same year.

7. Pension Fund: In this Section 80CCC investment limit is clubbed with the limit of Section 80C. It means total deduction limit under section 80C and 80CCC is Rs.1.50 Lakh. This means that your investment in Pension Funds upto Rs.1.50 Lakh can be claimed as deduction under section 80C.

8. Five Year Bank Fixed Deposit (FD): Tax Saving fixed deposits with tenure of 5 years are also entitled for section 80C deduction.

9. Five Year Post Office Time Deposit: This is similar to bank's fixed deposit scheme. Interest is compounded quarterly but paid annually. Interest is totally taxable.

10. Home Loan Principal Repayment : The Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) that you pay every month to repay your home loan consists of two components- (i) Principal Amount (ii) Interest Amount. The principal component qualifies for deduction under section 80C. And interest component save your tax under section 24 of IT Act. If you have taken home loan this is an automated EMI deduction cum investment. 

11. Sukanya Samriddhi Account: If you have blessed with girl child then it is for you only. You can open account under this scheme from the birth of a girl child till she attains the age of 10 year with minimum deposit of Rs.1000.00 and maximum deposit of Rs.1.50 lakh per year. Accrued interest under this scheme is fully exempt from tax in that year as well as in the year of receipts. For more you can read details in Notification No. G.S.R.863(E) Dated 02.12.2014.

Decide and Analyze which investment idea suite you to save tax and save your money with good return. Decision is yours. Have a happy investment.

Read More

Term Insurance Plan - Good or Bad Decision

Term Insurance is a contract between Insurance Company and insured person that primary provides guaranty to pay insurance amount only in case of demise of secondary to their Nominee, If all term & condition full-filed. If demise incident does not happen then company are not liable to pay. So, before taking Term Insurance Plan, person should think and analyze the utility of it. 

Term Insurance takes your risk at very low premium with certain term & condition. Like other insurance and investment alternatives it is also simple and easy. You know the premium amount you have to pay till the policy term and insurance amount your nominee will get if unfortunate demise will happen. 

For taking term insurance to ensure your family's financial future in your absence there are certain things to know before.

First understand the Term Insurance, it is designed for providing a pay-out only in case of demise. It is not an investment option because it would not give you any return. It is not for you, it is for your family member. Only good things about it that it cover high risk amount with very low premium cost. 

Analyze your requirement, in case you have any loan outstanding (like home loan) and don't want to forward this burden on your family member's in your absence then it is the only best option for you. Certainly you do not want your family to compromise on their lifestyle or find difficulty in sustaining a good life in your absence. It will be big favour by getting yourself a Term Insurance Cover.

Also Read : Term Insurance Plan Pure Life Insurance

First choose the Insurance Amount you think should be enough for your family to get normal life in your absence. Now second option comes that what will be premium/installment amount. There are lot online site who will help you to compare the premium instantly. It can be vary from company to company. The best thing about term insurance  plans is that these plans  are designed to charge the same premium throughout the policy term, even though the risks increases when you grow old. So, it is better to have it in early age and reassess it in every 5 years and if fills & can able to pay premium, you can increase the cover amount you require.

Secondly before selecting any insurance company check their Claim Settlement Ratio at IRDA website. The insurance company could have rejected few claims but you should check the causes behind such decisions. Insurance company will not process a claim which is fraudulent. Choose the best one. Read Term and Conditions & understand the Exclusions carefully. It is important to know before purchase it so that you don't leave your dependents with various issues relating to your term plan in your absence.

Selecting Nominee is very important & crucial job while purchasing insurance plans. It should be a person who shall need your money the most after your passing. It can be your spouse, your parents or your child. It is advisable to keep your beneficiary informed about the key features of the policy and any changes that you decide to make about.

If you consider the above mentioned things when you are getting term insurance plan, you certainly will find the right plan for yourself.

Read More

Effect of GST on Insurance Premium

With  a hike in GST rates to 18% from the current 15%, the insurance sector are poised to get more expensive after July 1, 2017. The immediate effect will be the increase in premiums especially for families that own Life Insurance, Health Insurance and Car Insurance.

The existing and new insurance buyers would have to bear the updated prices. The Policy holders stand a chance to be benefited if the insurance providers get a green signal on the input tax credit benefit. Unfortunately, as of yet, it is still unclear since he Center/State GST  structure is very complex. It might create confusions and conformity for the insurance buyers and increase the administrative expenses for the insurance providers. If the insurance buyers remain confused about the GST updates, then irrespective of the increase or decrease in the prices the financial strength will adversely affected. The general insurance sector will be equally impacted. The overall outgo for health, car, and various non-life plans would be increased by 3 percent.

The Insurance policies premium represents two components - Savings and Risk Coverage. The service tax is levied specified only on the premium component. 

What GST (Goods And Service Tax) Rules says, the value of service on which the GST is levied regarding the life insurance sector shall be accordingly;

(i) The gross premium would be reduced by the amount allocated for or savings or investment on policyholders behalf.

(ii) When it comes to the single premium annual policies, ten percent of the single premium would be charged from the policy holder.

(iii) In other cases, 25 percent of the premium for the first year and 12.5% of the premium in the upcoming years will be charged.

(iv) In case the total premium paid by the policy holder is towards the life insurance's risk cover, oly the 18% GST would be levied on the total premium.

There are three types of life insurance;

* Term Insurance Plans - Basic life insurance policy

** ULIP Plans - Insurance and investment under a single integrated plan

*** Endowments Plans (including money back plan) - Life insurance policies that pay a lump sum on maturity/death or a fixed sum every month (like pension)

List of new revised rates on all insurance plans are as follows :

GST RATES : NEW RATES UNDER GST FOR INSURANCE POLICIES
INSURANCE PRODUCTS	BEFORE GST	AFTER GST	APPLICABILITY
Endowment Plans – 1st Year	3.75%	4.50%	On 25% of Premium
Endowment Plans – Renewal Premium	1.88%	2.25%	On 12.5% of Premium
Health Insurance Premium	15%	18%	On Entire Premium
Rider Premium	15%	18%	On Entire Premium
Annuity: Single Premium	1.50%	1.80%	On 10% of Premium
Term Insurance Premium	15%	18%	On Entire Premium
ULIP (On Charges)	15%	18%	On Premium minus Investment Amount
Vehicle Insurance	15%	18%	On Entire Premium
Travel Insurance	15%	18%	On Entire Premium

Life and health insurers will not have input tax credit as it is not available for life and health insurances ( as they are for personal purposes). Even corporate policyholders with group life and health insurance for their employees will not enjoy any input tax credit.

Life insurance provided under Government Schemes are exempted from GST;

1) Janashree Bima Yojna (JBY)

2) Aam Aadmi Bima Yojna (AABY)

3) Life Micro-Insurance product (as approved by the IRDA having maximum amount of cover of fifty thousand rupees)

4) Varishtha Pension Bima Yojna (VPBY)

5) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna (PMJJBY)

6) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna

7) Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandan Yojna 

8) Any other insurance schemes of the State Government as may be notified by Government of India on the the recommendation of GST Centre.

Read More