Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
The Equity-Linked Savings Scheme is a mutual fund scheme focused on stock market investments. Contributions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs made in ELSS schemes qualify for tax* deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
ELSS stands out from other tax-saving instruments due to its remarkably brief lock-in period of just three years. Moreover, you can only redeem your investment after this three-year holding period. However, you can retain your investments for as long as possible to maximise returns.
Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)
When you invest in a Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), a portion of your premium is allocated to provide insurance coverage, while the remainder is invested in equity or debt funds based on your selection.
The insurer pools funds from all policyholders and invests them in the chosen funds. After investment, the total corpus is divided into 'units' with a specific face value. Each investor receives 'units' in proportion to their invested amount. The value of each unit, known as the Net Asset Value (NAV), fluctuates with changes in the underlying asset values.
ULIPs enable you to create wealth for long-term goals such as buying a house, funding your child's education, planning for retirement, and more, through systematic investments and market-linked returns.
National Pension Scheme (NPS)
The National Pension Scheme is an excellent retirement fund with tax-saving benefits. NPS assists you in determining where to invest your pension savings.
To maintain an NPS account, you must contribute a minimum of ₹6,000 annually.
Upon retiring, you can choose to withdraw approximately 60% of the total accumulated amount for various purposes. The remaining 40% is used to purchase an annuity, securing a regular income after retirement.
Fixed Deposit
A fixed deposit is a financial instrument provided by banks, post offices, and other Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) that offers investors a higher interest rate compared to regular savings or salary accounts.
Banks use the deposited funds as capital for their operational activities. Investing in a fixed deposit requires a lump sum amount of money that the investor has already accumulated over time.
Life insurance policies
Life insurance policies offer financial security to your loved ones in your absence. These policies also help you with various financial goals for both you and your family. Additionally, they promote savings and contribute to long-term wealth accumulation.
Certain life insurance policies may also provide a loan facility. Furthermore, insurance premiums are tax-deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, offering tax benefits to policyholders.