Every March, lakhs of salaried Indians realise they haven't finished their tax-saving investments — and rush. The good news: you can still act right up to March 31. The risk: panic-buying a bad product to save a little tax. Here's a calm, ordered checklist.
Step 1 — Confirm your regime first
If you're on the new regime, most of these deductions don't apply — don't invest just to claim something you can't. Check which regime is cheaper before doing anything.
Old vs new — Salary CalculatorTry it on your numbersIn-Hand Salary CalculatorCTC to monthly take-home, with full breakupStep 2 — Count what you've already done
Add up your EPF for the year, any life-insurance premiums paid, home-loan principal repaid, and kids' tuition fees. These already count toward your ₹1.5 lakh 80C (section 123 of the new Income-tax Act, 2025) limit — you may have less left to invest than you think.
Step 3 — Fill the 80C gap (fast options)
- ELSS — can be bought online in minutes; shortest lock-in (3 years). Good if you want growth.
- PPF — top up your existing account online before March 31; safe and tax-free.
- Tax-saver FD — instant through net banking if you just want the deduction done.
Step 4 — Don't forget the easy extras
- Health insurance (80D, now section 126 of the Income-tax Act, 2025) — premiums for yourself and parents are deductible separately from 80C.
- NPS (80CCD(1B), now section 124 of the Income-tax Act, 2025) — an extra ₹50,000 deduction beyond 80C; can be opened and funded quickly online.
- HRA — if you pay rent, make sure your receipts are in order; this is often a bigger saving than any investment.
Step 5 — Invest what's sensible, not the maximum
Only deploy money you won't need soon — these products lock it in. Saving 30% tax on ₹1.5 lakh is ₹45,000, but not if it forces you into expensive debt later. Invest the gap you can genuinely spare.
Step 6 — Keep every proof
Save receipts, statements and rent receipts. Your employer needs them for the final TDS, and you'll need them if asked.
Step 7 — Do it before 31 March
Investments must be made within the financial year to count. Online ELSS, PPF top-ups and FDs can be done on the last day, but don't cut it so fine that a payment fails.
See what an ELSS SIP could grow toTop up PPF — PPF CalculatorFrequently asked questions
- What is the last date to invest for tax saving?
- March 31 — the last day of the financial year. Any 80C, 80D or NPS investment must be made on or before this date to be claimed for that year. Online ELSS, PPF top-ups and tax-saver FDs can be done right up to the deadline.
- What is the quickest way to save tax before March 31?
- Online options are fastest: an ELSS mutual fund (3-year lock-in, bought in minutes), a PPF top-up to your existing account, or a tax-saver FD through net banking. Health insurance (80D) and NPS (80CCD(1B)) can also be done online for extra deductions.
- How much tax can I save under 80C?
- Investing the full ₹1.5 lakh saves up to ₹45,000 if you're in the 30% slab (₹30,000 at 20%, ₹7,500 at 5%), plus cess. But only invest what you can spare — these products lock your money in.