Investment Options That Will Save Tax – The Ultimate Guide (2026)

Employees need to make an informed decision from the investment options they have. They need to know what is best for them. Quikchex makes the life of employees easier by automatically computing the most optimized tax election structure for all employees at the time of running payroll. While processing salaries we compute the tax structure with the lowest TDS liability, so that employees are able to maximize their net take-home. 

Key Income Tax changes in the Union Budget 2026

Income Tax Slab for New Regime 

Investment Guideline followed as per New Tax Regime

Investment Guideline followed as per OLD Tax Regime

Are too many deductions in your salary eating into your take-home package? If you’re looking for investment options that will save tax while and make sure you’re invested wisely, then this guide is for you.

The table below contains a list of 32 investment options that will reduce your taxable income and in turn the tax you pay. You may choose a combination that works best for you.

Points to consider while submitting Employee Investments Declaration for a current financial year:

• Employees can claim income tax benefits under Section 80G for donations through their personal income tax filings. However, the company does not provide any benefit for 80G under income tax deductions.
• To avail of the HRA exemption, employees must submit the required supporting documents as listed below. Failure to provide these documents will result in the HRA exemption benefit not being considered:

1. a) Original monthly rent receipts with a revenue stamp affixed.
2. b) A copy of the leave and license agreement, which must be either notarized or registered. Employees must ensure that the agreement covers the relevant financial year.

• If the agreement period is for 11 months (e.g., from July 2024 to May 2025), the employee will receive the HRA exemption benefit only for the period from April 2025 to May 2025.
• To claim HRA exemption from June 2026 to March 2027, the employee must submit the rent agreement covering that period as well.c) For rent payments exceeding ₹8,333 per month (or ₹1 lakh annually), employees must provide a copy of their landlord’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) along with the rent receipts and agreement. Failure to provide the PAN will result in ineligibility for the HRA exemption.d) For rent payments exceeding ₹50,000 per month, Form 26QC is mandatory as proof of tax deduction.
  

  Effective January 2025 onwards, employees who fail to pay the applicable tax on rent amounts above ₹50,000 per month will receive notices from the Income Tax authorities. These notices will require proof of tax payment, transaction records of the rent payments, and a copy of the rent agreement.

Tax Deductions Table for Tax Year 2026-27

Sr.No	Particulars	Eligibility / Coverage	Amount of deduction	Proofs to be submitted
1	Life Insurance Premium – u/s 80C	Premium paid on life of self, spouse, children (Including minor / major / married / unmarried children).	Actual amount paid, subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh and premium should not exceed 10% of sum assured.	Copy of receipt for the premium paid during the current Tax Year 2026-27. In case if the due date is of Mar 2026, then last year copy can be attached for reference’s.
2	Public Provident Fund – u/s 80C	Amount deposited in Public Provident Fund account in the name of self, spouse, children (Including minor / major / married / unmarried children).	Actual amount deposited, subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	1. Copy of payment challan for the Tax Year 2026-27. 2. Copy of first page and transaction page of PPF account pass book or Bank Statement.
3	National Saving Certificate – u/s 80C	Subscription to National Saving Certificate – VIII issue.	Actual amount subscription subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Copy of national saving certificate for Tax Year 2026-27.
4	Unit-linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) – u/s 80C	Premium paid on life of self, spouse, children (Including minor / major / married / unmarried children).	Contribution paid for participation in Scheme, subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Copy of Receipts / Proof of amount paid during Tax Year 2026-27.
5	Equity Linked Saving Schemes(ELSS) – u/s 80C	1. Amount deposited in equity linked saving scheme of mutual fund. 2. The scheme should be approved by Central Government.	Amount invested in equity linked tax saving scheme of mutual fund, subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	1. Copy of receipts / Proof of amount paid Tax Year 2026-27. 2. Tax benefit will be applicable only where its mentioned as ‘Tax Saver Plan’
6	Tuition Fees – u/s 80C	1. Amount paid for the purpose of full time education of any two children. 2. It does not include – development fees, donation or payment of similar nature. 3. Payment should be made to school, college, university or educational institution situated within India. 4. Allowed Admission fees, Exam fees, Computer class fees, Practical fees, Smart class fees. 5. No deduction is available for fees paid for private tuition’s, coaching classes, admission in professional courses or any other type of courses.	Actual amount paid subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	1. Copy receipts of tuition fees (with the address) issued by the school, college, university or educational institution.2. All the receipts should belongs to Tax Year 2026-27
7	Term Deposit (FD) for 5 years or more with banks – u/s 80C	1. Amount deposited in Fixed Deposit with the scheduled bank in accordance with Scheme framed by Central Government. 2. Amount should be deposited for a fixed period of not less than five years.	Actual amount deposited subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh.	Copy of the receipt of amount deposited for Tax Year 2026-27
8	Re-payment of Housing Loan Principal/Registration cost – u/s 80C	1. Repayment of capital borrowed from any financial institution for acquisition / construction of a self occupied property. 2. Also, include payment of stamp duty, registration fees and other cost of transfer of property. 3. It does not include cost of shares, initial deposit and cost of renovation, alteration or repairs of the house.	Actual amount paid subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh.	1. Copy of Certificate issued by the financial institution certifying re-payment of capital borrowed for Tax Year 2026-27 2. In case of co-borrower of the capital, Undertaking should be given for availing benefit of whole amount re-paid.(50% deduction will be given to loans with Joint holders in the absence of suitable undertaking. 3. Copy of Flat Agreement for availing benefit of Stamp duty & Registration cost 4. Lender Bank Name and Lender PAN number is compulsory wef FY 2016-17. Without this details your Interest on housing loan will be disallowed.(This details need to be filled in Investment declaration form).
9	Interest accrued in respect of NSC VIII issue – u/s 80C	Amount gained in respect of interest accumulated against saving under NSC scheme.	Subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh.	1. Copy of national saving certificate taken during previous financial year. 2. Statement of accrued interest calculation.
10	Post Office Savings Bank (CTD) – u/s 80C	1. Amount deposited in an account under Post Office Time Deposit Rules, 1981. 2. The account should be with Post Office for a period of five years.	Actual amount deposited subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Copy receipts / copy of certificate or pass-book showing amount paid during Tax Year 2026-27.
11	Pension fund set up by any Mutual Fund – u/s 80C	1. Contribution to any pension fund set up by any Mutual Fund. 2. The fund should be approved by Central Government.	Amount contributed to the fund, subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Photocopy of account statement showing the units purchased in the name of employee during Tax Year 2026-27.
12	Deposit scheme of National Housing Bank (NHB) – u/s 80C	Subscription to bonds issued by NABARD as notified by the Central Government.	Actual amount deposited subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Copy of the certificate issued by the notified authority for Tax Year 2026-27
13	Approved Superannuation Fund – u/s 80C	You can confirm from your employer whether your superannuation fund is approved or not. Tax exemptions are available only to approved superannuation funds.	Subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Copy of policy and sum approved by concern officer
14	Contribution to Pension Fund – Insurer(80CCC) – u/s 80C	Amount paid or deposited to effect or keep in force a contract for any annuity plan of Life Insurance Corporation of India or any other approved insurer for receiving pension.	Actual amount paid, subject to max. ₹1.5 lakh	Copy of receipt for the amount paid during the current Tax Year 2026-27.
15	Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme New Rules 2016 – u/s 80C	Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme can be opened for biological as well adopted girl child. However, limit of maximum number of account is restricted to one account per girl child and a parent/legal guardian can open account for maximum of two girl child. The age limit of girl should be 10 years or less.	The contribution/payment made towards Sukanya Samriddhi Account will be an eligible deception u/s 80C up to the threshold limit of ₹1.50 lakhs	1. Copy of certificate issued by the scheme. 2. Payment receipts for Tax Year 2026-27
16	Deduction in respect of contribution to pension scheme of Central Government – u/s 80CCD	Tax deductions for contribution to the pension schemes notified by Central Government, i.e., a) National Pension Scheme (NPS) b) Atal Pension Yojana (APY)	This extra deduction of ₹50,000 on NPS will increase the total deduction allowed under Section 80C and 80CCD of Income Tax Act to ₹2 lakh.	Copy of paid receipt with copy of enrolled policy, this should pertain to Tax Year 2026-27
17	Medical Insurance Premium – For Spouse and Children – u/s 80D(2)(a)	1. Medical insurance premium paid to keep in force an insurance on health of self, spouse and dependent children. 2. The premium can be paid in any mode other than cash.	1. Actual amount of premium paid, subject to max. ₹25,000/-. 2. If amount paid for senior citizen, then additional of ₹25,000/-. 3. Can also claim expenses incurred for preventive health check-ups up to ₹5,000/- (This deduction of ₹5,000 is not in addition to the maximum deduction).	1. Copy of Premium paid receipt and should pertain to Tax Year 2026-27 2. Original receipts towards claiming preventive health check-ups.
18	Medical Ins. Premium – For Parents – u/s 80D(2)(b)	1. Medical insurance premium paid to keep in force an insurance on health of parents. 2. The premium can be paid in any mode other than cash.	1. Actual amount of premium paid, subject to max. ₹25,000/-. 2. If amount paid for senior citizen, then additional of ₹25,000/-. 3. Can also claim expenses incurred for preventive health check-ups up to ₹5,000/- (This deduction of ₹5,000 is not in addition to the maximum deduction).	1. Copy of Premium paid receipt and should pertain to Tax Year 2026-27 2. Original receipts towards claiming preventive health check-ups.
19	Medical treatment Expenses on handicapped Dependent For Handicapped Dependent with disability – u/s 80DD	1. Incurred any expenditure for medical treatment including nursing, training and rehabilitation of a dependent with disability. 2. Amount paid or deposited under a scheme framed by LIC or other insurer.	1. Least of – actual amount paid or deposited or expenses incurred or ₹75,000/- whichever is less. (₹1,25,000/- where the dependent is having severe disability.)	1. Documents evidencing the payment of expenditure incurred or amount deposited in Tax Year 2026-27 2. Assesse shall have to submit certificate in Form No10-IA from prescribed specialist working in government hospital.
20	Medical Treatment under specified diseases – u/s 80DDB	For medical treatment of self, spouse, guardians, children, and siblings suffering from specified disease. For example, cancer, chronic renal failure, Parkinson infection, etc. The complete list of such diseases is included in Rule 11DD.	Actual amount paid to the extent of ₹40,000/-. In case of patient being senior citizen (above 60 years) or very senior citizen (above 80 years) amount of deduction is ₹1,00,000/-	1. Documents evidencing the payment of expenditure incurred or deposited in Tax Year 2026-27. 2. Assessee shall have to submit certificate in Form No10-1 from prescribed specialist working in government hospital.
21	Interest on Education Loan – u/s 80(E)	1. Any amount paid towards interest on loan taken for higher education during the financial year. 2. The loan should be for higher education of self, spouse and children or legal guardian of a student. 3. Higher education means full time studies for any course pursued after passing the Senior Secondary Examination or equivalent as recognised by Central / State Government or local authority.	1. Any amount paid towards interest during Tax Year 2026-27. 2. It is available only for 8 years starting from the year in which you start repaying the loan.	Copy of Certificate issued by the financial institution certifying payment of interest for Tax Year 2026-27.
22	Interest on Home Loan – Additional – u/s 80EE	1. Value of residential house does not exceed ₹50 Lakhs. 2. The loan sanctioned does not exceed ₹35 Lakhs. 3. The assesse is a first time home buyer. 4. The assesse does not own any other residential house as on the date of sanction of the loan. This house should be self occupied property. 5. The loan should be sanctioned between 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2017 6. The benefit of this deduction would be available till the time the repayment of the loan continues.	1. Actual amount paid towards interest ₹50,000/- which ever is less. Note: This section has been reintroduced effective FY 2016-17. Now the deduction is allowed up to ₹50,000 per year starting from FY 2016-17 and subsequent years until the loan is repaid.	1. Certificate issued by the financial institution certifying payment of interest for Tax Year 2026-27 2. For verification purpose, proof copy of ‘Loan Disbursement Letter’ is mandatory to check if loan is disbursed between 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2017.
23	Deduction in respect of Interest on loan taken for certain house property (Loan Sanctioned between 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2022) – u/s 80EEA	1. If person eligible u/s 80EE, will not claim benefit under this section. 2. Value of residential house does not exceed ₹45 lakhs. 3. The assesse is a first time home buyer. 4. The assesse does not own any other residential house as on the date of sanction of the loan. This house should be self occupied property. 5. The loan should be sanctioned between 01.04.2019 to 31.03.2022	An additional deduction of ₹1,50,000/- on Interest on housing loan borrowed under affordable housing until 31.03.2022	1. Certificate issued by the financial institution certifying payment of interest for Tax Year 2026-27. 2. For verification purpose, proof copy of ‘Loan Disbursement Letter’ is mandatory to check if loan is disbursed between 01.04.2019 to 31.03.2022.
24	Deduction in respect of Interest on loan taken for purchase of electric vehicle (Loan Sanctioned between 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2023) – u/s 80EEB	1. The loan has been sanctioned by the financial institution during the period beginning on the 1st day of April, 2019 and ending on the 31st day of March, 2023. 2. “Electric Vehicle” means a vehicle which is powered exclusively by an electric motor whose traction energy is supplied exclusively by traction battery installed in the vehicle. 3. Applicable for 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler electric vehicle.	Deductions of ₹1,50,000/- on Interest paid on loans taken to buy electric vehicle.	1. Vehicle loan certificate issued by the financial institution certifying payment of interest for Tax Year 2026-27. 2. For verification purpose, proof copy of ‘Loan Disbursement Letter’ is mandatory to check if loan is disbursed between 1.4.2019 to 31.3.2023.
25	Deductions in respect of rents paid – u/s 80GG	1. The Individual has not been in receipt of any House Rent Allowance from his employer specifically granted to him which qualifies for exemption under sec 10. 2. The employee does not own any residential accommodation himself or by his spouse or minor child, at the place where he ordinarily resides or performs duties of his office or carries on his business or profession.	Deduction in respect of house rent paid by him in excess of 10% of his total income, subject to a ceiling of 25% thereof or ₹5,000/- per month	1. Declaration in Form No. 10BA from employee. 2. Rent receipt and rent agreement for the period from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027.
26	Interest Income earned from a savings bank account – u/s 80TTA	1. ₹10,000 is tax deductible from the gross income. 2. Any interest earned over and above ₹10,000 is considered as “Income from Other Sources” and therefore taxable.	Maximum deduction allowed u/s 80TTA is ₹10,000.	Copy of Bank Statement or Pass Book for Tax Year 2026-27.
27	Interest Income earned from a savings bank account – u/s 80TTB	1. ₹50,000 is tax saving deduction from the gross taxable income. 2. Any interest earned over and above ₹50,000 is considered as “Income from Other Sources” and therefore taxable. 3. Applicable for Senior Citizen only 4. Deduction applicable from 1st April’ 2018 onwards	Maximum deduction allowed u/s 80TTB is ₹50,000.	Copy of Saving Bank Statement or Pass Book for Tax Year 2026-27.
28	Deduction in case of a person with disability – u/s 80U	Deduction in respect of permanent physical disability including blindness to taxpayer	1. 40% disability ₹75,000/- and 2. 80% severe disability ₹1,25,000/-.	1. Documents evidencing the payment of expenditure incurred for Tax Year 2026-27. 2. Copy of certificate issued by approved medical authority in prescribed form.
29	Interest on Housing Loan – 24	1. Housing Loan should be borrowed by the employee himself. 2. Housing Loan should be borrowed for acquisition / construction of a self occupied property. 3. The property should not be let out during financial year.	Actual amount paid towards interest on borrowed capital or ₹2,00,000/- which ever is less.	1. Certificate issued by the financial institution certifying payment of interest. 2. In case of co-borrower of the capital, Undertaking should be given for availing benefit of whole amount paid as interest.(50% deduction will be given to loans with Joint holders in the absence of suitable undertaking.) 3. Lender Bank Name and Lender PAN number is compulsory w.e.f. FY 2016-17. Without this details your Interest on housing loan will be disallowed.(This details need to be filled in Investment declaration form).
30	Loss on Housing Property – 24	A house property which is rented for the whole or a part of the year and there is interest on housing loan deduction, then it is considered as let out house property for income tax purposes.	Actual amount paid towards interest on borrowed capital or ₹2,00,000/- whichever is less.	1. Certificate issued by the financial institution certifying payment of interest for Tax Year 2026-27. 2. In case of co-borrower of the capital, Undertaking should be given for availing benefit of whole amount paid as interest.(50% deduction will be given to loans with Joint holders in the absence of suitable undertaking.) 3. Lender Bank Name and Lender PAN number is compulsory wef FY 2016-17. Without this details your Interest on housing loan will be disallowed. (This details need to be filled in Investment declaration form). 4. Self declaration needs to submitted mentioning the details of both the property. 5. Copy of Lease agreement for availing rental Income benefit.
31	Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)	1. Amount incurred towards cost of travel on self and family. 2. Travel should be within India. 3. Two journey in block of four consecutive calendar years. 4. Family includes spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters. 5. Current block is – 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2025. 6. If mode of travel is through road, then A.C. first class rail fare by shortest route or actual amount spent on travel, whichever is less is exempt from tax.	Least of actual expenditure incurred on travel or the amount as per act depending on mode of journey, whichever is less.	1. Original air ticket or e-Ticket & original boarding pass if journey is by Air travel and should travel in economy class. 2. Original rail tickets or e-Ticket, if journey is by rail. 3. Original travel agent bill / original petrol bill & original toll tickets if journey is by Road.

Note: DONATIONS can be claimed as a deduction at the time of filing Individual Income Tax return. It cannot be claimed through your Salary Income while computing tax with employer.

We hope you can use the investment options above to plan your investment more efficiently.  Here are some additional tips that you can use:

Section 80C

Section 80C is probably the most used set of investment options that people use for tax planning. Invest in any of the following up to a maximum of ₹1.5 lakhs p.a. each.

1. Life Insurance
2. Public Provident Fund
3. National Savings Certificate
4. Equity Linked Savings Schemes

House Rent Allowance

If you pay rent you should definitely claim its tax benefits. The tax deduction you can claim with HRA is the minimum of the following:

1.Actual HRA received
2. Rent Paid in excess of 10% of (Basic + DA)
3. 40% or 50% of (Basic + DA) based on class of city