Early tax preparation saves the most tax

A task well began is a task half completed. If you are the kind that waits until the end of the fiscal year to begin tax investments, this year, take a different strategy. Begin early to avoid last-minute inconveniences. By selecting the appropriate investment items, you may both avoid tax and earn a profit.

In addition, since the Union Budget 2020 included an optional New Tax Regime for individual assesses (and Hindu Undivided Families), you need to understand which one is best for you and plan appropriately. Let's see how we can do this.

At the beginning of the financial year, select a tax system-

Income tax rates are lower in the New Tax Regime, but there are no tax breaks or deductions, including the standard deduction, available. Exemptions and deductions that were formerly available under the Income Tax Act can still be taken advantage of if you opt for the Old Tax Regime. However, the taxpayer cannot have company income if they want to use the Old or New Tax Regime.

Thus, the Old Tax Regime and the New Tax Regime are primarily available to salaried income earners and pensioners. Additionally, the option may be utilised only once every calendar year. As a result, the earlier you begin, the better.

Why should you invest early in tax-advantaged instruments?

Among the many advantages of beginning a tax preparation exercise early are the following:

• You can pick appropriate Section 80 tax-saving investment instruments based on your risk tolerance, larger investing objectives, financial goals, and time horizon. This enables you to supplement your tax and investment preparation efforts. With enough time on your hands, you can effectively and comprehensively save tax and get control of your money.

• In the case of instruments such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes, you will have sufficient time to study the fund's features such as returns, the fund manager's track record, the fund's portfolio, and so on, and make an informed choice. Due to the three-year lock-in term, you must exercise caution while picking a fund. Even with life insurance, a long-term product, you may take your time and find one that fits your needs. This manner, you may avoid the trouble of having to quit an investment mid-stream if it turns out not to be a good fit for you.

• If you do not have the complete sum to invest immediately, you can spread it out over the course of the year. Regular monthly investments are possible with instruments such as ELSS and Public Provident Fund. Additionally, you will benefit from the compounding effect. Each payment you make (assuming you invest monthly) is added to the previous one and yields a larger rate of return over time.

Section 80 C's tax advantages:

In addition to Section 80 C, there are a number of other tax planning avenues that you may be able to claim tax exemptions. Many of them are used for a wide range of purposes, from health care and education to saving money and investing in the future. To get the most out of them, be sure to make use of them all. These include:

• For example, Section 80D covers the cost of medical insurance; Section 80DD covers the care of a disabled dependant; and Section 80D covers the cost of medical treatment for you.

• Education Loan Repayments - Section 80E Repayment of a student loan taken out to attend college

• Section 80EE allows first-time homebuyers to receive an extra tax advantage of Rs 50,000 and Section 24(b) interest paid on the house loan for investment in real estate, respectively.

• For those over the age of 60, interest earned from bank deposits, post office deposits, and interest on deposits with a co-operative society can be deducted under Section 80TTA of the tax code.

• Section 80G of the philanthropy deals with philanthropic donations to specified funds and organisations.

Who benefits from the old tax system?

Choosing between the old and new tax regimes is a matter of personal preference. There are some exceptions, but in general, people who want both tax savings and wealth creation should stick with the Old Tax Regime [where various deductions under Section 10 and Chapter VI-A of the Act, i.e. Section 80] if their gross total income is high, they have a home loan, and they want both wealth creation and tax savings." Individuals over the age of 60, who have a gross income of up to Rs 5 lakh, are eligible for additional tax reduction under the Old Tax Regime.

Make a concerted effort to begin your tax preparation as soon as the new fiscal year begins, and weigh your alternatives carefully. Instead of wasting time and money, procrastinating will only result in mediocre tax savings. When it comes to tax preparation, remember that a larger discretionary income and more spending power are the result of holistic tax planning.