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An Introduction to Term Insurance and its Tax Benefits
When it comes to securing the financial future of your loved ones, term insurance is a vital tool that provides peace of mind. Not only does it offer protection in the event of your untimely demise, but it also comes with attractive tax benefits. Under Sections 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, you can enjoy tax deductions on your term insurance premiums and tax-free maturity benefits. Additionally, Section 80D allows you to claim deductions on health insurance premiums for term insurance policies that include a critical illness rider. Let’s delve deeper into these tax benefits of term insurance to understand how they can work for you.
The Tax Benefit under Section 80C
There are various term insurance tax benefits under Section 80C. Premiums paid towards a life insurance policy are eligible for deduction up to Rs.1.5 lakh per year. This deduction applies if the premium amount is less than 10% of the sum assured. For policies issued before March 31st, 2012, the premium should be less than 20% of the sum assured to qualify for this benefit.
However, if the sum assured is less than ten times the premium amount, the deduction is limited to 10% of the sum assured.
Let’s consider an example to illustrate this better. Suppose you pay an annual premium of Rs.50,000 for a term insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs.5 lakh. Since the sum assured is not ten times the premium amount, you can claim a deduction of only Rs.5,000 (10% of the sum assured) under Section 80C.
It’s important to note that while the premium paid towards a term insurance policy is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C, the maturity amount is not tax-free. The income generated on maturity of the policy is taxable at the marginal tax rate.
The Tax Benefit under Section 10(10D)
Tax benefits for term insurance under Section 10(10D) are varied. Under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, the sum assured amount plus any bonus paid on surrender, maturity, or in the event of death of the insured is entirely tax-free. This means that the death benefit received by the nominee(s) remains tax-exempt.
However, if the maturity proceeds exceed Rs.1 lakh, a tax deduction at source (TDS) of 1% will be applicable if the PAN of the policyholder is available.
Let’s understand this with an example. If you have a term insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs.50 lakh and receive a maturity payout of Rs.60 lakh, you won’t have to pay any tax on this amount as it falls within the exemption limit.
It’s worth noting that these tax benefits apply not only to life insurance policies, but also to Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). However, for ULIPs to qualify for tax benefits under Section 10(10D), the premium paid should not exceed 10% of the sum assured.
Claiming Additional Tax Benefits with Health Insurance Riders
While term insurance provides financial protection in case of death, many policies also offer additional health coverage through riders. These riders provide coverage for critical illnesses or surgical care and can be availed in addition to your term plan.
Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you can claim deductions for health insurance premiums paid for yourself and your family members. This includes premiums paid towards riders on your term insurance policy that cover critical illnesses or other health-related expenses. Term insurance age limit and age-related benefits are also part of the coverage.
Let’s say you pay premiums for three-term insurance plans – one each for yourself, your spouse, and your child. If all three policies include health riders, and you’re below the age of 60, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs.25,000 for the total premiums paid under Section 80D. The remaining premium amount can be claimed under Section 80C.
If you’ve also purchased separate term insurance policies for your parents, who are above the age of 60 and have health insurance riders, you can claim an additional deduction of up to Rs.50,000 under Section 80D. This makes the total deduction available under Section 80D up to Rs.75,000 per year.
To claim tax benefits under Section 80D for your term insurance policy with health riders, ensure that you accurately enter all details while filing your taxes. Any mistakes could result in losing out on these valuable deductions.
Utilising Term Insurance Tax Benefits Strategically
Understanding term insurance tax benefits and incorporating them into your financial plan can provide significant savings while protecting your loved ones’ future. Here’s a hypothetical scenario to demonstrate how these benefits can work:
Meet Rajesh, a 35-year-old working professional with a wife and two children. Rajesh believes in planning and wants to ensure his family’s financial security even in his absence. He decided to purchase a term insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs.1 crore at an annual premium of Rs.15,000.
By doing so, Rajesh qualifies for tax deductions under both Section 80C and Section 10(10D). He can claim a deduction of Rs.15,000 under Section 80C since it is within the allowed limit of 10% of the sum assured. Additionally, he enjoys the benefit of tax-free maturity proceeds if he survives the policy term.
In this way, Rajesh not only secures his family’s future but also optimises his tax-saving potential through term insurance tax benefits.
Conclusion: Maximising Your Tax Savings with Term Insurance
Term insurance offers the dual advantage of providing financial protection to your loved ones and helping you save taxes. By understanding the tax benefits available under Sections 80C, 80D, and 10(10D), you can make informed decisions for your financial well-being.
Remember to explore term insurance policies that suit your needs and provide the necessary coverage. By strategically Utilising term insurance tax benefits, you can secure your family’s future while enjoying significant tax savings.
As you embark on your financial planning journey, consider consulting a trusted financial advisor who can guide you through the intricacies of term insurance and help you make the most of its tax benefits. Start today and create a strong foundation for a financially secure future.
