Section 123 Deductions: Complete List for Tax Savings#
What is Section 123?#
Section 123 allows individuals and HUFs to claim deductions up to Rs 1,50,000 from their gross total income. This reduces taxable income significantly.
123 Tax Savings Readiness Checklist
0 / 5Eligible Investments#
1. Public Provident Fund (PPF)#
- Lock-in period: 15 years
- Current rate: 7.9%
- Tax benefit: EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt)
2. Employee Provident Fund (EPF)#
- 12% of basic + DA (employee contribution)
- Employer also contributes 12%
- Tax benefit: Rs 1.5 lakh deduction
3. ELSS Mutual Funds#
- Lock-in period: 3 years
- Potential returns: 12-15%
- Tax benefit: Rs 1.5 lakh deduction
4. National Savings Certificate (NSC)#
- Lock-in period: 5 years
- Current rate: 7.7%
- Tax benefit: Rs 1.5 lakh deduction
5. LIC Premium#
- Tax benefit: Rs 1.5 lakh deduction
- Best for life insurance + investment
6. Home Loan Principal#
- Principal repayment deduction
- Tax benefit: Up to Rs 1.5 lakh
7. Tuition Fees#
- For children education
- Tax benefit: Rs 1.5 lakh (combined)
Maximum Deduction#
Important Limit
The absolute maximum deduction you can claim under Section 123 is Rs 1,50,000 per financial year, even if your combined investments across all eligible instruments exceed this amount.
Strategy to Maximize Benefits#
Optimal 123 Investment Strategy
Account for Mandatory Contributions
Start by calculating your mandatory EPF contribution (for salaried) or children tuition fees, as these are already paid.
Check Existing Commitments
Add any ongoing Life Insurance (LIC) premiums or Home Loan principal repayments to the calculation.
Identify the Shortfall
Subtract the sum of Step 1 & 2 from Rs 1.5 Lakh. This is the gap you need to fill with fresh investments.
Invest for Wealth Creation
Fill the remaining gap with high-growth instruments like ELSS Mutual Funds (lowest 3-year lock-in) or PPF for guaranteed tax-free returns.
Key Points#
- Maximum deduction: Rs 1.5 lakh per year
- Investment must be in name of self/spouse/children
- Lock-in periods vary by instrument
- Combine with 126, 80TTA for more savings