tax
Section 80C Deductions 2026: Save ₹46,800 in Tax
By Himanshu Kumar · 2026-05-04
Section 80C is the most famous tax-saving bucket in India — and also the most mis-sold.
What counts under 80C
Common instruments include EPF (employee contribution), PPF, ELSS, life insurance premium (not ULIP hype), NSC, tuition fees, principal repayment on home loan (within conditions), and more.
ELSS vs PPF vs FD (simple framing)
- ELSS: market-linked, 3-year lock-in, potential higher long-term returns with volatility.
- PPF: long horizon, government-backed flavour, illiquid but steady.
- Tax-saving FD: predictable, locked-in, lower return — but easy to understand.
Do not optimise 80C in isolation
Use the old vs new regime article and the tax regime calculator — 80C matters only if the old regime wins for your profile.