Tax Planning Tips for Salaried Employees — Old Regime Deductions Explained

January is tax documentation time. Most organisations begin collecting tax-related documents from employees — the perfect checkpoint to review your tax-saving investments and confirm that all eligible deductions have been properly planned and paid.

Deductions available under the Old Regime:

Section 80C — up to Rs 1,50,000 Eligible investments include employee's contribution to EPF, PPF, Life Insurance Premiums (self, spouse, children), principal repayment of home loan, and 5-year tax saving FDs.

Section 80D — Health Insurance Premiums Up to Rs 25,000 for self, spouse and children. An additional Rs 25,000 if parents are below 60, or Rs 50,000 if parents are senior citizens. Preventive health checkup expenses up to Rs 5,000 are also claimable.

Section 80TTA — Savings Bank Interest Up to Rs 10,000 for non-senior citizens on interest earned in savings bank accounts.

Section 24(b) — Housing Loan Interest Interest on home loan for self-occupied property, up to Rs 2,00,000.

House Rent Allowance (HRA) Claimable for rent paid. If monthly rent exceeds Rs 50,000, PAN of the landlord is mandatory.

Note: None of these deductions are available under the new tax regime.

Read the full January 2026 issue → An Accountant Writes | Vol 1, Issue 1