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Q: What are term life insurance tax benefits?
Ans: Term insurance tax benefits are deductions and exemptions offered under Sections 80C, 80D, and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These benefits reduce taxable income and ensure financial savings for policyholders.
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Q: Can I claim tax benefits on term insurance premiums?
Ans: Yes, you can claim deductions on premiums paid for term insurance under Section 80C. Adding health riders allows you to claim additional benefits under Section 80D.
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Q: What is the maximum deduction for senior citizens under Section 80D?
Ans: Senior citizens can claim deductions up to ₹50,000 annually for premiums paid towards health riders or standalone health policies.
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Q: What happens if I don’t pay my term insurance premiums?
Ans: If premiums are not paid on time, the policy will lapse, and you will lose all benefits, including tax deductions under Sections 80C and 80D.
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Q: Can I claim term insurance benefits if the policy lapses?
Ans: No, tax benefits cannot be claimed for lapsed policies. Ensure timely payment to retain coverage and associated tax benefits.
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Q: How do investment plans complement term insurance?
Ans: Plans like the 5-Year Investment Plan, 10-year Investment Plan, 20-Year Investment Plan, and 5 Lakh Investment Plan provide growth opportunities while term insurance ensures financial protection for your loved ones.
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Q: Is GST on premiums eligible for tax deductions?
Ans: No, GST and other cesses on premiums are not deductible under Sections 80C or 80D.
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Q: Are term insurance claims taxable?
Ans: Death benefit claims are tax-exempt under Section 10(10D). However, maturity benefits may be taxable if the annual premiums exceed ₹5 lakh.
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Q: What are term insurance benefits for senior citizens?
Ans: Senior citizens can claim up to ₹1,00,000 in combined deductions under Section 80D for term insurance with health riders and standalone health policies.
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Q: How do I maximize my term insurance tax benefits?
Ans: Opt for health riders, pay premiums on time, and ensure premiums align with the provisions of Sections 80C and 80D for maximum deductions.
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Q: Is term insurance mandatory for tax savings?
Ans: While not mandatory, term insurance provides dual financial security benefits and tax savings, making it a prudent choice for most individuals.
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Q: Is Term Insurance Tax-Free?
Ans: Death Benefits: Death benefits from a term insurance policy are tax-free under Section 10(10D).
Maturity and Survival Benefits: Maturity and survival benefits are generally taxable as per prevailing tax laws. However, maturity benefits remain tax-exempt for policies issued before April 1, 2023, and those with annual premiums below ₹5 lakh issued after this date.
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Q: Can I save taxes from my ULIP plans?
Ans: Yes, ULIP plans can help you save taxes. Premiums paid for ULIPs are eligible for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to ₹1.5 lakh per year. Additionally, maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D) if the premium does not exceed 10% of the sum assured, or ₹2.5 lakh annually for policies issued after February 1, 2021. However, the gains are taxed as capital gains for policies with premiums exceeding ₹2.5 lakh per year (issued after this date). To maximize tax benefits, ensure premiums stay within the specified limits.
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Q: What insurance plans can help me save taxes?
Ans: Insurance plans that can help you save taxes include ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans), Traditional Life Insurance Plans, Endowment Plans, Money-Back Plans, and Term Insurance Plans. Premiums paid for these policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. Additionally, the maturity or death benefits from these plans are typically tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to specified conditions.