How to save taxes – this seems to be the question on everyone’s mind as the financial
year draws to an end. For some, tax-free investments are the answer, for others rent
allowance serves the purpose, but did you know that certain loans can also help you
fight the tax monster? That’s right, repaying certain loans can unlock significant
tax benefits! Confused? This article will give you get a better understanding by
highlighting 3 types of loans that can be used to avail tax benefits. Hopefully,
it will help you hold onto to more of your hard-earned money as you go into the new
financial year.
1. Education loans
If you’ve taken an education loan for yourself or one of your children, you can use
the interest amount paid in a year to claim deductions on your taxable income.
However, unlike home loans, there is no limit on the amount you can claim for
deductions. So whatever you pay as interest, you can use it to claim an equal
amount of deductions, without any capping or upper limit!
2. Personal loans
A personal loan does not directly provide any tax benefits. However, you still
might be able to claim some deductions or claim some tax benefits with one,
but this depends on the end use of the funds. For example, if you use it
to cover the purchase, construction or renovation of your home, then the
interest amount incurred can be used to claim deductions up to Rs. 2, 00,000;
as is the case with a home loan.
The interest of a personal loan can also be claimed as a deductible expense if
it is used as an investment in business. In this case, it will be treated
as an expense that brings down the net profit of the business. The best part
is that, the entire interest amount can be treated as an expense as there
is no limit on the amount you can claim as deduction.
So there you have it, 3 types of loans that can bring down your tax liability at the end of the financial year. It wouldn’t
make sense to opt for any of these loans just to bring down your taxable income.
However, if you already have one of these loans, then you must use them to your
advantage. Alternately, if you are planning to buy an education loan study further or invest
in your business, know that these loans are the best way to fund your decision
and they will also help save on taxes in the future.
Hope this has been helpful, good luck and all the best!