Maximise Your Tax Savings by Investing in ELSS Before 31st March 24′

31st March 24′ is just around the corner, and with it comes the end of another financial year. And as we approach the end of the financial year, I can feel the collective panic rising. I mean, who wants to pay more taxes than they have to? Am I right? 

But wait a minute! If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re also trying to figure out how to save on those taxes, right? Well, don’t worry. You’re not alone. As the deadline crawls closer, I can only imagine the chaos that must be going on in the accounting world. Accountants must be juggling calculators and tax forms, trying to get everything done on time.

But fear not! If you, too, are looking for some simple and effective ways to save taxes at the last moment, you’ve come to the right place. As your helpful guide, I, Ishita Singh, will reveal the secret weapon to maximise your tax savings. Get ready to take some notes and keep reading!

Why is 31st March Considered the End of the Financial Year?

Okay, so tell me one thing: Have you ever stopped to wonder why 31st March is considered the end of the financial year? It’s an interesting question, isn’t it? Just like how you gather all the ingredients and look at a recipe before cooking a new dish, it’s important to know why certain things are the way they are.

Well, then let me tell you that there are not one but three reasons why 31st March is considered the end of the financial year. Want to find out what they are? Then keep reading!

• Coincidence with the Indian Crop Cycle

Now, this is a unique way to determine a financial year’s start and end date. The financial year in India is synced with the crop cycle. It starts on April 1st and ends on March 31st, which aligns with the agricultural activities in many parts of India. Monsoons from June to September play a vital role in farming. This timing helps the government and farmers plan and make informed decisions about agricultural policies, subsidies, credit policies, and food grain procurement. It’s not just a tradition but a functional tool that boosts agricultural practices and policies in India.

• Coincidence with the Hindu or Lunar Calendar

The financial year in India also coincides with Vaisakhi, or the Lunar New Year. Some experts believe that the Indian government may have taken this cultural tradition into account while selecting the dates 1st April and 31st March. Officials may have intended to promote cultural harmony by aligning the start of the fiscal year with the Lunar New Year.

• Indian Financial Year Follows the Gregorian Calendar

I’m sure you already know that India follows the British calendar year. However, later on, the British government made the decision to adopt the Gregorian calendar, which resulted in them changing the New Year date to January 1. Before this change, the first day of the year was always celebrated on March 25, also known as Lady Day. Accountants opposed this date change, and as a result, the financial year continued to be followed from April 1. India followed the British financial calendar before independence and continues to do so, including many of their financial policies and concepts. British influence is still evident in various aspects of Indian society and culture.

It’s interesting to learn why the Indian Financial Year commences on 1st April and ends on 31st March. This knowledge is crucial in understanding the historical and cultural significance of the financial year cycle, which can provide valuable insights into India’s economic and social development over time.

What are Some Top Tax-Saving Investment Options?

What would your answer be if I asked you how tired you are of paying hefty taxes on your hard-earned money every year? Because I am absolutely done with it! But what if I told you there are ways to save on taxes while also earning good returns on your investments? Yes, you heard that right! There are several tax-saving investment options available that not only provide tax benefits but also offer great returns in the long run. But before you dive in, it’s advisable to consult a financial expert before investing to make informed decisions. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the top tax-saving investment options that can help you reduce your tax liability.

• Public Provident Fund (PPF)
• Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
• National Savings Certificate (NSC)
• Tax-saving fixed deposits (FDs)
• National Pension System (NPS)
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
• Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)
• Life and health insurance premiums

Now, hold your horses for just a minute! Doesn’t this list seem a little incomplete? It does, right? That’s because it is! I have a secret investment option that can help you save taxes and make great profits at the same time. Want to know what it is? Well, it’s none other than the Equity-Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS)! You must be curious to know more about it, right? Then, let’s move on to the next section and explore ELSS in detail!

Break Free from the Norm and Instead Invest in ELSS

Before we proceed further, I have quite a fascinating story to share with you! It’s about two people trying to save taxes before the end of the financial year in 2014. One of them was ecstatic about how much they saved, while the other was pretty bummed out. Can you guess why? Don’t worry; I’ll tell you.

The two people in question are Anjali and Tina, both with a common goal- saving taxes and securing their financial future. However, their paths diverged when it came to choosing their investment avenues.

Anjali, a cautious investor, invested in the Public Provident Fund (PPF), a safe and tested method. On the other hand, Tina, a visionary in the realm of finance, opted for the new-age investment product- ELSS Mutual Fund, fueled by the promise of potentially higher returns. Every year, without fail, they diligently invested Rs. 1,50,000 in their respective investment methods.

Now, would you like to know what their returns are after 10 years? Check it out below!

The stark contrast in their outcomes spoke volumes- while Anjali had secured a decent return, Tina had surpassed her by a staggering Rs. 13,99,950. The tale of two investors showcased not only the power of informed decision-making but also the importance of adapting to changing times.

In the end, as the curtains drew on their financial journey, Tina’s triumph stood as a testament to the potential rewards that await those willing to embrace innovation and seize the opportunities that lie beyond the horizon. Thus, the story of Anjali and Tina serves as a timeless reminder- in the ever-evolving landscape of finance, fortune favours the bold.

Advantages of Investing in ELSS for Saving Taxes

Well, I’m sure by now, you know why it’s time to break free from the norm and explore new investment options like ELSS. After all, it’s not just any other investment plan and comes with a plethora of benefits that make it a smart choice for tax saving. So, let me walk you through some of the key advantages that make ELSS stand out from the crowd.

Higher Returns on Investment (ROI)

One of the major advantages of investing in ELSS is the potential for higher returns on investment (ROI) compared to other tax-saving instruments. It invests primarily in equity instruments, which can generate substantial profits while also saving on taxes. This makes ELSS an excellent choice for medium to long-term investments.

Shorter Lock-In Investment Period

Unlike PPF, NSC, and EPF, which have a minimum lock-in period of 5 years, ELSS comes with a lock-in period of just three years, which is the shortest among all tax-saving options. 

On a Parting Note

So, if you, too, are tired of the same old boring tax-saving investments that offer little to no returns, it’s time to break free from the mundane and invest in the Equity-Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS)! Not only does it provide tax benefits, but it also has the potential to give you great returns in the long run. By investing in ELSS, you can maximise your savings and secure your financial future. But wait, it’s important to make informed decisions and seek the guidance of a financial expert before investing your hard-earned money. With the financial year coming to a close, there’s no better time to plan your investments and make the most out of the available tax-saving options. So, don’t wait any longer. Take the leap towards financial freedom and start growing your wealth today!

Please share your thoughts on this post by leaving a reply in the comments section. Also, check out our recent post on “Why Should You Invest in Mutual Funds?” 

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Disclaimer – This article is for educational purposes only and by no means intends to substitute expert guidance. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read the offer document carefully before investing.