Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) doesn’t have to be stressful

if you know the right tax-saving strategies. Whether you earn a salary, run a business, trade stocks, earn rental income, or receive commissions, smart tax planning can help you save thousands legally. At GADHIA ASSOCIATE , we are Gujarat’s leading tax consultants, helping individuals and businesses maximize deductions, minimize tax liability, and stay audit-compliant. Here’s your ultimate guide to saving tax while filing ITR—covering salaried employees, business owners, investors, and landlords. 

 1. Tax Saving for Salaried Employees 

HRA (House Rent Allowance) – Claim exemption if you pay rent (least of): 

   - Actual HRA received 

   - 50% (metro) or 40% (non-metro) of salary 

   - Rent paid – 10% of salary  

 Standard Deduction – ₹50,000 automatically deducted from salary (old regime) . 

 Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) – Tax-free for 2 trips in 4 years (only on travel expenses) . 

 Section 80C (₹1.5 Lakh Deduction) – Invest in: 

   - PPF, EPF, ELSS, NSC, 5-year FD, life insurance premiums, home loan principal repayment . 

 Section 80D (Health Insurance) – 

   - ₹25,000 (self/spouse/kids) 

   - ₹50,000 (senior citizen parents) . 

 NPS (National Pension System) –  The ₹50,000 "Free Money" Hack

• NPS Tier-2 account: Now qualifies for 80C deduction

• Extra benefit: Additional ₹50,000 deduction (80CCD(1B))

2. Tax Saving for Business Owners & Professionals  

Presumptive Taxation (Section 44AD/44ADA) 

- Businesses with turnover ≤ ₹2 crore can declare 8% profit (6% digital payments) . 

- Professionals (doctors, CAs, freelancers) with receipts ≤ ₹50 lakh can declare 50% profit . 

 Deductions for Businesses 

✔ Home Office Expense – Deduct rent, electricity, internet if working from home. 

✔ Depreciation – Claim on machinery, laptops, vehicles. 

✔ Business Loan Interest – Fully deductible. 

✔ Retirement Contributions (SEP-IRA, NPS) – Tax-deductible. 

 Tax Audit Limits (Must Know!) 

- Businesses: Audit required if turnover > ₹1 crore (₹10 crore if cash transactions ≤5%) . 

- Professionals: Audit if receipts > ₹50 lakh . 

- If declaring lower profit than presumptive scheme, audit applies . 

3. How to Save Capital Gains Tax? 

- Section 54EC: Invest in NHAI/REC bonds to save LTCG tax (within 6 months). 

- Section 54F: Buy a new house to save tax on property sale gains . 

 Mutual Fund Taxation 

- Equity Funds: 10% LTCG (after 1 year) 

- Debt Funds: Slab rate (STCG) / 20% with indexation (LTCG after 3 years) . 

Turn losses into tax savings

• Step 1: Sell loss-making stocks before March 31

• Step 2: Buy back after April 1

• Result: Booked losses reduce capital gains tax
   

 4. Tax Saving for Rental Income 

 Deductions Allowed 

✔ 30% Standard Deduction (automatically deducted from rent). 

✔ Home Loan Interest – Deductible under Section 24(b) (₹2 lakh limit for self-occupied). 

✔ Municipal Taxes, Repairs, Depreciation – Additional deductions . 

 Withholding Tax (TDS on Rent) 

- If rent > ₹50,000/month, tenant deducts 5% TDS (file Form 26QC) .

Furnished vs unfurnished:

• Furnished → 30% standard deduction
• Unfurnished → Claim actual expenses (often 40-50%) 

(Bonus: Depreciation adds extra 10% savings)

Feeling angry you didn't know these earlier? We find 23% average extra savings for new clients.

Smart tax planning isn’t just about saving money—it’s about keeping more of what you earn legally. Whether you’re a salaried professional, business owner, or investor, understanding deductions, exemptions, and audit rules can drastically reduce your tax burden. For personalized tax-saving strategies, consult GADHIA ASSOCIATE — Gujarat’s most trusted tax advisors!