What is the Section 80C limit?

₹1,50,000 per financial year — shared across all 80C instruments combined. Only available under the old tax regime.

Which 80C investment gives best returns?

ELSS gives best returns (12-15% CAGR) for long-term investors. PPF gives best guaranteed tax-free return (7.1% EEE status).

Section 80C Tax Saving Calculator India 2026

Your 80C Investment Planner (FY 2025-26)

Equity Options (Market-Linked)

ELSS Mutual Fund (SIP)

₹0

₹0₹1.5L

Debt / Guaranteed Options

PPF (Public Provident Fund)

₹0

₹0₹1.5L

EPF (Employee PF — auto)

₹0

₹0₹1.5L

NSC / Tax-Saving FD

₹0

₹0₹1.5L

Insurance & Others

LIC Premium

₹0

₹0₹1.5L

Home Loan Principal

₹0

₹0₹1.5L

Total 80C Deduction

₹0

of ₹1,50,000 limit

Used

₹0

Remaining

₹1,50,000

Tax Saved (20%)

₹0

Tax Saved (30%)

₹0

80C Limit Used0%

InvestedRemaining

80C Instruments Comparison

Instrument	Return	Lock-in	Tax on Returns	Risk
ELSS	12-15% (market)	3 years	10% LTCG above ₹1.25L	High
PPF	7.1% (current)	15 years	Tax-free (EEE)	Nil
EPF	8.15% (current)	Till retirement	Tax-free (EEE)*	Nil
NSC	7.7% (current)	5 years	Taxable	Nil
Tax-Saving FD	6.5-7.5%	5 years	Fully taxable	Nil
SSY (Girls)	8.2% (current)	21 years	Tax-free (EEE)	Nil
NPS (Tier 1)	10-12% (market)	Till age 60	60% tax-free at exit	Medium

Section 80C — Key Questions

What is the 80C limit for FY 2025-26?+

Section 80C allows a maximum deduction of ₹1,50,000 per financial year. This is the combined limit across ALL 80C instruments — ELSS, PPF, EPF, LIC, NSC, tax-saving FD, home loan principal repayment, children's tuition fees, and Sukanya Samriddhi. You cannot claim more than ₹1.5 lakh even if you invest more. Invest up to the limit for maximum tax benefit.

Which 80C investment gives the best returns?+

For investors in the 20-30% tax bracket with a 7+ year horizon, ELSS gives the best returns — 12-15% CAGR historically, with only 3-year lock-in. PPF gives the best guaranteed tax-free return at 7.1% (EEE status). EPF at 8.15% tax-free is excellent if your employer offers it. Avoid tax-saving FDs for 80C — the interest is fully taxable, making the effective return much lower.

Is 80C deduction available in new tax regime?+

No. Section 80C deduction is only available under the old tax regime. The new tax regime (default from FY 2024-25) does not allow 80C deductions. Only NPS employer contribution (80CCD(2)) and a few other specific deductions are available in the new regime. This is why for employees with high 80C investments plus home loan, the old regime often gives lower total tax.