The National Pension System (NPS) is a long-term retirement savings scheme regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and backed by the Central Government. It has been designed to help individuals gradually build a retirement fund while also offering tax-saving opportunities during their working years. Anyone—whether salaried or self-employed—can open an NPS account, and contributions may be made either to a Tier I account or to both Tier I and Tier II accounts.
The Tier I account is the primary retirement account, and contributions made to it can be claimed as a deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakhs under Section 80CCD. This includes Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80CCD(1) and an additional Rs. 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B). The Tier II account is optional, and its contributions may be claimed under Section 80C only by Central Government employees, provided the account has a three-year lock-in period.
NPS offers two major advantages: it reduces your tax burden while you are earning, and it provides a steady income source after retirement. Funds invested in NPS are allocated to different market-linked instruments, including equity and government securities. Because returns depend on market performance, the final amount is not pre-guaranteed. However, NPS is known for its low cost structure and long-term growth potential, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to build a sizeable retirement corpus.
Types of NPS accounts
The National Pension Scheme (NPS) in India offers two distinct types of accounts, each catering to different financial needs and preferences. Understanding the features of these accounts is crucial for individuals planning their retirement savings. Here are the two types of NPS accounts:
Tier 1 account (Pension account)
A Tier 1 account is the main retirement-focused account under NPS and comes with a compulsory lock-in period until the subscriber reaches 60 years of age. Withdrawals are allowed only in limited situations and must satisfy specific conditions. Contributions made to this account qualify for tax deductions under both Section 80CCD(1) and Section 80CCD(1B). In total, an individual may claim up to Rs. 2 lakhs—Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80CCD(1) and an additional Rs. 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B). This structure makes Tier 1 ideal for disciplined, long-term retirement planning.
Tier 2 account (Additional account)
The Tier 2 account functions as a flexible, voluntary savings account, allowing subscribers to withdraw their money whenever needed. However, tax benefits for Tier 2 deposits are limited. Only Central Government employees can claim deductions under Section 80C for contributions to this account, and even then, it is available only if the account is held for at least three years. Private-sector employees do not receive any tax deduction for Tier 2 contributions. Additionally, the returns from a Tier 2 account are taxable as per the individual’s income slab. A Tier 1 account must be opened before creating a Tier 2 account, making it an add-on rather than a standalone option.
Which is the pension fund scheme?
The eligible pension scheme referred to under Section 80CCD(1B) is the National Pension System (NPS). This is a government-approved retirement savings plan designed to help individuals build a retirement corpus through regular contributions. NPS allows tax deductions under several sections of the Income Tax Act and offers flexibility in investment choices, including equity and debt funds. The scheme is open to salaried employees, self-employed individuals, and even NRIs, making it a popular long-term investment option for retirement planning.
How does this scheme work?
Contribution
Once you’ve opened an NPS account, you need to make regular contributions to keep it active. Here are the key requirements:
- The minimum annual contribution must be at least Rs. 1,000
- Each individual contribution must be Rs. 500 or more
- You must make at least one contribution per year
You can continue contributing to your NPS account until you turn 60. During this time, your investments are managed in a mix of equity, government securities, and corporate bonds.
Investment choices
You can choose how your money is invested in two ways:
1. Active choice
This option allows you to decide how your money is split between different asset classes like equity and debt.
- You can change the allocation as per your preference until the age of 50.
- A maximum of 75% of your investment can be in equities.
- After 50, the equity cap reduces by 2.5% each year.
2. Auto choice
Here, the system automatically manages your asset allocation based on your age.
There are three auto modes:
· Aggressive Life Cycle Mode – Higher equity allocation in early years
· Moderate Life Cycle Mode – Balanced mix of equity and debt
· Conservative Life Cycle Mode – Lower equity, higher debt for safer returns
As you grow older, the proportion of equity investments gradually reduces and debt increases, reducing the risk level accordingly.
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How to invest in NPS to avail tax benefits
To avail of tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B), individuals can contribute to their NPS accounts. The contributions can be made through various mediums such as the employer, online platforms, or directly through Points of Presence (POPs) registered with NPS.
Things to note while claiming deductions under Section 80CCD(1B)
While claiming deductions under Section 80CCD(1B), individuals should ensure compliance with the prescribed limits and conditions. It is essential to contribute within the permissible limit to maximise the available deduction.
Documents required to claim tax benefit under NPS
When claiming tax benefits under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), individuals need to provide specific documents to support their contributions and adhere to tax regulations. Here is a concise list of essential documents:
1. NPS contribution statement:
Issued by the pension fund manager, this statement details contribution made by the subscriber and employer during the financial year.
2. PRAN card (Permanent Retirement Account Number):
The unique identification number assigned to NPS subscribers is crucial for verifying contributions and withdrawals.
3. Payment receipts or bank statements:
Evidence of NPS contributions, provided through bank statements or payment receipts, serving as proof of actual payments.
4. Form 16 (for salaried individuals):
For salaried individuals, Form 16 verifies employer contributions to NPS and details salary components.
5. Self-assessment challan or ITR acknowledgement:
Proof of claiming NPS deductions when filing an Income Tax Return is essential for verification.
6. Nomination details:
While not directly related to tax claims, updated nomination details are crucial for effective NPS account management.
7. KYC documents:
Basic Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, including Aadhaar Card, PAN card, and address proof, required for NPS account opening.
What are the withdrawal criteria under the NPS scheme?
1. Retirement age: At the age of 60, up to 60% of the corpus can be withdrawn as a lump sum, with the remaining 40% mandatorily used to purchase an annuity.
2. Premature exit: Before the age of 60, up to 20% of the corpus can be withdrawn, and 80% must be used to buy an annuity.
3. Partial withdrawals: Allowed after 3 years of account opening, up to 25% of the contributions can be withdrawn for specific purposes like higher education, marriage, home purchase, or medical emergencies.
4. Death of subscriber: Entire accumulated pension wealth is paid to the nominee/legal heir without mandatory annuitisation.
Taxation on NPS withdrawal
Withdrawal type
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Tax-exempt limit
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Partial withdrawals
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Up to 25% of contributions are tax-free
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Account closure / opting out early
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Up to 40% of the contributions made is exempt
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Withdrawal at age 60
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Up to 60% of the contributions made is exempt. The remaining 40% (at age 60) is also exempt if invested in an annuity plan
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Withdrawal at age 70
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Fully exempt from tax
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Benefits for existing NPS subscribers under Section 80CCD
Existing National Pension Scheme (NPS) contributors stand to gain substantial advantages under Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act. Here is a concise overview of the benefits for those who have been actively participating in the NPS:
1. Additional deductions: Subscribers enjoy an extra deduction beyond Section 80C limits, providing a unique avenue for reducing taxable income.
2. Enhanced tax savings: This provision allows existing NPS contributors to optimise tax savings, offering an attractive proposition for lowering overall tax liability.
3. Flexibility in contribution: Existing subscribers can voluntarily increase contributions, maximising both deductions and long-term retirement savings.
4. Long-term wealth accumulation: Additional deductions foster long-term wealth accumulation, supporting financial security during retirement.
5. Tailored retirement planning: Section 80CCD(1B) enables strategic contributions, empowering subscribers to align their savings with specific retirement goals.
6. Continuity of tax benefits: Acknowledging and rewarding commitment, the provision ensures a continuous stream of tax benefits for existing NPS contributors.
Encouragement for long-term commitment: By offering extra deductions, Section 80CCD(1B) motivates NPS subscribers to maintain a long-term commitment to retirement savings.
Other types of 80CCD deductions
Section 80CCD(1): For individuals
This sub-section allows employees and self-employed individuals to claim a tax deduction for their contributions to NPS or the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
Key points:
· Employees (in both public and private sectors) can claim up to 10% of salary (basic + dearness allowance).
· Self-employed individuals can claim up to 20% of their gross income.
· The combined deduction limit under Sections 80C, 80CCC, and 80CCD(1) is Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Section 80CCD(2): For employer contributions
This applies only to salaried employees and offers a deduction for contributions made by their employer to their NPS account.
· Central government employees can claim up to 14% of salary (basic + DA)
· Other employees can claim up to 10% of salary (basic + DA)
· There is no upper ceiling, and this deduction is available under both old and new tax regimes
Employer contributions are not counted within the Rs. 1.5 lakh overall deduction limit, making this a valuable additional benefit for salaried individuals.
In conclusion, Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act offers an excellent avenue for individuals to secure their retirement while enjoying tax benefits. By understanding the provisions and following the necessary steps, taxpayers can make the most of this opportunity and build a robust financial future.
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