Back to Blog

How to Save Tax with NPS? Explained in this blog.

February 28, 2025

The National Pension System (NPS) has rapidly become a popular choice among individuals due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Many individuals invest in NPS for tax-saving benefits.  As you prepare for retirement, NPS provides an opportunity to shield your hard-earned income from taxes. With NPS tax-saving scheme advantages it becomes an adaptable investment option in which investors minimize their tax liabilities while accumulating a robust retirement fund. So, how can NPS save tax and what are its features, we’ll unveil in this blog.

National Pension System: An Outline

NPS is a voluntary retirement savings and investment scheme available to both salaried employees and self-employed individuals. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), oversees the regulation of NPS. It is a market-linked pension plan managed by professional fund managers.

Tax-saving Under NPS

There are two types of NPS accounts: Tier 1 and Tier 2. While Tier 2 accounts do not offer any tax deductions or benefits, contributions to a Tier 1 account are eligible for tax-saving deductions.

  • Tax-saving While Investing
  1. Section 80C: You can claim NPS tax benefits under this section, with a deduction limit of ₹1.5 lakhs. If you want to take advantage of the tax benefits, you can invest the entire amount in NPS and deduct it.
  2. Section 80CCD (1B): This section offers an additional tax benefit exclusive to NPS subscribers. Investors can claim an extra deduction of up to ₹50,000 for contributions to their Tier I account, which is in addition to the ₹1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C.
  3. Section 80CCD (2): If you opt for a corporate NPS contribution, you can deduct up to ₹5.5 lakh from your taxes, or up to 10% of your basic salary. This benefit is also exclusive to NPS and is in addition to the ₹1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C.
  • Tax Benefits of Partial NPS Withdrawal

NPS tier 1 accounts permit up to three partial withdrawals of the account balance during the investment period, subject to specific terms and conditions. According to Section 10(12B) of the Income Tax Act, these partial withdrawals are tax-free, provided they do not exceed 25% of the subscriber’s self-contribution.

  • Tax Benefit when Purchasing Annuities in Retirement

Under Section 80 CCD (5) of the Income Tax Act, 60% of the accumulated corpus is exempt from taxes. To purchase annuities at superannuation, a minimum of 40% of the NPS Tier 1 account balance must be utilized, and the income received from these annuities is taxable according to the applicable income tax slab rate.

Are you wondering what are the objectives and features of NPS? Read it here.

Final Thoughts

The National Pension System (NPS) offers various tax benefits, making it a vital investment tool for tax savings while planning for retirement. It offers more tax-saving options than traditional savings options like FDs and PPFs. Up to 60% of your accumulated corpus is tax-free and potential for high returns, making it a popular choice for investors.

Back to Blog

Factors you should consider before finalizing a wealth management software in India?

Wealth management in India has become increasingly popular in recent years. Both individuals and institutions look for a private wealth management company to manage their financial portfolios effectively. Wealth management has broadened its scope beyond just high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and is now accessible to various segments. With the increasing number of affluent individuals and businesses in India, the demand for private wealth management in India is on the rise. In this evolving landscape the demand for wealth management tools is also increasing.

With numerous wealth management software in India, how do you determine which one suits your needs best? In this blog, we will explore key factors to consider before making a choice.

Factors to look for before choosing a wealth management software

  1. User-Friendly Interface: Wealth management software should accommodate individuals, families, or institutions with varying financial objectives. The first aspect to evaluate is the platform’s ease of use. For those who are not tech-savvy, complicated software can lead to confusion rather than clarity. A user-friendly interface allows clients and advisors to navigate the system with ease.
  2. Customization and Personalization: Every investor has distinct goals, risk tolerance, and preferences. Therefore, it’s essential to choose wealth management software that offers customization options. Whether you want to manage equities, fixed income, real estate, or a mix of assets, the software should allow you to tailor your portfolio to meet your specific requirements.
  3. Comprehensive Data Security: Data security is vital in the wealth management industry due to the sensitive nature of financial information. Whether managing personal wealth, family estates, or institutional investments, it’s crucial to select wealth management software that offers strong security features.
  4. Integration Capabilities: Wealth management operates within a broader ecosystem. Your software must integrate with various systems, including banks, accounting tools, trading platforms, and financial institutions. Effective integration capabilities are key to ensuring smooth operations.
  5. Compliance and Regulatory Features: In India, wealth management is regulated by several bodies, including SEBI and RBI, particularly for private wealth management firms. Adhering to the local regulatory framework is essential. The software should assist you in staying informed about evolving regulations and help maintain compliance by offering features like tax calculations, audit trails, and reporting tools that align with Indian laws.
  6. Scalability: As your wealth or business expands, your software should be able to grow alongside you. Scalability is a crucial factor for both private wealth management and institutional clients. If you’re an advisor managing multiple clients, the software should facilitate efficient scaling. The capability to add more users, portfolios, or services as required will ensure the software continues to meet your needs.

How do private wealth management platforms add value for wealth managers? Click here to learn. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wealth management software is essential for effectively managing finances in India. By considering aspects like user-friendliness, customization options, security measures, scalability, and regulatory compliance, you can make a well-informed choice that supports your financial objectives. Whether you are a private wealth management firm or an individual investor, the appropriate software can enable you to handle your wealth with assurance and success.

Back to Blog

NPS Scheme Benefits: An Attractive Option for Retirement Planning

The National Pension System also known as National Pension Scheme (NPS), launched by the Government of India, is a robust pension plan aimed at providing financial security to citizens during their retirement years. This scheme is accessible to all Indian citizens aged 18 to 70, making it a flexible option for anyone looking to ensure their financial stability. With numerous benefits, the NPS stands out as an appealing tool for retirement planning. 

NPS comes with various benefits and in this blog, we’ll explore them.

National Pension Scheme Benefits: Why should you consider it?

  • Lucrative Tax Benefits: One of the most attractive features of the NPS scheme is the tax benefits it provides. Contributions made to the NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, allowing you to save up to ₹1.5 lakh each year. Additionally, there is an extra deduction of ₹50,000 available under Section 80CCD(1B). This makes the NPS a powerful option for lowering your taxable income while simultaneously building your retirement fund. 
  • Diverse Investment Option: The NPS scheme offers an array of investment opportunities. As a subscriber, you can distribute your funds across various asset classes, including equity, corporate bonds, government securities, and alternative investment funds (AIFs). This flexibility allows you to customize your investment portfolio based on your risk tolerance, retirement objectives, and investment horizon.
  • Potential for High Returns: A key reason many individuals choose to invest in the National Pension System is its potential for high market-linked returns. The NPS generally provides higher returns compared to traditional savings options like PPFs and fixed deposits, as it invests in equities and other growth-oriented instruments. This makes it a valuable investment choice.

To estimate the potential growth of your NPS contribution, you can use the NPS calculator. How can the NPS calculator benefit you, read this blog. Click here to learn. 

  • Long-term Financial Security: One of the key advantages of the NPS scheme is the long-term financial security it offers. By consistently contributing to the NPS, you can accumulate a substantial retirement fund. This brings peace of mind, knowing you have a financial safety net when you decide to stop working.
  • Low-Cost Investment Option: Another appealing aspect of the National Pension Scheme is its cost-effectiveness. To open an NPS account, you only need to make a minimal initial contribution of ₹500, and the annual investment requirement is just ₹1000. This makes NPS a great choice for anyone looking to start their retirement savings.
  • Withdrawal and Annuity Options: When you retire, NPS subscribers have the option to withdraw up to 60% of their total corpus as a lump sum. The remaining 40% is required to be used for purchasing an annuity, which ensures a steady and regular income throughout retirement. This structure helps guarantee that you remain financially secure in your later years.

Final Thoughts

The National Pension Scheme provides numerous advantages, making it an excellent option for anyone aiming to establish long-term financial stability. With benefits like tax efficiency and flexible investment choices, the scheme is crafted to help you save for retirement smartly and cost-effectively.

Back to Blog

The Top 7 Benefits of Investing in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in India

February 27, 2025

In the ever-evolving financial landscape, investors are seeking innovative ways to enhance their returns while effectively managing risks. One investment option that is gaining popularity in India is Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). These funds open doors to opportunities beyond conventional investments such as stocks and bonds, giving access to a diverse array of assets such as real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and commodities. In this blog, we will delve into the numerous advantages of alternative investment funds in India.

7 Benefits of AIFs in India

  1. Diversification: Unlike traditional assets, alternative investment funds enable you to diversify across a range of assets, including real estate, private equity, and commodities. This strategy mitigates the risk associated with concentrating your investments in one area.
  2. Potential for Higher Returns: AIFs are structured to provide better returns compared to traditional investment avenues. With their adaptable strategies and access to alternative markets, AIFs often yield positive results, even when stocks and bonds experience fluctuations.
  3. Access to Expertise: One of the key benefits of AIFs in India is the expertise of their fund managers. These alternative investment funds are overseen by professionals who possess specialized knowledge in specific markets or asset classes.
  4. Risk Mitigation: Although higher returns often come with greater risk, AIF funds in India actively implement risk mitigation strategies. Fund managers utilize methods such as hedging, diversification within alternative assets, and proprietary strategies to minimize the risk.
  5. Liquidity Options: Various types of AIFs in India provide different liquidity options to meet the needs of investors.  For example, Category I and II AIFs generally have a minimum lock-in period of three years, while Category III schemes may have flexible lock-in terms. This adaptability makes alternative investment funds in India suitable for both long-term and short-term investors. 
  6. Portfolio Customization: Alternative investment funds enable investors to tailor their portfolios according to personal goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. With a wide range of AIF funds in India offering diverse asset classes and investment strategies, you can create a portfolio that aligns with your financial aspirations.  
  7. Tax Efficiency: Alternative investment funds in India can provide potential tax benefits, depending on how the fund is structured. Investors have the opportunity to minimize taxes on capital gains until they sell their shares, which allows for better control over their tax obligations.

 How do taxation and AIFs work together? Explained in a blog. Click here.

Final Thoughts

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) present a robust option for diversifying your portfolio, achieving higher returns, and managing risk. With the guidance of experienced fund managers, increased portfolio customization, and distinct tax benefits, AIFs in India can significantly enhance your investment approach. Nevertheless, as with any investment, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, grasp the associated risks, and ensure that alternative investment funds fit your financial objectives. When managed effectively, AIFs in India can be a valuable component of a comprehensive investment portfolio.

Back to Blog

The Significance of Wealth Management Services in India

Wealth management provides individuals, families, and organisations with comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. It is crafted to manage clients’ wealth holistically, this includes a customized investment strategy while considering risk tolerance, investment horizon, tax minimization and financial goals. So, in this blog, we’ll discover the importance of wealth management and its types.

Importance of Wealth Management Services

Wealth management services can be proven an effective tool in transforming financial dreams. Let’s have a look at how they can benefit you:

  1. Tailor-made Planning: It allows individuals and families to have a well-designed investment approach. Every individual or organization has a different set of goals, here it provides specific solutions to each client depending on their objectives and preferences.
  2. Expertise and Knowledge: Providing professional and sophisticated knowledge requires experience. This allows wealth managers to classify investment strategies suitable for a particular client.
  3. Risk Management: These services look to create a plan to diversify investments to mitigate the risks driven by market insights.
  4. Tax Management: To reduce tax liabilities is one of the key objectives of wealth management platforms. Wealth managers, using their expertise, build tax-effective investment strategies so that their clients get the highest returns on their investments.
  5. Estate Management: Wealth management services in India also help in developing all-purpose estate plans for passing down wealth to respective heirs.

Types of Wealth Management Companies in India

Wealth management services in India can be bisected into various types, let have a look at them:

  1. Private Wealth Management Firms: An organization where it provides personalized financial advice and services to HNIs and UHNWIs. These companies have a precise financial strategy to cater for their requirements.
  2. Banks and Other Financial Institutions: Various banks and financial institutions offer services to their clients.
  3. Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs): Individual financial advisors also provide personalized investment management services to their clients.  

How do wealth management platforms add value for wealth managers? What is their significance, explained in a blog? Click here.

Choosing a Wealth Management Software – What to Look For?

While selecting wealth management software, you need to consider some key features, such as financial planning, investment management, analytics, risk management and portfolio monitoring.

  1. Financial Planning: It should be able to create dynamic financial plans to identify potential risks and opportunities.
  2. Investment Management: It should adapt or change asset allocation strategies across different asset classes as well as accounts.
  3. Reporting and Analytics: It should have a detailed analysis to identify trends, track investment performance, and measure risk tolerance.
  4. Risk Management: It should access and manage investment risks.
  5. Portfolio Monitoring: It should be able to track real-time portfolio progress and suggest portfolio rebalancing measures.

Final Thoughts

Wealth management services in India play a significant role in providing tailor-made financial planning, risk management, tax management, and estate management. They provide the right guidance to HNIs, UHNWIs, and organizations to make informed decisions. With professional wealth management services, you can reach your financial goals effectively without taking so many risks.

Back to Blog

Understanding the National Pension System (NPS) Details

The National Pension System (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings scheme designed to provide financial security post-retirement. It offers individuals a structured way to invest systematically while benefiting from tax advantages and market-linked returns. 

With its flexible investment options, regulated framework, and long-term wealth creation potential, NPS has become a preferred choice for those planning a secure retirement. Understanding its features, benefits, and withdrawal rules is crucial for making informed financial decisions. So, if you are looking to know more about the NPS pension scheme details, we’ll cover them in this blog.

NPS Scheme Details

Eligibility: NPS is open to all Indian citizens, including both salaried and self-employed individuals. You can join NPS between the ages of 18 and 70.

Account Types:

  1. Tier I Account: This is the primary retirement savings account. Contributions to Tier I are tax-deductible under Sections 80C and 80CCD of the Income Tax Act. Funds in this account are locked until the age of 60, with certain exceptions like premature withdrawal under specific circumstances.
  2. Tier II Account: This is a voluntary savings account. You can withdraw money from this account at any time. However, it does not offer the same level of tax benefits as the Tier I account.

Contribution: The minimum contribution for Tier I is ₹1000 annually. There is no minimum contribution defined for Tier II accounts. Contributions can be made through various modes such as online transfers, banks, or even through cheques.

Investment: NPS provides you with various asset classes for investments including equities, corporate bonds, government securities, and AIFs. You can choose your asset allocation or opt for the default choice where the asset allocation changes with age.

Returns: NPS returns are market-linked, thus depending on the performance of the underlying asset classes. The return is generally higher than traditional government-backed instruments like PPF or FD due to exposure to equities and corporate bonds.

Withdrawal: At the time of retirement, age 60 years or later, you can withdraw up to 60% of the corpus tax-free. The remaining 40% has to be used to buy an annuity that will give you a regular monthly income.

Tax Benefits:  Contributions to Tier I are eligible for tax benefits up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C, over and above ₹50,000 of Section 80CCD (1B) which also goes beyond the ₹1.5 lakh limit. The corpus created in the NPS is also completely exempt from tax on capital gains, thereby making a tax-efficient retirement investment.

How can NPS Vatsalya help you build a strong future for your child? Read it here.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to secure your retirement financially, the National Pension System (NPS) can be a great option. With NPS, individuals can save on taxes while working and withdraw up to 60% of the accumulated corpus tax-free after retirement – offering dual benefits. However, it is advisable to consult a financial advisor before starting your NPS journey.