In India, the Income Tax Act, 1961, provides several provisions for tax exemptions and deductions to reduce the taxable income of individuals and businesses. These provisions are designed to encourage savings, investment, and social welfare. Here’s a summary of key tax exemptions and deductions under Indian law: 1. Tax Exemptions A. Income Exempt from Tax Agricultural Income: Income derived from agricultural activities is exempt from tax under Section 10(1) of the Income Tax Act. Income from Investments in Specified Savings Instruments: Interest on certain savings instruments like Post Office Savings Bank accounts (up to ₹3,500 for individuals and ₹7,000 for joint accounts), and certain bonds issued by the government are exempt under Section 10(15). Gratuity: Gratuity received by employees is exempt under Section 10(10) up to a specified limit. For government employees, the entire amount is exempt. Leave Encashment: Leave encashment received by government employees is fully exempt. For non-government employees, the exemption is limited to ₹3,00,000. Pension: Pension received by individuals is fully taxable under the head "Income from Salary." However, pension received by ex-servicemen is exempt under certain conditions. Scholarships: Scholarships granted to meet the cost of education are exempt under Section 10(16). Charitable Contributions: Donations made to specified charitable organizations are eligible for exemptions under Section 80G. House Rent Allowance (HRA): HRA is exempt under Section 10(13A) based on specific conditions related to the amount received, rent paid, and location of the rented property. 2. Tax Deductions A. Under Section 80C Investment in Provident Fund: Contributions to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) qualify for deductions up to ₹1,50,000 per annum. Life Insurance Premium: Premiums paid on life insurance policies for self, spouse, or children are deductible under Section 80C. Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): Investments in ELSS funds are eligible for deductions under Section 80C. National Savings Certificates (NSC): Investments in NSC qualify for deductions under Section 80C. Home Loan Principal Repayment: Repayment of the principal portion of home loans is eligible for deduction under Section 80C. Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): Investments in SCSS are deductible under Section 80C. B. Under Section 80D Health Insurance Premium: Premiums paid for health insurance policies for self, spouse, children, and parents are deductible up to ₹25,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens) under Section 80D. Preventive Health Check-ups: Expenses for preventive health check-ups are included within the limit of the health insurance premium. C. Under Section 24(b) Home Loan Interest: Interest paid on home loans is deductible up to ₹2,00,000 per annum under Section 24(b) for a self-occupied property. D. Under Section 10(14) Special Allowances: Certain allowances like children education allowance and uniform allowance are exempt under Section 10(14). E. Under Section 80E Interest on Education Loans: Interest on loans taken for higher education is deductible under Section 80E without any upper limit. F. Under Section 80TTA Interest on Savings Accounts: Interest earned on savings accounts with banks or post offices is deductible up to ₹10,000 under Section 80TTA. G. Under Section 80G Donations to Charitable Organizations: Donations to eligible charitable organizations qualify for deductions under Section 80G. The extent of deduction depends on the organization and the type of donation. 3. Deductions for Business and Profession A. Under Section 37 Business Expenses: Expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business or profession are deductible. B. Under Section 35 Scientific Research: Expenditure on scientific research is eligible for deductions under Section 35, including donations to research institutions. Conclusion The Indian Income Tax Act provides a range of exemptions and deductions to individuals and businesses to reduce their tax liability. These provisions encourage savings, investments, and social contributions while offering relief to taxpayers. It's important for taxpayers to be aware of these provisions and comply with the requirements to avail themselves of the benefits.