Skip to main content
Tips for better tax saving planning

6 Tax Saving Instruments for Better Tax Planning in 2026

6 key tax-saving instruments in India for 2026, covering ELSS, PPF, NSC, insurance, NPS, and 80C deductions for efficient tax planning.

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2025-11-02

903 Views

8 minutes read

Tax-savings play a very important role in meeting your future financial goals. But, many of us leave it for the last few months of the financial year, which is not a prudent behaviour. A poor tax planning strategy would make it difficult for you to meet your financial targets on time. Thus, if you haven’t done your tax savings yet, then listed below are 6 popular tax-saving instruments that will help you plan your taxes well in 2025

1. Unit Linked Insurance Plan -  ULIPs have now become a popular investment option due to its flexibility, low cost, and tax-free returns. Unit Linked Insurance Plan is a market-linked insurance plan that comes with a lock-in period of 5 years. Furthermore, this insurance-cum-investment product is eligible for deduction as per Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Deciding to invest in the best ULIP is wise as it offers you a life cover along with an investment avenue, where you can expect returns.

2. Public Provident Fund -  Though interest rates are low, but PPF offers tax-free guaranteed returns. This is a long-term investment option that helps you avail tax benefits. The current interest rate for PPF is 7.1% and it comes with a lock-in period of 15 years. As compared to other bank deposit options, PPF is a much better option because the interest rates are tax free.

3. Tax-saving FDs - This is yet another best tip that will help you save on taxes. Though they rank low on returns it is the simplest way to save tax. The interest rate you get is as per the prevailing FD rates. Also, tax-saving FDs come with a lock-in period for 5 years which means you cannot withdraw your money before 5 years. You will only make a one-time lump sum payment. No premature withdrawals are allowed. In addition to this, tax-saving FDs are also good for those who plan their taxes at the last minute.

4. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme -  This risk-free tax-saving instrument is an ideal option for those who have already retired or are going to retire soon. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) comes with a lock-in period of 5 years and is the best option for retirees. Also, the interest earned from the scheme is tax-free, which makes it one of the best tax-saving options for senior citizens.

Read about the top investment options for retirees.

5. National Savings Certificate (NSC) - The best part about the National Savings Certificate (NSC) is that the interest earned is eligible for tax deduction. This fixed-income investment option also comes with a lock-in period of 5 years with the current interest rate of 7.1%. This used to be one of the popular investment options, but not now as many bank fixed deposits have come under Section 80C.

6. Life insurance - This is considered as a default tax-saving instrument by investors Although this purpose is best served by term insurance policy as other life insurance policies such as endowment plans or ULIP offer poor returns at high premiums. On the other hand, a term insurance plan offers life coverage along with tax benefits. It allows you to avail tax deductions as per Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Buy the best life insurance plan to suit your financial requirements and goals.

These are some of the pragmatic tax-saving tips that you should find very useful. Besides, if you are looking forward to buying an adequate insurance plan that also helps you save on taxes. iSelect Smart360 Term Plan allows you to enjoy tax benefits of up to ₹ 1.5 Lakh/annum on the premiums paid towards the policy as per Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Save Taxes While Building Long-Term Wealth

Please enter correct name Please enter the Full name
Please enter valid mobile number Please enter Mobile Number
Please enter valid email Please enter Email

Enter OTP

An OTP has been sent to your mobile number

Didn’t receive OTP?

Application Status

Name

Date of Birth

Plan Name

Status

Unclaimed Amount of the Policyholder as on

Name of the policy holder

Policy No.

Address of the Policyholder as per records

Unclaimed Amount

Error

Sorry ! No records Found

.  Please use this ID for all future communications regarding this concern.

Request Registered

Thank You for submitting the response, will get back with you.

Thank you for your interest in our product. Our financial expert will connect with you shortly to help you choose the best plan.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

Recent Blogs

Importance Of Taxes Thum Desktop
Achieving Tax Saving Goals through Tax Saving Investments
30 July '26
911 Views
4 minute read
Discover 3 key financial goals you can achieve with tax-saving investments. Learn how to save taxes while building wealth and securing your financial future.
Read More
Tax Saving
Old Tax Regime Thum Desktop
Old vs New Tax Regime: Things You Need to Know
30 July '26
6801 Views
10 minute read
Explore the new tax regime vs the old one and choose what suits you best. Learn key differences and gain valuable insights with Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
Read More
Tax Saving
Importance Of Taxes Thum Desktop
How to File ITR-6 Online For FY 2026-27? - A Easy Guide
30 July '26
1091 Views
5 minute read
Filing ITR 6 for AY 2026-27? Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to accurately file your income tax return and maximize tax benefits.
Read More
Tax Saving
Tax Collected at Source
What is Tax Collected at Source (TCS)? Payment, Exemption & Rates Explained
30 July '26
1177 Views
7 minute read
Not sure how TCS works? Get a complete breakdown of Tax Collected at Source, its applicable rates, payment process & exemptions for taxpayers in India.
Read More
Tax Saving
Presumptive Income Tax Filing
Presumptive Income Tax Filing - A Complete Guide
30 July '26
4249 Views
10 minute read
Learn all about presumptive income tax filing, its eligibility, key benefits & how it simplifies tax compliance for businesses & individuals in India.
Read More
Tax Saving
Importance Of Taxes Thum Desktop
Section 16 of the Income Tax Act 1961: Deductions from Salaries
30 July '26
1048 Views
4 minute read
Learn about Section 16 of the Income Tax Act, its deductions, benefits, and how it helps reduce taxable income with Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
Read More
Tax Saving
Importance Of Taxes Thum Desktop
How to Save Income Tax Benefits on Loans in India?
30 July '26
1183 Views
4 minute read
Discover how loans can help you save income tax in India. Learn about tax benefits on home, education, and personal loans with Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
Read More
Tax Saving
Importance Of Taxes Thum Desktop
What Is Form 16? Meaning, Benefits, and How to Download
30 July '26
4936 Views
9 minute read
Learn what Form 16 is, its components, how to download and use it for income tax filing, and why it is important for salaried taxpayers in India.
Read More
Tax Saving
Why It Important To Review Your Tax Strategy Thum Desktop
Why You Should Review Your Tax Strategy Annually?
30 July '26
29 Views
5 minute read
Stay ahead with an annual tax review. Maximize deductions, stay updated on tax laws, and optimize income tax e-filing with Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
Read More
Tax Saving

Tax Savings - Top Selling Plans

We bring you a collection of popular Canara HSBC life insurance plans. Forget the dusty brochures and endless offline visits! Dive into the features of our top-selling online insurance plans and buy the one that meets your goals and requirements. You and your wallet will be thankful in the future as we brighten up your financial future with these plans.

Family Shield: Enhanced Protection

iSelect Smart360 Term Plan
  • 3 Plan options
  • Life cover till 99 years
  • Steady income benefit
  • Block your premium at inception

Fixed Returns, Zero Risks & Worries

iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus
  • 4 Plan options
  • Life cover + Guaranteed benefits
  • Accidental death benefit
  • Premium protection cover

Start Young, Pay Less, Stay Secured

Young Term Plan
  • Life cover till 99 years
  • Coverage for spouse
  • Block your premium rate
  • Covers 40 critical illness