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Making the leap from being a salaried employee to exploring the dynamic world of freelancing is a major step. Considering the uncertainties that come with freelancing, having a solid financial foundation is crucial. While the freedom of working independently may keep you on your toes, it also means giving up on the security benefits of being a salaried employee.
Recent statistics show that there are over 15 million Indians who work as freelancers. Now, there are a few questions that arise regarding a freelancer’s financial position. Do they earn the same as salaried employees?
Do they have the same salary income tax slabs? Do their investments, especially life insurance, have the same benefits?
Well, if you are a salaried employee looking to make the switch or vice-versa, there’s only one way to find out these answers. Continue reading further to gain in-depth insights about how your financial position changes based on your employment type.
Key Takeaways
Freelancers must manage finances independently without employer benefits.
Tax slabs for income earned through salary remain the same for employees and freelancers.
Business expenses are a part of tax-saving deductions for freelancers.
If liability is more than ₹10,000 per year, advance tax payment becomes a mandate.
Salary Income Tax Slabs Explained for Salaried Employees and Freelancers
First, let’s address one of the fundamental aspects, which is income tax slabs based on your salary. For salaried individuals, taxation typically revolves around the following items:
Employer-provided benefits like Provident Fund (PF) contributions and gratuity.
These benefits make tax filing relatively simple.
In contrast, freelancers are treated as self-employed individuals. The income tax is levied under the “Profits and Gains of Business or Profession” category. While the basic salary income tax slabs remain the same, freelancers must maintain their own books of accounts, claim business expenses, and manage advance tax payments.
Did You Know?
Section 44ADA includes the Presumptive Taxation Scheme that allows freelancers to file for taxes.
Source: Clear Tax
What you must remember here is that the tax slabs don’t change based on your employment type. However, your method of calculation, deductions, and compliance responsibilities certainly do.
When it comes to tax benefits received under life insurance, many wonder if shifting to freelancing reduces or affects these advantages. Well, the good news is that tax benefits earned from life insurance investments remain unaffected whether you are salaried or self-employed.
You can still claim deductions under:
Section 80C: Life insurance premiums (up to ₹1.5 lakh yearly).
Section 10(10D): Tax-free maturity benefits, provided certain conditions are met.
Whether your income is reflected in Form 16 or in profit and loss statements, life insurance tax benefits continue to apply. The only condition you must fulfil is meeting the policy and premium criteria.
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Why Freelancers Need Life Insurance Even More?
Switching to freelancing means losing access to employer-sponsored insurance plans and other financial protections that salaried employment typically provides. As a freelancer, taking full ownership of your financial security becomes essential. The following are a couple of reasons why personal life insurance is even more important for freelancers:
Financial Security: Freelancing often comes with irregular income streams, which makes consistent savings trickier. Having a comprehensive life insurance plan in place ensures that, regardless of income fluctuations, your family’s financial needs will be taken care of. In case of an unforeseen event, your loved ones will have access to a financial safety net as well.
Tax Efficiency: Freelancers, like salaried employees, are eligible to claim tax deductions on life insurance premiums under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. This brings the overall tax burden lower, hence promoting disciplined financial planning. Even as the method of filing taxes changes from employer-facilitated deductions to self-managed returns, the value of life insurance tax benefits remains a steady advantage.
Future Planning: Without employer-sponsored retirement plans, freelancers must proactively create their own long-term savings and investment strategies. Life insurance policies from trusted providers such as Canara HSBC Life Insurance offer options that combine protection with investment. Certain insurance policies include coverage and wealth accumulation perks.
Access to Loans: Life insurance also allows you to avail of loans against the policy’s surrender value. This can be particularly useful for freelancers, who might face temporary cash flow issues during lean periods. Instead of opting for high-interest personal loans, a policy loan provides a more accessible and manageable borrowing option.
Protection Against Rising Healthcare Costs: Many comprehensive life insurance plans today include or offer riders for critical illnesses and healthcare-related expenses. Freelancers can greatly benefit from policies that offer both life cover and health-related protections. This dual benefit ensures that both healthcare expenses and life risks are financially covered.
Ensuring Continuity of Business: In many cases, freelancers operate as small business owners or consultants whose absence could impact business continuity. However, a life insurance plan can help cover business liabilities and obligations, ensuring that financial commitments related to your professional life do not burden your family.
Managing Tax Payments as a Freelancer
One significant shift from salaried employment to freelancing is managing your own taxes.
The following is to be kept in mind when doing so:
Advance Tax Payments: Freelancers must pay advance taxes quarterly if their total tax liability surpasses ₹10,000 within a financial year. Moreover, unsuccessful payments can attract penalties.
Bookkeeping: Maintain clear records of income and professional expenses. You can claim deductions for expenses like office rent, internet bills, travel, and professional services.
Professional Help: Consider consulting a chartered accountant, especially in the early years, to make the transition smoother.
Final Thoughts
Stepping into the freelancing world brings independence, creativity, and control over your career. However, it also demands greater financial discipline. Thankfully, the government recognises both salaried and freelance incomes under the same salary income tax slabs, so your basic tax obligations remain familiar. Plus, powerful tools like life insurance tax benefits stay intact, providing much-needed financial relief.
With the Term Plan by Canara HSBC Life Insurance, you can enjoy freelancing without sacrificing your long-term financial security. Our solutions are designed to offer flexible coverage, tax-saving benefits, and economic growth opportunities.
Protect your dreams, plan, and step boldly into your new chapter!
Glossary
Advance Tax: Tax paid in instalments during the financial year if total tax liability exceeds ₹10,000.
Standard Deduction: A flat deduction available to salaried individuals to reduce taxable income.
Self-employed Income: Earnings generated independently without a formal employer-employee relationship, taxed under business income.
Critical Illness Rider: Additional benefit under a life insurance policy that provides a lump sum on diagnosis of critical illnesses.
Policy Surrender Value: The amount an insurer pays if you voluntarily terminate your life insurance policy before maturity.
FAQs
Freelancers can save tax by claiming deductions on business expenses, health insurance premiums, and retirement investments.
No, your existing life insurance policies and related tax benefits continue unaffected even after switching to freelancing.
No, freelancers cannot claim the standard deduction; it is only available for salaried individuals.
Employer-sponsored insurance coverage ends; freelancers must arrange personal insurance, like term plans for protection.
Yes, freelancers can claim deductions for genuine business expenses like laptops, internet, and travel.
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.
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