Section 80TTA – Deduction Limit under Income Tax Act

Almost all of our money is taxable. The interest your savings bank accrues is also taxable! If you have wondered about even this income is taxable, then you must have thought about how to save tax on it too!

Many individuals hold savings bank accounts, but it’s often overlooked that the interest earned on these accounts is taxable under the category of ‘Income from other sources.’ However, there’s a way to save on taxes for the interest received, up to Rs 10,000. Section 80TTA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 offers a deduction of Rs 10,000 on such interest income. Let’s explore the intricacies of Section 80TTA in greater detail in this article.

What is Section 80TTA?

Section 80TTA is a provision in the Income Tax Act of 1961 that allows individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) to claim a deduction on the interest earned from their savings accounts with banks, cooperative societies, or post offices. This deduction is capped at Rs. 10,000. It’s important to note that this deduction does not apply to interest earned on Fixed Deposits (FDs) under Section 80TTA. While this benefit is available to all individuals and HUFs, it is not applicable to super senior citizens (those aged 60 or more), as they have a separate deduction provided under Section 80TTB.

Introduced in 2013 through the Finance Bill of that year, Section 80TTA has been applicable since the financial year 2012-13 and continues to be relevant for taxpayers.

Who Does Section 80TTA Cover?

Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are eligible to claim a deduction under Section 80TTA for the interest earned on savings bank and post office accounts.

Does Section 80TTA Cover NRIs?

Yes, NRIs can indeed avail themselves of the Section 80TTA deduction. It’s important to recognise that NRIs are permitted to open only two types of accounts in India: NRE (Non-Residential External) and NRO (Non-Residential Ordinary). However, the benefit of Section 80TTA applies exclusively to NRO savings account holders, as the interest earned on NRE accounts is tax-free.

Note: Senior citizens aged 60 years or more are not eligible for this deduction, as Section 80TTB is specifically designed for them.

What are the Deductions Under Section 80TTA?

According to the Income Tax Act, Section 80TTA is designated as ‘Deduction in respect of interest on deposits in a savings account.’ Key features of this section include:

1. Exemption Claim: You can seek exemption on the interest earned from your savings account deposits up to Rs. 10,000.
2. Eligible Institutions: Savings accounts in various financial institutions qualify for this deduction, including banks, cooperative societies, and post offices.
3. Multiple Accounts: There is no restriction on the number of savings accounts for which you can claim exemption, as long as the total interest amount doesn’t exceed Rs. 10,000.

Types of Interest Incomes Eligible for Deduction Under Section 80TTA

You can claim a deduction under Section 80TTA for interest income earned from the following sources:

• Savings account with a bank
• Savings account with a cooperative society engaged in banking activities
• Savings account with a post office

Interest Incomes Not Eligible for Deduction Under Section 80TTA

Section 80TTA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, places limitations on certain types of interest incomes that are ineligible for deduction. The following interest incomes are not permitted for deductions under Section 80TTA:

1. Fixed Deposit (FD) Interest: Interest accrued from fixed deposits, encompassing both bank and corporate fixed deposits, does not qualify for deduction. Fixed deposits involve a lump sum amount deposited with a financial institution for a predetermined period, earning interest over that duration.
2. Recurring Deposit (RD) Interest: Interest earned on recurring deposits, a savings scheme where individuals regularly deposit a fixed sum, is excluded from deductions under Section 80TTA. The interest accumulates on the periodic deposits made over time.
3. Corporate Bond Interest: Interest derived from corporate bonds, debentures, and other interest-bearing securities issued by companies is not eligible for deduction under this section. Corporate bonds serve as debt instruments issued by corporations to secure capital.

Time deposits refer to deposits that are repayable upon the completion of specified fixed periods.

What is the Maximum Deduction Limit under Section 80TTA?

The maximum deduction permitted under Section 80TTA is set at Rs. 10,000. The calculation of the deduction is outlined as follows:

• If your interest income is below Rs. 10,000, the entire interest amount serves as your deduction.
• In cases where your interest income exceeds Rs. 10,000, the deduction is capped at Rs. 10,000. It is essential to consider the aggregate interest income from all banks if you hold multiple accounts.

Applying for a Deduction Under Section 80TTA

Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that you qualify as an individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF). This deduction is not applicable to non-individual entities like companies, partnerships, or LLPs.

Calculate Interest Income

Determine the total interest income earned from savings accounts and cooperative societies throughout the financial year. This includes interest from deposits in savings accounts with banks, cooperative societies, or post offices, as well as interest from deposits with cooperative societies engaged in banking business.

Assess Deduction Amount

The deduction permitted under Section 80TTA is capped at a maximum of Rs. 10,000. If your total interest income is Rs. 10,000 or less, you can claim the entire amount as a deduction. If your interest income exceeds Rs. 10,000, your deduction is limited to Rs. 10,000.

Include in Total Income

Add the interest income to your total income when computing your tax liability. The deduction under Section 80TTA is claimed from the total income.

File Income Tax Return

When filing your income tax return, report the interest income under the appropriate head (such as ‘Income from Other Sources’) and claim the deduction under Section 80TTA. Ensure accurate details are provided, and if required, submit supporting documents.

Maintain Documentation

Retain necessary documents, such as bank statements or passbook entries, to substantiate the interest income and claim made under Section 80TTA. These documents may be needed for audit or verification purposes by the tax authorities.

Important Note: Be aware that the Section 80TTA deduction is not applicable if you choose the new tax regime outlined in Section 115BAC. Consider your tax strategy carefully based on your financial circumstances.

Example of Deductions Under Section 80TTA

Particulars	Amount (in Rs)
Income from Salary	5,00,000
Less: Standard Deduction	(50,000)
Taxable Salary	4,50,000
Income from Other Sources
– Interest on Savings Account	5,000
– Interest on Fixed Deposits	15,000
Gross Total Income	4,70,000
Less: Chapter VI-A deduction
– Section 80C	(10,000)
– Section 80TTA	(5,000)
Taxable Income	4,55,000

Changes in Banking Interest Rates

In the past, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated a 4% interest rate on savings accounts, and banks determined interest based on the minimum balance per quarter. However, the RBI has since granted banks the flexibility to set higher interest rates, with many institutions now offering 6% interest on savings accounts. Notably, banks now compute interest based on the daily balance, a departure from the previous practice of considering the minimum balance.

This shift implies that account holders are likely to receive increased interest amounts per quarter compared to the previous system. Regularly monitoring your bank statement is advisable to stay informed about these changes.

It’s crucial to note that if your savings accounts generate interest exceeding Rs. 10,000 in a financial year, the deduction you can claim is limited to Rs. 10,000. Any surplus interest earned will be added to your total income, and income tax will be levied accordingly.

FAQs on Section 80TTA

Disclaimer: This article has been written with the intention of informing the masses about the several technicalities involved in the filing of income tax. For the latest and most accurate information, kindly refer to the government website.