Everyone has a savings account and earns interest on a balance available monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. But, most of us are unaware that interest earned in the savings account is subject to taxation as ‘Income from other sources’. However, taxpayers can also claim the deduction of such amounts under section 80TTA as a part of the government’s efforts to encourage them to save money.
Section 80TTA
Bank credits interest to the savings accounts every month, quarter or year based on their policies. This savings interest earned is the taxable income under the head “Income From Other Source.” Further, it is allowed to claim the deduction of such interest income under section 80TTA up to INR 10,000. Hence, this section provides relief to taxpayers from paying excess taxes.
Eligibility to claim deduction u/s 80TTA
Resident Individuals below the age of 60 years and HUFs can claim the deduction under this section while filing ITR. However, if the resident individual is a senior citizen (age more than 60 years) or a super senior citizen (age more than 80 years) then they have to claim a deduction under Section 80TTB. Further, an NRI holding an NRO account can also claim the deduction of interest received in such an account under section 80TTA.
Deduction limit u/s 80TTA
The maximum deduction allowed under this section is INR 10,000 for the relevant assessment year.
If interest income from all the savings accounts is less than INR 10,000 then the entire amount is deductible. However, if the total interest from saving accounts exceeds INR 10,000 then the maximum of INR 10,000 will be deductible and the remaining amount will be taxable.
Eligible interests u/s 80TTA
The following interests are eligible for deduction under this section:
- Interest earned from a Saving Account with the Bank,
- Any interest earned from a Saving Account with the Co-operative Society,
- Interest earned from a savings account with the Post Office.
The following interests are not eligible for deduction under this section:
- Interest earned from fixed deposits,
- Any interest earned from recurring deposits,
- Interest earned from any other time deposits.
In order to understand the calculations better, let us take an example;
Ms. Desai is a resident individual. And has earned the following income during the FY 2022-23:
- Interest earned from Union Bank Savings Account: INR 16,000
- Interest earned from Post Office FD: INR 24,000
- Interest earned on Debentures: INR 3,500
As per the rule, Ms. Desai will be able to claim a deduction only on the interest earned from her Union Bank Savings.
| Particulars | Amount |
| Union bank Savings Interest | 16,000 |
| Total Interest Income Exemption | 10,000 |
| Interest Income taxable | 6,000 |
| Post Office Interest | 24,000 |
| Debenture Interest | 3,500 |
| Total Taxable Interest | 33,500 |
How to Claim Savings Interest Deduction?
The taxpayer can claim deductions under this section while filing ITR if all the above-mentioned conditions are fulfilled. Individuals/HUFs can claim 80TTA in any of the ITR forms, i.e., ITR 1, ITR 2, ITR 3, and ITR 4 depending upon their income sources.
While filing an ITR, first, the taxpayer has to add total saving interest as income under the head “Income From Other Source”, and then enter the same interest amount as a deduction under section 80TTA under Chapter VI-A.
FAQs
No. TDS is not applicable to saving bank account interest. However, if it is an NRO account then TDS is applicable.
Yes, an NRI holding an NRO account can claim a deduction on saving bank account interest under section 80TTA.
The bank account statement is required to calculate and claim deduction under section 80TTA.
There is no limit on the number of accounts or the interest that is earned via these accounts. One has to note that the maximum deduction that is available u/s 80TTA is INR 10,000 irrespective of the number of accounts.
Yes, the deduction of INR 10,000 under section 80TTA is available over and above the deduction of INR 1,50,000 available under section 80C.
Can NRI claim a deduction u/s 80TTA?
Hi @Swapnil_Agarwal,
Yes, an NRI holding an NRO account can claim a deduction on saving bank account interest under section 80TTA.
Hope it helps.
Is a Deemed Resident (RNOR) eligible for sec 80TTA and sec 80TTB?
Is Deemed Resident ( RNOR) eligible for sec 80TTA and sec 80TTB ?
Hey @Yonujessi,
Yes, an RNOR can claim the exemption u/s 80TTA/TTB.
For interest income from recurring deposit with a cooperative society (non-agri), can deduction be claimed under section 80TTA ?
Hey @S_Gupta
Yes, you can claim a deduction under section 80TTA for interest amounts received on recurring deposits from cooperative societies.
Hope this is helpful!