Bank of Maharashtra Tax Saving Fixed Deposit

Fixed Deposits (FDs) have always been a favoured investment choice in India, providing a balance of safety and decent returns. The Bank of Maharashtra takes this a step further with its tax-saving FDs, an attractive avenue for its interest yield and the significant tax advantages it offers.

Designed under the guidelines of the Income Tax Act of 1961, these FDs allow investors to claim deductions, promoting a dual benefit of wealth growth and tax savings. Specifically tailored for those looking to meld fiscal prudence with strategic tax planning, Bank of Maharashtra's tax-saving FDs offer a compelling reason to invest.

The interest earned on all types of FDs is included in the total income and is taxable as per the prevailing slab rate. 

• As per section 80C of the Income-tax Act 1961, the investor gets an exemption of ₹1,50,000 in tax saver FD investment.
• For a senior citizen (Aged above 60 years), a deduction of up to ₹50,000 is available; for non-senior citizens, up to ₹40,000.
• If the PAN is not provided, then, in that case, 20% TDS is levied.
• In case your total income is below the taxable limit, i.e. Rs. 2.5 lakhs, you can avoid TDS by submitting Form 15G to the bank.
• For senior citizens, if your total income is below the taxable limit, you can avoid TDS by submitting Form 15H to the bank.

Now let’s take a look at the features a little bit in-depth:

• Duration: Tax Saving FDs usually come with a 5-year lock-in period, prohibiting any withdrawals during this time.
• Interest Offerings: Competitive interest rates are a highlight, and institutions like Federal Bank often provide an additional rate increment for senior citizens.
• Borrowing against FD: Given their fixed tenure, these FDs typically can't be used as loan collateral.
• Interest Disbursement: Different payout options, such as monthly, quarterly, or annual intervals, might be available. Some banks also provide reinvestment of the earned interest.
• Renewal Policy: Unless instructed otherwise, these FDs can be automatically renewed upon maturity for an equivalent period at the current interest rate.
• Early Withdrawal Charges: Withdrawals before the end of the lock-in period aren't permissible. Withdrawing after the lock-in but before FD maturity might invite penalties.
• Investment Limits: While there's a minimum deposit requirement to start a tax-saving FD, the upper limit typically remains INR 1.5 lakh annually, aligning with the 80C guidelines.
• Tax Deduction at Source (TDS): TDS might be deducted if the interest income surpasses a specified limit.

• Resident Individuals: Any individual who is a resident of India can open a Tax-saving FD with Bank of Maharashtra.
• Hindu Undivided Families (HUF): The Karta of the HUF can open a Tax-saving FD on behalf of the family.
• Minors: Minors can open an FD through a guardian.
• Single or Joint Accounts: Both single and joint accounts can be opened. However, the tax benefit under section 80C is usually available only to the first account holder for joint accounts.
• Existing Bank of Maharashtra Customers: Existing customers may find it easier to open a Tax-saving FD, especially online, given that their KYC details are already available with the bank. New customers might need to go through the full KYC process.
• Amount: The minimum amount for investment typically starts from a small amount (e.g., ₹100) but can go up to a maximum of ₹1.5 lakhs in a financial year to avail of the 80C benefit.

If you are not a prior customer or account holder in Bank of Maharashtra, here are some documents you must submit.

For Identity Proof and Signature Proof

• PAN Card
• Driving License
• Passport
• Voter’s ID
• Aadhar Card

For Address proof

• PAN Card
• Driving License
• Passport
• Voter’s ID
• Aadhar Card
• Utility Bill
• Bank account Passbook (Updated and should not be more than 3 months old)