Paying Income Tax on Fixed Deposit (FD) Interest: A Step-by-Step Guide
Last Updated : Jan. 27, 2023, 11:09 a.m.
This article provides an overview of how to pay income tax on FD interest income earned from fixed deposits. It outlines the process of calculating the taxable amount, filing the income tax return, and paying due taxes. It also provides information on how to claim tax deductions and exemptions on fixed deposit interest income tax on FD interest. Finally, it provides tips on maximizing tax on FD interest savings on fixed deposit interest income.
How is income from interest taxed?
Income from interest is taxed as ordinary income, meaning it is taxed at the same rate as wages and salaries. The amount of tax on FD interest you pay on interest income depends on your total taxable income and filing status. Generally, interest income is added to your other income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.
Interest income is typically reported on a 1099-INT form and must be reported on your tax return. You may also be subject to additional taxes, such as the net investment income tax. Additionally, some states may also tax FD interest income.
If you get interest income from a savings account or another bank account, you might be allowed to deduct some of it from your taxable income.
It is important to keep accurate records of your interest income and any deductions you claim. This data will help you accurately report your income and deductions on your tax on FD interest return.
How to calculate tax on interest income?
Calculating taxes on interest income is relatively straightforward. The first step is to calculate the total interest income you have earned. This calculation can be done by adding up all the interest payments you have received from banks, investments, and other sources.
Once you have the total interest income, you must determine your tax rate. This will depend on your total taxable income and filing status. Generally, the higher your taxable income, the higher your tax on FD interest rate .
Once you have determined your tax rate, you can calculate the amount of tax you owe on your interest income. To do this, simply multiply your total interest income by your tax rate. This will give you the tax you owe on your interest income.
Finally, you will need to report your interest income and the taxes you owe on it on your tax on FD interest return. This can be done by completing the appropriate forms and submitting them to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
By following these steps, you can easily calculate the tax you owe on your interest income.
When to pay tax on interest income?
Tax on FD interest income must be paid by the due date of the tax return for the year in which the interest was earned. Generally, this means that the tax must be paid by April 15th of the following year.
For example, if you earned interest income in 2020, you must pay tax on that income by April 15th, 2021.
If you cannot pay the total amount of tax due on the due date, you can file an extension with the IRS to extend the due date. However, any taxes owing must still be paid by the extended due date, or you may be subject to penalties and interest.
In addition, if you are receiving interest income from a bank or other financial institution, they may be required to withhold taxes from your interest payments. This withholding is reported to the IRS and is applied to your tax liability. You may be entitled to a refund if the amount withheld exceeds your tax liability.
How large amount FD is tax-free?
The amount of Fixed Deposit (FD) that is tax-free depends on the type of FD and the investor’s tax slab.
For individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who are in the highest tax slab of 30%, the interest earned on FDs is fully taxable. The interest received on the FD is nevertheless eligible for a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, if it is held for five years or longer.
The interest earned on FDs is fully taxable for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who are in the highest tax bracket of 30%. The interest received on the FD is nevertheless eligible for a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, if it is held for five years or longer.
The interest in FDs is completely taxed for seniors. The interest received on the FD is, however, eligible for a deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 under Section 80TTB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, if it is held for five years or longer.
In addition to the deductions mentioned above, Section 80TTA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 permits a deduction of up to Rs. 10,000 for interest paid on Fixed Deposits (FDs).
Therefore, depending on the type of FD and the tax slab of the investor, the tax-free amount of FD can vary.
How to Save Tax on FD?
Saving tax on Fixed Deposits (FD) is a great way to maximize your returns. Here are some tips to help you save tax on FD:
- Invest in Tax-Saving FDs: Tax-saving FDs are a great way to save tax on FDs. These FDs are offered by banks and other financial institutions and come with a lock-in period of 5 years. The interest earned on these FDs is exempt from tax up to a certain limit.
- Invest in Senior Citizen FDs: Senior citizens are eligible for higher interest rates on FDs. This makes it a great option for them to save tax on FDs. The interest earned on these FDs is exempt from tax up to a certain limit.
- Invest in Long-Term FDs: Long-term FDs are another great way to save tax on FDs. These FDs come with a lock-in period of 5 years or more and offer higher interest rates. The interest earned on these FDs is exempt from tax up to a certain limit.
- Invest in Tax-Free Bonds: Tax-free bonds are another great way to save tax on FD interest. These bonds are issued by the government and come with a lock-in period of 5 years or more. These bonds’ interest payments are tax-free.
- Invest in Tax-Free Mutual Funds: Tax-free mutual funds are another great way to save tax on FDs. These funds are managed by professional fund managers and come with a lock-in period of 5 years or more. The returns earned on these funds are exempt from tax.
By following these tips, you can easily save tax on FD interest on FDs and maximize your returns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paying income tax on fixed deposit interest income is a straightforward process. All you need to do is to declare the income in your income tax returns and pay the applicable tax. It is important to remember to keep all the documents related to the fixed deposit, such as the bank statement, deposit receipt, and TDS certificate, for future reference. Additionally, you can also avail of tax deductions and exemptions to reduce your tax liability. Following these steps will help you pay your income tax on fixed deposit interest income without any hassle.
