The Need For Tax Breaks On NPS Contributions To Encourage Retirement Savings

Tax Breaks on NPS Contributions

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has urged the Finance Ministry to consider providing tax breaks for contributions to the National Pension System (NPS). This move, similar to the Section 80C deduction in the old tax regime, would incentivize individuals to save for retirement and contribute towards building a pension society in India.

The NPS, which was introduced in 2004 as a defined contribution scheme for new government recruits, has experienced significant growth over the years. It has now reached a total value of nearly ₹11 lakh crore, largely driven by increased participation from private sector employees and individuals. In the upcoming fiscal year, the NPS aims to enroll one million new non-government subscribers, further expanding its reach.

In the previous Budget of 2020, the government introduced a new income tax regime that altered tax slabs and offered concessional tax rates. However, this new regime also eliminated several exemptions and deductions, including the popular 80C deduction, 80D, HRA, and LTA. As a result, there were only a few taxpayers who opted for the new tax regime.

To encourage taxpayers to adopt the new regime, the government made several changes in the Budget of 2023. The new regime was made the default system, and a full tax rebate was introduced for individuals with an income of up to ₹7 lakh. This meant that taxpayers earning up to ₹7 lakh would not have to pay any tax under the new tax regime. Furthermore, the tax exemption limit was increased to ₹3 lakh, and the standard deduction of ₹50,000, previously available only under the old regime, was extended to the new regime as well. These measures effectively made ₹7.5 lakh a tax-free income under the new regime.

While these changes aimed to promote the new tax regime, they inadvertently reduced the attractiveness of the NPS as a retirement savings option. The removal of the 80C deduction, which was a significant incentive for individuals to invest in the NPS, led to a decline in the number of contributors. To address this issue and encourage retirement savings, the PFRDA has proposed the reintroduction of tax breaks specifically for NPS contributions.

By providing tax breaks on NPS contributions, the government can incentivize individuals to save for their retirement. This would not only benefit individuals by ensuring a secure financial future but also help India transition into a pensioned society. The NPS has already proven to be a successful retirement savings vehicle, with its substantial growth and increasing participation from the private sector. By reintroducing tax breaks, the government can further boost the popularity of the NPS and encourage more individuals to contribute towards their retirement.

In conclusion, the PFRDA’s proposal to provide tax breaks for NPS contributions is a crucial step towards promoting retirement savings and building a pension society in India. The NPS has already gained significant traction, but the removal of the 80C deduction in the new tax regime has hindered its growth. By reintroducing tax breaks specifically for NPS contributions, the government can incentivize individuals to save for their retirement and ensure a secure financial future. It is imperative that the Finance Ministry considers this proposal in the upcoming budget to encourage the growth of retirement savings in the country.