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LoansJagat Team

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05 Jan 2026

NPS Tax Exemption – Complete Guide to Tax Benefits

tax

Key Takeaways 
 

  • You can claim up to ₹2,00,000 as an Income tax deduction for nps under Section 80CCD. This includes both self and employer contributions, subject to the official limits published by the Income Tax Department.
     
  • NPS tax benefit for salaried employees includes an extra deduction on employer deposits for salaried employees.
     
  • Employer contribution to nps is taxable or not, depending on the statutory limits defined under Section 80CCD(2).


Saving aur retirement planning baad mein karoge? That delay can cost you heavily in the long run. I plan my future today by integrating NPS into my monthly salary, so my present income supports my retirement goals!

NPS tax exemption means I get a tax benefit when I invest in the National Pension System, which is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. It works like locking a part of my income today so my future self receives a pension tomorrow. This is why nps contribution tax exemption is an important part of long-term tax planning.

If I invest ₹1,50,000 in NPS Tier I, I can claim a deduction under Section 80CCD(1). An additional ₹50,000 can be claimed under Section 80CCD(1B), reducing my taxable income legally.

Who is eligible for the NPS Tax Exemption?

NPS tax exemption eligibility is clearly defined by the Income Tax Department.
 

Eligibility Factor

Requirement

Age

18 to 70 years

Residential Status

Resident or Non-Resident Indian

Employment Type

Salaried, self-employed, or government employee

Account Type

Tier I account only

Tax Regime

Old regime for self-contribution


Only Tier I NPS accounts qualify for deduction under Section 80CCD. 

Bonus Tip: Do you know? Since April 2024, NPS allows partial withdrawal up to 25% of your contribution for education, marriage, or medical needs without losing tax benefits.

What are the Deduction Limits Under NPS?

NPS offers multiple deduction sections under the Income Tax Act.
 

Section

Maximum Deduction

Who Can Claim?

80CCD(1)

  • 10% of salary (Salaried) or 20% of gross income (Self-employed). 
  • Included within the overall ₹1.5 Lakh limit of Section 80C.

Individual

80CCD(1B)

  • ₹50,000 

Individual

80CCD(2)

  • 14% (Govt & New Regime Private)
  • 10% (Old Regime Private

Employer contribution


Here, nps employer contribution tax exemption gives extra benefit beyond Section 80C. This is why nps tax benefit for salaried employees is higher than for self-employed individuals. 

Also, employer contribution to nps is taxable or not depends on whether it stays within the notified percentage. These deductions are fully available only under nps tax exemption in the old tax regime for self-contributions.

What are the documents required for the NPS Tax Exemption? 

The Income Tax Department accepts only specific proofs for NPS deduction.
 

Document

Purpose

PRAN card

Proof of NPS account

Contribution receipt

Investment evidence

Salary slip

Employer NPS proof

Form 16

Tax reporting

Bank statement

Payment confirmation


These records ensure your Income tax deduction for nps is not questioned during assessment.

How to Claim NPS Deduction in ITR? 

Follow the official Income Tax filing flow when filing NPS deduction:

  1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using PAN.
  2. Select the correct assessment year and choose the old tax regime.
  3. Enter self-contribution under Section 80CCD(1) and 80CCD(1B).
  4. Declare employer contribution under Section 80CCD(2) from Form 16.
  5. Verify PRAN details and contribution amounts.
  6. Submit the return and complete e-verification.

This process ensures you receive full Income tax deduction for nps benefits without mismatch.

Conclusion

NPS tax exemption helps me save tax and build retirement wealth together. You can stay compliant and efficient by knowing limits, eligibility, and filing steps. NPS deserves serious attention today if retirement and tax savings matter to you.

FAQs Related to NPS Tax Exemption 

1. Is the employer’s contribution to NPS tax-exempt, or is it first added to salary and then deducted?

The employer’s contribution to NPS is first included in the employee’s salary income. However, it is then allowed as a deduction under Section 80CCD(2), subject to prescribed limits. This results in a real tax benefit, not a zero-sum adjustment.

2. Is investment in an NPS Tier II account eligible for tax exemption?

No. Contributions made to an NPS Tier II account do not qualify for any tax deduction under the Income Tax Act. Tax benefits are available only for NPS Tier I accounts.

3. Is the NPS employer contribution useful for tax benefits under the new tax regime?

Yes. Employer contribution to NPS is one of the few deductions allowed even under the new tax regime. Eligible employees can still claim a deduction under Section 80CCD(2), making it tax-efficient despite opting for the new regime.

4. PF vs NPS: Which is smarter under the new tax regime?

NPS has an advantage because employer contributions remain tax-deductible under the new tax regime. Most PF deductions are not allowed. From a pure tax-saving perspective, NPS is generally more beneficial under the new regime.

5. Can I claim both NPS and PF tax benefits at the same time?

Yes. If you are eligible, you can claim tax benefits for both PF and NPS contributions. However, the availability and extent of deductions depend on whether you choose the old or new tax regime.
 

Other Related Pages

80 IAC Tax Exemption

80D Tax Exemption

80G Tax Exemption

Sikkim Income Tax Exemption

NPS Tax Exemption

New Tax Regime Exemption List

Mutual Fund Tax Exemption

Section 10 Tax Exemption

Professional Tax Exemption

Term Insurance Tax Benefit

Delhi Road Tax

Maharashtra Road Tax

 

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