TaxSaral
Section 150Deductionswas Section 80TTB in IT Act 1961

Senior Citizen Deposit Interest (₹50,000)

For taxpayers aged 60+, deduction up to ₹50,000 on interest from all deposits — savings accounts, FDs, and RDs — with banks and post offices. Replaces Section 149 for senior citizens.

Who this applies to

Resident individuals aged 60 years or above using the optional tax regime.

Key Points

  • Covers ALL bank deposits — savings, FD, RD — unlike Section 149 which is savings-only.
  • Maximum deduction ₹50,000 per year regardless of actual interest earned.
  • Senior citizens cannot claim Section 149 — Section 150 replaces it entirely.
  • Post office savings deposits also qualify. This gives significant relief to retirees living on FD income.

Worked Example

1

Retired couple maximising deposit interest deduction

Scenario

Retired couple (both aged 68) have FDs totalling ₹50L earning ₹3.5L in annual interest. They file separately.

Calculation

Per taxpayer deduction limit: ₹50,000

Husband:
  FD interest income: ₹1,75,000 (50% of joint FD)
  Section 150 deduction: ₹50,000
  Taxable interest: ₹1,25,000

Wife (same structure):
  FD interest income: ₹1,75,000
  Section 150 deduction: ₹50,000
  Taxable interest: ₹1,25,000

Tax on ₹1,25,000 at 5% slab (after ₹4L nil slab): Nil (income below ₹4L threshold for each)

Result

By splitting FDs between husband and wife and each claiming ₹50,000 deduction, the couple eliminates their interest income tax entirely (both have total income ≤ ₹4L nil slab). Strategic joint deposit allocation is a key retirement tax planning tool.

Related Sections

Still have questions about Section 150?

Our tax team can explain how this provision applies to your specific situation.

Section references are based on the Income Tax Act 2025 (Tax Year 2026-27). Examples are illustrative — verify with a Chartered Accountant before filing.