List of Tax-Saving Bonds In India
If you like to play it safe with your money, you probably know that low-risk investments usually come with moderate returns compared to riskier options. On top of that, taxes on your earnings can make these returns even smaller. That is where tax savings bonds stand out. They allow you to grow your savings in a secure way while helping you keep more of what you earn.
Tax-saving bond schemes offer fixed interest returns. Additionally, all eligible investors can claim tax deductions on the capital invested up to a certain limit.
Quick Synopsis
- Offer fixed returns and allow investors to claim tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C and ₹20,000 under Section 80CCF
- Available to Indian individuals, HUFs, charitable organisations
- Comes with 6-8% annual returns with options for cumulative (interest paid at maturity) or non-cumulative (semi-annual interest payouts)
- Minimum investment starts at ₹1,000
- Has a lock-in period of 5 years
What is Tax-Saving Bond?
Tax-saving bonds are a practical choice for those looking to reduce their taxable income while earning steady, low-risk returns. Backed by the government, these bonds offer fixed interest payouts, either annually or semi-annually. While they come with a lock-in period, they serve as a reliable addition to a long-term financial plan, especially for individuals in higher tax brackets.
Features and Benefits of Tax-Saving Bonds
Tax-saving bonds are a popular fixed-income investment option that combine stable returns with tax efficiency. Here are the key features and benefits:
Tax Deduction under Section 80C: Investments in tax-saving bonds (such as specified 54EC bonds) can help reduce your taxable income. You can claim deductions up to the prescribed limit under Section 80C or claim capital gains exemption under Section 54EC, depending on the bond type.
Capital Gains Tax Exemption: Certain tax-saving bonds allow you to save tax on long-term capital gains arising from the sale of assets like property. By investing in these bonds within the specified time frame, you can claim exemption under Section 54EC.
Fixed and Predictable Returns: Tax-saving bonds offer fixed interest rates, ensuring stable and predictable returns throughout the investment tenure.
No TDS in Certain Cases: In some tax-saving bonds, TDS may not be deducted on interest (subject to applicable rules), although the interest income may still be taxable.
Helps in Financial Planning: By combining tax benefits with fixed returns, these bonds help investors plan long-term goals like retirement, wealth preservation, or capital gains management.
List of Tax-Saving Bonds In India
COMPANY | ISIN | NAME OF THE INSTRUMENT | Date of Allotment |
ICICI LIMITED | INE005A11BW2 | ICICI October 2003 - Tax Savings Bond (Deep Discount Bond) | 15 December 2003 |
ICICI FEB 2002 | INE005A08JG4 | ICICI February 2002 9.25% Tax Saving Bond II | 27 March 2002 |
IDBI BANK LTD FX-17 OPTC | INE008A09703 | Flexibond-17 -Unsecured Infrastructure (Tax Saving Bond) - Option C - Section 88 issued in the form of Promissory Notes | 4 March 2003 |
ICICI MAR 2002 | INE005A11BH3 | ICICI March 2002 Tax Saving Bond IV (Deep Discount ) | 23 April 2002 |
ICICI NOV 2001 | INE005A11AJ1 | ICICI November 2001 Tax Saving Bond II (Deep Discount ) | 15 January 2002 |
ICICI SEPT 2001 | INE005A08CV8 | ICICI September 2001 9.00% Tax Saving Bond - Option I | 29 November 2001 |
IDBI BANK LIMITED | INE008A09AF7 | Unsecured Infrastructure (Tax Saving) Bonds - Option C - issued in the form of Promissory Notes. | 5 March 2004 |
ICICI MR01 S-88 | INE005A08BP2 | ICICI March 2001 9.50% Tax Saving Bond - Option I Section 88 | 23 May 2001 |
IDBI BANK LIMITED | INE008A09BF5 | Flexibonds-22 Issue (Series 2005 A). Infrastructure (Tax Saving ) Bond Option B, (Issued in the form of promissory Notes). Date of Maturity 25/02/2010 | 25 February 2005 |
IDBI BANK LIMITED | INE008A09AO9 | Flexibonds-21 5.50% Unsecured Infrastructure (Tax Saving) Bonds - Option A - issued in the form of Promissory Notes. | 20 April 2004 |
Who Should Invest In Tax-Saving Bonds?
Tax-saving bonds can be a suitable option for investors looking to combine capital safety with tax efficiency. Here’s who may consider investing in them:
Individuals Looking to Save Tax: Tax-saving bonds are ideal for taxpayers who want to reduce their taxable income under applicable sections of the Income Tax Act. They are especially useful for individuals in higher tax brackets seeking deductions.
Conservative Investors: Investors who prefer low-risk investment options with stable and predictable returns may find tax-saving bonds suitable, as they are typically issued by government-backed or highly rated institutions.
Long-Term Investors: These bonds usually come with a lock-in period (such as 5 years), making them suitable for investors who can stay invested for the long term without needing immediate liquidity.
Fixed-Income Seekers: Individuals who want regular and steady interest income along with tax benefits can consider these bonds as part of their portfolio.
Salaried Individuals: Salaried professionals looking for simple and structured ways to plan their taxes annually may use tax-saving bonds as part of their overall tax-saving strategy.
Investors Diversifying Their Portfolio: Those who want to diversify their investments across different asset classes can include tax-saving bonds to add stability and fixed-income exposure.
Disclaimer
The Tax-saving bond data on this page is sourced from the NSDL website and is based on publicly available market information as on 14 March 2026. Prices, yields, trade values, and other related details are subject to change in real time depending on market movements and liquidity. This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered as investment advice, recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities.
