Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act allows individual taxpayers in India to claim tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh for investments in specific government savings schemes during a financial year. This section is particularly beneficial for those filing under the old tax regime, enabling them to reduce their taxable income while earning interest on their investments. Eligible instruments include the Public Provident Fund (PPF), Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS), and others aimed at retirement and children's education. Taxpayers can also claim an additional deduction of ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) for contributions to specified pension funds, and Section 80TTB for tax-saving fixed deposits, effectively raising the total possible deductions to ₹2 lakh. It is important to complete these investments by 31 March of the relevant financial year and to maintain proof of investment for tax return filings. Notably, these deductions are not available to companies or firms, and taxpayers opting for the new tax regime cannot claim these benefits, although they can still invest in these instruments without receiving tax deductions. Proper declaration of these investments to employers is not mandatory but can help in adjusting TDS.