Essential Financial Tasks to Complete Before the Fiscal Year Ends

As the financial year 2025-26 comes to a close, individuals must act quickly to secure their financial benefits. With only 48 hours left, it's crucial to deposit the minimum required amounts into PPF, NPS, and Sukanya accounts. Additionally, those under the Old Tax Regime should make last-minute investments to maximize tax exemptions. Salaried employees must also submit their investment proofs to avoid higher TDS deductions from their March salaries. This article outlines the three critical tasks to complete before the deadline, ensuring you don't miss out on valuable financial opportunities.

By Ambika Singh Mar 30, 2026, 17:59 IST

Critical Deadline Approaches

As the financial year 2025-26 draws to a close, only two days remain to fulfill essential requirements. It is crucial to ensure that the minimum balance is deposited into your PPF, NPS, and Sukanya accounts by March 31.

Act Now: 48 Hours Left

Today is March 30, leaving just 48 hours until the financial year ends. Missing the March 31 deadline could result in losing out on significant financial benefits and tax exemptions. Here are three vital actions to take before midnight tomorrow.

1. Maintain Government Schemes

To keep your savings schemes like PPF, NPS, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) active, it is necessary to deposit a minimum amount annually.

Importance: Failing to deposit the required minimum (e.g., ₹500 for PPF) will lead to your account being marked as 'discontinued' or dormant. Reactivating it will require multiple bank visits and payment of penalties.

2. Last Chance for Old Tax Regime Savings

If you are under the Old Tax Regime, tomorrow is your last opportunity to make investments for tax exemptions.

Section 80C: Investments in PPF, ELSS, or life insurance premiums can yield deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh.

Section 80D: Additional deductions of up to ₹1 lakh are available for health insurance premiums and medical expenses for parents. Note that any investments made after April 1 will apply to the next financial year (2026-27).

3. Submit Investment Proofs for Salaried Individuals

This is a crucial step for salaried employees. If you haven't submitted your investment proofs to your HR or Finance department, expect a significant TDS deduction from your March salary.

What to provide: House rent receipts (for HRA), LIC/insurance premium receipts, children's tuition fee receipts, and a home loan interest certificate.

Consequence: Without these proofs, your employer will deduct a higher tax amount from your final salary. To reclaim this excess tax, you will need to wait until you file your Income Tax Return (ITR) next year.