Working women will be big beneficiaries of the increase in basic exemption limit as it will also help them in the investment planning process. The tax outgo will be less if they can claim all available deductions.

Women doing business need not pay tax on the expenses incurred on earning the income. They would be better off if they can avail of the entire Rs 1 lakh exemption available under Section 80C. The investment options under 80C include insurance premia and some other longterm instruments that would help in accumulation of capital. Those who are young can make effective use of the equity-linked savings scheme, by building up a capital base for the future.

But the person would do well to make use of the options on the debt side as some balancing is required . The option can be something like rural bonds that provide for regular income or National Savings Certificates that allow for compounding of the amount.

Adequate coverage in other financial planning areas would keep women well equipped to deal with the uncertainties of the future. The options include insurance policies and some amount kept aside as cash for any disruption in cash flow in future . Changing the nature of receipts to something like dividends would give them tax-free status. This would help a person reduce the overall tax impact.