Understanding the Fixed Deposits (FD)
What is a Fixed Deposit?
A Fixed Deposit (FD) is a financial instrument provided by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) which provides investors a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account, until the given maturity date. It is one of the safest and most popular investment options in India.
How is FD Interest Calculated?
Most banks in India calculate Fixed Deposit interest using quarterly compounding. This means the interest you earn in the first quarter is added back to your principal, and in the next quarter, you earn interest on that newly increased principal. This causes your money to grow slightly faster than simple annual interest.
Taxation on FDs
It is important to note that the interest earned on Fixed Deposits is fully taxable. The interest is added to your total income and taxed according to your income tax slab. If your interest income exceeds ₹40,000 in a year (₹50,000 for senior citizens), the bank will deduct a 10% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) before paying you the interest.