Generally, investment under mutual funds does not yield any tax-saving benefit However, if you wish to avail the benefit of a mutual fund and also save some tax you can opt for ELSS( the abbreviated form for the equity-linked saving scheme) As the name suggests, Equity Linked Saving Scheme or ELSS is a type of mutual fund scheme that primarily invests in the stock market or Equity.
Tax benefit
Investments of up to 1.5 Lac done in ELSS Mutual Funds are eligible for tax deduction under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Lock-in Period
Compared to other tax-saving instruments ELSS has the shortest lock-in period of 3 years. You can sell your investment after 3 years, from the date of purchase.
If you have an ELSS SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), each installment has a lock-in period of three years, which means each of your installments will have a different maturity date.
But it is advisable to continue with the investment if the fund is doing well rather then selling it or stopping it after 3 years.
Risks involved in ELSS
Just because it is tax saving instrument we cannot overlook the risks. Since it’s a a mutual fund is subject to market volatility, fund managers performance, and other fund parameters.
While choosing ELSS fund, apply all parameters you would apply before buying a mutual fund.
Taxation on returns
ELSS has a lock-in period of 3 years. If you redeem the units, you receive long-term capital gains or LTCG. These gains are not taxable up to Rs. 1 lakh in one financial year. Any LTCG above this limit is taxed at 10% of the gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh without indexation.
Time and mode of investment
Investment in the ELSS funds should not be done at end of the year just to save tax.
Hunt for a good performing ELSS fund and invest either through SIP (systematic investment plan) from the start of the financial year or lump sum if you can time market well.
This article is for information only and written as per the provision given under income tax law and finance act 2021. For any other information please contact on mail brijlavaniya@yahoo.com and WhatsApp 8879882025.
Author Bio
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