Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) are tax-saving mutual funds with a compulsory three-year lock-in period. These funds primarily invest in the equity market, offering investors the potential for capital appreciation. ELSS provides tax benefits under Section 80C, allowing investors to claim deductions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh. Managed by experienced fund managers, ELSS strategically allocates assets for optimal returns.
Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS), also known as tax-saver mutual funds are a segment of mutual funds that primarily invest at least 80% of their total funds in in equity and equity-related instruments with a 3-year lock-in period to enable tax savings for investors. These funds help investors save tax by providing a savings option that is covered under Section 80C, 80D, and 80EE of the tax code. Investors can claim potentially INR 1.75 lakhs in tax deductions by opting for these funds. These funds trade in the shares and stocks of companies across various sectors like an equity fund but keep investor funds locked-in for three years to quality for the tax benefits. These trades are managed by a profession team of stock traders, usually led by a fund manager who works for the mutual fund provider. Their goal is to generate the maximum returns on investments while also ensuring reasonable control against risks by following their designated investment strategy.
There are tax-saver funds of every type and characteristic available to match every risk profile and investment objective that investors may have, whether it be a specific market sector (technology, financial, pharmaceutical), a specific stock exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ), foreign or domestic markets, income, or growth stocks, high or low risk, or a specific interest group (political, religious, brand).
How ELSS Mutual Funds Work?
Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) are a type of mutual fund that combines the dual benefits of tax-saving and wealth creation. Operating under a three-year lock-in period, ELSS funds primarily invest in equity and equity-related instruments, providing investors an opportunity to participate in the growth potential of the stock market. The mandatory lock-in period ensures a disciplined approach, aligning with long-term wealth creation objectives.
ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, allowing investors to claim deductions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh from their taxable income. This makes ELSS a popular choice for individuals seeking tax-efficient investment avenues. The funds are managed by experienced fund managers who strategically allocate assets across various sectors and market capitalisations to optimise returns.
Capital gains from ELSS are subject to taxation. Short-term capital gains (STCG), if the units are sold within a year, incur a 15% tax, while long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 10% on gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh provided the investment is held for more than one year.
ELSS mutual funds provide investors with an avenue to create wealth over the long term, coupled with the advantage of tax savings, making them a versatile and popular investment choice in the Indian market.
Who should invest in ELSS Funds?
Tax-saver or ELSS mutual funds are suited for beginner investors and salaried people who wish to invest over a long term while also taking advantage of tax benefits. It’s a good option for taxpayers, who wish to take advantage of the dual benefits of equity investing and tax deductions over a long-term duration by making regular investments in the form of SIPs.
How to invest in ELSS Funds on the Bajaj Finserv platform?
Step 1: Click on INVEST NOW. You will be redirected to the mutual funds listing page.
Step 2: Filter by scheme type, risk appetite, returns, etc. or choose from the top performing funds list.
Step 3: All the mutual funds of the particular category will be listed, along with the minimum investment amount, annualised return, and rating.
Step 4: Get started by entering your mobile number and sign in using the OTP.
Step 5: Verify your details using your PAN, date of birth. If your KYC is not complete, then you will have to upload your address proof and record a video.
Step 6: Enter your bank account details.
Step 7: Upload your signature and provide some additional details to continue.
Step 8: Choose and select the mutual fund that you want to invest in.
Step 9: Choose whether you want to invest as SIP or lumpsum and enter the investment amount. Click on ‘Invest Now’
Step 10: Select your payment mode i.e., net banking, UPI, NEFT/ RTGS.
Step 11: Once your payment is done, the investment will be complete.
Your investment will start reflecting in your portfolio within 2-3 working days.
What are the risks associated with ELSS Funds?
Every investment possesses some degree of inherent risk and ELSS, despite being one of the most popular tax-saving products in the market today, is no different. The risks associated with investing in ELSS funds are common across all equity based mutual funds, such as no guarantee or assured returns and loss of principal amount due to market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, changes in government policy, and political developments. Apart from these common factors, there are some risks that specifically relate to equity-related investments. These risks are a direct result of the volatility inherent in the equity market, and include:
1. Risk of total loss - Tax-saver and related securities can potentially result in total loss of principal investments.
2. Price risk – Market conditions can result in daily price fluctuations.
3. Liquidity risk – Settlement periods can be unpredictably extended and the ability to sell can be restricted by overall trading volume of specific stocks in the portfolio. This limits the ability of the fund to sell held securities which can result in potential losses and fall in value of the scheme. And in case of tax-saver funds, there is also a three-year lock-in period which further poses liquidity issues.
4. Event risk – Any unexpected or detrimental event impacting a company or industry in which the mutual fund is invested can result in a price risk.
How to pick the right fund/scheme?
Investing in the right tax-saver fund scheme differs from person to person. It is based on various factors – the most important being the ability to bear risk and the willingness to take on the risk. Determining your own risk-profile is essential in picking the right fund/scheme. Other major factors include the financial goal and the time horizon for the investment. Here are some of the key factors to consider when selecting a tax-saver fund right for your needs:
1. Investment strategy/objective: Every fund has a declared investment strategy and objective, that explains their approach to investment. Investors should understand the approach taken by these funds so they can decide if it matches with their personal preference.
2. Match goals: Your investment goals can vary from tax savings to long term capital appreciation. Knowing this can help you find funds that can support these goals.
3. Risk vs. reward: Tax-saver funds take higher risks for proportionately higher rewards. By analyzing the risks taken by the mutual fund, investors can discover if they match with their own personal risk profile and preferences.
4. Liquidity preference: Investors should know when they will need their investment corpus. Tax-saver funds are designed for medium to long term returns, with a minimum period of one year for any results to materialize. If your liquidity requirements are shorter than that, consider investing in debt funds instead.
Taxation on ELSS Funds
Gains from ELSS follow the same tax rules as other stock investments. If you sell within a year, you pay a 15% tax on the profit. For sales after a year, only gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh are taxed, and that's at a rate of 10%.
The three-year lock-in period for ELSS funds prevents the realisation of short-term financial gains. You can only realise long-term capital gains as a result. Any up to Rs 1 lakh per year are tax-free, and gains over this amount are subject to a 10% long-term capital gains tax.
Why do I need to lock-in my funds for three years?
ELSS products have a 3-year lock-in. This is built in the structure of the scheme as it's a requirement imposed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
Is ELSS risk free?
Because they both participate in the equity markets, ELSS funds carry comparable risk to equity funds and are essentially diversified equity funds. However, ELSS funds also have a three-year lock-in period following investment during which the fund's assets cannot be withdrawn, in addition to the implied equity risk component.
Should I invest in ELSS Mutual Funds?
Investing in ELSS Mutual Funds can be beneficial for tax planning as they offer tax deductions under Section 80C. Additionally, ELSS has the potential for capital appreciation, making it a popular choice for long-term investors.
How long should I stay invested in ELSS Mutual Funds?
It is advisable to stay invested in ELSS Mutual Funds for a minimum lock-in period of three years to avail of the tax benefits. However, considering the potential for higher returns, investors often choose to stay invested for a longer horizon.
Where do ELSS Mutual Funds invest?
ELSS Mutual Funds invest at least 80% of their corpus in equity and equity-related instruments. The portfolio may include stocks across market capitalizations and sectors, offering investors exposure to diversified assets.
What kind of returns can I earn from ELSS?
ELSS Mutual Funds, being equity-oriented, have the potential for attractive returns., but it is important to note that these funds are highly volatile. The actual returns, however, depend on market performance and the fund's strategy. Historically, ELSS funds have provided competitive returns compared to traditional tax-saving instruments.
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Investors are advised before investing to evaluate a scheme not only on the basis of the Product labeling (including the Riskometer) but also on other quantitative and qualitative factors such as performance, portfolio, fund managers, asset manager, etc. and shall also consult their financial advisers, if they are unsure about the suitability of the scheme before investing