Using SIPs for Equity-Linked Savings Schemes

Understand ELSS Funds

Equity funds that allocate a significant portion of their assets to equity or equity-related securities are known as ELSS funds. Since ELSS funds offer a tax exemption of up to Rs. 150,000 from your annual taxable income under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, they are also called tax-saving schemes.

An ELSS fund is an equity-oriented scheme with a three-year lock-in period, as the name indicates. Recently, many taxpayers have turned to ELSS schemes to take advantage of tax savings. You can claim a tax exemption of up to Rs. 1,50,000 on your investment in ELSS schemes. Moreover, the gains from this plan after three years will be classified as Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) and taxed at 10% (if the income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh).

Features Of ELSS Mutual Funds

Some key features of ELSS funds are as follows:

By Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, they provide tax deductions of up to Rs 1,50,000 for a fiscal year.

• The lock-in period for ELSS funds is three years, and there are no provisions for early withdrawal.
• There is no upper limit on the amount you can invest in ELSS, although different fund houses have different minimum investable amounts.
• The only tax-saving investment that can provide returns that outpace inflation is an ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) fund.
• The two advantages of investing in ELSS funds are capital appreciation and tax reductions.
• An ELSS fund's portfolio is primarily made up of stocks, but it also includes some exposure to fixed-income assets.

What Tax Advantages Do ELSS Funds Provide?

ELSS funds cannot generate short-term profits because they are locked for three years, allowing only long-term capital gains to be realised. Tax benefits include a deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh on investments under Section 80C, applicable across various instruments like PPF, NSC, and ELSS. The lock-in period ensures that gains realised upon redemption are long-term, with tax exemption up to Rs 1 lakh per year. Gains exceeding this limit are taxed at 10% without indexation.

What Aspects Need To Be Taken Into Account Before Making An ELSS Investment?

When deciding whether to invest in an ELSS mutual fund, you must take into account the following factors:

Time horizon for investments

• To consider investing in ELSS funds, you must have an investment horizon of at least five years.
• To reduce market volatility, you must have a longer investment horizon due to the equity exposure of ELSS funds.

Returns

• You must realise that because ELSS funds are solely reliant on the performance of the underlying securities, they cannot guarantee returns.
• Higher returns than any other tax-saving investment choice can be obtained with an investment horizon of more than five years.

Lock-in time

• The lock-in period for ELSS mutual funds is three years.
• For three years after the date of investment, your investment is legally locked in, and you are not permitted to withdraw your money until the end of this period.

Why Should You Invest In ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds?

Equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS) are an excellent investment option for individuals seeking to save on taxes and build wealth. Here is why you should consider investing in ELSS:

• Tax Benefits: ELSS offers a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C, enabling individuals to save up to ₹46,800 in taxes annually.

• Higher Returns: ELSS funds predominantly invest in the equity market, which has the potential for higher returns over the long term compared to other tax-saving options.

• Lower Lock-in Period: ELSS has a lock-in period for just 3 years, which is shorter than all the options under section 80C, yet provides better liquidity and flexibility, while still reinforcing long-term investment discipline.

Both new and experienced investors can use ELSS to save on taxes and create wealth linked to the equity markets.

FAQs

What's the minimum investment amount in ELSS SIPs?

Most fund houses and Asset Management Companies allow a minimum SIP of ₹500 a month in ELSS mutual funds.

Is there a lock-in for every SIP instalment in ELSS?

Yes, each SIP instalment has a lock-in period of 3 years from the date of investment.

Can you withdraw ELSS before 3 years?

No, ELSS funds have a compulsory lock-in period of 3 years. There are no early withdrawal options.

Are returns in ELSS funds taxable?

Yes, any amounts above ₹1 lakh will be taxed at 10% as Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) after the lock-in.

Can you invest in ELSS via lump sum and SIP?

Yes, investors can either lump sum or via SIP, or both, to help meet their financial goals.