Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) is a sub-genre of mutual funds where investments in equity form the major component of the portfolio. The Scheme owes much of its popularity to the tax advantage that it offers.
Features
- Investment upto Rs.1,50,000/- are allowed to be deducted from the gross taxable income every year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961;
- The Equity Linked Saving Scheme has a shorter lock-in period of 3 years compared to Public Provident Fund – 15 years and National Savings Certificates – 6 years;
- The minimum investment is Rs.500/-.
- There is no ceiling on investment though tax deduction benefit is restricted to Rs.1,50,000/-;
Options for investors
- Investors may select the growth option and look to benefit from long-term capital appreciation. There is no tax incidence on long term capital gains that flow to the investor;
- Alternatively, the investor may opt for dividend payout and enjoy income flow during the lock-in period of 3 years. No tax is payable by the investor on the dividend received;
- The investment may be made either in lump sum or through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP);
The ELSS investment must be approached by the investor no differently from any other investment in a mutual fund. Risk assessment, track record, investment portfolio, and expense ratio must be diligently analysed.
