In recent years, many salaried investors have opted for ELSS funds for tax benefits. After the lock-in period is over, the units can be redeemed or switched, or you can also continue your investments for long term wealth creation.
Investments in ELSS funds are eligible for a tax deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh every financial year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The amount you invest in ELSS is subtracted from your total taxable income, thereby reducing your tax liability.
How do ELSS funds work?
ELSS funds combine equity market exposure with tax benefits available under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, under the old tax regime. Here’s how ELSS funds work:
• Investment in equities: The fund manager invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related instruments across sectors and market capitalisations, in line with the scheme’s investment objective.
• Three-year lock-in period: Every investment made in an ELSS fund is locked in for three years from the date of allotment.
• Professional fund management: The portfolio is managed by fund managers who select stocks based on the scheme’s investment strategy, research and market analysis.
• Tax treatment: Investments in ELSS funds may qualify for deduction under Section 80C, subject to the applicable limits, tax regime and prevailing tax laws. Capital gains on redemption are taxed according to the prevailing tax rules applicable to equity-oriented mutual funds.
Features of an ELSS mutual fund
The following are some of the key features of an ELSS mutual fund:
• Equity-oriented portfolio: ELSS funds invest predominantly in equity and equity-related instruments across sectors and market capitalisations.
• Tax deduction under Section 80C: Investments in ELSS funds may qualify for a deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, under the old tax regime, up to the applicable limit and subject to prevailing tax regulations.
• Mandatory three-year lock-in: Every investment in an ELSS fund is subject to a lock-in period of three years from the date of allotment.
• Potential for long-term wealth creation: Since ELSS funds invest primarily in equities, they may offer potential wealth creation over the long term. However, returns are linked to market performance and are not guaranteed.
Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund – Regular & Direct Plans
You can invest in the Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund through two plans: Direct and Regular. Here are the details of each:
| Basis |
Direct Plan |
Regular Plan |
| How you invest |
You invest on your own without the help of a mutual fund distributor |
You invest through a distributor who guides you through the process |
| Role of intermediary |
No intermediary involved |
Distributor acts as an intermediary |
| Commission cost |
No commission costs |
Commission is paid to the distributor |
| Expense ratio |
Lower expense ratio due to absence of commission |
Higher expense ratio due to distributor commission |
In both Direct and Regular plans, you can choose between the Growth and IDCW options. For instance, you can opt for Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Growth option or Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct IDCW Payout. Similarly, you can choose Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund Regular Growth option or Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund Regular IDCW Payout. In the growth option, all potential profits earned by the fund are reinvested. In the IDCW option, the fund may distribute income to investors from time to time, subject to availability of distributable surplus.
How to invest in Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund
To invest in Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund, you can choose between two different approaches.
- Offline mode: In this mode, you fill out an application form and submit it to your distributor or an AMC of your choice.
- Online mode: In this mode, you invest directly with your Demat account. Another way to invest is through the Bajaj Finserv AMC website. Here, you can create an online account and select the Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund to invest through SIP or lumpsum.
Why may investors consider ELSS tax-saving mutual funds?
Some reasons investors may consider ELSS tax-saving mutual funds include:
• Tax deduction under Section 80C: Investments in ELSS funds may qualify for a deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, under the old tax regime, up to the applicable limit and subject to prevailing tax regulations.
• Mandatory lock-in encourages long-term investing: The three-year lock-in period may encourage investors to remain invested for a defined period, allowing the portfolio time to participate in market cycles.
• Potential for long-term wealth creation: As ELSS funds invest at least 80% of their assets in equity and equity-related instruments, they may offer potential wealth creation over the long term. However, returns are linked to market performance and are not guaranteed.
• Disciplined investing through SIPs or lump sum: Investors can invest in ELSS through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or a lump sum investment. SIPs may help investors invest regularly across market levels through rupee cost averaging.
• Professional fund management: The portfolio is managed by fund managers who make investment decisions in line with the scheme’s objective and prevailing market conditions.
• Diversified equity exposure: ELSS funds generally invest across companies, sectors and market capitalisations, which may help diversify equity exposure within the portfolio. However, diversification does not eliminate market risk.
Taxation on Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund
Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund is an equity mutual fund, so it follows the tax rules that apply to all equity-oriented schemes. Since there’s a three-year lock-in period for ELSS Funds, only long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) applies at the time of redemption. Gains of up to Rs. 1.25 lakh in a financial year are exempt from taxation. Any gains above this limit are taxed at 12.5%, along with applicable surcharge and cess.
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