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Sunday, 23 October 2016
General Article Index
Find the below list of general articles to take your mind off Mutual funds for a short file and indulge your thoughts into other general topics.
பரஸ்பர நிதிகள் அட்டவணை - Mutual Fund Tamil Index
There are reams of materials available in English for Mutual fund investors. Here is an opportunity to learn mutual funds in Tamil language. Explore and invest for a bright future!!
Tamil article index: (These articles will be available in English shortly..)
1. பரஸ்பர நிதிகள் ஒரு முன்னோட்டம் - Introduction to Mutual funds
2. சிறுக சிறுக சேமிக்கலாம் (Systematic Investment Plan - SIP)
3. தணியுமா தங்கத் தாகம் (Gold Investment : A review)
4. பரந்து விரிந்த முதலீடு (Asset Allocation)
5. நிதி பராமாரிப்பில் நிதியில்லா விபர பராமாரிப்பு (Documentation)
6. பங்குகளை பகுத்து அறிவோம் (Equity Investing)
7. கடன் பத்திரங்கள், கவலையில்லா முதலீடு (Debt Investing)
8. கலப்பின திட்டங்களில் கலந்துகொள்ளவோமே (Hybrid Funds)
9. பணமும் காலம்மும் (Time Value of Money)
10. முதலீட்டின் மதிப்பீடு (Performance of Investments)
11. முதலீட்டுத் தெளிவு (Selection of Investments)
12. விரல் நுனியில் தகவல்கள் (Technology: One touch away)
13. விருப்பங்கள் பலவிதம் , தேர்ந்தெடுப்பது எவ்விதம் (Selection of scheme options in MF)
14. சந்தை மதிப்புக்கேற்ப முதலீடு (PE STP)
15. பணமில்லா சமூகத்தை நோக்கி (Towards cashless society)
16. 7 வழிகளில் பணமில்லாப் பரிவர்த்தனை (Cashless transaction)
17. காலத்திற்கேற்ற முதலீடு (Dynamic Investing)
18. நான்கு வழிமுறைகள், வட்டி விகித சரிவிலிருந்து மீள (4 ways to beat interest rate blues)
19. குறிக்கோளுடன் கூடிய முதலீடுகள் (Goal Based investments)
20. எஸ்.ஐ.பி யில் லாபத்தை அதிகரிக்கும் 6 வழிமுறைகள் (SIP – Let us know it better)
21. மியூச்சுவல் ஃபண்ட் முதலீடு - சந்தேகங்களும் தீர்வுகளும் (Mutual Fund Myth Buster)
Tamil article index: (These articles will be available in English shortly..)
1. பரஸ்பர நிதிகள் ஒரு முன்னோட்டம் - Introduction to Mutual funds
2. சிறுக சிறுக சேமிக்கலாம் (Systematic Investment Plan - SIP)
3. தணியுமா தங்கத் தாகம் (Gold Investment : A review)
4. பரந்து விரிந்த முதலீடு (Asset Allocation)
5. நிதி பராமாரிப்பில் நிதியில்லா விபர பராமாரிப்பு (Documentation)
6. பங்குகளை பகுத்து அறிவோம் (Equity Investing)
7. கடன் பத்திரங்கள், கவலையில்லா முதலீடு (Debt Investing)
8. கலப்பின திட்டங்களில் கலந்துகொள்ளவோமே (Hybrid Funds)
9. பணமும் காலம்மும் (Time Value of Money)
10. முதலீட்டின் மதிப்பீடு (Performance of Investments)
11. முதலீட்டுத் தெளிவு (Selection of Investments)
12. விரல் நுனியில் தகவல்கள் (Technology: One touch away)
13. விருப்பங்கள் பலவிதம் , தேர்ந்தெடுப்பது எவ்விதம் (Selection of scheme options in MF)
14. சந்தை மதிப்புக்கேற்ப முதலீடு (PE STP)
15. பணமில்லா சமூகத்தை நோக்கி (Towards cashless society)
16. 7 வழிகளில் பணமில்லாப் பரிவர்த்தனை (Cashless transaction)
17. காலத்திற்கேற்ற முதலீடு (Dynamic Investing)
18. நான்கு வழிமுறைகள், வட்டி விகித சரிவிலிருந்து மீள (4 ways to beat interest rate blues)
19. குறிக்கோளுடன் கூடிய முதலீடுகள் (Goal Based investments)
20. எஸ்.ஐ.பி யில் லாபத்தை அதிகரிக்கும் 6 வழிமுறைகள் (SIP – Let us know it better)
21. மியூச்சுவல் ஃபண்ட் முதலீடு - சந்தேகங்களும் தீர்வுகளும் (Mutual Fund Myth Buster)
Monday, 17 October 2016
Tax Saving - Part 1
Read/download Tamil Tax savings-1 in magazine/pdf format
Read/download Tamil Tax savings-2 in magazine/pdf format
Read/download Tamil Tax savings-2 in magazine/pdf format
Read Tax savings-2 in English
All of us are paying tax either directly or indirectly. I am sure it is a high priority headache. Some have the feeling that most of our earnings is gone by paying taxes. There is a saying, “Tax is a necessary evil”. It is clear that we cannot get rid of tax, but at the same time we can plan and save tax when our understanding about taxation is clear and when we use the tax saving options judiciously. This article helps us understand how we can save tax within the legal frame work.
All of us are paying tax either directly or indirectly. I am sure it is a high priority headache. Some have the feeling that most of our earnings is gone by paying taxes. There is a saying, “Tax is a necessary evil”. It is clear that we cannot get rid of tax, but at the same time we can plan and save tax when our understanding about taxation is clear and when we use the tax saving options judiciously. This article helps us understand how we can save tax within the legal frame work.
How we can save tax? It is a big question mark before us! What are the options available for us with regards to tax savings. By investing in some of the popular tax saving investments, the tax may get reduced, but will the investments grow as desired? Continue reading to figure out solutions to these commonly asked queries. In this back drop, lets explore various type of tax savings investments and their likely returns.
I can recall an incident which happened when I was working earlier, I remember his name to be Senthil. In the month of December, Senthil normally gets into an urgency mode to save tax and submit necessary documentation to the finance department. He chit chats with his friend Raja in the cafeteria and invests as per Raja's suggestions without giving much thought about it. Ultimate aim for him is to just save tax. Generally, he is not bothered about the developments around his investments and he will think about it only in the next December during tax saving or during other related Investments. If Raja is not available, Senthil will check with Michael and invest in the schemes suggested by Michael. One important thing Senthil often forgets is, checking with different persons and taking a call on investments does not yield expected results, and his investments will not be suitable to his needs and eventually desirable results for him are not achieved. The suggestion given by Raja and Michael maybe suitable for them in their angle, but they may not be suitable for Senthil.
As an alternative option, instead of waiting till December every year, as soon as financial year starts, if Senthil initiates this tax saving process in April after giving ample thoughts about his investments and choose the correct one which suits his requirements and invest in them periodically, say every month like SIP for next 3 to 5 years, it will turn out to be a better option than the earlier ad hoc option. If Senthil plans and starts SIP/Investments in April or earlier than December, there's no need of any rush or urgency in December for him. At the same time if he has taken up a decision in advance and invested in tax savings investments in earlier date, documentation for submitting to his company especially in the month of December for calculation of the tax is readily available and he can do it with ease.
From this example, I hope now it is clear that tax saving has to be done in advance instead of waiting till December or March and has to be planned in a proper way. Now let us get into some details. To reduce tax, there are few options available.
Option 1:
As per Income Tax Act Section 80c, we can avail tax exemption up to 1.5 Lakh. We can invest in tax saving schemes and get tax exemption. Most of us are aware about this section 80c, but not clear of various Sec 80c exemptions and choices available for investments, which one is beneficial to them and all. Investment options available for tax exemption are
- NSC - National saving certificate
- Life Insurance
- Tax saving fixed deposits
- ELSS – “Equity linked savings scheme”
For most of the Instruments mentioned above, the minimum period of investment is 5 years or more. At the same time, one tax saving option called equity linked savings scheme is available in mutual funds. It is stable and the lock in period is only 3 years. This is the instrument which has the lowest lock in period. Most of us are not aware about this Mutual Funds tax saving schemes, which have minimum period of lock in and possibility of getting higher returns.
Option 2:
Secondly, after you have reached Rs 1.5 lakh limit under section 80c, you can invest up to rupees Rs 50,000 in Rajiv Gandhi Equity savings scheme. As per this scheme, for first time equity investors investing in the market under direct equity and in specified securities, or purchasing securities through Demat option, can claim tax exemption for initial investment of 50000 per year for three years. If you are afraid of the ups and down in stock markets , instead of investing in market directly, you can choose to invest in mutual funds classified under Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme and avail the benefit of your money being managed by professional fund managers. This option is better than direct investing in specified securities. These fund purchases have to be done through your new demat accounts.
Option 3:
By investing under National pension scheme NPS, you can get additional benefit of Rs 50,000 tax exemption. This was introduced by our finance ministry in the budget last year.
To sum it up, by investing in all these 3 options you can totally get personal exemption up to 2.5 lacs ( 1.5 + 0.5 +0.5 ). From the table given below you can understand what are the options available for tax saving investments and their lock in periods and their likely returns. This table will help you to decide on tax saving options.
Investment option
|
Lock in period
|
Return
|
Tax status
|
Remarks on return
|
PPF
|
15
|
8.10%
|
Tax Free
|
Varies on fixed interval
|
NSC
|
5
|
8.10%
|
Taxable
|
Fixed for tenure
|
Bank tax saving deposits
|
5
|
7.00%
|
Taxable
|
Varies from bank to bank but fixed on tenure
|
ELSS
|
3
|
12.37%
|
Tax Free
|
Returns are market linked
|
Notes
ELSS one year return is as on 21/10/2016 from value research
Sbi tax saver FD int rate ( for other banks it varies from 7
to 7.5%)
PPF and NSC data as on 30/6/2016
Return cagr per annum
Lock in period in years
Tax status represents - return tax status
Those who wish to know more about tax savings and tax savings investments can get in touch with me. Please provide your contact details in the comments, so that i can reach out to you
Tax Savings - Part 2
Selecting investment ideas within the Sec 80c basket – ELSS - Equity Linked Saving Scheme
Usually taxpayers run from pillars to posts to find out how to save tax. It is similar to a Tamil saying "எந்த மருந்தைத் தின்றால் பித்தம் தெளியும்", meaning which medicine is the cure for the heat produced. All of us are exploring every possible way to save tax. The key over here is to check how efficient and how good the returns are. In the previous article, we have seen 3 options to save tax.
They are:
1) As per Income Tax Act, under Section 80c we can avail tax exemptions up to Rs1.5 Lakh
2) Investments under Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme – exemptions up to Rs 50,000 for first time investors in stock market through direct investing or through mutual fund specified schemes under demat mode
3) By investing under National Pension Scheme NPS, we can get additional benefit of Rs 50,000 tax exemption under Section 80c
Among the various available options under Sec 80c, it is better to save tax by investing in equity linked saving schemes. In this article, we will learn more details about this equity linked savings schemes and why it is superior when compared with the other investment options.
Mutual funds
First, let us understand what Mutual Fund is. Mutual Funds are very similar to investing/trading in the markets (equity as well as debt). Most of us are not comfortable operating in markets directly, especially in equity market, because of the fear of losing our hard earned money. With Mutual Funds, we can let go of that worry, as the experts will invest in markets on behalf of us to get better returns. Mutual funds in India are well controlled and very transparent when compared to the other investment products. Mutual Funds are closely monitored by SEBI (Security Exchange Board of India). Currently in India, there are about 44 mutual fund asset management companies and around 838 mutual fund schemes. Out of this, around 40 schemes belongs to ELSS Plans, which is our major focus point in this article.
Compelling reasons to invest in ELSS
For example, let us take Sundar, who works in IT sector where his annual salary is around 4 lakhs and his monthly salary is around Rs 35,000. For him to save tax, he can plan and pay a sum of Rs 5,000 every month through SIP. He can fix his monthly contribution depending upon his requirements. In our case, during the financial year end, he can get tax exemption of around Rs 6,000 if he is in the 10% tax bracket. This is nothing but 5000 X 12 months = 60000 and 10% of 60000 is around 6000. So under ELSS, he can claim tax benefit of Rs 6,000 for his investment of Rs 60,000 in tax saving ELS schemes.
Advantages of investing in ELS schemes
In ELS scheme, we can withdraw investments made in the scheme after 3 years from the date of investment. There is no fixed maturity date in the case of open ended ELSS. We can withdraw the investments at any point in time after statutory lock-in of 3 years. if you need the money after 3 years, you are free to withdraw it. If you wish to continue, the money stands to be invested, allowing it to get compounded. You can withdraw when there is need from your end. The monthly contributions from our side is highly flexible and we can choose any amount like Rs 500 or Rs 5,000. It is upon us to contribute according to our capacity and requirements, there is no compulsion in this monthly payments.
The payment frequency is also very flexible and we can choose to pay every month through systematic investment plans (SIP) on a particular date convenient for us.
Alternatively, we can choose to pay in an ad hoc manner. For example, we can pay say Rs 15,000 on the first of May and then we can skip some payments. Later in October or in December when we get our Diwali/Annual bonus and we can pay Rs 30,000 in these ELS schemes. At the end of the financial year in March, we can pay the remaining Rs 15,000 to reach our target of Rs 60,000 in the financial year. Following this method also, we have paid a total of Rs 60,000, instead of Rs 5,000 every month. Based on our cash flow patterns, we can determine when we want to invest. In a nut shell, all the money invested in ELS scheme in a financial year, is eligible for tax exemption. Minimum payment in ELS scheme is kept very low at Rs 500, so that large sections of people can participate in the ELS schemes. Another advantage of investing in ELS schemes is, there is no upper limit for investment. We can invest any amount. Up to Rs 1.5 Lakh will be considered for Tax Exemption. Investments over Rs 1.5 Lakh will be available in the scheme and will generate return as per the scheme performance.
Conventional ELS Schemes
We may wonder what is happening to the money we're giving to the fund/AMC or where they are getting invested? Actually, the money we invest in ELS schemes are handled by specialist professional fund managers and they invest our money in equity markets. Hence, the returns will be dependent upon the market movements.
Retirement based ELS schemes
Another variation of mutual fund schemes which is available for tax exemptions is called retirement plans. These schemes also come under equity linked saving schemes but are generally called pension plans or retirement benefits plan. These plans are generally in balanced category, meaning our money will be invested in around 40 to 60% equity and the rest in debt category. We can withdraw the money only after we reach our retirement age. We cannot withdraw the money before retirement. This is the main difference between the Conventional ELS Schemes and Retirement based ELS schemes. We can choose suitable schemes depending upon our requirements and anticipating cash flows from the future.
From the last article, Tax Saving Part 1, we understand that ELS schemes have given better returns and are superior when compared to other popular tax saving schemes within Sec 80c investment bucket. Around 40 ELS schemes are available for us to invest. Given below is a table that provides good schemes for investment. Conventional ELS Schemes have a lock in period of 3 years and in Retirement based ELS schemes, the cash outflow from fund to the investor will only be after investor’s retirement.
Usually taxpayers run from pillars to posts to find out how to save tax. It is similar to a Tamil saying "எந்த மருந்தைத் தின்றால் பித்தம் தெளியும்", meaning which medicine is the cure for the heat produced. All of us are exploring every possible way to save tax. The key over here is to check how efficient and how good the returns are. In the previous article, we have seen 3 options to save tax.
They are:
1) As per Income Tax Act, under Section 80c we can avail tax exemptions up to Rs1.5 Lakh
2) Investments under Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme – exemptions up to Rs 50,000 for first time investors in stock market through direct investing or through mutual fund specified schemes under demat mode
3) By investing under National Pension Scheme NPS, we can get additional benefit of Rs 50,000 tax exemption under Section 80c
Among the various available options under Sec 80c, it is better to save tax by investing in equity linked saving schemes. In this article, we will learn more details about this equity linked savings schemes and why it is superior when compared with the other investment options.
Mutual funds
First, let us understand what Mutual Fund is. Mutual Funds are very similar to investing/trading in the markets (equity as well as debt). Most of us are not comfortable operating in markets directly, especially in equity market, because of the fear of losing our hard earned money. With Mutual Funds, we can let go of that worry, as the experts will invest in markets on behalf of us to get better returns. Mutual funds in India are well controlled and very transparent when compared to the other investment products. Mutual Funds are closely monitored by SEBI (Security Exchange Board of India). Currently in India, there are about 44 mutual fund asset management companies and around 838 mutual fund schemes. Out of this, around 40 schemes belongs to ELSS Plans, which is our major focus point in this article.
Compelling reasons to invest in ELSS
For example, let us take Sundar, who works in IT sector where his annual salary is around 4 lakhs and his monthly salary is around Rs 35,000. For him to save tax, he can plan and pay a sum of Rs 5,000 every month through SIP. He can fix his monthly contribution depending upon his requirements. In our case, during the financial year end, he can get tax exemption of around Rs 6,000 if he is in the 10% tax bracket. This is nothing but 5000 X 12 months = 60000 and 10% of 60000 is around 6000. So under ELSS, he can claim tax benefit of Rs 6,000 for his investment of Rs 60,000 in tax saving ELS schemes.
Advantages of investing in ELS schemes
In ELS scheme, we can withdraw investments made in the scheme after 3 years from the date of investment. There is no fixed maturity date in the case of open ended ELSS. We can withdraw the investments at any point in time after statutory lock-in of 3 years. if you need the money after 3 years, you are free to withdraw it. If you wish to continue, the money stands to be invested, allowing it to get compounded. You can withdraw when there is need from your end. The monthly contributions from our side is highly flexible and we can choose any amount like Rs 500 or Rs 5,000. It is upon us to contribute according to our capacity and requirements, there is no compulsion in this monthly payments.
The payment frequency is also very flexible and we can choose to pay every month through systematic investment plans (SIP) on a particular date convenient for us.
Alternatively, we can choose to pay in an ad hoc manner. For example, we can pay say Rs 15,000 on the first of May and then we can skip some payments. Later in October or in December when we get our Diwali/Annual bonus and we can pay Rs 30,000 in these ELS schemes. At the end of the financial year in March, we can pay the remaining Rs 15,000 to reach our target of Rs 60,000 in the financial year. Following this method also, we have paid a total of Rs 60,000, instead of Rs 5,000 every month. Based on our cash flow patterns, we can determine when we want to invest. In a nut shell, all the money invested in ELS scheme in a financial year, is eligible for tax exemption. Minimum payment in ELS scheme is kept very low at Rs 500, so that large sections of people can participate in the ELS schemes. Another advantage of investing in ELS schemes is, there is no upper limit for investment. We can invest any amount. Up to Rs 1.5 Lakh will be considered for Tax Exemption. Investments over Rs 1.5 Lakh will be available in the scheme and will generate return as per the scheme performance.
Conventional ELS Schemes
We may wonder what is happening to the money we're giving to the fund/AMC or where they are getting invested? Actually, the money we invest in ELS schemes are handled by specialist professional fund managers and they invest our money in equity markets. Hence, the returns will be dependent upon the market movements.
Retirement based ELS schemes
Another variation of mutual fund schemes which is available for tax exemptions is called retirement plans. These schemes also come under equity linked saving schemes but are generally called pension plans or retirement benefits plan. These plans are generally in balanced category, meaning our money will be invested in around 40 to 60% equity and the rest in debt category. We can withdraw the money only after we reach our retirement age. We cannot withdraw the money before retirement. This is the main difference between the Conventional ELS Schemes and Retirement based ELS schemes. We can choose suitable schemes depending upon our requirements and anticipating cash flows from the future.
From the last article, Tax Saving Part 1, we understand that ELS schemes have given better returns and are superior when compared to other popular tax saving schemes within Sec 80c investment bucket. Around 40 ELS schemes are available for us to invest. Given below is a table that provides good schemes for investment. Conventional ELS Schemes have a lock in period of 3 years and in Retirement based ELS schemes, the cash outflow from fund to the investor will only be after investor’s retirement.
Top Rated Tax
Planning Funds return % as on October 16, 2016 - Data from value research
online - Conventional ELSS Schemes
|
|||||||
Fund
|
Rating
|
Launch
|
3-Years
|
5-Years
|
10-Years
|
Expense Ratio
|
Net Assets (Cr)
|
Axis Long Term
Equity Fund
|
5
|
Dec-09
|
28.62
|
21.98
|
-
|
1.98
|
10,465
|
Birla Sun Life Tax
Plan
|
4
|
Feb-99
|
26.04
|
18.98
|
11.48
|
3.01
|
408
|
Birla Sun Life Tax
Relief 96
|
4
|
Mar-96
|
27.09
|
19.51
|
12.57
|
2.41
|
2,459
|
DSP BlackRock Tax
Saver Fund
|
4
|
Jan-07
|
26.69
|
20.6
|
-
|
2.61
|
1,436
|
Franklin India
Taxshield Fund
|
4
|
Apr-99
|
25.18
|
18.1
|
14.38
|
2.4
|
2,391
|
ICICI Prudential
Long Term Equity Fund (Tax Saving)
|
4
|
Aug-99
|
24.66
|
18.34
|
12.76
|
2.3
|
3,596
|
IDBI Equity
Advantage Fund - Regular Plan
|
5
|
Sep-13
|
30.23
|
-
|
-
|
2.79
|
548
|
Invesco India Tax
Plan
|
4
|
Dec-06
|
25.58
|
18.45
|
-
|
2.49
|
331
|
Principal Tax
Savings Fund
|
4
|
Mar-96
|
24.82
|
20.03
|
10.36
|
2.55
|
287
|
Tata India Tax
Savings Fund
|
4
|
Mar-96
|
25.47
|
18.91
|
12.88
|
2.92
|
419
|
Top Rated Tax
Planning Retirement/Pension Funds return % as on October 16, 2016 - Data from
value research online
|
|||||
Fund
|
Rating
|
1-Year Return
|
3-Year Return
|
5-Year Return
|
10-Year Return
|
Franklin India
Pension Fund
|
4
|
11.14
|
17.28
|
13.51
|
10.35
|
UTI Retirement
Benefit Pension Fund
|
2
|
11.29
|
14.05
|
11.3
|
9.37
|
Those who wish to know more about tax saving Mutual Funds can follow the links provided below.
Latest updated NAV/return details of ELSS funds can be viewed here in money control or in value research as given below
https://www.valueresearchonline.com/funds/fundSelector/default.asp?cat=18&exc=susp%2Cdir%2Cclose
Article in ET, on how SIP is better than investing lumpsum in ELSS, dated Feb 15, 2016
Be holistic in your tax planning from morning star dated 22-02-16
How to pick a tax-saving fund from morning star dated 23-02-16
Should you invest in PPF or ELSS? Morning star dated 25-02-16
Series of articles from value research
Saving tax through Mutual Funds - article from value research
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