Don’t want to lose a chunk of your gains in tax? There’s a smarter way to invest. Learn how to save capital gain tax by investing in bonds.
We dive deep into how Indian investors can leverage bonds to minimize capital gains tax. From understanding how it works t
How to Save Capital Gains Tax By Investing in Bonds?
The capital gains tax can significantly impact the returns on your investments. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to minimize it.
One of the most effective strategies to save on long term capital gains tax is investing in specific capital gain bonds or 54EC bonds,
Provision for Investing in Bonds to Save Capital Gains Tax
Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act allows individuals to defer the payment of capital gains tax on profits realized from the sale of long-term capital assets, such as property or stocks.
By investing the capital gains into these bonds, investors can claim tax exemptions, provided they adhere to certain conditions.
List of Capital Gain Bonds
- Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) bonds
- National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) bonds
- Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) bonds
- Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) bonds
Conditions for Investing in Capital Gain Bonds
- Both resident and non-resident individuals, as well as Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), can invest in these bonds.
- Investment must be made from capital gains derived from the sale of long-term capital assets (held for more than one or two years depending on the asset).
- Total amount invested should not exceed Rs 50 lakh in a financial year. This limit applies to the total amount invested across all eligible bonds
- Investment must be completed within six months from the date of sale of the asset or before filing income tax returns.
- There is a mandatory lock-in period of 5 years.
- The interest rate typically ranges from 5% to 5.75% per annum, which is taxable as per the investor’s income tax slab.
Steps to Invest in Capital Gains Tax Saving Bonds
- Choose from recognized issuers of these bonds like REC, PFC, or IRFC.
- Approach banks or financial advisors to buy these bonds.
- Online investments are also possible through various stockbroking platforms.
- Prepare necessary KYC documents, including identity proof and bank details.
- Complete the investment transaction within six months post asset sale to ensure eligibility for tax exemption.
Benefits of Investing in Capital Gains Tax Saving Bonds
Apart from providing an exemption from capital gains tax, investing in designated bonds can help investors in the following ways:
Stable Returns:
You earn a fixed interest rate, (5.25% to 5.75%) per annum, which provides a stable income stream. This is particularly appealing for risk-averse investors.
Government Backed Security:
These are issued by government-backed entities which ensures a high level of safety and low risk of default, making them a secure investment option.
Accessibility:
They can be purchased through various channels, including banks and financial institutions, either in physical or demat form.
No TDS on Investment:
There is no Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the investment amount in capital gain bonds. However, the interest earned is taxable according to the investor’s income tax slab.
Support for Infrastructure Development:
Investing in these bonds contributes to funding essential infrastructure projects in India, aligning personal investment goals with national development objectives.
Long-Term Investment Strategy:
The mandatory lock-in period of five years encourages long-term investment strategies, which can be beneficial for wealth accumulation over time.
Important Considerations Before Investing in Bonds to Save Capital Gains Tax
Before investing in tax saving bonds, you must consider important factors that can significantly impact your investment decisions and outcomes. Some of these include:
Liquidity Preference
Since these bonds come with a mandatory lock-in period of 5 years, investors cannot liquidate their holdings.
This may not suit investors who require liquidity or anticipate needing access to their funds in the near future.
Investment Timeline
To qualify for tax exemption, the investment must be made within 6 months of realizing capital gains from the sale of long-term capital assets such as property .
If you fail to adhere to this timeline, you will lose the tax benefits.
Tax Implications
While the principal amount invested in 54EC bonds is exempt from capital gains tax, the interest earned on these bonds is taxable.
It is taxed according to the investor’s income tax slab.
There is no TDS deducted on the interest; however, it must be reported as part of taxable income .
Non-Transferability
These bonds are non-transferable and non-negotiable. This means that investors cannot sell them in secondary markets or transfer them to another party.
This feature limits flexibility and may pose risks for those who wish to exit their investment early.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can invest in Capital Gain Bonds?
Both Indian individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) can invest in these bonds. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can also invest, provided the asset sold is located in India.
- What happens if I redeem the bonds before maturity?
If you redeem or transfer the bonds before the completion of 5 years, the entire amount of capital gains that was exempted will become taxable as long-term capital gains in the year of redemption.
- Can I claim a deduction under Section 80C for capital gains tax saving bonds?
No, investments in capital gain bonds do not qualify for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
- Is there any tax on the interest earned from these bonds?
Yes, while the principal amount invested is exempt from capital gains tax, the interest you earn on these bonds is taxable according to your applicable income tax slab.
- How do I invest in Capital Gain Bonds?
You can invest by approaching banks or financial advisors that deal with these bonds or through online platforms.
