Short Term Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds

When it comes to investing in mutual funds and other financial instruments, it is essential to be aware of the tax implications, especially regarding capital gains. Capital gains are the profits earned from the sale or transfer of an asset, and they can be categorized as short-term or long-term based on the holding period of the asset.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Short-term Capital Gains Tax (STCG), exploring what it is, how it is calculated, and the exemptions available to investors. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the financial world, understanding STCG will help you make informed decisions, and optimise your tax planning strategy.

What are the gains in mutual funds?

Mutual funds yield returns in two primary forms: capital gains and dividends. Capital gains represent the profit gained by an individual upon selling or transferring mutual fund assets, whereas dividends denote the income received when the underlying assets generate interest or earnings.

For tax purposes, capital gains from mutual funds are taxed at the investors' hands, while dividends on mutual funds are subject to the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT), which is levied on fund companies on behalf of investors.

Capital gains from different types of mutual funds are categorised into long-term and short-term gains based on the duration of fund holding. Funds held for less than 12 months (or 36 months in some cases) are subject to short-term capital gain tax.

Understanding the various types of mutual funds and the capital gains they generate is crucial for comprehending the tax implications associated with mutual fund investments.

What is short term capital gain (STCG) tax on mutual funds?

Short-term capital gain tax pertains to profits generated from investments held for shorter durations. The definition of ‘short-term’ varies among different mutual funds. For instance, in debt funds, STCG applies if the investment tenure is less than 36 months, while in equity funds, it is applicable for investments held for less than 12 months upon redemption.

Tax on short-term capital gains

The tax rate on short-term capital gains depends on the type of asset and the individual's income tax slab.

STCG on equity and non-equity assets:

• Equity-oriented assets such as equity mutual funds are subject to STCG tax at a flat rate of 15% if held for less than 12 months. For example, if an investor sells equity shares after holding them for 9 months and earns a profit of Rs. 50,000, the STCG tax of 15% would apply to this gain.
• For non-equity assets like units of debt oriented mutual funds, bonds, and gold, the short-term capital gains tax is added to the individual's total income and taxed as per their applicable income tax slab.

Short-term capital gain on property:

• Calculation: Short-term capital gain on property = Final sale price - cost of acquisition - improvement cost of assets – Transfer expenses.
• For real estate properties, the short-term holding period is less than 24 months. If a property is sold within this period, any gains made from the sale would be classified as short-term capital gains. Hence, profit earned from selling such capital asset is categorized as an individual’s income and is liable to taxation according to Indian Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Certain exemptions are available on short-term capital gains from the sale of specific assets, like residential house properties under Section 54, which states, if the gains from the sale of a residential house property are reinvested in another residential house property within the specified time, the investor can claim exemption on the capital gains.

Taxation of short-term capital gains on Hybrid funds:

• Hybrid funds combine both debt and equity instruments, offering investors portfolio diversification. Tax rates for STCG on these funds vary based on holding periods and equity exposure. Funds with over 65% equity exposure are taxed like equity funds; otherwise, debt fund tax rules apply. It's essential for investors to know the equity exposure of chosen hybrid funds.

Taxation of short-term capital gains on SIP:

• SIPs allow investors to regularly invest in mutual funds. Redemption of SIP units follows the first-in-first-out principle. For instance, if you redeem units after 13 months, units bought in the first month incur long-term capital gains, while those bought later incur STCG taxed at 15%, regardless of income tax slab. Additionally, equity mutual fund transactions incur Securities Transaction Tax (STT) at 0.001%.

Example of Short-Term Capital Gain Tax (STCG) on Mutual Funds

Calculating short-term capital gain for a share is straightforward. Just subtract the original cost of the share from its final selling price. For example, consider the purchase of 100 shares of ABC Ltd. at Rs. 100 each, sold at Rs. 120 each after six months:
Sale Price = Rs. 120 x 100 shares = Rs. 12,000
Purchase Price = Rs. 100 x 100 shares = Rs. 10,000
Short-Term Capital Gain = Rs. 12,000 - Rs. 10,000 = Rs. 2,000

Conclusion

In conclusion, short-term capital gains tax (STCG) is an important aspect of taxation that investors must consider while making financial decisions. Understanding the holding period of assets and the applicable tax rates can help investors optimise their tax liabilities and plan their investments more efficiently.

Additionally, exploring the exemptions available on short-term capital gains can further enhance the tax efficiency of your investment portfolio. As with any tax-related matters, it is advisable to seek professional advice and stay updated with the latest tax regulations to make the most of your investments and achieve your financial goals effectively.

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