Achieving financial stability and building wealth is a goal shared by many individuals. To accomplish this, it’s crucial to create a well-diversified financial portfolio that can withstand market fluctuations while generating attractive returns. One effective tool for achieving these objectives is investing in ELSS mutual funds.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of ELSS mutual fundsas tax saving mutual fundsand how they can contribute to a robust investment portfolio.
ELSS equity fund are a type of mutual fund offered by various asset management companies (AMCs). They are unique in a sense that they provide both tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as well as the potential for wealth creation through equity investments.
Here’s a closer look at ELSS mutual funds as equity funds:
Equity exposure: ELSS funds primarily invest in equity and equity-related instruments. They usually maintain a significant portion of their portfolio in equities, making them similar to regular equity funds in terms of asset allocation.
Risk-Reward profile: As equity-oriented funds, ELSS funds carry a higher level of risk compared to debt or hybrid funds. Their returns are subject to market volatility, and their performance can vary significantly based on the performance of the underlying equity holdings in the portfolio.
Potential for capital appreciation: ELSS mutual fundschemes aim to provide investors with the potential for capital appreciation over the long term. The returns generated by ELSS funds are linked to the performance of the stock market, and investors can benefit from the growth potential of well-managed equity portfolios.
Diversification: ELSS mutual fund investment typically maintain a diversified portfolio of stocks across different sectors and market capitalizations. This diversification helps spread risk and reduces the impact of poor performance in any single stock or sector.
Lock-in period: ELSS tax saving mutual funds have a mandatory lock-in period of 3 years, which is the shortest among all tax-saving instruments eligible for Section 80C benefits. This lock-in period ensures that investors stay invested for a reasonable duration, aligning with the long-term nature of equity investments.
Tax Benefits: The primary differentiating factor for ELSS funds is the tax benefits they offer. Investments in ELSS are eligible for a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year under Section 80C. This deduction reduces the investor’s taxable income and, consequently, their tax liability. Hence, they act as tax saving mutual funds.
Liquidity: After the mandatory three-year lock-in period, ELSS mutual fund units become fully liquid, allowing investors to redeem or switch their investments as needed.
It is imperative to note that ELSS mutual funds combine the features of both equity funds, while acting as tax saving mutual funds. Investors considering ELSS funds should assess their risk tolerance, investment horizon, and tax planning needs before making an investment decision. Like all equity fund investments, ELSS equity fund should ideally be viewed as a long-term wealth-building tool, and their performance can fluctuate over shorter periods. Consulting with a financial advisor or mutual fund distributor can help individuals make informed decisions about incorporating ELSS funds into their investment portfolios.
Santosh Kumar, He is a SEO + Blogger have 12 years of experience in writing tutorial, informative and product reviews topics.
