{"id":449,"date":"2026-01-17T12:36:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T12:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paytmmoney.com\/blog\/?p=449"},"modified":"2026-05-14T12:28:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T12:28:12","slug":"mutual-fund-taxation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/mutual-fund-taxation\/","title":{"rendered":"How Mutual Funds Are Taxed in India: Simple Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So you&#8217;ve started investing in mutual funds, or maybe you&#8217;re thinking about it, and now you&#8217;re wondering, &#8220;Wait, do I have to pay tax on this?&#8221; The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is a lot more interesting, and frankly, knowing it can save you a fair bit of money. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual fund taxation in India isn&#8217;t as scary as it sounds once you break it down. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of tax you pay depends on two simple things: the kind of fund you&#8217;ve invested in and how long you&#8217;ve held it. That&#8217;s really the heart of it. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide walks you through the mutual fund tax rules in India for 2026, including the latest rates, ELSS perks, SIP withdrawal rules, and a few smart ways to keep more of what you earn.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does &#8220;Tax on Mutual Funds&#8221; Actually Mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you redeem your mutual fund units, the profit you make is called a capital gain, and that&#8217;s what gets taxed. There&#8217;s also tax on any dividends you receive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The tax treatment changes based on:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type of fund<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Equity, debt, hybrid, or specialised funds like ELSS each follow different rules.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Holding period<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: How long you stay invested decides whether your gains are short-term or long-term.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dividends<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These are added to your total income and taxed as per your slab.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capital gains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Realised only when you sell your units.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How You Earn Returns from Mutual Funds<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two ways your money grows in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/mutual-funds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #00b0ff; font-weight: 600;\">mutual funds<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dividends<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are payouts from the fund&#8217;s earnings. Growth-option funds reinvest these instead of paying them out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capital gains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> happen when you sell units at a higher price than you bought them for. These are taxed in the year you redeem.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mutual Fund Tax Rules India: The 2026 Rates<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s where the numbers matter. The tax on lump sum mutual fund investment and SIPs both follow the same logic, the difference is in how each installment is treated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Equity Mutual Funds (65% or more in equity)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-Term Capital Gains (held \u2264 12 months): 20% flat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-Term Capital Gains (held &gt; 12 months): 12.5% on gains above \u20b91.25 lakh per financial year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LTCG up to \u20b91.25 lakh annually is completely tax-free.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Debt Mutual Funds (purchased after 1 April 2023)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All gains are taxed at your income tax slab rate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It doesn&#8217;t matter how long you&#8217;ve held them, the long-term capital gain benefit no longer applies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Hybrid Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the fund holds 65% or more in equity, it&#8217;s taxed like an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/mutual-funds\/equity-funds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #00b0ff; font-weight: 600;\">equity fund<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it holds less, it follows the debt fund rules.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Tax Saving Mutual Funds (ELSS) and Section 80C<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where investors looking for tax saving mutual funds (ELSS) find the sweet spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ELSS, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/mutual-funds\/elss-funds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #00b0ff; font-weight: 600;\">Equity-Linked Savings Schemes<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, come with a three-year lock-in. Here&#8217;s what that gets you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 80C deduction of up to \u20b91.5 lakh per year (available only under the old tax regime).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gains after the three-year lock-in are treated as LTCG and taxed at 12.5% on amounts above \u20b91.25 lakh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dividends and any short-term gains follow standard tax rules.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re using the old tax regime, Section 80C mutual funds like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/elss-tax-saver-benefits\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #00b0ff; font-weight: 600;\">ELSS<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are one of the few investments that combine market-linked growth with a tax break.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Tax on Mutual Funds: Quick Reference Table<\/b><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-table\" style=\"display: block; width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-bottom: 5px;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 900px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; width: 25%;\">Fund Category<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">STCG (Short-Term)<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">LTCG (Long-Term)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Equity Funds (\u226565% equity)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">20% flat<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">12.5% on gains above \u20b91.25 lakh (no indexation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Hybrid Funds (Equity-oriented)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">20% flat<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">12.5% on gains above \u20b91.25 lakh (no indexation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Debt Funds (Post 1 Apr 2023)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Slab rate (any holding period)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">No LTCG benefit, slab rate applies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Debt Funds (Pre 1 Apr 2023)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">\u2264 24 months: slab rate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 24 months: 12.5% (no indexation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">ELSS Funds<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">N\/A (3-year lock-in)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 36 months: 12.5% above \u20b91.25 lakh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Gold\/Silver ETFs (Listed)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">\u2264 12 months: slab rate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 12 months: 12.5% (no indexation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Gold Mutual Funds \/ FoFs<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">\u2264 24 months: slab rate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 24 months: 12.5% (no indexation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">International Funds \/ FoFs<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">\u2264 24 months: slab rate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 24 months: 12.5% (no indexation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"md:hidden lg:hidden xl:hidden\" style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 13px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\u2190 Swipe horizontally to view full taxation details \u2192<\/div>\n<style>\n@media screen and (min-width: 768px) {<br \/>    .md\\:hidden {<br \/>        display: none !important;<br \/>    }<br \/>}<br \/><\/style>\n<h3><b>Quick Notes:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates above don&#8217;t include surcharge and cess.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u20b91.25 lakh annual exemption applies only to equity-oriented funds under Section 112A.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For SIPs, redemptions follow FIFO (First In, First Out), so always check your purchase date.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Tax on SIP Withdrawal: How It Actually Works<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the most misunderstood bits of mutual fund taxation in India. With SIPs, every monthly installment counts as a separate purchase. So when you withdraw, each unit&#8217;s holding period is calculated from the date it was bought.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You invest in an equity fund through SIPs for 12 months and redeem everything after 13 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The units bought in the first month have been held for over 12 months, so they qualify as long-term and get the 12.5% LTCG rate (with the \u20b91.25 lakh exemption).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The units bought in months 2 through 12 may still be short-term, and any gains on them are taxed at 20%.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why financial planners often suggest staggering withdrawals through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). With an SWP, redemptions happen in FIFO order, which gives you better control over tax outgo. You can also explore potential withdrawals and plan your cash flow better using the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/calculators\/swp-calculator\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #00b0ff; font-weight: 600;\">SWP calculator<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the Paytm Money app.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>NRI Mutual Fund Taxation in India (2026)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For NRIs, the rules are similar but with TDS deducted at source:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Equity funds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: STCG at 20%, LTCG at 12.5% above \u20b91.25 lakh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debt and non-equity funds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Taxed at slab rates with TDS.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>DTAA relief<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NRIs can use a Tax Residency Certificate to avoid double taxation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File an Indian ITR if excess TDS was deducted to claim a refund.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Taxation of Dividends from Mutual Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The old Dividend Distribution Tax has been scrapped. Now, dividends are added to your income and taxed at your slab rate. Under Section 194K, fund houses deduct TDS at 10% on annual dividend payouts above \u20b910,000 per unitholder.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Securities Transaction Tax (STT)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STT applies at 0.001% on redemption of equity mutual funds and equity-oriented hybrid funds. It doesn&#8217;t apply to debt funds or to dividends.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Reduce Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few practical strategies that genuinely help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hold for the long term.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Equity LTCG at 12.5% is far gentler than the 20% STCG.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use the \u20b91.25 lakh annual exemption.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Redeem just enough each year to harvest tax-free gains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Time your redemptions.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Splitting withdrawals across financial years can keep you within the exemption limit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Choose ELSS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you want growth plus the Section 80C deduction (under the old regime).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use SWP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> instead of large lump-sum withdrawals to manage gains in smaller, predictable chunks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The longer you stay invested, the lower your tax liability generally becomes. Equity investors holding funds for over a year benefit from a 12.5% LTCG rate along with a tax-free exemption of up to \u20b91.25 lakh annually. Debt investors after April 2023 no longer receive long-term tax benefits, but the taxation structure remains straightforward through slab-based rates.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding mutual fund taxation in India is not about avoiding taxes, it is about planning investments efficiently so that more of your returns remain with you. Awareness of holding periods, fund classification, and exemption limits can go a long way in helping investors make smarter financial decisions and protect their hard-earned money.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><b><i>Disclaimer:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is purely for information purpose only and in no way is to be considered as an advice or recommendation. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Investors are requested to do their own due diligence before investing.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SEBI Reg No.: Broking \u2013 INZ000240532, Research Analyst \u2013 INH000020086, Depository Participant \u2013 IN-DP-416-2019, Depository Participant Number: CDSL \u2013 12088800, NSE (90165), BSE (6707), MCX (57525), NCDEX (1315), MSEI (85300).<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered Office: 136, 1st Floor, Devika Tower, Nehru Place, Delhi \u2013 110019.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For complete Terms &amp; Conditions and Disclaimers, visit <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<div style=\"max-width: 100%; margin: 20px 0; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">\n<style>\n        \/* Hides default browser arrow\/triangle for a clean professional look *\/<br \/>        summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }<br \/>        summary { list-style: none; outline: none; }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">1. Do I pay tax if I don&#8217;t withdraw mutual funds?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">No, mutual fund gains are taxed only when you actually redeem your units. As long as your money stays invested, the growth is unrealised and remains completely tax-free in your hands.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">2. Is SIP taxable every month?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">No, your monthly SIP installments aren&#8217;t taxed when you invest. Tax kicks in only at redemption, with each installment treated as a separate purchase under FIFO to determine short-term or long-term gains.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">3. What is the minimum tax on mutual funds?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">For equity funds, long-term gains up to \u20b91.25 lakh per financial year are completely tax-free. Beyond that, the lowest applicable rate is 12.5% LTCG, provided units are held for over twelve months.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">4. Which mutual funds are tax free?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Strictly speaking, no mutual fund is fully tax-free. However, equity fund LTCG up to \u20b91.25 lakh annually is exempt, and ELSS investments qualify for Section 80C deductions under the old tax regime.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">5. How to save tax on mutual fund investments?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Hold equity funds beyond a year, use the \u20b91.25 lakh LTCG exemption yearly, invest in ELSS for Section 80C benefits, stagger redemptions across financial years, and prefer SWPs over large lump-sum withdrawals.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">6. What is ELSS and how does it save tax?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">ELSS, or Equity-Linked Savings Scheme, is a tax-saving mutual fund with a three-year lock-in. It allows deductions up to \u20b91.5 lakh under Section 80C, available only under the old tax regime.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So you&#8217;ve started investing in mutual funds, or maybe you&#8217;re thinking about it, and now you&#8217;re wondering, &#8220;Wait, do I have to pay tax on this?&#8221; The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is a lot more interesting, and frankly, knowing it can save you a fair bit of money. Mutual fund taxation<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/mutual-fund-taxation\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How Mutual Funds Are Taxed in India: Simple Guide (2026)&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":6666,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[827,6],"tags":[1691,1693,1688,1687,1692,1690,1689],"class_list":["post-449","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mutual-funds","category-personal-finance","tag-how-much-tax-on-mutual-funds-tax-saving-mutual-funds-elss","tag-how-to-reduce-capital-gains-tax-mutual-funds","tag-mutual-fund-tax-rules-india","tag-mutual-fund-taxation-in-india-2026","tag-section-80c-mutual-funds","tag-tax-on-lump-sum-mutual-fund-investment","tag-tax-on-sip-withdrawal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=449"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/449\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6666"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=449"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=449"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}