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Should I switch my regular mutual funds to direct options in parts or at once?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8611 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 24, 2024Hindi
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I have around 30 lacs in regular mutual funds and knowing expense ration concept now I want to move my money from reg to direct option. Please let me know if I need to do this switch in parts n at once and related tax implications.

Ans: Switching from regular mutual funds to direct options can be tempting due to the lower expense ratios. However, it is essential to consider the advantages of investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) and the potential tax implications before making any decisions.

Advantages of Investing Through a Professional MFD
1. Expert Guidance:
A professional MFD offers personalized advice tailored to your financial goals. They provide insights into market trends, helping you make informed investment decisions.

2. Portfolio Management:
MFDs help in actively managing your portfolio. They suggest rebalancing strategies to align with market conditions and your investment objectives.

3. Convenience and Support:
Investing through an MFD simplifies the process. They handle the paperwork, monitor your investments, and offer support for any queries or issues.

4. Regular Reviews:
MFDs conduct regular reviews of your investment portfolio. They ensure your investments are performing as expected and make necessary adjustments to optimize returns.

5. Behavioral Coaching:
MFDs can help you stay disciplined during market volatility. They prevent you from making impulsive decisions that could harm your long-term financial goals.

Tax Implications of Switching
When switching from regular to direct mutual funds, consider the following tax implications:

1. Capital Gains Tax:
Switching funds involves redeeming units from the regular fund and reinvesting in the direct fund. This triggers capital gains tax. For equity funds held for more than one year, long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax is 12.5% on gains above Rs. 1 lakh. For debt funds, LTCG will be added to your income and taxed at the slab rate.

2. Short-Term Capital Gains:
If your mutual fund units have been held for less than one year (for equity funds) or three years (for debt funds), short-term capital gains tax applies. This is taxed at 20% for equity funds and as per your income tax slab for debt funds.

3. Tax Planning:
Plan the switch considering your tax liability. If you decide to switch, do it in parts to spread the tax burden over multiple financial years. This strategy can help minimize the immediate tax impact.

Recommendation
Considering the benefits of investing through a professional MFD and the tax implications of switching, staying in regular funds could be more beneficial. If you are not satisfied with your current MFD, consider switching to a more professional MFD who can add significant value to your investment journey.

Final Insights

Switching to direct mutual funds might save on expense ratios, but the expertise and support from a professional MFD can often outweigh these savings. Evaluate the benefits of personalized advice, portfolio management, and behavioral coaching provided by MFDs. If you choose to switch funds, plan carefully to manage tax implications effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Dear experts, Is CGAS account mandatory to open even if the entire amount realized during selling of a land is reinvested into buying a new residential home before the ITR filing date of the financial year in which the land was sold? Can a normal fixed deposit be done, given that the home will be purchsed before the ITR due date, or the amount kept in the savings account only in which it was originally received? When CGAS account is really needed? And if the land is inherited, is fair market value (FMV) certificate mandatory during tax filing? Warm Regards.
Ans: Capital Gains and CGAS can confuse many. You’ve clearly understood key parts already. That’s a good start. Let’s look into the entire situation, part by part.

We will explore the rules, your options, and how to avoid mistakes. This will give you a complete 360-degree clarity from tax, legal and compliance angles.

 
 
1. When Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) Becomes Mandatory

CGAS is not needed in all cases.
 
 

You must deposit in CGAS only if home purchase is delayed.
 
 

If you reinvest before ITR due date, CGAS is not compulsory.
 
 

You can reinvest directly in the new house.
 
 

Keep proofs of payments, builder receipts and registry.
 
 

This is allowed even if amount is not kept in CGAS.
 
 

Fixed Deposit or savings account is fine in such case.
 
 

But all reinvestment should happen before the ITR due date.
 
 

If even part of it remains, then CGAS is mandatory for balance.
 
 

So, CGAS is only a backup rule, not the first step.
 
 
2. Can Fixed Deposit or Savings Account Be Used Instead?

Yes, if you use the full sale amount in time.
 
 

There is no restriction to keep the sale money in a bank FD.
 
 

Even savings account can be used till reinvestment.
 
 

But do not mix that account with other funds.
 
 

It should be clearly seen that the money was from land sale.
 
 

Keep trail of cheque/RTGS and amount received in bank.
 
 

Use the same account for property payment preferably.
 
 

Attach documents to your tax file as proof of usage.
 
 

So, a separate CGAS account is not required if home is bought on time.
 
 
3. Real Timing for CGAS Requirement

Let’s say land is sold in FY 2024–25.
 
 

ITR filing due date is 31st July 2025 (for most individuals).
 
 

If you do not reinvest before 31st July 2025, then CGAS is needed.
 
 

You must deposit remaining capital gains before that date.
 
 

Otherwise, the capital gain becomes taxable.
 
 

After that, you can buy the home within two years.
 
 

Or construct the home within three years.
 
 

But tax exemption applies only if CGAS rules are followed.
 
 

So, CGAS gives you extra time, but with some process to follow.
 
 
4. What Happens If You Don’t Open CGAS?

If no reinvestment is done and no CGAS is opened,
 
 

Then you lose the exemption under the capital gains rules.
 
 

The gain will be treated as long-term capital gain.
 
 

You will need to pay tax on it.
 
 

Keeping money in FD or savings account won’t save tax after deadline.
 
 

Tax will be calculated as per rules and payable with interest.
 
 

So, if you're not ready to reinvest, then open CGAS on time.
 
 
5. For Inherited Land – Is Fair Market Value (FMV) Mandatory?

Yes, FMV is required for inherited property.
 
 

FMV as on 1st April 2001 must be calculated.
 
 

This becomes your cost of acquisition.
 
 

Without FMV, your gain will look artificially high.
 
 

That will lead to more tax than needed.
 
 

FMV must be from a registered valuer.
 
 

Use this valuation during capital gain working.
 
 

Keep valuation certificate with your documents.
 
 

It is not submitted with return, but can be asked later.
 
 

So yes, FMV certificate is very important in your case.
 
 
6. Points to Remember for Reinvestment and Tax Filing

Always try to reinvest before the ITR filing due date.
 
 

Keep documents ready – sale deed, purchase deed, payment proof.
 
 

Mention exemption under the correct capital gains section in ITR.
 
 

File ITR with details of both sale and new purchase.
 
 

If any delay is there, deposit in CGAS before 31st July.
 
 

Open CGAS with a scheduled bank only.
 
 

Withdraw money from CGAS only for house purchase or construction.
 
 

Do not withdraw for other purposes. That makes it taxable.
 
 

Proper filing avoids notices and problems later.
 
 
7. Should You Do CGAS Deposit Early Just in Case?

If you're unsure about home purchase date, CGAS is a safe backup.
 
 

You can withdraw later for the purchase purpose.
 
 

But if you're confident about timing, no need to open CGAS.
 
 

Avoid unnecessary paperwork if not required.
 
 

So, CGAS is useful, but not needed if timing is right.
 
 
8. Role of a Certified Financial Planner in Such Cases

Tax planning around property needs correct steps.
 
 

A Certified Financial Planner helps track timelines and rules.
 
 

You get full support for investment, taxation, compliance and reinvestment.
 
 

A CFP can also coordinate with CA or legal expert.
 
 

They also help with ITR and property documentation.
 
 

It removes the guesswork and avoids last-minute issues.
 
 

Guided help gives better peace of mind.
 
 
Finally

You are handling a serious matter with clarity and awareness. That’s a strong foundation. You do not need to open a CGAS account if the home is fully bought before the ITR due date. You can keep money in your savings account or fixed deposit during this time. Just make sure the home is purchased and payment is completed before the filing date.

If not, deposit balance gains in CGAS to save tax. FMV is also required for inherited land. Get a certified valuer’s report. Use this in capital gain computation. This avoids tax mistakes.

Stick to timelines. Keep clear records. Plan your reinvestment wisely. Work with a Certified Financial Planner if needed for execution and follow-through.

 
 

Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
 
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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