My dad received 15 lakh from land acquisition - Can I invest it in mutual funds with my savings?

Ans: When your father transfers Rs 15 lakh to your account, there are some key tax aspects to consider. Luckily, this kind of transfer is exempt from taxation due to the relationship between you and your father. Under Indian tax laws, any monetary gifts from close family members like parents are not taxable.

However, if you invest this amount in mutual funds, the returns from these investments will be taxable in your hands, since the investment will be in your name. Here’s what to consider:

Gift from Father: Any amount received as a gift from your father is not taxable.

Investment Returns: Any returns you generate from investing in mutual funds will be subject to tax. This includes capital gains tax on mutual funds based on how long you hold the investments.

If your father wishes to keep this money in his name, you could consider helping him with the investments. This way, the returns will be taxed in his hands, potentially lowering the overall tax burden if he is in a lower tax bracket.

Gradual Investment in Mutual Funds
Investing a lump sum amount directly into mutual funds might seem tempting, but there are better strategies to manage the investment risk, especially in fluctuating markets.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP): You can transfer the lump sum into a liquid fund first and then invest gradually into mutual funds via an STP. This ensures you average out the purchase cost and reduces market risk.

SIP Approach: Even though you are investing a large amount, a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) can be a more stable way to invest in equity mutual funds over time. Spreading out your investments in smaller, monthly amounts ensures a disciplined approach and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Both STP and SIP can provide a more stable growth path for long-term wealth accumulation. It helps to cushion the impact of market fluctuations on your investments.

The Disadvantages of Direct Funds
If you are considering investing in direct mutual funds with this lump sum, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. While direct funds come with a lower expense ratio, they do not offer the support of a financial expert.

Lack of Guidance: In direct funds, you don’t have the backing of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). You must make all investment decisions on your own. If you aren’t constantly following market trends or changes, this can be risky.

Complicated Decision-Making: Choosing the right fund, asset allocation, and rebalancing your portfolio becomes complex without professional help. A professional can help you avoid common investment mistakes.

Missed Opportunities: By investing through a professional MFD with CFP credentials, you can benefit from ongoing advice and better fund selection, ensuring you maximise the potential of your investments.

If your goal is safe, stable growth and professional support, it may be better to invest through a reliable MFD rather than directly.

Benefits of Commission-Based Advisors
If you’re not satisfied with your current agent or don’t have one, you can consider switching to a better professional Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). The key benefit of investing through an MFD is the alignment of their interests with yours. SEBI has regulated the commissions that MFDs can earn, tying it to the value of your portfolio.

Aligned Interests: The MFD’s commission is linked to your portfolio’s performance. If your portfolio grows, they earn more. If it declines, they earn less. This ensures that the advisor is motivated to help you grow your wealth.

Regulation by SEBI: SEBI’s smart regulations ensure that commission-based advisors work transparently. You don’t need to worry about hidden fees or conflicts of interest.

If you feel your current agent is not providing adequate support, it’s worth switching to a more professional MFD who can help you make the most of your investments and manage them actively.

Safer Investment Alternatives
While mutual funds are a great investment option, especially for long-term growth, you may want to consider diversifying your investments for added safety. Here are a few safer alternatives:

Debt Mutual Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities and are considered safer than equity funds. They may offer better returns than traditional fixed deposits with lower risk.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): If you are looking for safe and stable returns, investing in SGBs can be a good option. They provide the benefit of both capital appreciation (if gold prices rise) and interest income.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): You could also consider investing in PPF for a portion of the amount. It is a long-term, tax-saving instrument with stable returns backed by the government.

For a Rs 15 lakh lump sum, dividing the amount across equity funds, debt funds, and safer instruments like SGBs or PPF can ensure a balanced risk while offering growth potential.

Final Insights
In your case, receiving Rs 15 lakh from your father as a gift is tax-free. However, the returns from the investments made with this money will be taxable. If you invest wisely using SIP or STP in mutual funds, you can manage risk effectively and grow the corpus steadily.

Consider switching to a professional MFD if your current agent isn’t providing adequate support. Investing through an MFD ensures expert guidance and support, giving you the benefit of professional fund management. If safety is a concern, balancing between equity mutual funds, debt funds, and safer options like SGBs or PPF will give you a well-rounded portfolio.

With proper planning and professional support, you can ensure that this gift from your father grows and works to meet both your and your family’s financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_investment_planners/