Hi Rediff gurus, I have got a few shares via esops from the companies I had earlier worked in. These are all foreign shares and I am aware there is a flat 20% flat if I sell. However, a couple of years ago there was government bond which exempted from tax for 50 lakhs INR per year and investment duration was 3 years. Currently are there any bonds / schemes like that? Also, am I exempted from tax if I sell shares to buy one a residential property? A quick response is much appreciated Thank you

Ans: Capital gain on sale consideration will be reduced by Indexed cost of acquisition and allowable expenses incurred on transfer. You have to calculate indexed cost of acquisition by applying Cost Inflation Index as per prescribed formula on cost of acquisition.

For cost of acquisition, you may take actual cost or fair market value of the asset, as on 01.04.2001.

In case of land and building, fair market value on 01.04.2001 cannot exceed stamp duty value as on 01.04.2001.

Exemption is available if amount of capital gain is invested by purchasing a new residential house within one year before or within 2 years after the date of transfer of the residential house.

As you have already got possession of new property in November 2020, you will not be eligible for exemption.

Decision of investment in specified bonds or acquiring tax mutual funds can be taken after considering several factors like risk appetite, amount of tax liability on capital gain, availability of surplus fund etc.

Ans: Hello, you can keep the LTCG below 1L in one financial year to avoid taxes

Ans: No such bond currently available and you can adjust your long term capital gains against residential under section 54F. Do consult a CA before executing this.

Disclaimer: Investments in securities are subject to market RISKS. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Please consult your appointed/paid financial adviser before taking any decision. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Ans: When selling a flat for Rs 60 lakhs, the capital gains tax you will owe depends on how long you held the property. If less than 2 years, the profit will be taxed as short-term capital gains(LTCG) at your applicable income tax slab rate
If you held the property for more than 2 years, the profit is taxed as long-term capital gains at 20% with indexation benefits. Indexation adjusts the purchase price for inflation, which helps reduce the taxable amount.
for Example Let's say you bought the flat 10 years ago for Rs 30 lakhs. After applying indexation, your adjusted cost might be around Rs 45 lakhs (rough estimate). Your capital gains would be: 60L (sale price) - 45L (indexed cost) = 15L.The LTCG tax would be 20%(your income tax rate of Rs 15 lakhs, which is Rs 3 lakhs.
Now let’s see How to Save on Capital Gains Tax? You can save tax on long-term capital gains by investing in Section 54EC Bonds. The Bonds You Can Invest In are REC (Rural Electrification Corporation) Bonds/NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) Bonds, PFC (Power Finance Corporation) Bonds
The Key Features of Section 54EC Bonds are Maximum Investment: You can invest up to Rs 50 lakhs in these bonds within 6 months of selling the property. Lock-in Period: The lock-in period for these bonds is 5 years. Interest Rate: The current interest rate is around 5-5.25% per annum, but this can vary depending on market conditions.
Best regards,
Nitin Narkhede
Founder & MD, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub https://Nitinnarkhede.com
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