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Ramalingam Kalirajan |7838 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

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 - Dec 30, 2024Hindi

Hello sir , I want to open mutual fund sip of 40k approx per month for 10 yr to 15 yr. Should i do it in my demat accout or i should do in mine and wife accout for tax saving. If i do 15 k in mine , 15k in wife and 10k in parents mf can i save tax . If i withdraw only 1.25 lac from each account every here ?

Ans: Investing Rs 40,000 monthly through a mutual fund SIP for 10-15 years is a wise decision. This disciplined approach builds a significant corpus over time. However, the tax planning aspect of your question requires clarity and proper structuring.

Individual vs. Joint Investments
Investing in a single demat account simplifies portfolio management.
However, splitting investments among family members has its benefits.
Benefits of Individual Accounts
Each account holder has a separate Rs 1.25 lakh LTCG exemption annually.
Splitting investments can optimise tax liabilities across family members.
Your wife and parents must have independent income sources to avoid clubbing of income under your name.
Clubbing Provisions
If you gift money to your wife or parents, income rules may apply.
Returns generated in their accounts may still be taxed under your name if clubbing rules are triggered.
Withdrawal Plan for Tax Efficiency
Withdrawing Rs 1.25 lakh annually from each account avoids LTCG taxation.
For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Debt funds are taxed as per the income tax slab, making equity funds more tax-efficient.
Why Avoid Direct Investments Through Demat
Direct funds in demat accounts offer no personal guidance.
Actively managed regular funds, invested through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials, provide tailored advice.
Regular plans ensure a professional monitors your portfolio and adjusts as needed.
Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Skilled fund managers actively select high-potential securities.
They outperform index funds, especially in volatile markets.
Regular funds through certified planners offer better support and oversight.
Steps for Effective SIP Management
Asset Allocation

Balance equity and debt based on your risk tolerance.
Equity offers growth, while debt provides stability.
Portfolio Distribution

Allocate Rs 15,000 in your account for primary growth.
Invest Rs 15,000 in your wife’s account to spread risk and tax liability.
Consider Rs 10,000 in your parents’ account only if they are in a lower tax bracket.
Tax Efficiency

Keep withdrawals under Rs 1.25 lakh per year per account to optimise LTCG exemption.
Reinvest gains not required for immediate use to compound growth.
Seek Professional Guidance

Regular reviews with a CFP ensure your investments align with goals.
Periodic rebalancing helps maintain an optimal risk-return balance.
Taxation Rules to Keep in Mind
Equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt funds: Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your slab.
Gifting money to family members can have clubbing implications; consult a tax expert.
Final Insights
Splitting your SIP across family members can help save tax if done strategically. Ensure all accounts have independent financial activity to avoid clubbing. Partnering with a certified financial planner ensures a robust and tax-efficient investment plan tailored to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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.