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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11010 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 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
Rajni Question by Rajni on Jul 25, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello sir..the underconstruction flat registration has been done in Nov 24 but the possession is expected in Dec 2027.the commercial property that I have sold in June 2025 was purchased in 2003.so I want to know the adjustment of capital gain.i don't have any loan .the 50% payment has been paid to builder already.

Ans: Yes, you can claim Section 54F exemption on the capital gain from the June 2025 sale towards the under-construction flat purchased in Nov 2024 if:

– You complete construction before June 2028 (i.e., within 3 years of sale).
– You invest the full sale proceeds (Rs. 1.15 crore) into that flat.
– You do not own more than one residential house on the date of sale (June 2025).
– Any unused amount by ITR due date (July 2026) should be deposited into Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS).

You’ve already paid 50% — pay the balance by June 2028 or deposit in CGAS.

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.
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Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2023Hindi
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I have booked a under construction flat in May 2022 for 2.80 crs inclusive of GST and stamp duty likely possession in December 2023, Flat is in joint name with my wife on 50:50 basis. I have availed joint Bank loan of 2.10 crores which is partially disbursed approx 1.76 crores up to now. balance will be disbursed before possession. I will be selling by old flat in January 2024 which is in my individual name, which I purchased in July 2017 for 92.50 lacs inclusive of stamp duty, approx selling price will be 1.25 crores. This flat is also on loan of 54 lakhs outstanding .What will be the capital gain against this and can this be setoff against the new flat? Difference amount 1.25 crores(sale price) less 54 lakhs (Bank Loan) balance amount of 71 lakhs I might pay against the new bank loan of 2.10 crores which will reduce the loan to 1.39 crores. Please guide how to go to save the Capital gain tax.
Ans: Hi
You may have a long term capital gain of about Rs. 6.70 Lakhs. Suggestions to avoid paying any tax on this gain would be to pay towards the construction of the new house. This would mean that you may need to sell your house before you take possession of the new house in December 2023 and use the sale consideration to pay to the builder to the extent of approx Rs. 6.70 Lakhs to make it eligible as reinvestment in a new under construction property. This cannot be the other way round i.e. you cannot pay full amount to the builder and take possession and thereafter sell the old house.

If you need the house to stay till the possession of the new property then you could try for a rental arrangement with the buyer of your old house.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11010 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 27, 2024

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Money
Hello sir, I booked flat in 2010, but got the possession in june 2023 and got registered , the initial value is 27lacs on registered paper. I sold the same for rs 85 lacs on june 2023. how the long term capital agin will be claculated . and whta should i do to sav ethe long term capital gain tax. if applicable.
Ans: 1. Calculation of Long-Term Capital Gains
Step 1: Determine the Sale Price
Sale Price: Rs 85 lakhs (amount for which the property was sold)
Step 2: Determine the Cost of Acquisition
Initial Purchase Price: Rs 27 lakhs (as per registered document)
Step 3: Adjust for Inflation
To calculate LTCG, the cost of acquisition is adjusted for inflation. This adjustment is done using the Cost Inflation Index (CII) provided by the Income Tax Department.

CII for the Year of Purchase (2010): Refer to the index published by the government for the year 2010.
CII for the Year of Sale (2023): Refer to the index for 2023.
Step 4: Calculate Indexed Cost of Acquisition
Use the formula:


Step 5: Calculate the Long-Term Capital Gains
LTCG
=
Sale Price

Indexed Cost of Acquisition
LTCG=Sale Price−Indexed Cost of Acquisition

2. Tax Implications
As it is sold before July 2024, the long-term capital gains are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits. Additional tax benefits may apply depending on the investment options you choose.

3. Saving on Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Investment in Residential Property
If you reinvest the gains into another residential property, you can claim an exemption under Section 54 of the Income Tax Act.

Conditions: The new property must be purchased within two years of selling the old property or constructed within three years. The exemption is applicable on the amount of capital gains reinvested.
Investment in Capital Gains Bonds
You can invest up to Rs 50 lakhs of capital gains in specified bonds under Section 54EC to claim an exemption. These bonds must be held for a minimum period of five years.

Eligible Bonds: The bonds are issued by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) or Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
Investment in Rural Development Bonds
Under Section 54EC, you can also invest in rural development bonds. These bonds also have a lock-in period of five years.

Reinvestment in Residential Property
To fully utilize the exemption, reinvest the entire long-term capital gains amount into a new residential property. Ensure compliance with the time limits mentioned.

4. Final Insights
Here’s a summary of actions you can take:

Calculate Indexed Cost: Use the CII to adjust the cost of acquisition for inflation.
Calculate LTCG: Determine the gain by subtracting the indexed cost from the sale price.
Explore Exemptions: Consider reinvesting the gains in a new residential property or capital gains bonds to reduce or eliminate tax liability.
Implement these strategies to manage your tax liability effectively. Always ensure you comply with the conditions specified under the Income Tax Act for exemptions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11010 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2025Hindi
Money
I have invested 65 lacs in an underconstruction residential flat in Nov 2024which possession is expected in Dec 2027..50% payment has been given to builder and sale deed has been done..I have also sold a commercial property in June 2025 for 1.15 cr..will I be able to use the capital gain for already purchased underconstruction flat to save my income tax ..please guide..
Ans: You invested Rs.?65?lakh in an under-construction flat (purchased Nov 2024, possession in Dec 2027). You’ve paid 50% and executed the sale deed. You sold a commercial property in June 2025 for Rs.?1.15?crore. You wish to know if gains from that sale can be used tax-efficiently by applying them toward your current flat purchase. Let’s explore carefully from all angles.

? What Is Your Capital Gain Status?

– You sold the commercial property in June 2025.
– That counts as a long-term capital asset.
– Indexation benefit applies if held for over 24 months.
– If bought more than 2 years earlier, it’s a long-term gain.

You can compute your taxable gain using indexed cost. This will reduce your tax liability significantly.

? Key Tax Rule: Exemption Using Reinvestment

– Section 54F allows exemption if you reinvest sale proceeds into a residential property.
– The new property must be purchased or under construction.
– You must invest within specified periods.

The flat you purchased in Nov 2024 is under-construction, so it may qualify. But detail matters.

? Conditions Under Section 54F

– You must invest the net sale proceeds fully into a residential property.
– You bought the new flat before or within 2 years of sale.
– You must complete construction within 3 years of sale.
– Unsurpassed funds become taxable.
– You must not hold more than one residential property at sale time.

Check off each:

You haven’t completed construction yet.

Purchase occurred before sale or within 2 years.

You must complete by June 2028 (i.e., within 3 years).

So far, you meet timelines.

? How Much Can You Exempt?

– Exemption is proportional to amount reinvested vs proceeds.
– If full proceeds are used, full gain is exempt.
– If only part is used, exemption is partial.

Your sale fetched Rs.?1.15?crore. You invested Rs.?65?lakh so far.
Thus Rs.?50?lakh remains to be invested by Dec 2027 or by sale of new flat (within 3 years).
Exemption equal to Rs.?65?lakh / Rs.?1.15?crore portion.
Balance gain above that proportion becomes taxable.

? Timeline You Should Meet

Sale date: June 2025 → 3-year window ends June 2028.
So you must complete construction and register possession transaction by June 2028.

Ensure builder’s possession date of Dec 2027 gives enough latitude.

? Using Capital Gain Account Scheme

– If you can’t invest full proceeds before filing ITR, you can deposit balance in Capital Gain Account Scheme.
– That deposited amount must be used within allowed period.
– Until used, exemption holds.

This helps meet exemption while ensuring proper use.

? What If You Don’t Reinvest Full Amount?

– Only the reinvested portion is exempt.
– Unused capital gain becomes taxable in that financial year.
– Therefore, plan whether to invest balance of Rs.?50?lakh.

? Long-Term Gain Tax Calculation Example

– Assume indexed profit was Rs.?40?lakh.
– If you reinvest Rs.?65?lakh fully, entire gain is exempt.
– If you reinvest Rs.?35?lakh only, exemption proportion = 35/115.
– Rest becomes taxable.

So invest wisely. Full exemption depends on complete reinvestment.

? Your Action Steps

– Ensure that new flat purchase is registered before June 2027.
– Keep track of total payments made before due date.
– After purchase, invest balance sale proceeds into Capital Gain Account Scheme if needed.
– Use deposit and payments toward construction by June 2028.
– At ITR filing, submit proof of purchase, payments, and bank statement of deposit.

Your tax officer will check these.

? Multiple Property or Joint Ownership?

– You should not hold any other new property at sale time.
– Joint ownership of original home is allowed.

If you already own another residential property before sale, then Section 54F exemption won’t apply.

? If Construction Gets Delayed

– If builder delays possession beyond Dec 2027, your exemption eligibility still holds as long as possession is before June 2028.
– If builder delays further beyond June 2028, your exemption may be in jeopardy.
– In that case, un-invested capital gain becomes taxable.

So keep proof of builder timeline and extension documents.

? What Happens on Flat Possession?

– After possession and registration, your flat becomes the asset for exemption.
– Any remaining funds deposited in CGAS must be withdrawn/used within allowed time.
– Copies of registration and builder receipts are needed at ITR time.

? If You Repay Loan Instead?

– You can use sale proceeds to pay loan on flat.
– This counts as investment in property.
– Accounts for Section 54F exemption.

This helps utilize funds fully while getting exemption.

? Importance of Record Keeping

– Retain sale deed and purchase deed.
– Keep all builder payment receipts.
– Maintain CGAS deposit challans.
– Builders estimates on completion timelines.
– These help support exemption claims.

Poor documentation may invite inquiries.

? Alternative: Invest into Capital Gain Bonds?

– Under Section 54EC, you can invest in specified bonds within 6 months of sale.
– But the lock-in is 5 years.
– And you can invest only up to Rs. 50 lakh in one financial year.
– These bonds offer exemption on gain only partially.

If you need liquidity soon, CGAS route is better.

? Consider Portfolio Re-balancing

– You already invested Rs.?65 lakh in real estate.
– That is now an illiquid asset.
– Remaining sale proceeds should fund new flat (an asset for same purpose).
– Do not extend to investment property.
– Keep any extra funds in mutual funds for future goals.

That builds long-term wealth and liquidity.

? Mutual Funds vs Real Asset Balance

– Real estate helps save tax via Section 54F.
– But real estate is not a productive investment.
– Mutual fund SIPs offer better return, liquidity, and diversification.
– Once you complete flat investment, any residual amount should go into actively managed equity funds.
– This avoids over-exposure to property and boosts net worth.

? Role of a Certified Financial Planner

– CFP can draft your tax filing plan.
– They ensure exemption is claimed properly.
– They optimise reinvestment and use of CGAS.
– They also crafting your post-leverage portfolio structure.
– They guide review of mutual funds for future goals.

Your situation merits full CFP involvement.

? Timing: When to File ITR?

– Sale happened in FY?2024–25; file ITR after March 2026.
– If you complete flat purchase by Dec 2027, report in ITR FY?2027–28.
– Or deposit in CGAS before due of ITR FY?2024–25 to claim in that year.

Work with your taxation team to align documentation.

? Final Insights

– You qualify for Section 54F exemption for your under-construction flat.
– Exemption is proportional to reinvestment amount in flat.
– Invest full Rs.?1.15?crore sale proceeds to fully exempt tax.
– If you fall short, can use CGAS till June 2028.
– Maintain records of payment and possession.
– Avoid holding another residential property.
– Post-construction, SEBI the residual should be parked in equity.
– MF investments give better growth and liquidity.

Your current plan is workable. Just follow timelines and documentation to secure your exemption.

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

..Read more

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sir, I am 28 year old Engineer working in IT field for 6 years. Recently married and my wife is also working in a IT Company. I have started investment in MF since my first salary and at present total the corpus is 15 L and my present SIP amount is 60K. In addition I am having 6L in PPF, 8L in Bank FD, 15L PLI and 5L Health Policy. My parents are well settled. My portfolio is as given below. 1. ICICI Prud. NASDAQ - 3K 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap - 10K 3. Quant ELSS - 7K 4. HDFC Retirement Saving - 10K 5. Kotak Mid Cap - 6K 6. SBI Focused Equity - 8K 7. Bandhan Small Cap - 8K 8. Nippon India Multi Asset - 8K My investment time horizon is 20+ years. Please review and suggest changes required if any. With Thanks & Regards, S. Salvankar
Ans: Hi Sarvothama,

You are doing great with your iverall investments at such age. Early investment really helps you in the long run. Let us analyse everything in detail:
1. Make sure to have ample emrgency fund in FD or liquid funds.
2. You should have proper term insurance and health insurance for yourself and family. As your spouse is working, she should also have an independent term insurance.
3. 8 lakhs in FD - can be treated as your emergency fund.
4. 6 lakhs in PPF - not recommended as a=you must have your EPF being an IT Professional. PPF is just like EPF, hence make minimum contributions to keep the account active and close it when 15 years tenure is over.
5. Health policy - 5 lakhs >> insufficient keeping in mind rising medical costs. Increase it to a minimum of 25 lakhs family floater for yourself and spouse.
6. 15 lakhs PLI - continue.
7. 15 lakhs + 60k monthly SIP in mutual funds. Very good and you should continue. However, the funds chosen are not exactly great. Entire allocation needs a proper plan in alignment to your profile and long term goal. It is better to work with a professional to choose better funds for your 20+ years goal.
I will not recommend continuing your SIPs in - Quant ELSS, HDFC Retirement Savings, Nippon multi asset and Focused Equity fund.

Hence overall reallocation and distribution in required here.
Do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

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https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

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Sir, I am a 44 years old male and have made following investments in Mutual Funds, which are as follows, please let me know if it is good to go: DSP India T.I.G.E.R. (The Infrastructure Growth and Economic Reforms Fund) Direct Growth (Rs. 1,000) Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 1,500) Axis Silver FoF Direct Growth (Rs. 1,000) LIC MF Gold ETF FoF Direct Growth (Rs. 1,000) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 1,000) Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 500) SBI PSU Direct Plan Growth (lumpsum - Rs. 7,000) Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct Growth (lumpsum - Rs. 6,000) I urge you to review my above portfolio as a whole and thereafter appropriately guide me whether I need to switch any of the above SIPs or stay invested as it is, particularly I am more worried about ‘Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth’ (keeping in consideration that my SIP becomes more than 1.5 years old with this Fund), it has generated negative returns more often, which now becomes my cause of concern, as a result sometimes I felt that I had invested in a wrong fund. My intent for the above investment is to create sufficient wealth, till the time of my retirement. Now, I seek your valuable guidance over the above, enabling me to reach to a decision. Thanks & regards, Ashish
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You have long 16 years till your retirement and proper guided investment can do wonders with your monthly SIPs.
Your concern regarding Nippon Small Cap fund is genuine but this is exactly how markets work. One cannot expect their money to double in an overnight. It needs patience and proper plan to generate even bare minimum of 12% annual return.

I see all the funds you invest in are direct funds. while direct funds are more preferred as they have lower expense ratio of about 0.5%, regular funds are better as they come with proper plan and guidance throughout.
Generating 2-4% returns in these types of direct funds v/s getting 12% return in regular funds - there is always an option.

However, continue with Nippon small cap, Parag Parikh Flexicap, and Motilal Oswal Midcap fund. Stop SIPs in other funds and work with a proper advisor to redirect these funds into better new funds.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

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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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