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Ramalingam Kalirajan |7290 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 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 - May 10, 2024Hindi

Hi Ramalingam, Hope you are doing well. Age 31, IT Professional (8 Years), Married, Nuclear Family, Mid level family business in small town. 1) Currently I am NRI from last 1 year and recently have bought Few mutual funds like UTI large cap Index, Parag Parikh flexi cap, Motilala Oswal Mid Cap, Quant & Nippon small cap funds. All are just started recently with total SIP of 28k monthly. 2) I have been investing in PPF from last 4 years. 3) Minor LIC and Company PF of around 4.5L. 4) No loans, EMI as of now, own family house and agricultural unutilized land. 5) Existing Equity shares of 3L which I bought 5 year earlier. 6) I am not looking for buying flats/apartment as such. The major mistake I feel was I didn't invest till now and had kept money in savings account idle, which I regret to some extent. Queries: 1) As currently I am an NRI, I wanted to know what are the taxation rules on my shares if I buy or sell. Also, I hope there should be no issues as I bought mutual funds being NRI as anyway at point of selling I will be resident indian hopefully. Should I increase the amount of SIP? I am looking for Step up SIP Of 5-10%. Should I go for International fund now? 2) I was thinking to invest in fixed deposits and govt bonds, am I eligible to do this or this will attract me more taxation. For your better understanding, Currently I am in Saudi Arabia. 3) Your suggestions related to investment in Equity, gold, debt are highly appreciated as it will guide me further. 4) What are better things to look out from investment perspective being an NRI 5) Can you please help me plan for an excellent financial stability plan if I want to retire early around 45-48 years that is in next 15 to 18 years from now. Thanks

Ans: I appreciate your detailed overview of your financial situation and your proactive approach to investing. Let's address each of your queries systematically to ensure we cover all aspects comprehensively.

1. Taxation on Shares and Mutual Funds: As an NRI, capital gains tax rules apply to your investments in shares and mutual funds in India. For equity investments held for over one year, long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 10% without indexation. For mutual funds, equity-oriented funds are treated similarly. However, if you become a resident Indian again, you'll be taxed as per the applicable resident Indian tax laws. Increasing your SIPs by 5-10% annually is a prudent strategy, especially considering your long-term investment horizon and the power of compounding. Regarding international funds, they can provide diversification benefits, especially during periods of rupee depreciation, but ensure you understand the associated risks before investing.

2. Investment in Fixed Deposits and Government Bonds: As an NRI, you are eligible to invest in fixed deposits and government bonds in India. Interest earned on fixed deposits is taxable in India, subject to applicable tax laws. Government bonds also carry tax implications, but specific rules depend on the type of bond and your residential status. Given your current location in Saudi Arabia, consider exploring NRI-specific investment options like NRE or NRO fixed deposits, which offer tax benefits and repatriation flexibility.

3. Investment Strategy: Diversification is key to a well-rounded investment portfolio. Equity investments offer long-term growth potential, while debt instruments like PPF provide stability and tax benefits. Considering your risk appetite and investment goals, continue your SIPs in equity mutual funds, but ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place. Explore options like international funds for global exposure and consider increasing exposure to debt instruments for capital preservation.

4. Investment Considerations for NRIs: As an NRI, it's essential to stay informed about regulatory changes and tax implications related to your investments in India. Additionally, consider factors like currency risk, repatriation restrictions, and geopolitical developments when making investment decisions. Regularly review your portfolio and consult with a financial advisor to optimize your investment strategy based on changing market dynamics.

5. Early Retirement Planning: Achieving early retirement requires careful financial planning and disciplined saving and investing. Start by setting clear retirement goals, estimating your future expenses, and determining the required corpus. Maximize contributions to tax-efficient retirement accounts like EPF, PPF, and NPS. Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to growth-oriented assets like equity mutual funds to generate inflation-beating returns over the long term. Regularly reassess your retirement plan and adjust your investment strategy as needed to stay on track towards your retirement goals.

By following a systematic approach to investing, staying informed about regulatory changes, and regularly reviewing your financial plan, you can work towards achieving financial stability and early retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Asked on - May 11, 2024 | Answered on May 12, 2024

Thanks a lot for your quick reply. Few queries: 1) If I understood correctly, I will have no additional taxation if I am selling the Shares and Mutual fund, once I am in Resident Indian status and a LTCG of 10% will be cal calculated. But I was planning to invest in ETF in which I will be doing Swing trading, I wanted to know what is the tax implication on that being an NRI? 2) NRE FD is good option with tax free investement , but I came across the term that if your NRI status changes to resident , the resident interest rate and taxation will be calculated. This becomes a loss for me if I change my status in 1-2 years. I was thinking to invest in FD of small finavlce banks with 9% interest. Anyways taxation is 10% above 40000 interest earned. Your suggestions please. Thanks

Ans: Tax Implications on ETFs and Swing Trading: As an NRI, any income earned from securities transactions in India, including ETFs and swing trading, is subject to taxation. Short-term capital gains (STCG) from equity investments held for less than one year are taxed at 15% plus applicable surcharge and cess. However, if you become a resident Indian again, you'll be taxed as per the resident Indian tax laws, which include LTCG tax of 10% on equity investments held for over one year. It's essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specific implications of swing trading on your tax liability as an NRI.

NRE FDs vs. Small Finance Banks FDs: NRE fixed deposits offer the advantage of tax-free interest income and full repatriation of funds, making them an attractive option for NRIs. However, you rightly pointed out that if your residential status changes to resident Indian within 1-2 years, the interest rate and taxation will be recalculated based on resident rates. In such cases, investing in FDs of small finance banks with higher interest rates can be a viable alternative. While the interest earned above ?40,000 is subject to a 10% TDS, it's essential to consider factors like liquidity, safety, and the bank's credit rating before investing. Evaluate the interest rate differential and potential tax implications to make an informed decision based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Considering your investment horizon and financial objectives, it's advisable to consult with a financial advisor or tax consultant who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Asked on - May 12, 2024 | Answered on May 12, 2024

Thanks for replying. Also, I found below that if my income in india i.e by bank deposits,shares,MF , PPF etc in my case exceeds 2.5L ,only then I will be taxed. Is this correct , sir! "The basic exemption limit for NRIs is INR 2.5 lakhs. If an NRI's taxable income in India during the financial year exceeds this limit, they are required to file an income tax return in India." Thanks

Ans: The statement you found is mostly correct. Here's a breakdown of tax implications for NRIs in India:

Basic Exemption Limit:

Yes, NRIs are eligible for a basic exemption limit of ?2.5 lakhs on their total taxable income earned in India during a financial year. This means if your income from Indian sources (including bank deposits, shares, mutual funds, but excluding PPF interest) is less than ?2.5 lakhs, you generally don't need to pay taxes or file an income tax return in India.
Taxable Income for NRIs:

Interest income earned on NRO accounts is taxable in India.
Dividend income from Indian companies is generally taxable in India at a rate of 20% (plus surcharge and cess if applicable).
Capital gains from selling shares or equity mutual funds in India are taxable depending on the type and holding period of the investment.
Rental income from property in India is taxable.
NRIs and PPF:

NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts, but they can continue to contribute to existing PPF accounts opened while they were resident Indians.
The good news is that interest income earned on PPF and the maturity amount are completely tax-free for everyone, regardless of residential status.
Filing Income Tax Returns:

Even if your total income is below ?2.5 lakhs, you might still need to file an income tax return in India if you want to claim a tax refund on TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) deducted from your income, such as on interest from NRO accounts.
NRIs are advised to consult with a qualified tax advisor or chartered accountant familiar with NRI taxation to determine their filing requirements and tax liabilities.
In summary, while the ?2.5 lakh limit is a general guideline, it's important to consider all your income sources in India and the specific tax treatment of each to determine your tax filing obligations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Asked on - May 12, 2024 | Answered on May 12, 2024

Thanks a lot for detailed answer. Sorry for confusing you. Actually I meant I will do tax filing for sure. I was just trying to say If my income cumulative is still less than 2.5L per year, I am tax free and can get the tax return by filing the tax, incase TDS is deducted. My understanding is correct, right. Yes PPF is tax free, I took this when I was resident. Thanks.

Ans: Welcome :)

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