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Flat Sold in July - Capital Gains Tax, Bond Investment Options?

Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  | Answer  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 13, 2024

Nitin Narkhede, founder of the Prosperity Lifestyle Hub, is a certified financial advisor with eight years of experience in helping clients design and implement comprehensive financial life plans.
As a mentor, Nitin has trained over 1,000 individuals, many of whom have seen remarkable financial transformations.
Nitin holds various certifications including the Association Of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and accreditations from several insurance and mutual fund aggregators.
He is a mechanical engineer from the J T Mahajan College, Jalgaon, with 34 years of experience of working with MNCs like Skoda Auto India, Volkswagen India and ThyssenKrupp Electrical Steel India.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2024Hindi
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We are selling a flat in the month of July 24 for 60L.How much will go as capital gains tax. What are the bonds we can invest? How much interest it will earn & lock in period?

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
Free Webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar
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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 2025

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Dear Sir / Madam, I purchased a flat for Rs 29.3L on Sept 2013. The registration cost was Rs 1,46,500/-. I sold the flat for Rs 89L on Feb 2025. The brokerage fees was Rs 1.5L. How much would be the capital gains amount that I need to invest in Capital gains bonds ? Which tax regime would result in lesser tax, the earlier tax regime or the revised tax regime of last year Thanks Jay
Ans: You’ve clearly explained the purchase cost, sale value, and related expenses. That helps a lot in giving an accurate and comprehensive answer.

Let us now assess your capital gains liability, step by step, and guide you on how much to invest in capital gains bonds, along with which tax regime may benefit you more.

Understanding Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
Since you purchased the flat in September 2013 and sold it in February 2025, the holding period is more than 24 months.

So this is classified as a long-term capital asset.

Therefore, the profit from this sale is considered as Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and taxed accordingly.

Indexed Cost of Acquisition
To calculate LTCG, we must use the Indexed Cost of Acquisition, as per the Cost Inflation Index (CII).

Let’s now list down the known values:

Purchase Price = Rs 29.3 lakhs

Registration Charges = Rs 1.465 lakhs

Total Purchase Cost = Rs 30.765 lakhs

Year of Purchase = FY 2013-14 → CII = 220

Year of Sale = FY 2024-25 → CII = 363

Now apply indexation:

Indexed Purchase Cost = (Original Cost × CII in year of sale) ÷ CII in year of purchase

So:

Indexed Cost = (30.765 × 363) ÷ 220 = approx Rs 50.79 lakhs

Net Sale Proceeds
Sale Price = Rs 89 lakhs

Brokerage paid = Rs 1.5 lakhs

Net Sale Consideration = Rs 87.5 lakhs

Long-Term Capital Gain
Now compute the LTCG:

LTCG = Net Sale Value – Indexed Purchase Cost

= Rs 87.5 lakhs – Rs 50.79 lakhs = Rs 36.71 lakhs (approx)

This is your taxable long-term capital gain.

Exemption via Capital Gains Bonds (Section 54EC)
You can invest in capital gains bonds under Section 54EC to save tax.

Eligible bonds are from REC, NHAI, etc.

Maximum investment allowed = Rs 50 lakhs per financial year

Minimum lock-in period = 5 years

Interest = around 5.25% p.a. (taxable)

In your case:

LTCG is approx Rs 36.71 lakhs

So, invest Rs 36.71 lakhs in Section 54EC bonds before 6 months from date of sale (i.e., by August 2025)

This will give you 100% LTCG exemption

Earlier vs Revised Tax Regime
Here is how to think about it:

Earlier Regime:
Allows deductions like Section 80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, and home loan interest.

LTCG tax on property is 20% after indexation. This applies in both regimes.

However, if you have many deductions, earlier regime may reduce total tax.

New Regime (as per Budget 2023-24 onwards):
Lower slab rates but no major deductions allowed

LTCG tax on property remains the same – no extra benefit here

So the decision depends on your other income and deductions

In most cases:

If you claim 80C, 80D, housing loan, etc., then earlier regime is better

If your income is purely salary, and you don’t claim deductions, then new regime may help

But in your case, LTCG tax remains same in both

Additional Tips
Capital Gains Bonds must be held for 5 years. Premature exit is not allowed.

Interest is taxable every year. So factor that into your ITR.

Keep bank receipts, bond certificates, and sale documents safely for 6+ years.

File Schedule CG in ITR-2 next year (AY 2025–26)

What If You Don’t Want to Invest in Bonds?
You can also save LTCG tax by buying a new residential property under Section 54

Property must be bought within 2 years (or constructed within 3 years)

If planning to reinvest in property, do it within deadline

If not, 54EC bonds are simpler, more flexible

Final Insights
Your capital gain is around Rs 36.71 lakhs

Invest that amount in 54EC bonds before August 2025

You can save 100% capital gains tax legally

Choose earlier tax regime if you have deductions like 80C, housing loan, etc.

Keep proofs for cost, sale, brokerage, and 54EC investment for future tax queries

Plan carefully. This one-time decision affects your long-term finances

If you want help calculating future taxes or planning retirement income from property sales, always consult a Certified Financial Planner. It’s not just about tax-saving—it’s about protecting your wealth over time.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

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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