Thank you for all the advice in your column which I find very interesting. I have recently redeemed some mutual fund equity investments that fall into two categories. The first set are those I held for nearly 9 years and the second set is recent vintage as its average holding age is under 4 years.

1. What is the capital gains tax that I have to pay and how is it computed?
2. Is the exemption amount of Rs 2 lakhs available for capital gains also?
3. How to pay the CG tax amount and when is it due for payment?

Many thanks for your advice.

Ans: Yes, Long Term Capital Loss can be set off only against Long Term Capital Gains.

4. In case I withdraw my PF after the age of 58, is the amount not subject to tax?

It is not clear if you plan to start working again. Your EPF withdrawals post-retirement will be tax-free for up to 3 years after the account is inactive.

Ans: As per the current tax laws, long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds are taxable at a flat rate of 10% on gains above Rs. 1 lakh in a financial year. So, in your case, since your LTCG is Rs. 1,50,000, the taxable amount would be Rs. 50,000 (i.e., Rs. 1,50,000 - Rs. 1,00,000).

Please note that the exemption of Rs. 1 lakh applies to the total LTCG from all equity-oriented mutual funds that you have sold during a financial year. So, if you have already sold equity mutual funds earlier in this financial year and claimed the exemption up to Rs. 1 lakh, then the remaining gains would be taxed at 10% above the exemption limit.

It is important to note that the tax laws can change in the future, and you should always consult a tax expert or refer to the latest tax laws before making any tax-related decisions.

Ans: Depending upon the tax regime you choose, your tax liability may vary. If you are taking income tax deductions by investing in PPF, NPS etc then those need to be factored in.

As far as advance tax liability is concerned, considering you do not have any business income and you are over 60 years of age, you are not required to pay advance taxes.

Ans: Understanding Your Capital Gains
Sandeep, you have been investing in mutual funds since 2008. Your total investment is Rs 14 lakh through SIPs and lump sums. Now, the value of your investment is Rs 37 lakh.

Calculating Capital Gains
Your capital gain is the profit you earn from your investments. It is the difference between the current value and the amount you invested.

So, the calculation is:

Total Investment: Rs 14 lakh
Current Value: Rs 37 lakh
Capital Gain: Rs 37 lakh - Rs 14 lakh = Rs 23 lakh
Taxation on Capital Gains
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)
Since you have held the mutual funds for more than three years, they are considered long-term investments. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 10% if the gains exceed Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. (In the recent budget, LTCG tax on equity mutual funds is revised to 12.5%. LTCG exemption is revised from 1 lakh to 1.25 lakh per financial year)

Steps to Consider
Plan for Taxes
Understand that LTCG above Rs 1 lakh will be taxed at 10%./ revised to 1.25 lakh and 12.5% respectively.
Calculate the tax liability on your Rs 23 lakh gain.
Reinvest Wisely
Consider reinvesting your gains in other mutual funds.
Diversify your portfolio for better risk management and returns.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner
Get professional advice to optimize your tax and investment strategy.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
If you decide to reinvest, consider the advantages of actively managed funds:

Expertise: Professional managers aim to outperform the market.
Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust strategies based on market conditions.
Avoid Index Funds
Limited Growth: Index funds only replicate the market.
No Active Management: Lack of professional decision-making.
Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Expert Guidance: Regular funds come with the benefit of professional management.
Time-Saving: A CFP can manage your investments, saving you time and effort.
Final Insights
You have done well by investing regularly in mutual funds. To maximize your gains and minimize tax, plan your withdrawals carefully. Consider reinvesting in actively managed funds and consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in