what are the tax implications associated with Investing in gold in India, either in its physical form or via sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) and gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

Ans:  

• Sovereign Gold Bond scheme are an option to diversify your portfolio. However, on account of your age, you need to evaluate whether it is suitable to you, due to long tenure of the bond/low liquidity on the exchange.
• Interest income is taxable as per your tax slab. On redemption, the capital gains tax applicable to an individual is exempted. Also, one can avail of indexation in case of long-term capital gains.

Ans: If you purchase Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) in the secondary market on BSE or NSE, and hold them till maturity for 8 years, the capital gains will still be non-taxable, provided the bonds were originally issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The tax treatment of SGBs purchased in the secondary market is the same as that of SGBs purchased in the primary market. The exemption from capital gains tax applies to all SGBs that are held until maturity, regardless of whether they were purchased in the primary or secondary market.

However, if you sell the SGBs before the 8-year maturity period, you will be liable to pay capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains (if held for less than 3 years) will be taxed at your applicable income tax rate, while long-term capital gains (if held for more than 3 years) will be taxed at 20% with indexation benefit.

Ans: Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are financial instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. These bonds allow individuals to invest in gold without physically owning it. Instead of purchasing physical gold, investors buy these bonds issued by the government, which are linked to the market price of gold.

Here's how you can invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds:

1. Purchase During The Issuance Period: SGBs are issued periodically by the RBI, and investors can subscribe to them during specific issuance periods announced by the government. These periods are usually communicated through banks, designated post offices, stock exchanges, and other authorised agencies.

2. Application Process: You can apply for SGBs through eligible intermediaries like commercial banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd. (SHCIL), designated post offices, and recognised stock exchanges. The application process involves providing KYC (Know Your Customer) details and the required investment amount.

3. Allotment: Once you apply during the issuance period and fulfill the necessary criteria, the government allots the bonds based on the subscription.

Regarding tax benefits:

a. Capital Gains Tax Exemption: The main tax benefit of SGBs is that they qualify for long-term capital gains tax exemption if held until maturity (eight years). When you redeem or sell the bonds after this duration, the capital gains are exempt from tax.

b. Interest Income and Indexation Benefits: SGBs also offer an annual interest rate (fixed at the time of issuance) paid semi-annually. This interest income is taxable as per the income tax slab you fall under. However, the indexed cost of acquisition is allowed to be deducted from the capital gains arising on redemption, if any.

c. No Wealth Tax: Holding SGBs doesn’t attract wealth tax, which is an added advantage compared to physical gold holdings.

One must invest in SGBs, or, in any other asset class, only after consulting a financial advisor or tax consultant. This helps you get personalised advice regarding investments and tax implications depending on your family and wealth profile.

The attractiveness of SGBs depends on various factors, including prevailing interest rates, market conditions, and individual financial goals.

Ans: Gold Bonds do not qualify for tax exemption under IT Section 54EC which other bonds do.

Ans: Including gold in your investment portfolio can offer diversification and act as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. However, the costs associated with purchasing and storing physical gold, such as making charges, GST, and safe storage costs, can impact your returns. Here are some recommendations on how to include gold in your portfolio and the suggested percentage allocation:

Gold ETFs or Gold Mutual Funds:

Advantages: Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) and Gold Mutual Funds offer a cost-effective way to invest in gold without incurring making charges or GST.
Allocation: Consider allocating 5-10% of your investment portfolio to gold ETFs or Gold Mutual Funds to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risks.
Gold Savings Fund:

Advantages: Gold Savings Funds invest in gold ETFs and offer the convenience of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) investments. They also provide the benefit of professional fund management.
Allocation: You can allocate a portion of your monthly SIP towards Gold Savings Funds to accumulate gold over time.
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs):

Advantages: SGBs are government-backed securities denominated in grams of gold. They offer an annual interest rate and capital gains tax benefits if held until maturity.
Allocation: Consider investing in SGBs as part of your fixed income allocation, keeping in mind the lock-in period and liquidity constraints.
Physical Gold Coins or Bars:

Advantages: Physical gold offers tangible ownership and can be a part of your emergency reserve or long-term wealth preservation strategy.
Allocation: If you prefer physical gold, limit the allocation to a smaller percentage (e.g., 1-2% of your portfolio) due to the additional costs and liquidity constraints.
Recommendations:

Diversification: Include gold as a part of your diversified investment portfolio to mitigate risks and enhance overall returns.
Cost Consideration: Opt for cost-effective investment options like Gold ETFs, Gold Mutual Funds, or Gold Savings Funds to avoid high making charges and GST.
Asset Allocation: Maintain a balanced asset allocation based on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. A typical allocation to gold ranges from 5% to 10% of the total portfolio.
Regular Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio and rebalance as needed to maintain the desired asset allocation and align with your financial goals.
Consult with a financial advisor to determine the most suitable allocation to gold based on your individual financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. They can provide personalized recommendations and guidance to help you make informed investment decisions.