Hi, i had SIP's in DSP Black Rock Tax Saver & Nippon India Tax Saver funds. As i don't need any Tax Rebate anymore. I had stopped SIP in both fund a year ago. However, i have not withdrawn the funds. Is it wise to keep the amount there or should i withdraw and invest the accumulated amount in any other funds. Just fyi, i am alread investing in Canara Robeco Blue Chip, PGIM Flexi Cap. HDFC MID Cap, ICICI Value Discovery & Nippon India Small Cap Fund.
Ans: You’ve taken a thoughtful step by assessing the need for tax-saving investments. Since you no longer require tax rebates, you've stopped SIPs in tax-saving funds. You now face the decision of whether to leave your investments in these funds or reallocate them.
Your current portfolio includes a diversified mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This is a solid foundation. Let’s explore the best course of action for your discontinued tax-saving funds.
Should You Continue Holding the Tax-Saving Funds?
Performance Evaluation
The first step is to evaluate the historical performance of the tax-saving funds you've stopped. These funds are equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS) and, like other equity funds, their performance can vary.
If these funds have consistently performed well and aligned with your long-term financial goals, there may be no immediate need to withdraw. Even without the tax benefit, they could still contribute positively to your portfolio.
However, if the performance has been subpar, holding them could mean missed opportunities for better returns elsewhere.
Liquidity and Lock-In Period
ELSS funds typically come with a three-year lock-in period. Since you’ve been investing for more than a year, some of your units may be locked in.
Consider whether the liquidity of these funds aligns with your financial needs. If you don’t need immediate access to these funds, holding them might not be a concern.
If liquidity is important, especially in case of any upcoming financial needs, you might consider withdrawing the units that have completed the lock-in period.
Alignment with Financial Goals
Evaluate whether these funds still align with your current financial goals. Since your need for tax rebates has changed, your investment strategy might also need adjustment.
If your focus has shifted to growth-oriented funds, and these tax-saving funds do not fit that strategy, it may be wise to reallocate.
Reallocating to Better Opportunities
Diversifying Further
Your current portfolio includes large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This is a well-rounded approach, but there is always room for fine-tuning.
Consider reallocating the corpus from your tax-saving funds into funds that match your current risk appetite and financial goals. Actively managed funds can offer better returns compared to passive index funds, especially in a market where active management can capture alpha.
Funds focusing on emerging sectors, thematic funds, or sector-specific funds could add a new dimension to your portfolio, provided they align with your goals and risk tolerance.
Reviewing Current Portfolio Overlaps
With multiple funds in your portfolio, check for any overlaps in holdings. Often, different funds may invest in similar stocks, which can reduce the diversification benefits.
If your tax-saving funds have significant overlap with your existing funds, reallocating might be the right move to avoid concentration risk.
Regular vs. Direct Funds
Since you mentioned that you’re not using index funds, it’s essential to highlight the potential drawbacks of direct funds. While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they require active monitoring and decision-making.
Investing through a regular plan via a Certified Financial Planner offers the benefit of expert guidance. This ensures your investments are regularly reviewed and adjusted according to market conditions and personal circumstances.
Strategic Reinvestment Options
Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds provide stability and consistent returns, making them an essential part of any balanced portfolio. They invest in established companies with strong market presence.
Reinvesting in a large-cap fund could be a prudent choice, particularly if you prefer stability with moderate returns.
Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds provide the flexibility to invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This flexibility can offer a balanced risk-return profile.
If you’re looking for a fund that adapts to changing market conditions, reinvesting in a flexi-cap fund could be advantageous.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth potential but come with increased volatility. They are ideal for investors with a higher risk tolerance and a longer investment horizon.
If your financial goals align with higher returns and you can withstand short-term fluctuations, these funds can be excellent candidates for reinvestment.
Tax Considerations on Withdrawal
Capital Gains Tax
When withdrawing from your ELSS funds, remember that capital gains tax will apply. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5% without indexation benefits.
Assess the tax implications of withdrawing your funds. If you decide to withdraw, consider spreading out the withdrawals over a few financial years to minimize your tax liability.
Tax Efficiency in Reinvestment
Consider the tax efficiency of the funds you plan to reinvest in. Some funds may offer better post-tax returns compared to others, especially in the case of debt-oriented funds.
ELSS funds themselves are tax-efficient, but without the need for tax rebates, your focus should shift to funds that provide optimal post-tax returns.
Final Insights
Your decision to stop SIPs in tax-saving funds aligns with your current needs. However, whether to continue holding these funds or reallocate depends on multiple factors. It’s crucial to evaluate the performance of these funds, consider their alignment with your financial goals, and assess any liquidity needs. If you find that these funds no longer fit your strategy, reallocating to funds that offer better growth potential and align with your risk profile could be the right move. Your existing portfolio is already well-diversified, but there’s always room for optimization. Whether you choose to stay invested in these tax-saving funds or move to other opportunities, ensuring that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance is key.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
