Best ELSS Mutual funds to invest for tax savings in 2013

Best ELSS Mutual funds to invest for tax savings in 2013Best ELSS Mutual funds to invest for tax savings in 2013

Many of the investors are doing their tax planning from Apr itself instead of thinking during Dec/Jan. While there are several tax savings investment options, one of the best investment options for tax planning which has potential to provide more returns are Equity Linked Tax saving schemes (ELSS). In this article we would discuss about these equity linked saving schemes and how they can be used to enhance our returns through such investments.

Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) mutual funds

In simple terms Equity linked saving schemes (ELSS) are those which provide the investor, tax exemption/rebates under section 80C. Under this section, a tax payer can get exemption up to Rs 1 lakh by investing in various investment options like PPF, ELSS, Tax saving FD, NSC etc., However all investment options provide returns around 7% to 8.5% apart from tax saving. Investment in Top ELSS mutual funds provides greater chances to increase your investment apart from getting tax savings.

Where does equity linked saving schemes (ELSS) invest?

ELSS saving schemes invest 65% of its portfolio in equity related investments and are notified to avail tax benefits.

Also Read: Complete guide on National Saving Certificate (NSC) to save tax

Why should you invest in Best ELSS mutual funds?

Chances for higher returns: While you would get fixed returns in other tax saving options, if you invest in Best ELSS mutual funds, the returns would depend upon the equity markets and mutual fund scheme performance and there are greater chances that you would get higher returns compared to other tax saving options.

Tax saving option: Investment up to Rs 1 lakh in ELSS can be claimed for tax rebate under section 80C

Lock-in period helps for higher returns: The lock-in period for ELSS mutual funds are 3 years. For such tenure, there are higher chances that your mutual fund scheme performance generates more returns.

Tax free returns: The returns from all tax saving options except for PPF are not tax free. Means the returns on such investment options are taxable. E.g. The returns from NSC are taxable. It can be claimed thru 80C as deduction which is a different question. Returns from ELSS are tax free as the investment period is 3 years and any returns from equity mutual fund for more than one year is not taxed.

Best ELSS mutual funds to invest for tax saving

We have analyzed 4 best ELSS mutual funds which can be invested for tax planning purpose. However, instead of investing a lump sum amount, invest in these top ELSS mutual funds through SIP to get higher returns.

1) Axis Long Term equity:

  • Axis Long Term equity (qualified for tax saving mutual fund) has been ranked by Crisil as Rank-1 and as 3 Star (Out of 5) by Value research.
  • This scheme has delivered annualized returns of 11.3% in 3 years period and 19.5% in the last 1 year.
  • Assets under management are Rs 369 Crores, end of the last quarter which indicates that it gained investors confidence. This is one of the best ELSS mutual funds.

2) Can Rebeco Equity Tax Saver:

  • Can Rebeco tax saver have been ranked by Crisil as Rank-2 and as 5 Star (Out of 5) by Value research.
  • This scheme has delivered annualized returns of 10.7% in 5 years and 6.5% in 3 years period and 14.6% in the last 1 year.
  • Assets under management are Rs 506 Crores, end of the last quarter which indicates that it gained investors.

Also read: Latest info on Post office saving schemes in India

3) Franklin India Tax Shield:

  • Franklin India Tax Shield has been ranked by Crisil as Rank-2 and as 4 Star (Out of 5) by Value research.
  • This scheme has delivered annualized returns of 7.7% in 5 years and 7.9% in 3 years period and 13.7% in the last 1 year.
  • Assets under management are Rs 905 Crores, end of the last quarter which indicates that it gained investors.

4) Reliance tax saver:

  • Reliance tax saver has been ranked by Crisil as Rank-3 and as 5 Star (Out of 5) by Value research.
  • This scheme has delivered annualized returns of 8.5% in 5 years and 6.5% in 3 years period and 10.9% in the last 1 year.
  • Assets under management are Rs 2104 Crores, end of the last quarter which indicates that it gained investors confidence. This is one of the top ELSS mutual funds in terms of stability.

Invest In Top Tax Saving/ELSS Funds Online Today.

Conclusion: Investment in these best ELSS mutual funds provides tax savings and tax free returns. Instead of investing a lump sum, invest through SIP in these funds from beginning of the financial year and do the tax planning.

Readers, I would invite your views about this article.

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Suresh
Best ELSS Mutual funds to invest for tax savings in 2013

Suresh KP

44 comments

  1. Hi Suresh,

    If we invest in ELSS which is 3 year lock out period. At the time of meturity if the mutual fund value is down we have to take that right? else we have again continue to wait for the next tenure.

    Please correct me if I'm wrong.

    1. Hi Kishore, the min lock-in period is 3 years, you can continue beyond this period and you can redeem (sell) any time later on.

  2. Hi Suresh,

    Its very interesting websites on investment. I loved it. Just have some clarification on my investments. Please let me know whether i am on the right way. I have invested in following mutual funds(SIP) for both tax benefits and personal finance purpose.

    Canara robecco equity tax saver – 3000/Month

    HDFX Tax saver – 2000/Month

    HDFC top 200 – 2000/Month

    Whether these are good funds. I want to continue all these funds for next 5 years through SIP. Also following new SIP i wanted to add

    Franklin India Taxshield – 2000/Month

    SBI Magnum Emerging Businesses Fund – Growth – 2000/Month

    Whether it will be good. Please let me know. I have stopped L&T tax advantage 1 year back. Have invested around 44000 in it. All these funds i wanted to invest for 10 years to fulfill my dream home. Let me know your suggestion on these and if any.

    1. Hi Amarnath, 3/5 are ELSS schemes. If you have any extra earnings, keep adding diverisfied and largecap mutual funds in your portfolio. Otherwise the funds you have selected are good.

      1. Thanks Suresh for your reply. Here i have made some correction to my investment. As i am preferably investing into ELSS for my tax purpose, i have added one or two into my portfolio. Hear is what it look like. Please let me know your view on this. I will continue to invest in these funds for the rest 5-10 years for sure unless and untill they perform good. Else i will switch to some other with best performing fund in te respective sector.

        MID & SMALL CAP:

        SBI Magnum Emerging Businesses Fund – Growth – 2000

        ELSS:

        Canara Robeco Equity Tax Saver Regular – 3000
        Franklin India Taxshield – 1000
        HDFC Taxsaver – 2000

        Large & MidCap Funds

        HDFC Top 200 – 2000

        Balanced

        HDFC Balanced – 1000

        Large Cap Fund:

        UTI Opportunities – 1000

  3. Dear Suresh,

    Please guide me as i'm bit confused, I've started investing in HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund last year, i want to know whether this fund is good to continue, or i should start sip with Axis Long Term equity fund.

    1. Sumedh, Don’t worry. I have given top-4 ELSS mutual funds. There are several other good ELSS funds like HDFC Long term advantage fund. The returns are also good and crisil rank-2. You can continue existing SIP.

  4. Hi Suresh,

    I am planning to invest in ELSS for tax saving and in any other good SIP mutual fund. Can you please suggest whom to contact for opening a SIP account and the best funds. IS HDFC ELSS a good tax saving fund?

    Regards,

    Robin

     

      1. Amarnath, For the benefit of doubt, I ask the clarification to the reader. If reader is referring HDFC Tax saver, it is a good scheme.

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