Top 7 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017-2018

Top and Best ELSS tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2017-2018Top 7 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017-2018

Last year in Nov-2015, I have recommended some of the Best ELSS funds to invest in India in 2016. These mutual funds have given superior returns up to 25% in last 1 year. ELSS Funds are useful for employees or business men who want to save income tax u/s 80C. If you are in the highest tax bracket of 30%, you can get a tax exemption of over  ₹ 45,000 in a financial year along with good returns. Which are the Top and Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest for 2017-2018? Which are the best ELSS funds to buy now?

 

What are ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds?

If you are already familiar with this, you can skip this section.

Equity Linked Mutual Funds (ELSS), generally called as ELSS or Tax Saving Mutual funds provide tax exemption u/s 80C upto ₹ 1.5 Lakhs along with mutual fund benefits. You can invest upto ₹ 1.5 Lakhs and get maximum tax exemption. If you invest beyond it, excess invested amount does not qualify for 80C exemption.

Also Read: 4 Ways to increase your SIP returns in Mutual Funds

What are the advantages of investing in ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds?

ELSS Funds have several positive factors.

1) Offers a tax exemption upto ₹ 1.5 Lakhs u/s 80C.

2) Provides superior returns (which are not fixed and not guaranteed) compared to other tax saving schemes like PPF, NSC, bank saving FD schemes etc.,

3) ELSS funds have less lock in period of 3 years. Other instruments like NSC has six years and PPF has 15 year lock-in period if you save money in these instruments.

4) Investors have an option to choose dividend option in these ELSS funds. For dividend option, one would get regular dividends (again, not guaranteed) even during the lock-in period.

5) Investing in Tax Saving mutual funds by monthly SIP would help individuals save every month instead of a lump sum.

Limitations of investing in ELSS Funds

While it has several positive factors, this too has few limitation factors.

1) ELSS funds invest in equities, hence these are risk investment options compared to other tax saving options.

2) ELSS funds have 3 year lock-in period for lump sum and for each and every SIP. As an example, if your SIP is on 19-Sep-16, it has lock-in period of 3 years. Your next SIP is on 19-Oct-16, even this too would have 3 year lock-in period.

I am comparing returns for at least 5 years, assuming that an investor would invest for 2 years and his last SIP would expire only after a 5 year period.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Mutual funds to invest in India in 2017-2018

Top 7 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest for 2017-2018

These top 7 mutual funds to invest in 2017-2018 have been analysed and shortlisted based on key parameters.

1) Picked based on highest returns received in the last 5 years.

2) SIP returns have also been considered in listing top funds. Since one may look at SIP investment, returns from SIP would be key for the success of investing in ELSS funds.

3) Funds that are rated by Crisil as Rank-1, Rank-2, Rank-3 and Rank-4 which indicates good fundamentals for these top 7 tax saving mutual funds. Means these are best ELSS funds as per Crisil.

4) Value research (VRO) rated these mutual funds as 5 star, 4 star and 3 star. Means these are best ELSS funds as per value research.

5) AUM (Assets under management) > 300 Crores. This proves investor confidence among these top ELSS mutual funds.

Top#1: Axis Long Term Equity Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: The ELSS scheme is to generate regular long term capital growth from a diversified portfolio of equity and equity related securities in India. The MF Scheme will invest in a company that has strong growth and sustainable business model.

The performance of the fund: This is the Top-1 ELSS mutual fund, which I have been recommending and which has been consistently performing well. This mutual fund has generated 11.6% returns in last 1 year and 22% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 109,000.

Reasons to invest: This fund performed well and gave 22% annualized returns in 5 years compared to S&P BSE 200 Benchmark annualized returns of 12.7%. Crisil Ranks this mutual fund as Rank-2 (Lowest is better) and Value Research rates this as 5-Star (5 out of 5, higher is better). One of the best ELSS funds to buy through SIP.

Top#2: Reliance Tax Saver Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: The MF scheme aims to generate L/T capital appreciation from a stock portfolio that is invested predominantly in equity and equity related instruments in India.

Performance of the fund: This is the Top-2 tax saving mutual fund, which I have been recommending and which is consistently giving highest returns. This mutual fund has generated 20% returns in last 1 year and 21% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 109,000.

Reasons to invest: It is a consistent performing tax saving Fund. This fund performed well and gave 21% annualized returns in 5 years compared to S&P BSE 100 Benchmark annualized returns of 12.2%. Crisil Ranks this mutual fund as Rank-3 (Lowest is better) and Value Research rates this as 3-Star (3 out of 5, higher is better).

Top#3: DSP BR Tax Saver Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: The mutual fund scheme aims to generate medium to long-term capital appreciation from a diversified stock portfolio of equity and equity related securities along with tax savings.

Performance of the fund: This is the Top-3 tax saving mutual fund, which I have been recommending and which is consistently giving superior returns. This mutual fund has generated 24% returns in last 1 year and 20% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 107,000.

Reasons to invest: This is a consistent performing tax saver Fund. This fund performed well and gave 20% annualized returns in 5 years compared to NIFTY 500 Benchmark annualized returns of 13%. Crisil Ranks this mutual fund as Rank-2 (Lowest is better) and Value Research rates this as 4-Star (4 out of 5, highest is better). One of the good ELSS funds to invest through SIP.

Also Read:  Top International Mutual Funds to buy now in India

Top#4: Birla SL Tax Relief 96 Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: This mutual fund scheme aims for long term capital appreciation by investing upto 80% in equity and balance in debt related instruments.

Performance of the fund: This is the Top-4 tax saving mutual fund to invest. This mutual fund has generated 19% returns in last 1 year and 16% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 105,000.

Reasons to invest: This is a consistent performing ELSS Fund. This fund performed well and gave 19% annualized returns in 5 years compared to S&P BSE 200 Benchmark annualized returns of 12.7%. Crisil Ranks this mutual fund as Rank-1s (Lowest is better) and Value Research rates this as 4-Star (4 out of 5, higher is better).

Top#5: Franklin India Tax Shield Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: The MF scheme aims medium to long term growth of capital along with income tax rebate. This scheme invests in equities and it has good exposure to PSU Bonds, debentures and other debt related instruments.

Performance of the fund: This is the Top-5 tax saving mutual fund to invest. This mutual fund has generated 16% returns in last 1 year and 19% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 101,000.

Reasons to invest: This is a consistent performing ELSS Fund. This fund performed well and gave 19% annualized returns in 5 years compared to NIFTY 500 Benchmark annualized returns of 13%. Crisil Ranks this mutual fund as Rank-2 (Lowest is better) and Value Research rates this as 4-Star (4 out of 5, higher is better). One of the top ELSS funds to invest through SIP in 2017-2018.

Top#6: BNP Long Term Equity Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: The MF scheme aims to get long term growth along with a tax rebate.

Performance of the fund: This is the Top-6 tax saving mutual fund to invest. This mutual fund has generated 11% returns in last 1 year and 19% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 98,000.

Reasons to invest: This is a consistent performing ELSS Fund. This fund performed well and gave 19% annualized returns in 5 years compared to NIFTY 200 Benchmark annualized returns of 12.7%. Crisil Ranks this mutual fund as Rank-3 (Lowest is better) and Value Research rates this as 3-Star (3 out of 5, higher is better).

Top#7: Invesco India Tax Fund

Strategy of the ELSS fund: This mutual fund scheme aims to get capital appreciation and provide tax saving to fund holders.

The performance of the fund: This is the Top-7 tax saving mutual fund to invest. This mutual fund has generated 16% returns in last 1 year and 18% annualized returns in the last 5 years. If you have invested ₹ 1,000 per month through SIP, in 5 years the investment would have been ₹ 60,000 and your investment value would have grown to ₹ 102,000.

Reasons to invest: This is a consistent performing ELSS Fund. This fund performed well and gave 18% annualized returns in 5 years compared to S&P BSE 100 Benchmark annualized returns of 12.2%. Value Research rates this as 4-Star (4 out of 5, higher is better). One of the best ELSS funds for 2017-2018.

Complete list of Top ELSS Funds to invest in 2017 is given below:

List of Top and Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017-2018.

Also Read: Best Midcap and Smallcap Mutual funds that can double your money in medium term

How to buy ELSS funds online?

These are like any other mutual funds. You can login to your mutual fund account and create SIP or invest in lumpsum to buy ELSS funds online.

Conclusion: If you are looking to save income tax u/s and want to invest in mutual funds to get good returns, you can invest in these Top ELSS Tax saving mutual funds.

All the best for your tax saving !!!

If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends and colleagues through Facebook and Twitter.

Suresh

Top 7 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest for 2017-2018

Suresh KP

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76 comments

  1. Hi Sir,
    can house wife invest on ELSS with her income who has 1 Lack per anum
    ex-Birla SL Tax Relief 96 Fund

    1. Hi Ramesh, Why there is a need to invest in ELSS fund when the income is not falling in tax bracket. While there is no such ground rule, you can invest money in diversified or large cap fund where there could be liquidity too (no lock-in period of 3 years which is there in ELSS)

  2. Hello sir,

    motilal oswal long term equity fund can be considered as a taxsaving investment.

    rgds,

  3. Where can a person of 95 years old can save money.  He is drawing some pension but does not have cheque book facility.  Whether he can invest in any other persons name? In that case will be considered as an income?

  4. Hi Sir,

    I would like to make an investment to ELSS per month around 50k. I was looking at big giants (became by now. Long running funds) such as ABSL, Kotak Tax Saver, DSP Black rock..They are having steady growth. But I was wondering that there are few ELSS which are launched in recent years and giveing more returns in 2 to 3 years time. What I believe is these funds will grow too. So if I invest today with thier current nav is less it will give me good returns after 3 to 4 years time (Well I am looking for long term option) ..Motilal Oswal Most focused long term, Mirae Tax Saver..Is my thinking right? What should I do?

    Thanks!!

  5. Hello sir,

    I want to know how much invest in AXIS DYNMIC EQUITY FUND?

    lumsum or through sip.

    Kindly suggest…

    Thanks 

    Falgun

  6. Hi,

    Kindly suggest me best Tax saving & non tax saving mutual funds for invesment.

    Thanks

    Mahesh Kumar Gupta

  7.  

    I am investing ₹2000p.m. in each funds: SBI blue chip SBI mid cap Axis long term equity Franklin High growth company Sir…my queries are- 1. Is my portfolios well diversified with correct funds 2.i want invest additional ₹2000 in ELSS FUND , so please suggest me what should I do . Should I buy one more new ELSS fund Or adding this additional amount₹2000 in axis long term equity fund to get benefit under section 80c I have no insurance I ALREADY deposited ₹1lack in MONTH of may 2017 In my PPF ACCOUNT I come under new pension scheme monthly deductions ₹9,677 p.m. Sachin Negi Teacher Navodaya school Govt employ

     

  8. i) How i choose any mutual funds to invest that 52 week high and low rating or annual returns?

    ii) Should i purchase more units when market is downwards .it is good idea or not?

  9. Hi Suresh,

    For the last couple of months I have been your big fan, your site helped a lot for financial planning. Frankly saying few months back my knowledge on mutual fund was nothing but now I know much better. And this is my first mutual fund investment.

    Could you please have a look on my investment(monthly SIP):

    1. Axis Long Term Equity Fund – 1000 Rs.

    2. DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund – 2000 Rs.

    3. Birla Sun life Tax Relief ’96 – 1000 Rs.

    4. Reliance Tax Saver Plan – 1000 Rs.

    5. Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund – Direct Plan (G) – 3000 Rs

    6. HDFC MIDCAP Opportunity – 2000 Rs

    7. Reliance Smallcap Cap Fund – 2000 Rs.

    8. Kotak select focus – 2000 Rs.

    Now total monthly SIP is 14000 Rs. I want to invest 30000 Rs monthly SIP. Could you please suggest some funds or I can increase the SIP for existing SIPs? What is your thoughts on SBI Bluechip Funds(LargeCap)? I have already one Kotak select focus(LargeCap fund).

    Thanks&Regards,

    Rahul

  10. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

    ITS BEEN A GREAT 1 YEAR SINCE I STARTED READING FROM YOUR WEBSITE AND HAVE MADE SOME GOOD INVESTMENT DECISIONS. A BIG THANK YOU

  11. Sir,

    Thanx for nice blog.can i invest in Reliance elss fund for 10 year as compare to invest in PPF?

  12. Sir,

    I am 44 now. Novicing with MF investment with long term horizon. I have distributed my investment as follows:

    Birla Sun Life '96Tax Saver 2000

    Reliance Tax saver 1500

    DSP BR Tax Saver 1000

    Kotak Tax saver 1000

    Mirae Tax Saver 1000

    Motilal Oswal MF Long Term 500

    SBI Magnum Tax gain 500

    Axis Long term Inv 500

    Reliance Small cap 1000

    Mirae Emerging Blue Chip 1000

    So in tax saving Rs 8000 and others Rs 2000. Kindly advise if I have to make some change.

    1. Nayak, You are investing mostly in tax saving funds. Any reason for that. Unless you want tax exemption, otherwise you can invest in best large cap funds or good mid-cap funds.

      1. sir,

        I am to save Rs 150000 for exemption u/s 80C and chosen MF route. Seeking your guidance regarding my fund selection. 

         

  13. Hi Sir,

     

    what is the difference between regular and direct ?? which one is hassle free?

    Never mind,I'm Naive of MF's

    Thanks

    1. Every fund would be classified in both regular and direct at the end of the fund name. Direct funds is where you invest without any agent in between you and company. Regular are with agent. Direct funds returns are higher as they do not pay commission to agents.

  14. Sir,i had invest 2000rs as sip in below MF is it ok to perform well & gave me 14-15%returns over 5 year.

    1)Birla SF equity gr

    2)DSP small & mid gr

    3)hdfc midcap op gr

    4)Reliance elss fund gr

     

    Regards,

    Falgun

     

    1. Hi Falgun, You have chosen good funds except for DSP BR Small and midcap. Instead choose other funds indicated in our recent article about midcap or small cap funds

  15. Sir , I had invested in canararo robecco ELSS. my last SIP was in march 2012 and made total investment of Rs 54000. now the value is about 1,16,000. 

    Shall I keep it invested in same or can I do a lumsum investment of this amount in another ELSS since 3 yrs of lock in period already completed. 

    Regards,

    Siddharth 

     

    1. always there are two plan Growth and dividend. Growth gives the power of compounding. whereas dividend gives you some form of return as cash.. so less compounding 

  16. I m going to complete age of 60 years on 8.8.17 & my wife is going to complete age of 58 years on 30.09.17. Please advise which hurdle free cashless insurance is advise able for us

    1. What kind of insurance? Health?. If it is health then it is difficult to get one at 60. You need to go through lots of medical tests. They will check your medical history.It's better to buy insurance very early when you don't need it. I think best option for you always put a lumpsum money as FD for your medical need. Use its interest for your treatment if required.Health insurance will be very costly at the age 0f 60. 

       

  17. Hi, I didn't understand the lock in period concept for each and every SIP.  I am planning to invest 5000 rs per month in Axis Long term equity fund for 3 years starting 1st May 2017.  In 3 years I would have invested 1,80,00.  Let's say by end of 3 years, my investment value has grown to 2,50,000.  Will I be able to withdraw the complete amount at the end of 3 year lock in period?

    1. Mr Anurag,

      Let’s say you start with you will be able to withdraw your first SIP amount after 1st May 2020 & your second SIP amount after 1st June 2020. And so on for other SIP’s.

    2. At the end of 3 years you can not withdraw the entire amount. No of units which have completed 3 years can only be redeemed. Like, at the end of 4th year, you can withdraw units invested in 1st year and so on.. But still ELSS SIPs are the best investments, in general.

  18. Hi I want to invest RS 5000/month for Tax saving MF. can you pl advice me the good and reliable funds.My investing period is only 12 months. 2017 to 1018.

      1. Mr Suresh,

        Can the SIP amount be changed month on month. Say i start with Rs 5000 on 1st May. Can i invest Rs 2000 / Rs 6000 on 2nd June ? Please clarify

        1. Yes. One may invest different amounts on different dates; subject to certain minimum amount as prescribed by respective fund.

  19. I am an NRI and would like to invest 15000 in ELSS for saving tax on rents received. Can I do so? Am I elligible for investing in ELSS SIP MFs? Which is the best ELSS MF? Whether to invest 15K in one or multiple?

  20. Hi,

    I am new to mutual fund investment. I am planning to invest around Rs. 40,000 per/month thru SIP in multiple mutual fund company. From Rs 40,000 I want to invest Rs. 5000 per/month in five SIP for ELSS funds and rest 35,000 Rs per /month in other funds. Please help me to select best funds to start my SIP. Many thanks in advance.

    Thanks,
    Rahul

  21. This post is dated 19 sep 2016, since then few things have changed

    Axis long term equity fund had a pretty rough last quarter in 2016 (-9.6)

    since this post is titled as best investments for "2017-2018", you might want to address this issue.

  22. Hello,

    I would like to start a monthly SIP for Rs 3000.Could you please advice which will be the best option i can choose. 

  23. My wife and I want to invest Rs.150000 each in tax saving ELSS mutual funds.  Kindly suggest a couple or three top MFs for tax saving.  Is it better to invest Rs.50000 each in different mfs or to invest Rs.150000 in one fund only. Kindly reply.

  24. Dear sir, I want to start invest 25000 per quarter which helps to save tax from this year..plz guide me which one was the best tax saving ELSS and how to invest,(I am having demat account with SBI securities)

    1. You could use any of the 4 star rated funds in the above category and invest via a monthly SIP route. Choose any two funds and divide the amount as per your wish 50% or 60-40. You could directly login to any of the respective MF websites and invest or you could do it via your demat for which you need to contact your broker (SBI) 

      hope it helps!

      Happy investing.

  25. Dear Sir,

    Can you please advise on Kotak Tax Saver – Regular Plan (G).
    I am looking at investing Rs. 10,000 per month through 4 different SIPs of 3K, 3K, 3K and 1K per month and looking at medium and long term investment of 3-5 years. Please suggest.

    Thank you for your article, time and inputs on the queries.

  26. Hi!

    Iam looking to invest about 5 lac rupees in one go, i do not want to take the SIP route. Can you plz suggest some investment plan, if possible a tax saving plan plz.

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Richa,

      You can Tranche out the lump sum amount in various equity funds if you want aggressive returns and the asset allocation of your over all portfolio permits.

      Tax saving with ELSS can be done upto 1.5L investments, although the ELSS schemes would alow you to invest more but it simply isn’t neccesary to lock in your funds.

      Ideal portfolio in case of tax saving instrument not chosen for the FY:

      Franklin India tax shield fund – Dividend option – 1.5L

      HDFC Equity fund- Growth- 1.5L

      ICICI Prudential value discovery fund- Growth – 1L

      SBI Magnum Mid cap Fund Growth -1 L

      Invest and hold for 24-36 Months, you’ll have handsome post tax and inflation returns.

      In case you’ve already done the tax saving instrument for the current FY, Then:

      HDFC Equity fund- Growth- 2L

      ICICI Prudential value discovery fund- Growth – 2L

      SBI Magnum Mid cap Fund Growth -1 L

      These are pure equity portfolios considering your risk taking ability as high.

      Regards,

      Sajid

  27. Suresh,

    Not only does the return matter but also the Expense ratio of quantum is lowest which erodes your profit. Also it is more stable. Let the nature or risk apetite of investor decide which is better and not just the return of 1,3 or 5 years.

    Regards

  28. Dear Suresh KP.

    In the last 1 year Quantum Tax Saving Fund has been the best fund in the category. Is it advisable to invest in Quantum Tax Saving Fund for tax saving purpose.

    Fund

    Rating

    Launch

    1-Year Ret

    3-Year Ret

    5-Year Ret

    Expense Ratio (%)

    Assets 
    (Cr)

    Quantum Tax Saving Fund

    Dec-2008

    12.30

    17.89

    17.78

    1.25

    49

    Axis Long Term Equity Fund

    Dec-2009

    -0.97

    21.12

    21.92

    1.98

    10,487

    DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund

    Jan-2007

    10.94

    21.46

    21.06

    2.59

    1,458

    Invesco India Tax Plan

    Dec-2006

    3.89

    19.61

    18.92

    2.53

    320

    Reliance Tax Saver Fund

    Sep-2005

    4.72

    23.74

    22.45

    2.00

    5,882

    1. You might be seeing 1 year performance only. You should look at medium term to long term of 3 to 5 years atleast. There are better funds than this. e.g. This fund provided 18% returns in last 3 years or 5 years, other top funds provided more than 20% annualised returns. 

  29. Hi Suresh,

    i am planning to invest Rs 1,00,000, in ELSS. Can you please suggest me some good ELSS.

    all above schems you are suggested here are good to buy through SIP.

    But i want to invest in lumsume.

    i have my previous investments in the below ELSS.

    ICICI long term equity link – 30,000 Rs

    PNB long term equity fund – 30,000 Rs

    Reliance Tax Saver fund. – 40,000 Rs

    The performance is not so satisficatory. 

    Hence kindly advice the current year.

     

  30. Sir,
    I want to invest Rs 10000/ month in mutual funds. I want to divide it as follows

    Sr. No 1.: 2 Nos of ELSS funds having monthly investment of Rs 2500 each.
    I want to invest these funds for 10 years.
    Sr No 2.: 2 Nos of other mutual funds having monthly investment of Rs 2500 each
    My target is of 5 years for these. Ready to take considerable risk for Sr.no 2.

    1. Hi Anuj, You can invest in top ELSS funds indicated here for the sr. no.1 indicated by you. Other 2 funds, you can consider investing in Birla SL Frontline and ICICI Pru Top100 mutual funds

  31. Hi Suresh Sir, I also did research for Best ELSS and found following drawback points
    1. Axis Long Term Equity Fund
    a. Asset – 10,290 crore (Too Much)
    b. Fund Manager – Managing more than 12 schemes
    c. Portfolio Concentration in Top 10 – 57.07% (less diversification)
    d. Portfolio turnover ratio – 61% (Too much)
    2. Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96
    a.Fund Manager managing more than 20 schems
    3.DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund
    a.Expense ratio – 1.99%
    b. Portfolio turnover ratio – 136%
    4. Franklin India Taxshield Fund
    a. 3 years Category Avg biting by 1.10 % which is less
    5. Reliance Tax Saver
    a. Standard deviation is 22.41 % which is not acceptable

    I wants to shortlist 3 schemes 1 for me & 2 for my spouse of 5k each.
    Please help me to pick 3
    Thanks in advance……….

  32. Hi Suresh,I got tied up with Fundsindia as an independent Fund Advisor .can you refer me if anyone would like to start investing in MF’s.

    Thanks,
    Durga

    1. Hi Hari, if these funds are giving good returns, then it is immaterial about dividend. You may get part of the returns as dividend and part is anyhow your NAV appreciated 🙂

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