Tax planning guides Mutual fund taxation
How Mutual Funds Are Taxed in FY 2026-27
How much tax you pay on a mutual fund depends on the type of fund and how long you hold it. Tax is due only when you redeem (or receive a dividend), not while you stay invested.
Tax rates at a glance
| Fund type | Short term | Long term |
|---|---|---|
| Equity funds and ELSS (65%+ in Indian equity) | Up to 12 months: 20% | Over 12 months: 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh a year |
| Hybrid funds (35–65% equity) | Up to 24 months: your slab rate | Over 24 months: 12.5% |
| Debt funds bought on or after 1 April 2023 | Your slab rate | Your slab rate, whatever the holding period |
| Dividends (IDCW option) | Added to income and taxed at your slab rate; TDS of 10% if dividends exceed ₹10,000 a year | |
Add applicable surcharge and 4% health and education cess. Arbitrage funds and many balanced advantage funds keep at least 65% in (hedged) equity, so they are taxed like equity funds.
Three points investors often miss
- No tax until you redeem. Growth-option units are not taxed year by year, so your full amount keeps compounding. See the deferral advantage.
- The ₹1.25 lakh exemption resets every financial year. Unused exemption is lost, which is why tax harvesting matters.
- Each SIP instalment has its own holding period. Units are redeemed first-in, first-out, so older instalments turn long-term first.
Growth or IDCW?
For most investors building wealth, the growth option is more tax-efficient: IDCW payouts are taxed every year at your slab rate, while growth units are taxed only when you redeem, often at a lower rate.
Common questions
Is there TDS on mutual fund redemptions for resident investors?
Capital gains on redemption are not subject to TDS for resident individuals. You report them in your income tax return.
Do the rules change often?
Capital-gains rules were last revised significantly in July 2024. We update these guides when the Union Budget changes them.
Please note: This guide is investor education, not tax or investment advice. Figures are illustrations using assumed returns and are not guaranteed. Tax rules shown apply for FY 2026-27 (tax rules as of September 2026) and can change; please confirm your own situation with a chartered accountant. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully.
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