TAC SAVINGS FROM ELSS AND SIP
This query is : Resolved
12 July 2016
What is the difference between the ELSS and SIP? Which is a better source of tax savings and why?
12 July 2016
*TAX SAVINGS
26 July 2025
Great question! Here’s a simple breakdown of **ELSS** vs **SIP** and which is better for tax savings:
---
### ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme)
* **What is it?**
A type of mutual fund that invests mainly in equities and qualifies for tax deduction under **Section 80C** of the Income Tax Act.
* **Tax Benefit:**
Investment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per year qualifies for deduction under Section 80C.
* **Lock-in Period:**
3 years mandatory lock-in (shortest among all 80C investments).
* **Returns:**
Market-linked, potentially higher returns but with equity risk.
* **Dividends/Capital Gains:**
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1 lakh per year taxed at 10%.
---
### SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)
* **What is it?**
A method of investing a fixed amount regularly in any mutual fund (equity or debt). SIP itself is not a product, just a way to invest.
* **Tax Benefit:**
SIP by itself **does not** give any tax deduction unless it’s specifically an ELSS SIP.
* **Lock-in Period:**
Depends on the mutual fund type; equity mutual funds have no lock-in, ELSS SIPs have 3 years lock-in per installment.
* **Returns:**
Market-linked, depends on the fund chosen.
* **Taxation:**
Depends on the fund type and holding period (LTCG or STCG rules).
---
### Which is better for tax savings?
* **ELSS is better for tax savings** because:
* It **directly qualifies for tax deduction under 80C**.
* Has shortest lock-in period (3 years) among 80C instruments.
* **SIP in a non-ELSS fund** is primarily for disciplined investing and wealth creation, **but no tax deduction**.
---
### Summary:
| Feature | ELSS | SIP (Non-ELSS MF) |
| ------------------- | ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| Tax deduction | Yes (Section 80C) | No |
| Lock-in period | 3 years | No (depends on MF) |
| Investment style | Lump sum or SIP | SIP (regular investing) |
| Risk | Equity market risk | Depends on MF |
| Best for tax saving | Yes | No |
---
**If your goal is tax saving with equity exposure → go for ELSS (can be via SIP or lump sum).**
**If your goal is just wealth creation → SIP in any mutual fund (equity/debt) is fine.**
---
Want me to suggest some top ELSS funds or how to start a SIP?
---
### ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme)
* **What is it?**
A type of mutual fund that invests mainly in equities and qualifies for tax deduction under **Section 80C** of the Income Tax Act.
* **Tax Benefit:**
Investment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per year qualifies for deduction under Section 80C.
* **Lock-in Period:**
3 years mandatory lock-in (shortest among all 80C investments).
* **Returns:**
Market-linked, potentially higher returns but with equity risk.
* **Dividends/Capital Gains:**
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1 lakh per year taxed at 10%.
---
### SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)
* **What is it?**
A method of investing a fixed amount regularly in any mutual fund (equity or debt). SIP itself is not a product, just a way to invest.
* **Tax Benefit:**
SIP by itself **does not** give any tax deduction unless it’s specifically an ELSS SIP.
* **Lock-in Period:**
Depends on the mutual fund type; equity mutual funds have no lock-in, ELSS SIPs have 3 years lock-in per installment.
* **Returns:**
Market-linked, depends on the fund chosen.
* **Taxation:**
Depends on the fund type and holding period (LTCG or STCG rules).
---
### Which is better for tax savings?
* **ELSS is better for tax savings** because:
* It **directly qualifies for tax deduction under 80C**.
* Has shortest lock-in period (3 years) among 80C instruments.
* **SIP in a non-ELSS fund** is primarily for disciplined investing and wealth creation, **but no tax deduction**.
---
### Summary:
| Feature | ELSS | SIP (Non-ELSS MF) |
| ------------------- | ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| Tax deduction | Yes (Section 80C) | No |
| Lock-in period | 3 years | No (depends on MF) |
| Investment style | Lump sum or SIP | SIP (regular investing) |
| Risk | Equity market risk | Depends on MF |
| Best for tax saving | Yes | No |
---
**If your goal is tax saving with equity exposure → go for ELSS (can be via SIP or lump sum).**
**If your goal is just wealth creation → SIP in any mutual fund (equity/debt) is fine.**
---
Want me to suggest some top ELSS funds or how to start a SIP?
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