Taxability of maturity proceeds

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

15 July 2015 Is the amount received at maturity exempt from taxation invested earlier to save capital gains in Capital gains exemption bonds uder Sec 54EC ?

Bhaskaran Chackrapani Warrier

Bhaskaran Chackrapani Warrier (Expert)
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15 July 2015 Principal portion of the maturity proceeds of 54EC bonds is tax free.

CMA Gul S

CMA Gul S (Expert)
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15 July 2015 Interest or any other income generated from the investment is taxable

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

15 July 2015 I too agree with you opinion, but I could not find anywhere in any section or clarification / circular which can be very useful. Will be great if you can help with the same. Thanks again.

Asha Kanta Sharma online

Asha Kanta Sharma online

(Expert)
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26 July 2025 Sure! Here’s a clear explanation of the **taxability of maturity proceeds of 54EC bonds**:

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### 1. **Section 54EC of Income Tax Act:**

* This section provides **exemption from long-term capital gains** if the gains are invested in specified bonds (54EC bonds), such as those issued by **NHAI, REC**, etc.
* The **amount invested in 54EC bonds** within 6 months of transfer of capital asset is exempt from capital gains tax **up to Rs 50 lakh**.

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### 2. **Taxability of Maturity Proceeds of 54EC Bonds:**

* **Principal Amount:**
The amount you invested (principal) in 54EC bonds is **not taxable at maturity** because you never claimed it as income; you only got exemption from capital gains by investing it.

* **Interest Income:**
The **interest earned on these bonds is taxable as income** under the head "Income from Other Sources." This interest is **not exempt** and should be declared in your return.

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### 3. **Legal/Regulatory Backing:**

* **Section 54EC** itself only talks about exemption on capital gains by investing in such bonds.
* The **Interest on 54EC bonds is treated like any other interest income** and is taxable under **Income from Other Sources**.
* There is **no separate exemption or exclusion** on interest income.
* The maturity amount includes the principal + interest. The principal portion is exempt, but interest is taxable.

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### 4. **Official Circulars / Clarifications:**

* CBDT has issued clarifications confirming that **interest on 54EC bonds is taxable**.
* In absence of specific exemption, normal provisions for interest income taxation apply.

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### **Summary:**

| Component | Taxability |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Principal invested in 54EC | Exempt from capital gains under Sec 54EC |
| Interest earned on bonds | Fully taxable as income from other sources |

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If you want, I can help you draft a more formal explanation or find specific circular references. Would that help?

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