Which is the best ELSS mutual fund?

What is ELSS scheme?is it the right tool to nvest in the mutual fund & tax savingas well?

• Answer:

  Equity linked saving schemes are a kind of mutual funds like diversified equity funds with Tax benefits. It is just like other tax saving instruments like National Savings Certificate and Public Provident Fund. Main advantage with ELSS is lock-in period is only 3 years while for NSC it is 6 years and for PPF it is 15 years. At the same time risk factor is high in ELSS. As per Income Tax act 80c investment up to Rs 1,00,000 are eligible for deduction from the gross total income hence reducing the total taxable income. For example if your total annual income is Rs 3,00,000 and you invest Rs 1,00,000 in ELSS then your taxable income will become Rs 2,00,000. Previously there was an upper limit for investing in tax saving instruments like ELSS of 5,00,000. Only individuals with less than 5,00,000 annual income are allowed to invest in tax saving instruments. But last year financial budget removed this restriction and now any individual can invest in ELSS irrespective of their income level. Advantages of ELSS over NSC and PPF 1. Main advantage of ELSS is its short lock-in period. Maturity period of NSC is 6 years and PPF is 15 years. 2. Since it is an equity linked scheme earning potential is very high. 3. Investor can opt for dividend option and get some gains during the lock-in period 4. Investor can opt for Systematic Investment Plan 5. Some ELSS schemes also offer personal accident death cover insurance 6. Provides 30 to 40% returns compared to 8% in NSC and PPF Disadvantages of ELSS 1. Risk factor is high compared to NSC and PPF 2. Premature withdrawal is not allowed but it is allowed in other instruments in some specific conditions :o)