Many investment options are available in the market, and it can take time to choose the right one. But if your investment goals involve capital safety and tax benefits, the tax-free bond is the right option. In this article lets discuss about tax-free bonds and find the top tax-free bonds for 2025.
Government Entities issue fixed-income securities. These are known as tax-free bonds. They provide investors with the opportunity for yearly pre-fixed interest earnings and are a reasonably safe investment choice. In addition, the interest received is tax-free, allowing investors to increase their savings. The principal amount is payable upon maturity, similar to other bonds.
These bonds typically have maturities between 10 and 20 years, and their interest rates are usually lower than those offered by other fixed-income investment options. As a result, they are regarded as a secure investment choice and are appropriate for investors seeking a reliable, long-term investment with tax advantages.
Here are the major types of tax-free bonds in India, which are traded on the exchange.
Infrastructure bonds: Infrastructure bonds are generally issued by the government, such as state governments, municipal corporations or PSUs.
Housing bonds: Housing bonds are issued by the government to finance the development of housing schemes.
Power bonds: Power bonds are issued by the power companies to support and boost the electricity infrastructure in India.
Railway bonds: Railway bonds are issued by the railway companies, such as IRFC, RVNL, IRCON, etc., for improving the railway infrastructure in India.
Public sector unit bonds: Public Sector Unit Bonds are issued by PSUs where the Central Government and the State Government own a stake in their organisation of more than 51%
Find the tax-free bonds list 2025 below, along with their details:
Issuer | Coupon rate (Interest rate) | Maturity Date | Yield to Maturity (%) |
National Highways Authority of India | 8.75 | 05-Feb-2029 | 5.48 |
National Housing Bank | 9.1 | 16-Nov-2033 | 5.01 |
NTPC Limited | 8.91 | 16-Dec-2033 | 5.6 |
Rural Electrification Corporate Limited | 8.71 | 24-Sep-2028 | 5.49 |
Housing & Urban Development Corporation | 7.64 | 8-Feb-2032 | 5.7 |
Indian Railways Corporation Limited | 8.63 | 26-March-2029 | 5.11 |
Power Finance Corporation Limited | 8.67 | 16-Nov-2033 | 5.20 |
You can invest in a tax-free bond through a primary or secondary market. You can apply online or offline by following the steps given below:
Have a look at the features and benefits of tax-free bonds before you start investing:
Security:
Investors are drawn to tax-free bonds because they provide a constant, tax-free income stream with no chance of losing money. After all, the bonds are backed by government securities.
Stable income:
Investing in tax-free bonds will earn you an annual guaranteed income. Along with the principal returned to you at maturity, the yearly interest payment is tax-free too.
Higher profit for higher tax limit:
Tax-free bonds are a great investment choice for high-net-worth individuals aiming to increase their fortune. As a result, you can generate greater profits if you come under a higher tax bracket.
Furthermore, there is no maximum investment amount permitted in tax-free bonds. As a result, you can invest more for better returns and more tax advantages.
Coupon rate:
Given that the interest on these bonds is tax-free, the coupon rate for tax-free bonds typically varies from 5.50% to 7.50%, which is fairly appealing.
Liquidity:
Tax-free bonds have low liquidity when compared to other asset types. Thus investors need to be aware of this. One can purchase tax-free bonds via stock exchanges because they are listed on the NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) by using a stock-broker.
Tax-free bonds are an ideal investment option for senior citizens due to the following reasons:
Tax-free and tax-saving bonds sound similar. But there are some significant differences between them. Learn their differences, so you don’t get confused and make the right investment choice.
Tax Savings Bond | Tax-Free Bond |
The initial investment capital is exempt from taxation. | Interest earned is free from taxation. |
Tax exemption is applicable as mentioned under Section 80CCF of the Income Tax Act. | Tax exemption is applicable as stated under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act. |
Lower interest payment when compared to tax-free bonds. | Higher interest rates than tax savings bonds. |
Tax exemption up to Rs.20,000 per financial year. | The maximum amount of investment is Rs.5 lakh per year. |
These bonds have a repurchase contract that allows you to redeem them after 5 to 7 years. | These bonds have a maturity or lock-in period of 10, 15, and 20 years. |
Tax-free bonds are best suited for risk-averse investors with a low appetite for risk. Also, they are appropriate for those who want to invest over a longer time horizon. Hence, consider your financial and liquidity needs before choosing a tax-free bond.
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