Taxation on Liquid Funds in India

Understanding the tax implications is crucial for making informed decisions and maximising returns in the dynamic landscape of financial markets. One such essential investment option in India is liquid funds. This article aims to explain the taxability of liquid funds in India, providing investors with essential insights into the taxation framework governing these investment instruments. 

What are Liquid Funds?

Liquid funds are a debt mutual fund that prioritises two things: easy access to your cash and predictable returns. They achieve this by investing in short-term debt instruments, typically maturing within 91 days. These instruments include money market options like treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit. 

The return of a liquid fund depends on the market price of the securities held by the fund. While short-term securities typically experience less fluctuation compared to long-term bonds, liquid funds offer relatively stable returns compared to other debt funds.

Tax on Liquid Funds

Liquid funds offer high liquidity and the potential for steady returns, making them a popular choice for investors. However, understanding how taxes apply to liquid fund investments can be confusing. Let's break down how taxes apply to your liquid fund investments.

Understanding the holding period

The key factor determining the tax treatment of your liquid funds is the holding period, which refers to how long you hold the investment before redeeming it. In India, there are two categories for holding periods:

• Short-term Capital Gains (STCG): If you redeem your liquid fund units within 24 months of purchase, any gains you make are considered STCG.
• Long-term Capital Gains (LTCG): If you hold your liquid fund units for more than 24 months , the gains are categorised as LTCG.

Tax Implications of each category

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG):

• STCG from liquid funds is added to your total income and taxed according to your income tax slab rate. This means the tax rate will depend on the total income you earn in a financial year.
• For example, if you fall under the 30% tax bracket and earn a short-term capital gain of Rs. 10,000 from your liquid fund, you'll pay Rs. 3,000 (10,000 * 30%) as tax.

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG):

• Irrespective of the holding period, with effect from 01st April 2023, the capital gains on sale of Debt Mutual Funds, market linked debentures and Unlisted Bonds or Debentures are always considered short-term. They are taxed at normal slab rates.
• Prior to 01st April 2023, the tax rates were 10% on the profit amount without indexation benefit.

Dividends:

Dividends received on liquid funds (mutual funds) are taxed at the income tax slab rate applicable to the assessee. Tax deducted at source (TDS) at 10% is applicable to dividends received in excess of Rs 5,000.

Example for taxation on liquid fund 

Scenario 1: Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)

• You invest Rs. 10,000 in a liquid fund on January 1, 2024.
• On April 1, 2024 you redeem your investment and receive Rs. 12,000 (Rs. 10,000 principal + Rs. 2,000 gain).

Tax Calculation:

• Your short-term capital gain is Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 12,000 redemption - Rs. 10,000 investment).
• Since it's an STCG, this gain is added to your total income and taxed according to your income tax slab rate.
• Let's assume you fall under the 30% tax bracket.
• Tax liability = Rs. 2,000 (gain) * 30% (tax rate) = Rs. 600.

Scenario 2: Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)

• Consider an investment of Rs. 50,000 made in a liquid fund on March 1, 2020
• On April 1, 2024 (after 4 years), you redeem your investment and receive Rs. 65,000 (Rs. 50,000 principal + Rs. 15,000 gain).

Tax Calculation (with effect from 01/04/2023, liquid funds are always considered short-term. They are taxed at normal slab rates)

• Let's assume you fall under the 30% tax bracket.
• Tax liability = Rs. 15,000 (gain) * 30% (tax rate) = Rs. 4,500.

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