It’s time for tax saving and tax planning. A new financial year has begun, and it’s advisable to do tax planning at the beginning of the year rather than doing last-minute tax planning.
ELSS (Equity Link Saving Scheme) is one of the best ways to save taxes. ELSS offers multiple benefits such as lower lock-in period (only 3 years). Higher returns compared to other tax saving instruments. Tax deduction up to 1.5 Lakh under section 80C and SIP option for investment.
If you are planning to invest in ELSS and searching for best performing ELSS mutual funds, you are at right place. In this post, I will share details about Best Performing ELSS Mutual Funds.
Also Read – ELSS Mutual Fund – Best way to Save Tax and Generate Wealth
What is ELSS Mutual Funds?
A Full form of ELSS is equity linked saving scheme. The ELSS are open-ended diversified equity schemes offered by Mutual fund houses of India. ELSS is a tax saving instrument. Investment in ELSS is done using lump sum and SIP options.
Earlier ELSS was not taxable. However, in 2018 it was revealed that return generated from ELSS would become taxable. Long term capital gain tax would be applicable on ELSS returns. Despite taxes, ELSS is still one of the preferred tax saving investment option. There are two types of ELSS funds available in the market – Growth, and Dividend.
How ELSS is different from other Investment Options?
Few points which differentiate ELSS from other investment options are given below.
- The expected rate of return in the equity-linked saving scheme is high.
- The lock-in period associated with ELSS is low 3 years compared to other investment options.
- You can invest in tax saving mutual funds via SIP and lump sum option.
- The returns generated by the Equity Linked Saving Scheme are market linked.
- The equity-linked saving scheme is suitable for high risk investors.
ELSS Vs Other Tax Saving Investment Options
| Tax-Saving Investment Options | Lock-in Period | Return | Risk Profile |
| ELSS | 3 years | 12% – 18% | High |
| Fixed Deposit | 5 years | 6.50% -8.25% | Low |
| Public Provident Fund | 15 years | 8% | Low |
| National Pension System | Up to 60 years of age | 10.50% | Moderate |
How to evaluate the Best ELSS Mutual Funds?
You should consider the following parameters while evaluating Best ELSS Mutual Funds.
- Fund Returns
You need to evaluate fund based on fund returns. Make sure to look at the past 5 year’s performance before investing in a particular fund. Select the consistent performer fund. It is a good idea to select a fund which is performing better than the benchmark.
- Fund Reputation & Fund Manager
Select the fund based on fund reputation and asset under management. You should look at the fund manager profile. The fund manager should be skilled and experienced.
- Expense Ratio
Expense ratio is the next important parameter. You should go for a fund with a lower expense ratio. Lower expense ratio means higher returns.
- Financial Parameters
Make sure to go through various financial parameters such as Standard Deviation, Sharp Ratio, Alpha and Beta for analysing fund performance. You should select fund with lower standard deviation and lower beta value.
Best Performing ELSS Mutual Funds 2019
| Top ELSS Funds | 3 Years | 5 Years |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 | 12% | 16.99% |
| DSP Tax Saver Fund | 13.30% | 15.77% |
| Invesco India Tax Plan | 12.15% | 15.68% |
| Kotak Tax Saver Regular Plan | 13.39% | 15.76% |
| L&T Tax Advantage | 11.84% | 13.63% |
| Axis Long Term Equity Fund | 12.79% | 16.78% |
| Mirae Asset Tax Saver | 19.21% | – |
| Principal Tax Saving Fund | 13.71% | 14.44% |
Points to consider before investing in ELSS
Few important points to consider before investing in ELSS are given below.
- You can invest any amount you like in Equity Linked Saving Scheme but amount up to 1.5 lakh will be considered for tax exemption.
- Lock-in period applicable for tax saving mutual fund is 3 years.
- You need to pay long term capital gain tax on equity saving scheme gains. You can avail tax exemption up to 1 Lakh on capital gains.
- The risk involved in Equity Linked Saving Scheme is higher compared to other tax saving instruments.
- You should go for a systematic investment plan while investing in tax saving mutual funds.
Over to you –
Do you invest in ELSS?
Which are your favourite tax saving investment options?
Do share your views in the comment section given below.