How are mutual funds taxed in India?
Equity mutual funds (65%+ in Indian equities): gains within 12 months are short-term, taxed at 20%; beyond 12 months are long-term, taxed at 12.5% above a ₹1.25 lakh annual exemption. Debt mutual funds bought on or after 1 April 2023 are taxed at your slab rate regardless of holding period — the long-term indexation benefit no longer applies to them.
1Equity funds
STCG (held under 12 months) is 20% under Section 111A; LTCG (over 12 months) is 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh per year under Section 112A. This covers equity funds and most hybrid equity-oriented funds.
2Debt and other funds
Debt funds purchased from 1 April 2023 are taxed entirely at your slab rate as short-term, with no LTCG/indexation benefit. Older debt-fund units and gold/international funds may follow different transitional rules — check the purchase date.
Frequently asked questions
Are SIP investments taxed differently?
Each SIP instalment is treated as a separate purchase for the holding-period test (FIFO). So when you redeem, units held over 12 months (equity) qualify for LTCG and the rest are short-term — taxed accordingly.
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General information for AY 2026-27, not professional advice. Laws change with each Finance Act, notification or amendment and depend on your specific facts — verify the current position with a licensed CA or advocate before acting.