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💸 Mutual Fund Taxation

Updated for FY 2026-27 (Union Budget 2026)

Latest Updates (Budget 2026):
New Income Tax Act effective 1st April 2026. Simplified Slabs introduced in New Regime.
Equity LTCG remains at 12.5% with ₹1.25L exemption.

How are Mutual Funds Taxed?

Taxation depends on three key factors:

  1. Fund Type: Equity, Debt (Specified), or Hybrid (Other).
  2. Holding Period: Short Term vs Long Term.
  3. Date of Transfer: Logic for FY 2026-27 and historical rules applied.

1. Equity Mutual Funds

Funds investing ≥ 65% in domestic equity shares.

Holding Period Transfer Date Tax Rate
Less than 12 Months (STCG) Before 23 July 2024 15% + Cess
On/After 23 July 2024 20% + Cess
More than 12 Months (LTCG) Before 23 July 2024 10% (> ₹1L)
On/After 23 July 2024 12.5% (> ₹1.25L)

*LTCG Exemption limit increased to ₹1.25 Lakh/year (aggregate) for transfers post 23 July 2024.

2. Specified Mutual Funds (Debt/Gold/Intl)

Funds investing ≤ 35% in domestic equity shares (Section 50AA).

Includes: Debt Funds, Liquid Funds, Gold ETFs, and International Funds.

Case A: Invested On/After April 1, 2023 (Section 50AA)

Tax Category Deemed Short Term (Always)
Tax Rate Slab Rate + Cess

Case B: Invested Before April 1, 2023 (Old Regime)

Holding Period Tax Category Tax Rate
Less than 36 Months Short Term Slab Rate
More than 36 Months Long Term 20% with Indexation
LTCG Benefit: Investments made before April 1, 2023, still enjoy the Long Term Capital Gains benefit with Indexation.

3. Other / Hybrid Funds

Funds with equity exposure between 35% and 65%.

Often includes Balanced Hybrid Funds or Multi-Asset Funds.

Holding Period Tax Rate
Short Term Slab Rate
Long Term (> 24 Months*) 12.5% (No Indexation)

*24 Months for unlisted units (most open-ended funds). 12 Months for listed units (ETFs).

4. Dividend Distributions (IDCW)

Dividends received from Mutual Funds are taxable in the hands of the investor.

Category Tax Rate TDS Rate
Resident Individual Slab Rate 10% (if dividend > ₹10,000/year)
NRI Slab Rate 20% (plus surcharge & cess)

5. Income Tax Slabs (FY 2026-27)

Tax on Debt funds, IDCW, and STCG on Hybrid/Debt funds is based on your total income slabs.

New Regime (FY 2026-27)

Income Range Tax Rate
Up to ₹4,00,000 Nil
₹4,00,001 - ₹8,00,000 5%
₹8,00,001 - ₹12,00,000 10%
₹12,00,001 - ₹16,00,000 15%
₹16,00,001 - ₹20,00,000 20%
₹20,00,001 - ₹24,00,000 25%
Above ₹24,00,000 30%

Old Regime

Income Range Tax Rate
Up to ₹2,50,000 Nil
₹2,50,001 - ₹5,00,000 5%
₹5,00,001 - ₹10,00,000 20%
Above ₹10,00,000 30%

*Standard Deduction of ₹75,000 is available for salaried employees in the New Regime (FY 2026-27). Rebate u/s 87A: No tax for income up to ₹12 Lakh.

5. TDS on Capital Gains

Key Difference: Residents pay tax themselves (Self-Assessment). For NRIs, the Fund House deducts tax (TDS) before redemption payout.
Investor Status TDS on STCG TDS on LTCG
Resident NIL NIL
NRI 15% / 20% / Slab (as per fund) 10% / 12.5% (as per fund)

*TDS rates for NRIs are subject to applicable Surcharge and Cess (effective rate is higher).

🧮 Mutual Fund Tax Calculator

Estimate your tax liability and TDS (for NRIs) based on FY 2026-27 rules.


Holding Period -
Total Capital Gain -
Tax Category -
Applicable Rate -
Estimated Tax (incl. Cess) -
*Disclaimer: Estimation only. For NRIs, effective TDS may vary due to Surcharges.

Tax laws are subject to change. Please consult a qualified CA or tax advisor for personal filings.