Selecting the right mutual fund scheme is one of the most important decisions for achieving financial goals. Many investors choose funds based on past returns alone, which can lead to poor outcomes. Instead, investors should evaluate several key factors before investing in any mutual fund scheme. The following are the five most important points every investor must consider: 1) Investor Need (Financial Goals)  The first and most important step is to identify the purpose of investment. Every mutual fund investment should be linked to a specific financial goal. Examples of Investor Needs: Retirement planning Children’s education Wealth creation Buying a house or car Emergency fund Regular income Why This Matters: Different goals require different types of mutual funds. Investor Need Suitable Fund Type

The post Points to be Considered While Selecting Mutual Fund Schemes appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

Growth and value are two core investing styles in equity mutual funds. In India, value-oriented funds form a distinct SEBI category, while most other equity funds (large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, etc.) lean toward growth or a blend. Neither style is permanently superior — performance is cyclical and depends on market conditions. Here is a clear, practical comparison of Growth vs Value funds in India—useful for investors like you who evaluate mutual fund categories regularly. Growth vs Value Funds in India 1) What is a Growth Fund? Growth funds invest in companies expected to grow faster than average in earnings and revenue. The focus is on capital appreciation, not dividends. Typical features: Invest in fast-growing companies Higher risk & volatility Higher long-term return potential

The post Growth Funds vs Value Funds in India appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

 Here are the most important ratios in Indian mutual funds that every investor, advisor, or MFD should know. I’ll keep it practical—useful for fund selection, SIP advice, and client discussions. Most Important Ratios for Practical Use (Top 5) If you want a simple shortlist, focus on these: Expense Ratio Sharpe Ratio Alpha Beta Standard Deviation These five ratios are widely used to evaluate mutual fund performance and risk-return profile. 1) Expense Ratio (Cost of the Fund) Meaning: Annual cost charged by the fund house. Why important: Lower cost = higher net returns. Rule of thumb: Equity active fund: ≤ 2% Index fund: ≤ 0.5% Example: If Expense Ratio = 1.5%, then ₹1,00,000 investment costs ₹1,500 per year.  Expense ratio shows what percentage of assets is used to cover operating expenses

The post Important Ratios in Indian Mutual Funds which should be Keep in Mind appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

Overview of Gold and Silver ETFs Gold ETFs and Silver ETFs in India are exchange-traded funds that track the price of physical gold or silver, respectively, and are traded on stock exchanges like NSE or BSE. They provide a convenient way to invest in these commodities without holding physical assets. Taxation on these ETFs has been updated following the Union Budget 2024, with no major changes in Budget 2026 affecting this category. As of FY 2025-26 (extending into 2026-27), these ETFs are classified as non-equity oriented funds (since they have zero exposure to equities), but they now benefit from a reduced holding period for long-term capital gains (LTCG) qualification. Gains from the sale or redemption of ETF units are treated

The post Taxation of Gold and Silver ETFs appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

In India, the taxation of Multi-Asset Allocation Funds (MAAF) depends mainly on how much equity the fund holds. These funds invest in at least 3 asset classes (typically equity, debt, and gold) with a minimum of 10% in each. The key rule is the 65% equity threshold, which determines whether the fund is taxed like equity or debt/other mutual funds. The key tax rules stem from changes introduced in the Union Budget 2024, which remain applicable as of FY 2025-26, with no major alterations noted in the 2026 budget beyond adjustments like increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives that indirectly affect some fund strategies.  “Multi-Asset Funds invest in equity, debt and gold together, so when one asset falls, another supports the portfolio.” Taxation of Multi Assets Funds in India (Latest

The post Taxation of Multi Assets Funds in India (Latest Rules 2026) appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

The Indian mutual fund industry has crossed ₹81.01 lakh crore AUM as on 31 Jan 2026. More than 26.63 crore folios exist — and most belong to first-time retail investors like you.If you are a salaried person, freelancer, or small business owner who has never invested in mutual funds before, this guide is written exactly for you. No jargon. No complexity. Just clear steps. Why Should a Beginner Start with Mutual Funds in 2026? Start with just ₹500 per month via SIP Professional fund managers do all the research Instant diversification (one fund = 50–100 stocks/bonds) High liquidity — redeem in 1–3 days Regulated by SEBI — highest safety standards Beat inflation + build serious wealth in 7–10 years A ₹5,000 monthly SIP at 12% average

The post Mutual Fund Guide for Absolute Beginners – First Step into Mutual Funds in 2026 appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

Introduction: Why Indian Mutual Funds Are Booming in 2026 The Indian mutual fund industry has become one of the fastest-growing financial ecosystems in the world. As on 31 January 2026: Total Assets Under Management (AUM) → ₹81.01 lakh crore (₹81.01 trillion) Average AUM (AAUM) for January 2026 → ₹82.01 lakh crore Total folios (investor accounts) → 26.63 crore (of which 20.43 crore are in equity, hybrid & solution-oriented schemes – mostly retail) In just 10 years (2016–2026), AUM has grown more than 6x. From ₹30.5 trillion in Jan 2021 to ₹81 trillion now – a 3x jump in five years. SIP inflows remain robust, passive funds are exploding (now ~19% of industry AUM), and younger investors + Tier-2/3 cities are

The post Best Guide to Mutual Funds India 2026 | AUM, Types, Tax, SIP appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

Budget Speech by Finance Minister   Union Budget 2025: The Finance Bill, 2025 Union Budget Speech Memorandum Explaining the Provisions in the Finance Bill, 2025 Key Features of Budget 2025 Key to the Budget Documents 2025 Major Changes in Direct Taxes DIRECT TAX No personal income tax payable upto income of Rs 12 lakh (i.e. average income of Rs 1 lakh per month other than special rate income such as capital gains) under the new regime. This limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried tax payers, due to standard deduction of Rs 75,000. The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment. The

The post Union Budget 2025 appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

CBDT Notified Cost Inflation Index for Financial Year 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is 363 The Government of India, Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), Central Board of Direct Taxes published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary Notification No. 44/2024/F.No.370142/10/2024-TPL dated 24-05-2024 the Cost Inflation Index for Financial Year 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is 363. View/Download GAZETTE Notification The cost of inflation index (CII) has been notified by the Central Government every year by notification in the Official Gazette. The cost of acquisition/improvement will, thus, be indexed with reference the rate of applicable for the relevant year. The Cost of Inflation Index is mainly used to compute Long term capital gain. Source: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/communications/notification/notification-44-2024.pdf New Cost of Inflation Index (CII) come into force w.e.f. 01-04-2018 Financial

The post Cost Inflation Index for Financial Year 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is 363 appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.

CBIC Extends Deadline For Filing FORM GSTR-3B For November 2023 Until December 27, 2023 Published on: 2023-12-22 The Central Board of Indirect Taxes And Customs (CBIC) has extended the deadline for filing FORM GSTR-3B for November 2023 until December 27, 2023. As suggested by the Council under section 39(1) and rule 61(1)(i) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, the extension is applicable to registered individuals having their principal place of business in certain districts of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram). Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for Resident Individuals- Reporting of monthly return and daily transactions Published on: 2023-12-22 AD Category-I banks shall upload the LRS monthly return on or before fifth of the succeeding month commencing from

The post Taxation Newsletter [Direct & Indirect Taxes] December, 2023 appeared first on TaxIndiaUpdates In.