ICICI Prudential Long Term Wealth Enhancement Fund

Suitability:

When you invest for five years or more, you can expect gains that comfortably beat the inflation rate as well as returns from fixed income options. In addition, there is a tax benefit. Under Section 80C of the Indian income tax laws, investments of up to Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year in eligible securities such as this fund are exempt from tax.

But be prepared for ups and downs in your investment value along the way. Also note that you cannot withdraw your money from this fund before completing three years from the date of investment.

Like for all equity funds, you must invest only through the SIP route. Click here to read a primer on SIP investing.

Warning: Do not invest in this, or any other ELSS, if you need to redeem your investment in less than five years.

Taxability of earnings:

Capital gains

• If the mutual fund units are sold after 1 year from the date of investment, gains upto Rs 1 lakh in a financial year are exempt from tax. Gains over Rs 1 lakh are taxed at the rate of 10%.
• If the mutual fund units are sold within 1 year from the date of investment, entire amount of gain is taxed at the rate of 15%.
• No tax is to be paid as long as you continue to hold the units.

Dividends

• Dividends are added to the income of the investors and taxed according to their respective tax slabs. Further, if an investor's dividend income exceeds Rs. 5,000 in a financial year, the fund house also deducts a TDS of 10% before distributing the dividend.