Govt clears tax incentive scheme for first-time equity investors

http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/rajiv-gandhi-equity-savings-scheme-rgess-mutual-fund/1/188295.html

Are you yet to start investing in equities? If you have been planning to take the plunge, it might be a good time. First-time retail investors in stocks and equities-based mutual funds can now avail of tax benefits under the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS).

In a bid to increase participation of small investors in the equity market, the finance ministry on Friday (21 September 2012) approved the scheme under which beginners investing up to Rs 50,000 in approved stocks and mutual funds can claim 50 per cent of the amount as tax deduction. However, only those with an annual income of less than Rs 10 lakh would be eligible for the deduction. 

Top 100 stocks listed on the BSE 100 (of the Bombay Stock Exchange) and CNX 100 (of the National Stock Exchange) indices and shares of government-owned Navratna, Maharatna and Miniratna companies have been approved for the benefit. 

Investments in follow-on public offers (FPOs) of the aforementioned companies and initial public offerings of state-owned companies with an annual turnover of Rs 4,000 crore or more in the three years preceding the issue would also be eligible for the tax deduction. 

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds investing in the approved securities have also been included in the incentive scheme. The tax deductions can be claimed under Section 80CCG of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Investments can be made in parts during the financial year for which a tax deduction is claimed under the scheme.  

Investments under the scheme will have a lock-in period of three years. For one year from the date of purchase of equities/mutual funds units under the scheme, an investor cannot sell the securities or take appreciation benefit at all. 

From second year onwards, one can sell the securities provided the portfolio does not fall below the amount for which deduction was claimed or the value of the portfolio before initiating the first sale transaction, whichever is less, for at least 270 days in a year during the lock-in period. If an investor fails to meet these conditions, the tax benefit will be withdrawn.

By restricting the ambit of the incentive scheme to large-cap stocks, the government has tried to limit the risk exposure of new investors. Some market experts had expressed concern that the scheme might expose small investors to the vagaries of stock markets.

Equity market experts and the mutual fund industry have welcomed the move saying it would broaden the equity investors' base and bring more depth into equity markets.