Income Tax Return (ITR) for Mutual Funds

Investing in mutual funds is a popular way for Indians to grow their wealth. However, it's essential to understand how mutual fund income is taxed and how to disclose it in your Income Tax Return (ITR). In this article, we'll delve into the types of income from mutual funds, rules for disclosing mutual fund income in your ITR, which ITR form to file, and how to show mutual fund investments in your return.

Types of Income From Mutual Funds

Mutual funds generate various types of income, and each is taxed differently:

Capital Gains: When you sell your mutual fund units for a profit, it results in capital gains. Capital gains are further classified into short-term and long-term based on the holding period. Short-term capital gains (STCG) arise from selling units held for less than 36 months, while long-term capital gains (LTCG) come from units held for more than 36 months.

Dividends: Mutual funds may distribute dividends to their unit holders from the profits earned by the fund. These dividends are taxed differently based on whether they are received from equity-oriented funds or debt-oriented funds.
Interest Income: Some mutual funds, particularly debt funds, generate interest income from investments in fixed-income securities like bonds and debentures. This interest income is also taxable.
 

Rules to Disclose Mutual Fund Income in ITR

To accurately disclose your mutual fund income in your ITR, you need to follow these rules:

Reporting Capital Gains: Both short-term and long-term capital gains from mutual funds need to be reported in your ITR. For short-term capital gains, you must include them under the head "Income from Capital Gains" and specify the nature of the capital gains (i.e., equity or debt) and the tax rate applicable. Long-term capital gains from equity-oriented funds are tax-exempt up to a certain limit, while those from debt-oriented funds are taxed at a lower rate after indexation.

Reporting Dividends: Dividends received from mutual funds are tax-free in the hands of the investor. However, from April 2020, dividend income from mutual funds is taxable in the hands of the investor at their applicable slab rate.
Reporting Interest Income: Interest income from mutual funds should be reported under the head "Income from Other Sources" in your ITR.
 

Which ITR to File for Income From Mutual Funds?

The Income Tax Return (ITR) form you need to file depends on the nature and amount of your income from mutual funds:

ITR-1 (Sahaj): If you have only income from salary, one house property, other sources (including interest income), and total income up to ₹50 lakhs, you can file ITR-1. However, if you have capital gains from mutual funds, you cannot use ITR-1.

ITR-2: If you have capital gains from mutual funds or any other sources of income apart from those mentioned in ITR-1, you must file ITR-2. This form allows you to disclose all types of income, including capital gains and dividends.

ITR-3: If you are a partner in a partnership firm or have income from business or profession along with income from mutual funds, you need to file ITR-3.
 

How to Show Mutual Fund Investment in ITR?

To show your mutual fund investments in your ITR:

Capital Gains: In ITR-2 or ITR-3, under the section "Schedule CG," you need to provide details of the sale of mutual fund units, including the purchase price, sale price, and period of holding. The form will automatically calculate the capital gains tax liability based on the provided information.

Dividends: In ITR-2 or ITR-3, you don't need to separately mention the dividends received from mutual funds as they are tax-free. However, if you have opted for the dividend reinvestment option, the reinvested amount should be considered as fresh investment in mutual funds.

Interest Income: Under the head "Income from Other Sources," you need to disclose the interest income earned from mutual funds.
 

Conclusion

Investing in mutual funds can be rewarding, but it's crucial to understand the tax implications and how to report your income from mutual funds in your Income Tax Return (ITR). By following the rules for disclosing capital gains, dividends, and interest income, and choosing the appropriate ITR form, you can ensure compliance with tax regulations and avoid any penalties or scrutiny from the tax authorities.