Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017

In my last post, I listed Top 10 Best SIP Mutual Funds to invest in India in 2017. Now I am listing here the Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017.

Note:-Refer my latest post on this topic “Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds 2018-2019“.

Before proceeding further, let us first understand the returns of the funds which I recommended last year.

Performance of Top 5 Best ELSS or Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2016

You noticed that since one year Axis Long Term Equity Fund is the only fund which underperformed to it’s benchmark. Rest of the funds are way ahead. This may be due to the style the fund adopted and the benchmark it set against other funds.

What are ELSS or Tax Saving Mutual Funds?

  • ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) or Tax Saving Mutual Funds are the special funds which are meant for tax saving purpose under the Sec.80C of IT Act.
  • Lock-in period of ELSS or Tax Saving Mutual Funds is 3 years. This is the lowest lock-in period among all tax saving instruments you invest. However, do remember that each investment (monthly SIP) is considered as fresh investment. Hence, such each investment or monthly SIP must complete 3 years for liquidating. Let us say you started the monthly SIP on 1st January, 2017, then the first SIP will be eligible for withdrawal after 3 years completion means after 1st January, 2020. Same way 1st February, 2017 SIP will be eligible for withdrawal after 1st February, 2020. It will continue like that. Never be in wrong belief that one year SIP in ELSS funds means after 3 years can withdraw FULLY. You have to wait for fourth-year completion to completely withdraw the amount.
  • ELSS falls under EEE tax rule (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt). There will be no tax during investment, no tax on whatever you earn and no tax at the time of withdrawal. This includes the divided declared from such funds are also tax-free in the hands of investors.
  • The monthly investment required is as low as like Rs.500. There is no maximum limit. But the maximum tax benefit under Sec.80C is Rs.1.50,000 as of now.
  • All ELSS or Tax Saving mutual funds will not have same investment mandate or never feel that they all invest in same stocks or sectors. Based on the fund mandate, they have rights to invest accordingly. Hence, you must understand the fund portfolio before jumping into investment.
  • Never invest in ELSS or Tax Saving mutual funds with the intention that after 3 years you can easily come out investment with POSITIVE returns. This is the equity product. Hence, enter into such products only if you are ready to wait for more than 5 years or so.
  • Tax Saving ALONE will not be your motive to invest in such products. You must have a proper financial goal in mind and along with that proper asset allocation a MUST. If you are unable to do that then it is a sheer waste of investing randomly.

Why you have to invest in ELSS or Tax Saving Mutual Funds?

# You must have long term holding period to invest (strictly not less than 5 years).

# You must invest in such funds only if you have a proper financial goal.

# You must do the proper asset allocation between debt and equity or among other assets based on the time horizon of your financial goal.

If the goal is below 5 years-Don’t touch equity product. Use the debt products of your choice like FDs, RDs or Debt Funds.

If the goal is 5 years to 10 years-Allocate debt:equity in the ratio of 40:60.

If the goal is more than 10 years-Allocate debt:equity in the ratio of 30:70.

# You must have proper return expectation of your OWN before jumping into investment.

# You must know what is your portfolio return expectation when you combine both debt and equity.

# Finally, if you are feeling the shortfall in tax saving benefit under Sec.80C limit.

Notice that I gave the priority of tax saving the LEAST. So understand first then jump into investment.

How I selected Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017?

I will first screen the top 15 funds based on their returns to benchmark since inception. The funds who consistently beaten the benchmark are listed in that 15. Once I have the list in my hand, then I select the funds based on Risk-Return Analyzer.

Many simply select the funds based on eye-catching returns. However, at what cost the fund is giving you a better return? To what extent it protects my investment during a downturn is what differentiate from good fund to bad fund.

Again, I am not saying that these 5 funds alone be considered as “Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017”. There may be fewer other funds, which are good to compete with these funds. However, I may be biased towards few Mutual Fund Companies (purely on their size and how long they are in MF business in India). Below are the metrics I used to arrive at finally selecting the funds.

If the fund cleared all these tests and given me around a minimum of 80% score since inception, will be added to my list.

  1. Beta-Volatility measure and tell how much the fund changes for a given change in the Index. Lower the beta, lower the volatility. Hence, your fund must have lower beta.
  2. Standard deviation-It tells us how for a given set of returns, how much do fund returns deviate from the average. Lower the standard deviation, lower the volatility. Hence, your fund must have lower beta.
  3. Alpha-It is the risk-adjusted measure. By taking risks, how much the fund manager generated the return over the benchmark. Higher the alpha, higher the outperformance of the fund.
  4. Sharpe Ratio-It is the risk-adjusted measure. Higher the Sharpe ratio, better is the performance.
  5. Sortino Ratio-It is the risk-adjusted measure. Higher the Sortino ratio, better is the performance.
  6. Treynor Ratio-It is also be known as reward ratio. Higher the Treynor ratio, better is the performance.
  7. Information Ratio-This is calculated by average excess return obtained compared to a benchmark and divides it by the standard deviation of excess returns. Higher the information ratio, higher the consistency in beating the benchmark.
  8. Omega Ratio- It is a risk-return performance measure of an investment asset.
  9. Downside deviation-This is also be called as BAD RISK.
  10. Upside potential-This is exactly the opposite of Downside deviation.
  11. R-squared- It is a measure of how correlated the fund’s NAV movement is with its index.
  12. SIP Returns-For how many times the fund’s returns are above the index when we invest in SIP.
  13. Lump Sum Returns-For how many times the fund’s returns are above the index when we invest in a lump sum.

Below are my Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017.

Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017

As I pointed above, I first shortlisted Top 15 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds. They are as below.

  1. Axis Long Term Equity Fund (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 6 Yrs)
  2. Birla Sun Life Tax Plan (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  3. Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  4. DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 8 Yrs)
  5. Franklin India Taxshield Fund (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  6. ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund (Tax Saving) (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  7. Invesco India Tax Plan (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 8 Yrs)
  8. Tata India Tax Savings Fund (Consistency Score 100% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  9. Reliance Tax Saver Fund (Consistency Score 90% and Fund Age 10 Yrs)
  10. BNP Paribas Long Term Equity Fund (Consistency Score 89% and Fund Age 9 Yrs)
  11. IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund (Consistency Score 86% and Fund Age 7 Yrs)
  12. Edelweiss ELSS Fund (Consistency Score 83% and Fund Age 6 Yrs)
  13. Canara Robeco Equity Tax Saver Fund (Consistency Score 67% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  14. SBI Magnum Taxgain Scheme (Consistency Score 58% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)
  15. HDFC Taxsaver Fund  (Consistency Score 50% and Fund Age 12 Yrs)

Among these top 15 ELSS or Tax Saving Funds, I have to select Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017. They are as below.

Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017

1) Birla Sun Life Tax Plan-G

My first choice this time among “Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017” is Birla Sun Life Tax Plan. I excluded Axis Long Term Equity Fund due to it’s underperformance score of 20 for a year. Even though you may feel it as a knee-jerk reaction, but giving the best track record old funds availability, I thought to rely on older than the new fund.

The risk-return score of Birla Sun Life Tax Plan is as below.

Birla Sun Life Tax Plan Risk Return Analyzer

Since 10 years the fund is performing nicely. So why not pick this fund as my first choice?

2) Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96-G

My second choice is again within Birla AMC. The fund is Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96. Below is the consistency score fo the fund.

Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 Risk Return Analyzer

3) DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund-G

Third among Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017 is DSPBR Tax Saver Fund-G. This is almost 8 years old fund with consistent track record. Below is the track record of risk-return analyzer score of the fund.

DSPBR Tax Saver Fund Risk Return Analyzer

4) Franklin India Taxshield-G

Fourth among top 5 is Franklin India Taxshield-G. You notice that even though consistency is 100% but when it comes to the risk-return analyzer, since a year the fund is giving us the score of 40 (better than Axis Long Term Equity Fund). But I will not deter with the one-year drop. I go ahead and recommend you the same. Below is the risk-return analyzer score of the fund.

Franklin India Taxshield Risk Return Analyzer

5) ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund-G

Last among Top 5 is ICICI Pru Long Term Equity Fund-G. Even though fund score is 75 for a year, I still suggest the best fund for investing.

ICICI Pru Long Term Equity Fund Risk Return Analyzer

These are my Top 5 Best ELSS Tax Saving Mutual Funds to invest in 2017 among ELSS category of funds. Please note that the benchmark set for each fund is different. Also, you must analyze where the fund is investing. Based on that you may take a decision. After all, it is my BEST, but it does not mean that it must be UNIVERSAL BEST.

Refer my earlier posts related to Mutual Fund Investment in 2017-18

216 Responses

  1. Sir, I want to save my income tax. I have taken LIC but again this year I want to invest in ELSS to save tax & earn some attractive return after 5 years.
    Please guide me & tell me where & how to invest.

  2. Hello Sir,
    I am very new to equity fund. I am planning to start SIP in in two different ELSS funds. I have selected a few ELSS funds based on past 3-5 years performance and ratings which are as follows:
    1. IDFC Tax Advantage Direct
    2. BSL Tax relief 96
    3. Motilal Ideal Most focussed long term Fund
    4. Mirae asset Tax Saver

    Kindly help and suggest to choose from.

  3. Hi Basu,

    Want to learn more about Upfront Commission / Trail Commission in case of ELSS Mutual Funds. ?
    How does that impact the returns ?

    Thanks in advance.

  4. Hello sir,
    First of all, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
    Sir. I have to invest 100000 in tax saving mf. Right now, I have four months. And funds are birla 96 tax saver and birla tax plan or dsp. So, what can I do? lump sum or 3 sip of 8000 in month. After 31st amount sip decreases to 2000 to 3000 per month. Amount not required for 5 to 8 years.my plan is good or risky?
    Please give me your valuable advise.

      1. Sir, these funds are choosing as per your list given. But any suggestions for changes. I will take only 2 funds. Birla+birla or birla+dsp or birla+axis?

      2. Hi Sir,

        I want to invest 12k -15k in Elss for tax saving as well as wealth creation for at least 10years bracket.

        I have started this month with 3000 in dspbr tax saver fund and another 3000 in Birla sun Life tax relief fund.

        I would like to invest around 6k or more, could you suggest any other MFs?

        Or suggest other type of MF apart from Elss?

        Also I am hedging around 15k in gold every month.

        Thanks in advance.

          1. Thanks Basavaraj.

            Could you please share some info about asset allocation or explain.

            Could you please if you have have written any article about this topic…

  5. Great blog on investment ideas for investors.What is the minimum duration of investment in ELSS fund? I am 54 now and have another 6 to 8 year for retirement and can invest 5000 to 10000 per month within limit of 150000 as tax rebate.If i have to invest for 5 or 6 year should i invest a lump sum amount each year or should i go for monthly sip.

    1. Shrikant-If your time horizon is around 5+ years and did the proper asset allocation between debt and equity, then go ahead and invest. But never invest in ELSS for the sake of TAX SAVING or thinking this product can be taken back after 3 years lock-in.

  6. Hi Sir,
    I want to invest 2000 per month, for 10-15 years for growth as well as tax saving.
    will you provide some ELSS ?
    and one more thing, what is best Growth or Devidend ?

      1. Thank you for your reply. One thing I want to know that Birla Sun life tax relief 96 is a growth or dividend scheme ?

  7. Hi,

    My Mother has taxable income from pension and other Deposits. She is 67 years old . She has to invest around 75000 per year to save Tax. Could you please suggest me some good mutual funds to save tax and also the amount to invest in each fund.

  8. Hi Mr. Basavaraj,

    I’m planning to invest lumpsum in ELSS. I have already invested Rs. 25,00 each in AXIS Long Term Equity & Birla Sun Life Tax Releif 96 plans. I’m still planning to invest Rs. 75,000 as a lumpsum.
    1. Is Tata INDIA Tax savings fund good to invest for Rs. 50,000? I prefer this fund because the NAV value is low and is performing good, and I can wait for 5 years. Please provide your thoughts.
    2. Please suggest when is the right time to invest as a lumpsum in this financial quarter. I know this is a bit hard to say, but what factors can i look into before lumpsum investment.

    Your information is really helping. I have already taken Term plan after reading your blog as i understood the value of it. Now planning for ELSS.

      1. Hi sir,
        The selection is mainly based on the CRISIL rating and exploring through few sites (Money Control, Value Research), however i’m not certainly sure that this is a good fund. My idea is over a period of time if the NAV value increases and units are more, the Returns will be good. Please suggest whether can do investment in this fund?
        Below is my financial planning. Any changes can be done?
        1. PPF- Rs. 75,000 per annum
        2. ELSS- Rs. 75,000 – 1 L per annum (AXIS Long term equity, Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96). Are these funds good to invest?

        1. Krishna-Investing in low NAV or low stock price is the biggest MYTH many investors commit. The growth that matters than the number of units or stocks you are holding. Suppose you invested Rs.1,000 in a fund whose NAV is at Rs.10 and me invested same Rs.1,000 in a fund whose NAV is at Rs.100. Then assume that at the end both funds generated 10% return. Then irrespective of NAV and number of units you are holding, the returns for me and you is Rs.1,100. Hope I cleared your BIGGEST MYTH.
          Why are you so concerned about tax saving?

  9. Would it be advisable to replace Axis long term equity fund with Birla SL tax relief 96 fund, due to its recent underperformance?
    I have been investing in Axis long term equity fund for the last 1 year.

      1. I was considering the change also due to my portfolio overlap.
        Axisi long term equity
        SBI Bluechip
        Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip
        Motilal Oswal MOSt Focussed multicap 35
        DSP-BR Micro Cap

          1. Axis long term equity overlapping with following funds:
            Motilal Oswal MOSt Focussed Multicap 35 – 31%
            SBI Bluechip – 26%
            Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip – 5%
            DSP-BR Micro Cap – 2%

          2. Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 overlap:
            Motilal Oswal MOSt Focussed Multicap 35 – 8%
            SBI Bluechip – 20%
            Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip – 10%
            DSP-BR Micro Cap – 0%

  10. Hi,

    Out of Birla Sunlife Tax Relief 96 and DSP Blackrock Tax Saver, which ELSS scheme should I go for if I already have Franklin India Taxshield? I’m looking for diversification in my portfolio.

    Thanks

  11. Hi Basu,
    I have 2 SIP funds –
    AXIS LONG TERM DIRECT GROWTH and Franklin India PRIMA PLUS – Direct-GROWTH from last few years.
    I am thinking to shift both or AXIS alone to some other funds.
    (1) Which fund you recommend as on today for long term.
    (2) I can see the option to switch in MFU portal. Will there be any cost for switching.

      1. Time horizon – long term. I am 33 now. I am investing 7.5k each every month in these two funds. Also lumpsum when market crash.
        No specific goals to achieve. All my other investments are safe options like FD/RDs with very less interest rates.
        I like to know your opinion whether i should switch funds, if so to which funds to choose.

  12. Hi Basu Ji,
    I have invested in AXIS LONG TERM EQUITY 3000 since a year.
    I want to invest 40k more in elss.should i go for same axis or it will be wise if i am going with Birla Sun Life Tax Plan-G/DSP Black Rock??

    thanking you

  13. Hi Basu,

    I had been investing 1000 p.m in ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund and Canara Robecco Tax Saver for the last 3 years. Both these funds have completed their 3 year term. Both have given Good Absolute returns of around 18% with a 11% CAGR. Prior to these 2, I was investing in Franklin Taxshield, L&T Tax Advantage and Canara Robecco Tax Saver from 2011-2014. These folios still remain and are doing exceptionally well.

    For the next term of 3 years, Would it be advisable to continue investing in 2-3 funds from the existing folios or switch to some other fund? I Plan to invest 4k p.m in ELSS for the coming 3 years. What is your opinion on the same.

      1. My doubts in starting invested in the existing ELSS finds was due to the various rankings- crisil, value research etc. So acc to you which of the existing songs should i choose for my coming 3 years?

        Apart from ELSS, I’ve invested in HDFC Prudence and HDFC mid-cap for the last 6 years. There are also some FD’s. I haven’t really paid much attention to the debt equity ratio since I begun investing. I’ve realised the benefits for having stayed invested for so long and will continue to do so.

  14. Dear Sir, Kindly clarify my understanding about ELSS and Equity Funds. 1) In the ELSS funds, during redeem, the total investment and gain are completely tax free and need not show it the the tax filing. i.e completely tax exempted 2) For equity funds i.e large cap etc, the same above understanding is true or need to show in the tax filing?.
    Thanks in advance

    1. Devi-1) Yes completely exempted as your holding period in case of ELSS funds is more than a year. However, you have to show in this in exempt income field while filing IT return.
      2) NOT REQUIRED.

  15. Hi Basu Ji,

    Quick query!

    My brother was planning to invest in Axis long term equity and due to recent two years under performance pf this fund, he was hesitant on it.

    However I can see this fund is performing better than bench mark but slightly less than ELSS category in last six months. Also Value research and Morning Star portals has offered good ratings for this fund. I even checked the AMC website for returns and this is nearly same as that of portals.

    In that case can you please suggest whether he can go for Axis long term equity? All ratios are favored for Axis but recent performance makes me disturbed.

    He is Moderate risk taker – 15 years investment horizon with 35-65 asset allocation – In this case which fund suits?
    1. Axis LTE
    2.DSP tax saver
    3. Birla SL tax relief 96

    Please advise one fund suits? Also do you really believe the rating system from various portals?

  16. Hello Basuji,
    Nice article, i am fan of your ideas and following your blog.
    I am investing 1500 in axis long term ELSS since 2014.
    Now i want to increase amount.

    When i started SIP in axis, at that time axis is on thop in ELSS category, it has CRISIL 1 rrank all blog suggesting it.
    But now situation is different,
    Now DSp blackrock is on top.
    CRISIL and all blog suggest DSP.

    I am confused between these:
    1. Increase Amount of Axis ELSS to 2500 from current 1500 OR
    2. Start NEW SIP of 1000 in DSP and Continue Axis with 1500 OR
    3. Close AXis Sip and Start DSP Tax with 2500

    Please suggest me right options.

    1. Vishal-When you started investing in Axis, then how much was your return expectation and how much the fund delivered as of now? In my view, if the fund is generating the expected return, then no need to worry or compare others or these rankings. If you still feel uncomfortable, then you can choose the fund from above list and continue investing.

      1. Thanks for propmpt reply

        It is good to two AMC for same category Fund like my case
        two Sip for ELSS
        1 in AXis with 1500 and another with DSP black rock with 1000?

          1. i mean Amc mean two different fund with same category and one goal like my category is tax saving so investing in axis ELss and Dsp blckroack two funds
            is it good?

            1. Vishalv-Same ELSS funds do not mean they invest in the same set of asset class or choose the same sectors or stocks for investment. You have to dig deep and find the overlapping. If it is more then it is no use to invest in two funds.

  17. Helllo Sir,

    I want to start investing in ELSS for tax benefits but it all are equity funds.
    Can you suggest some debt funds also to balance my portfolio.

    Monthly Investment possible : 5k
    time duration – 10 years

    TIA

      1. Like what would be better
        1)ELSS funds + PPF or ELSS funds + Debts funds
        time duration more than 10 years

        2)and if I wish to increase monthly SIP after some time frame in ELSS ..is it possible ?

        TIA

  18. Dear Basu

    I have been reading your blog for past 2years and really appreciate your work and analysis. After reading your blog last year I started SIP of 4000/month of Axis long term equity fund (G). Also I invest 50000 annually in HDFC click to invest (3 different funds- opportunity ,blue chip and Income ). Need few suggestions from you:-
    1.As axis is underperforming shall I change to different fund or wait(how much time) as my goal is more than 5 years.
    2.Shall I continue HDFC fund or switch? till now invested 50k and current value is 59k – horizon is 5plus year.

    1. Arvind-1) How much return you are expecting from your investment? How much return this fund generating?
      2) I am not fond of ULIP. Better you take your decision based on what prompted you to invest and now what is confusing you.

      1. HI Basu

        !) I was expecting around 20% this fund is giving 12% as on today. Shall I change?
        2)I think I am getting satisfied returns in this one.

  19. Hi Basu,
    Goodmorning. Thank u for your blogs. I started investing in ELSS last year (lump sum on March 2017) after reading your blog. I chose Birla tax relief 96 and Franklin, 50000 each. I want to stick to same funds.
    Now for this year (FY 2017-18) I want to start investing in ELSS as SIP. Should I go for monthly SIP/quarterly/6monthly. Kindly give your valuable opinion. Thank u in advance.

    1. Pappu-There is no such hard rule that you must invest MONTHLY only to generate good returns. If your view is long term, then even lump sum at your comfort is also fine (irrespective of market level).

  20. Hi Sir,

    Thanks for your detailed info. I have one doubt,

    My portfolio is having SBI Blue Chip of 2k SIP and ICICI Value Discovery of 3k SIP for last 2 years. Now I am planning to add 3k SIP of tax saving fund to my portfolio for 20 years.

    I have finalized two funds DSP BR Blackrock and Birla Sunlife Tax Relief 96. Among these I need to select one.

    Could you please suggest me which one I need to finalize among these two funds. (Or) Can I split 3k SIP for these 2 funds.

    Please advise. Thank you Sir.

  21. I want to Invest in Mutual Fund in Debt fund for a period of 1-2years what are the best funds to buy considering for Short durations.

  22. Hello Sir,
    I am a salaried person and have never invested in mutual funds. I am 32 years old and investing in PPF from last 5 years.
    Now I want to invest in mutual funds around 4-5K per month.
    Can you please suggest how and where I should start investing in MF for long term.

  23. Hello Basu Sir,

    Please let me know, how can I analyse mutual funds myself. I remember you mentioning this in one of your articles , how you analysed the funds and presented in your article.
    BTW i am investing Rs. 1,20,000 per year as per your suggestions in 5 ELSS funds for 60 months, Is 60 months less?Actually, i have just entered into 30s and i want to make corpus for my children education (1-girl (2.5 yr) and 1-boy (4 months)) by the time they reach 10 years of age. So that i can plan for other things after that . I have to tell you thanks as well because i always follow your suggestions/articles and based on your other post on mutual funds i am investing there as well and i am really happy about it.

    Very Respectfully,
    Gurender Singh

  24. Dear Basu
    I have invested lump sum in
    Small and Midcap-Mirae Asset of Rs2000/-
    Diversified -LT India value fund of Rs2000/-
    In the year 2016 Month of January. I found that these Equity has given good performance over last 1 year I think I will Start two SIP in these two funds. Will it be a wise decision to invest in these fund.
    In Large Cap -SBI blue chip direct fund-Rs2000/- SIP.
    All the Investments have been planned for more than 10years.
    Kindly Suggest

  25. Hi Basu

    What is your opinion on Mirae Asset tax saver fund?

    This fund launched last year, but the holdings and the fund manager are very similar to the “Mirae emerging blue chip fund”

    Let’s say if the time horizon for this fund is more than 10 years, do you think it’s a good option?

    Thanks
    Bharghav

    1. Bhargav-Mirae Asset tax saver fund’s benchmark is BSE 200 but Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund is a multi cap fund with benchmark Nifty Freefloat Midcap 100. In that case how can you assume that both funds are same? Also, when there are so many oldest funds with best track record, then why I have to risk my money by investing in new funds?

  26. I am a new investor.
    I am planing to start ELSS SIP for 2017-18 financial year. I have invested 1000/month in ICICI Tax saver SIP and 1000/month in birlasunlife tax relief96 SIP. Are both the funds good for long term investment? Which is best regular or direct?. I don’t know how to invest?

    1. Narayana-You already invested recently and now you started to judge the fund immediately? You don’t know how to invest? But you claim “I have invested 1000/month in ICICI Tax saver SIP and 1000/month in birlasunlife tax relief96 SIP”??

  27. Hi Basu,

    I am a new investor and investing for few months. My present investments are only with Debt(Ultra short term & Liquid) Funds.
    I am planing to start ELSS SIP for 2017-18 financial year.
    I already have ICICI Pru liquid plan. If i invest in ICICI Pru LT Equity fund, is it advised to use same folio number or different one?
    Which option is best?

  28. Hello Sir…

    I have two question related with investment

    (1) In the current financial year (2016-17), I have invested 2000/month in ICICI Tax saver SIP and 3000/month in AXIS Long term SIP. Are both the funds good for long term investment? or should I switch over my fund from financial year 2017-18?

    (2) Currently I owned LIC 815 policy since last three years and the annual premium is 53000. Now from FY 2017-18 I don’t want to continue with my policy so suggest me some alternate investment option for the same.

      1. (1) Nobody promoted me, I am just asking weather to change or not.
        (2) I wants to continue these SIPs for around 20 years… my financial goal is to gain wealth around 1 Cr

  29. Hi Basu,
    I’m a bit nervous about Axis Long Term ELSS.
    I’ve been investing 3k per month through SIPs in AXIS LTE and 3k in Franklin India Taxshield.
    However, looking at comparative performance of Axis over a year or so, i’m tempted to reduce my monthly SIP in it.
    Now planning to add a bit more of mid-cap exposure by dividing ELSS investments between Axis, Franklin and Reliance Tax Saver(2k each).
    What is your advice? Jumping ship to DSPBR’s tax saver seem’s tempting. But i don’t want to commit the mistake of blindly investing

  30. Hello Sir

    Really very informative article. I need your advice. As last month of the FY 16-17 is reaching, I am looking for an investment in which lock-in period is of 3-5 years & having good returns with tax benefit. Please recommend the best investment for me. I have invested Rs.58000 through PPF this year. Now please advice.

  31. Dear Basu,

    I have a plan to invest in DSPBR for 10 years to create wealth as well for Tax benefit. Considering this fund as a multi cap category, by opting any ELSS funds I can still maintain 30-70 Debt-equity ratio in my portfolio.

    From various financial blogs , Franklin or Birla Tax funds would be recommended more than DSPBR tax saver fund though DSPBR tax saver is consistent and producing more returns in 5 and 10 year period. Also I find DSPBR is not having any negative comments but also no strong recommendations.

    I understand that the DSP’s Standard deviation is more than Franklin and Birla. But the risk of standard deviation will be reduced when we invest longer time horizon through SIP manner.Is that right?

    Am I missing any critical point here ? Kindly advise. Franklin tax fund is safe as this is having more of Large cap stocks ?

    I am ready to take moderate risk. In that case which one would you prefer? Franklin tax or Birla Tax or DSPBR tax Fund?

    Many thanks

    1. Hari-Who said SIP reduces the risk in equity? It is just a strategy of investing. But it does not give you guarantee that RISK will be reduced. To reduce the risk, the asset allocation is MUST. Relying on single cap fund for long term goal is not good idea. You must have mixture of large, mid and small.

      1. I am already keeping one Large cap, one small cap, one mid cap fund in my portfolio and the amount invested in these are 50% i.e. 5000 (Large – 2000, Mid – 2000 and Small – 1000). I have debt component RD of 3000. which is 30%

        Multicap (ELSS) I am planning to have Rs 2000 (20%) per month so that I can achieve 30-70 composition.

        Thats why I have asked your suggestion to go with which ELSS that suits my portfolio?

        From various financial blogs , Franklin or Birla Tax funds would be recommended more than DSPBR tax saver fund though DSPBR tax saver is consistent and producing more returns in 5 and 10 year period. Also I find DSPBR is not having any negative comments but also no strong recommendations.

        I understand that the DSP’s Standard deviation is more than Franklin and Birla. But the risk of standard deviation will be reduced when we invest longer time horizon through SIP manner.Is that right?

        Am I missing any critical point here ? Kindly advise. Franklin tax fund is safe as this is having more of Large cap stocks ?

        I am ready to take moderate risk. In that case which one would you prefer? Franklin tax or Birla Tax or DSPBR tax Fund?

        1. Hari-Risk of standard deviation will remain same throughout the period of investment. It will not reduce for YOU because you are long term investor. Please understand the concept of down side protection. The fund which generate BEST return during market uptrend is not the BEST fund. But the fund which protects me during market free fall is the BEST fund. Considering this, DSPBR may be fancy for you but not to me.

          1. Many thanks Basu for such a honest answer! I have to now look up Alpha, Beta , SD and other critical ratios and will decide within Birla, Franklin funds.

  32. Hi
    I’m 47 years old female with salary of 6.5 lacs / annum & with very less or no investment at all including PPF.
    Please suggest the best tax saving ELSS (or other) investment for the current year.
    The current target is to investment 1.5 lacs for retirement.
    Thanks

  33. Wanted to invest lumpsum 300,000 in ELSS. Which MF would you suggest to invest to double the amount, say in 10 years?

    1. Ken-Why Rs.3,00,000 in ELSS when the maximum yearly limit under Sec.80C is only Rs.1,50,000. I am not sure which fund double your money. Also, if your money is to double with 10 years, 15 years or 20 years, then I am not the right person for you. Doubling money must not be target but reaching your goals must be.

  34. Would it better to invest Lumpsum of say Rs. 100000/- once per year in ELSS Tax saver funds. Locking period of 10 years.

    Or is it better to invest in SIP monthly investment(8000/- monthly) in ELSS Tax saver funds for 10 years?

    Goal is to save tax and increase wealth too.

  35. Hi Basu,

    I’m planning to invest 70K in elss MF.
    Last year I invested 50 k Axis Long Term.
    This year I have shortlisted 3 mfs based on recommendation from various blogs.

    DSP blackrock
    birla sunlife tax relief 98
    Franklin India Taxshield Fund.

    I’m planning to divide 70k to two different funds.

    Based on overlapping /growth /cap which one( or two ) do you suggest.

    1. Dear Sir

      What does one do if they have invested in Axis Long Term Equity Fund about 1 months ago??
      Would it be prudent to hold on or withdraw the fund?

      Thanks
      VIMAL

  36. Dear Sir,

    My name is Jenny and I am new to SIP. I am 31 yr old ( married ). I have a PPF account in Post office and also a PF account in embassy I am working for.

    I would like to start a SIP, however, a bit worried which one to start with. Please if you can guide. I would like to start initially with depositing Rs.1000 or Rs. 2000 pm for say 10 yrs. If the returns are good then will think about investing more. This I am doing purely for tax saving purpose and also for future investment (long term) so that I have a good amount in my hand once I retire at the age of 60.

    Please advise a plan as per my need.

      1. Dear Sir,

        Thank you for your response.

        To be frank I do not have much understanding about SIP. Please if you can suggest one or two (tax saving) I can go for next 5 years. Its a request.

        Regards

        Jenny

  37. Hi Basu,

    I’ve just started reading you post and honestly I find it very good.

    Regarding the above post on ElSS, I’ve two questions.
    (1) How do you calculate risk -return score for a fund. I’ve been investing in mutual funds for quite some time now and it will be helpful if you guide me to calculate and use this parameter.
    (2) Regarding Franklin India Taxshield-G fund, the fund manager has changed. Do you thing I should wait to see the performance of new fund manager. I already have investment in funds but I’m checking this before making fresh investments.

    Thanks in advance!
    Abhishek

    1. Abhishek-1) There is a misconception among many of us that higher risk means higher return. But it is not true. Higher risk may mean LOWEST RETURN too due to the risk taken is higher. I explained on what basis I calculated and also the pointers which I selected for analyzing the risk-return. Please refer each point explained in above post.
      2) You have to wait.

  38. Dear Sir

    What does one do if they have invested in Axis Long Term Equity Fund about 5 months ago??
    Would it be prudent to hold on or withdraw the fund?

    Thanks
    Binu

  39. Hi Basu

    Nice info on ELSS. I have already invested in Reliance ELSS 2 years back. I am getting dividend. This year shall i invest in Reliance or Birla Sun life I am not sure.

    My second query is, I have invested in ICICI balanced funds & SBI balanced fund, dividend scheme. The divident in ICICI is quite good, biut I am not satisfied with SBI balanced fund dividend. I am thinking of changing SNBI to ICICI. I need your suggestion. I am aged 62 years and a retired pensioner.

  40. Hi Basu Sir,

    I have been reading your blogs about financial planning and also doing some research from my end about this.
    Now I am actually in process of drafting my portpolio considering the long term investment(10+Yrs).
    I am following the 70:30 formula for debt and equity.

    For equity I want to invest in the below ELSS plans considering the 80C advantage as well,
    1. Franklin India Tax Shield – Direct Plan (G) – 2000pm
    2. DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund – Direct Plan (G) -2000pm

    But after comparison i found that the portpolio overlap is 41% for these.(http://fundpicker.thefundoo.com/Tools/PortfolioOverlap)

    So can you please suggest, would be wise to invest in both the funds simultaneously with such overlap.

    Please suggest any alternative fund in case its not good practice.

      1. Dear Sir,

        Thanks for the promt advice.
        1.I have seen many posts in comment section distributing investment among multiple funds in portfolio. So I was just curious if I should have such distributed portfolio with 2-3 funds? Plz suggest.

        2.I am aware that I should not compare with others portfolio. But as I am new to this, I just wanted make sure I am not doing anything wrong.

        So now as per your advice Its not necessary to invest in multiple funds to achieve our long term goals? Plz let me know if my understanding is correct.

  41. Hi
    I want to invest 5000 per month for about 3 to 5 years.

    Could you please advice which Elss scheme is good or what would be your advice to invest.

        1. Aasim- If your goal is less than 5 years,then go for debt mutual fund. Refer basu’s post -”top& best debt mutual funds for 2017.
          If your goal is more than 5 years,then go for equity. Refer basus “top SIP mutual funds for 2017.”
          In ELSS , axis long term equity,franklin taxshield,ICICI are good choice. Reliance tax saver,if you aim for an aggresive portfolio
          But, first before you start investing , take care to maintain an emergency fund( equivalent to least 6 months salary) in a liquid fund/savings account, an adequate term insurance & health insurance.
          From,
          Sreekumar

          1. Thank you for the information See..

            Could you please suggest a website or a book for me learn about financial investment including MF, stocks, stock market…

  42. Hello Basu, Am planning to increase my investment in SIP and have listed the below funds could you let me know whether the funds are good to invest and my investing period for the below funds is more than 6 or 7 yrs.

    Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund – 1000 PM
    Birla Sun Life Banking And Financial Services Fund – 1500 PM

        1. Vijay-For 6-7 years goal it is bit risky. Instead, I suggest you to allocate 70:30 in Debt:Equity. Also, avoid sector funds (Birla). Add one large cap Fund like Franklin India Bluechip Fund. For Debt, you can use ultra short term debt funds.

  43. Hi .. I am new to mutual funds. I have decided to start investing it for a period of 3 years. Please name some funds which offer decent returns for a period of 3 years

  44. Hello Basavaraj Sir,

    First of all let me thank you for making us aware of investment plans. Hats off to your efforts. May your tribe increase!!!

    I have 5 ELSSs. Kindly suggest me whether I have to continue them or switch to above said ELSSs for Axis and Reliance.
    My time horizon is 7-8 years. 2 years already passed. These are suggested by my Broker. Franklin, DSP and Birla were my selection based on your analysis.

    I would like to continue DSP, Franklin and Birla. I am in dilemma whether to continue Reliance and Axis.
    Please suggest.

    1. Axis Long Term Equity Fund – 1k/month – 2 Years
    2. Reliance Tax Saver – 1k/month – 2 years
    3. DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund – 2k/month – 1 Year
    4. Franklin India Tax Shield – 2k/month – – 1 year
    5. Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 – 1k/month – 1 year

    1. Kishore-Switching is not possible in case the invested amount not completed 3 years. However, you can stop the future investment. If your time horizon is another 6 years, then first make up mind of asset allocation properly (60:40 between equity and debt). Then in equity, one fund like franklin or Birla are enough than holding so many funds.

  45. ELSS is a pure Equity Oriented fund ?
    I have started a ICICI PRU LONG TERM EQUITY FUND Flexi SIP for it.
    As you said its for horizon for more than 5 years however is there any lockin period for it.
    For tax benefit how much minimum should one have as total investement in (ELSS + PPF + Insurance policy etc )to avail the tax benefit.

    1. Sachin-Yes, they are equity funds. For ELSS lock-in is 3 years. But considering the investment style of equity, I suggest not to enter if your time horizon is less than 5 years. Under Sec.80C (which includes other products like PPF and insurance), the current maximum limit per year is Rs.1.5 lakh.

      1. Lock in is 3 years.
        If i am doing a SIP for 3 years.
        So the lockin period starts from the day of first SIP or from the last SIP made in this fund.

          1. Thank you.

            After 3 years if want to sell some ,how would i know when i sell from my demat account i am selling the 1st SIP or the initial SIP which have completed 3 years.
            As i will be just giving sell comman from my MF Demat account ?

  46. Hi sir
    How to start investment through MF utility (direct) and what document requirements and MF utility is a free platform for mutual fund investment??

  47. Hi Sir,

    I am new towards Mutual Funds and I am looking for long-term investments and I am looking for wealth creation. Recently I have started SIP monthly investment last week in following
    1. Franklin India smaller companies Fund -?1000 per month
    2. DSP BR Micro cap fund- ?1000 per month
    3. SBI blue chip Fund -?2000 per month
    Kindly suggest me debt Fund and correct me if my investment profile is ok and I am paying monthly ?6000 for lic policy

  48. Hi sir

    I don’t have much knowledge in investment, I have invested 50000 in hdfc click2invest in march for Tax saving,do you think it’s good or shall i switch funds

  49. dear sir,I am already investing in AXIS LONG TERM EQUITY FUND.After reading your article I want to switch to DSPBR TAX SAVER -G FUND,which has out performed all ELSS funds in one year..Sir,Give your opinion.

    1. Bansal-What if the DSPBR not perform well after you invest? Again you change frequently? Give time to Axis fund. If it continuously underperformed for another few months or another year, then think of switching.

  50. Dear Basu,

    trust you are doing well !

    Post-As usual too good !

    In last 1 year surely Axis underperformed than its benchmark & but I feel due to 1 year underperformed you should not exclude it from the 2017 list. This type of performance is common in funds.

    Surely, it is your blog. you have full right to go for the funds you feel there should be in 2017.

    But there should be a strong reason to exclude from the list of 2017.

    Not a suggestion only my view.as you are much known to this field than me.

    Regards,

    Ashish

  51. Hi Basu Ji,

    I regularly go through your blogs, Based on my understanding I selected these funds for a tenure of 10-15 years to fetch around 50L-75L. Please review and give your insights about these funds. Other than these I do have investment in PPF etc as debts.

    SBI BlueChip Fund-Reg

    Kotak Select Focus Fund

    SBI Magnum MidCap Fund-Reg

    ICICI Pru Balanced Fund

        1. Hi Basu Ji,

          I regularly go through your blogs, Based on my understanding I selected these funds for a tenure of 10-15 years to fetch around 50L-75L. Please review and give your insights about these funds. Other than these I do have investment in PPF etc as debts. asset allocation 70:30 i.e. Equity vs Debit

          SBI BlueChip Fund-Reg

          Kotak Select Focus Fund

          SBI Magnum MidCap Fund-Reg

          ICICI Pru Balanced Fund

            1. Thank you, I thought to some part of fund amount in debt so I had to choose Balanced. Let me know if i am wrong or suggest me something.

  52. Hello,

    Are Birla Sun Life Tax Plan and Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 different funds? It seems they have similar portfolio and fund manager.

  53. Hi, I am investing INR 10000 per month in AXIS long term ELSS fund, direct, and growth since last 8 months. that time, it was rank 1 in all the major websites like money control, your site and value research and also crisil india MF rankings. also it had a very strong large cap portfolio, now you have excluded it from the top funs list of 2017, what shall I do? continue with axis or stop it and start with birla SL?

  54. Dear Sir,
    I am paying 2 SIP in MF each for 3K (IDFC TAX SAVER & RELIANCE TAX SAVER) , in mid of every month. If I opt out of the SIP and if I pay the same amount in same tax saver as lump sum instead of opting sip, is it same with respect to the value of NAV and is there any extra charge each time I purchase using Lumpsum? Considering the fact that I am a disciplined investor.

      1. Sir,
        I am investing in sip for 6000 ( 3000 in two different funds) for long term not six months. I have a target of 10 years and 15 years. I am planning to invest more based on the excess funds I have each month so just wanted to confirm if investing through lump sum each month is same as SIP investment??

  55. Hi Basvaraj
    Till now I was investing in PPF for tax rebate.
    Used to save money in Rd and during Apr 1st week used to put RD money + as much as possible money in PPF account .And by June most of my PPF allocation was done.
    After that till march end no further investment .
    I have taken equity MF for long term in SIP .
    Will be entering ELSS route now.
    SIP helps to be disciplined,commitment and goal oriented, nt timing market.
    But I don’t want to take SIP for ELSS.
    As equity MF + ELSS monthly commitment becomes more.
    Is bulk investment approach worth a try for ELSS ?

    1. Bulk investment in d sense will invest each month with a exact amount as much as possible.But don’t want compulsion that i should have specific amount available in ma account at any cost.***

      1. (ELSS +Equity MF) SIP along with other investments constitutes 25 % of my monthly take home salary.Also i never had such commitment till date .So bit skeptical with taking all in SIP approach.

  56. Hello Sir,
    I Have started investing 1000 pm in axis long term elss, now what should i do, as it is underperforming ? should i discontinue and opted for other elss ?

  57. Hi basu, Great article. A good reference for an investor looking for ELSS. Your last paragraph advising to check where the fund is investing, is a very important statement. It would be really helpful, if you could divide it into aggressive & conservative ELSS, so that the investor can choose the one which is appropriate for his risk profile.

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