Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) are popular tax-saving instruments offering potential for long-term capital growth. However, these funds come with a mandatory lock-in period of 3 years, meaning you cannot withdraw your invested amount before that timeframe. Understanding the redemption rules for both lump-sum and SIP investments in ELSS is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Understanding the Lock-in Period:

The lock-in period in ELSS starts from the date your units are allotted, not the date of investment. This means you cannot redeem your invested amount until 3 years have passed from the date the units were allocated to your account.

Lump-Sum Investment Redemption:

If you invest a lump sum amount in an ELSS scheme, all your units are allotted on the same day. Consequently, the lock-in period applies to the entire investment, and you can redeem all units on the same day after the 3 years are complete.

Example: You invest Rs. 28,500 in an ELSS scheme on February 7th, 2019, and receive 676.30 units. The lock-in period ends on February 7th, 2022, after which you can redeem all your units.

SIP Investment Redemption:

Things get slightly more complex with SIP investments, where you invest a fixed amount at regular intervals. Each SIP installment is considered a separate investment, with its own 3-year lock-in period starting from the date the units are allotted for that specific installment.

Example: You invest Rs. 2,000 in an ELSS scheme through SIP every month from September 2021 to March 2022 (total of 7 months). This means each installment has a separate lock-in period starting from the date the units were allotted for that month’s SIP.

Redemption Options:

Once the lock-in period for your investment or SIP installment expires, you have two redemption options:

• Full Redemption: You can withdraw the entire amount invested in that specific lump-sum or SIP installment.
• Partial Redemption: You can redeem a portion of your units and leave the remaining invested. This is a convenient option for investors who want to access some of their funds while maintaining their exposure to the ELSS scheme.

Key Points to Remember:

• Always check the lock-in period start date for both lump-sum and SIP investments.
• You cannot redeem your units before the lock-in period ends.
• Partial redemption is an option for both lump-sum and SIP investments.
• Consider your investment goals and financial needs before redeeming your ELSS units.

By understanding the lock-in period and redemption rules, you can make informed decisions about your ELSS investments and maximize their potential for wealth creation while enjoying the tax benefits they offer.