Friends,
In the current Financial Year 2012-13 there was a proposal of investment in Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme“(RGESS) up to Rs. 50,000/- beyond the normal saving of Rs. 1,00,000/- under 80-C of Income Tax Act. Now the Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram has approved this new tax saving scheme called “Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme“(RGESS),exclusively for the first time retail investors in Securities Market. This Scheme would give tax benefits to new investors who invest up to Rs. 50,000 and whose annual income is below Rs. 10 lakh.
The Scheme not only encourages the flow of savings and improves the depth of domestic capital markets, but also aims to promote an ‘equity culture’ in India. This is also expected to widen the retail investor base in the Indian securities markets.
Salient features of the Scheme are as under:
- Scheme is open to new retail investors, identified on the basis of their PAN numbers. This includes those who have opened the Demat Account but have not made any transaction in equity and /or in derivatives till the date of notification of this Scheme and all those account holders other than the first account holder who wish to open a fresh account.
- Those investors whose annual taxable income is ≤ Rs. 10 lakhs are eligible under the Scheme.
- The maximum Investment permissible under the Scheme is Rs. 50,000 and the investor would get a 50% deduction of the amount invested from the taxable income for that year.
- Under the Scheme, those stocks listed under the BSE 100 or CNX 100, or those of public sector undertakings which are Navratnas, Maharatnas and Miniratnas would be eligible. Follow-on Public Offers (FPOs) of the above companies would also be eligible under the Scheme. IPOs of PSUs, which are getting listed in the relevant financial year and whose annual turnover is not less than Rs. 4000 Crore for each of the immediate past three years, would also be eligible.
- In addition, considering the requests from various stakeholders, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Mutual Funds (MFs) that have RGESS eligible securities as their underlying and are listed and traded in the stock exchanges and settled through a depository mechanism have also been brought under RGESS.
- To benefit the small investors, the investments are allowed to be made in installments in the year in which tax claims are made.
- The total lock-in period for investments under the Scheme would be three years including an initial blanket lock-in period of one year, commencing from the date of last purchase of securities under RGESS.
- After the first year, investors would be allowed to trade in the securities in furtherance of the goal of promoting an equity culture and as a provision to protect them from adverse market movements or stock specific risks as well as to give them avenues to realize profits.
- Investors would, however, be required to maintain their level of investment during these two years at the amount for which they have claimed income tax benefit or at the value of the portfolio before initiating a sale transaction, whichever is less, for at least 270 days in a year. The calculation of 270 days includes those days pursuant to the day on which the market value of the residual shares /units has automatically touched the stipulated value after the date of debit.
- The general principle under which trading is allowed is that whatever is the value of stocks / units sold by the investor from the RGESS portfolio, RGESS compliant securities of at least the same value are credited back into the account subsequently. However, the investor is allowed to take benefits of the appreciation of his RGESS portfolio, provided its value, as on the previous day of trading, remains above the investment for which they have claimed income tax benefit.
- For the purpose of valuation of shares, the closing price as on the previous day of the date of trading will be considered so that new investors are certain about their debits and credits into the account.
In case the investor fails to meet the conditions stipulated, the tax benefit will be withdrawn.
Like all financial products which have reached out substantially to the retail investors (post office savings, life insurance policies etc) through tax benefits, this tax break for direct investment in equity is expected to substantially encourage the retail participation in securities market as well as to enhance their participation in the growth of Indian industry. Entry of more retail investors are expected to further deepen the securities markets as they bring in long-term stable funds, which can counteract the volatility created by the liquidity providers of the market. The Scheme, thus, also furthers the goal of financial stability and promotes financial inclusion. Since Exchange Traded Funds and Mutual Funds have also been brought under the Scheme, the Scheme should provide encouragement and re-assurance to the first time investors.
The broad provisions of the Scheme and the income tax benefits under it have already been incorporated as a new Section - 80CCG - of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended by the Finance Act, 2012.
Department of Revenue will notify the Scheme and SEBI will issue the relevant circulars to operational the Scheme in the next two weeks.
FAQ asked question on RGESS
1) How will get the tax benefit under this scheme?
To get benefit in this scheme you must fulfill these conditions first
You have never invested in equities or you have never traded in equity derivatives before announcement of this scheme ,so you must be new investor.
You may have demat account but no transaction in equity must have done before announcement of this scheme.
You taxable income for the year (Fy 2012-13) must be less than 10 lakh.
If above conditions are satisfied then you can invest in equity shares TOP 100 in BSE/NSE or in Public issue of Govt Company (eligible under this scheme) or through eligible mutual funds or ETF's .
You can get 50% of amount invested in above scheme subject to maximum deduction Gross 50000 net 25000/-
2) Which are the Equity we can buy on this scheme?
You can invest in following securities/Equities
shares given under BSE100
shares given in CNX100
shares of Navratnas, Maharatnas and Miniratnas companies
Follow on public offers of above companies
IPO (initial public offers) of PSU where turnover is over 4000 crore in last years.
Mutual funds who has invested in above five type of shares shown above.
ETF (exchange traded funds ) invested money only in 1-5 sr number shown above,
3) Demat Account is compulsory for this scheme?
Demat account is compulsory to invest in shares /though if invest through mutual funds ,in our opinion demat is not required .You can use your old demat account if you are a eligible as new investor.
4) Is amount of exemption is above 1 lac in 80C?
This exemption is in addition to section 80C . Maximum amount that is eligible under this scheme is Rs .50000/-. Individual will get 50% of the amount invested as deduction ,subject to maximum deduction of Rs 25000/-
5) When can applicable this scheme?
This scheme is applicable from this year it self mean FY 2012-13. But detailed notification yet to come .In the mean time you can start process of opening of new demat account ,if not already have. However start investing in this scheme only after full details are available ,which is expected to come in 15 days time .(first week of October,2012)
6) Is this scheme is available to HUF ?
No , This scheme is not available to HUF . This is available to Individual only.
7) 10 Lakh Income is Gross total Income or net taxable income
10 Lakh is net taxable income after other deductions.
