Capital gains tax is applied on the sale of physical gold, gold mutual funds, gold ETFs, and sovereign gold bonds.
The Union Budget 2024 introduced a simpler tax structure (capital gains) and pro-gold policy measures for gold-related investments such as a decreased holding period, reduced import duty, no STCG on gold ETFs and mutual funds etc.
These measures may significantly affect stakeholders in the gold industry. Taxes associated with the physical and financial gold markets have been streamlined for better clarity and efficiency. Detailed discussions are given below.
Physical Gold
Short-Term Capital Gains
Previous Rule: The holding period for short-term capital gains (STCG) was three years or 36 months.
New Rule: The holding period for short-term capital gains (STCG) is reduced to two years now being 24 months.
Hence, the holding period has been reduced from 36 months to 24 months to qualify for LTCG. (Came into effect on July 23, 2024)
Long-Term Capital Gains
Previous Rule: Profits from the sale of physical gold held for three years were previously subject to a long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) of 20%, with the benefit of indexation.
New Rule: Profits from the sale of physical gold held for over two years will incur a LongTerm Capital Gains tax of 12.5% without indexation benefits. (Indexation benefit is now removed)
Gold Mutual Funds
Short-Term Capital Gains
Previous Rule: If the units of gold mutual funds are sold within a period of three years from the date of purchase, the profits will be added to the taxable income and taxed at normal slab rates.
New Rule: If the units of gold mutual funds are purchased between 01st April 2023 and 31st March 2025, the profits will be added to the taxable income and taxed at normal slab rates.
However, the holding period which is reduced from 36 months to 24 months will not affect the tax rates. Further, the holding period has been reduced from 36 months to 24 months to qualify for LTCG.
Long-Term Capital Gains
Previous Rule: If the mutual funds are purchased before 31st March 2023 and sold after three years – LTCG would be attracted at 20% with indexation benefits.
New Rule: If mutual funds are purchased between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2025, and sold after two years, long-term capital gains (LTCG) will be taxed at 12.5% without indexation benefits. (Indexation benefit is now removed)
Gold ETFs
Short-Term Capital Gains
Previous Rule: In case the gold ETFs are sold within a period of three years, tax would be applicable at normal slab rates.
New Rule: Budget 2024 has introduced that in case the ETFs are purchased between 01st April 2023 and 31st March 2025 and sold within a period of two years, they will still be taxed at normal slab rates.
However, the holding period which is reduced from 36 months to 24 months will not affect the tax rates. Further, the holding period has been reduced from 36 months to 24 months to qualify for LTCG.
Long-Term Capital Gains
Previous Rule: If the ETFs are purchased before 31st March 2023 and sold after three years – LTCG would be attracted at 20% with indexation benefits.
New Rule: If the ETFs are purchased between 01st April 2023 and 31st March 2025 and sold after two years – LTCG would be attracted at 12.5% with no indexation benefits.(Indexation benefit is now removed)
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
There is no LTCG or STCG on the sale of SGBs to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In general, SGBs have a maturity period of eight years. Option for premature redemption or holding it until the end of the tenure is available. There is no amendment in the Budget 2024 in the case of SGBs.
Previous Rule: If SGBs are sold in the secondary market before maturity, capital gains tax will be attracted based on the holding period.
New Rule: If SGBs are held for less than 12 months, then STCG will be attracted and if it is held for more than 12 months, LTCG will be attracted at 12.5% without any indexation benefits. Both will taxed at normal slab rates.
Avoiding Capital Gains Tax in case of gold-related investments
Due to the high risk and significant tax burden of these investments, it is advisable to consider long-term strategies, diversify your portfolio, and stay updated on the latest news to avoid substantial capital gains taxes