Friday, 27 January 2012

How to Select Infrastructure Bond ( U/s.80CCF ) Of Income Tax Act.


It is time to start working on your tax savings.... just few months away from March 31,2012.It is the time to execute some action.


Infrastructure bonds are gaining popularity as a tax saving instrument because of the recently introduced tax benefit under 80CCF. 

The investment made under such bonds are available for tax deduction under Section 80CCF which is over and above the Rs 1,00,000/- limit under Section 80C. An investor is free to invest for higher amounts; but the tax deduction is allowed only upto Rs 20,000/-.

As you know currently Six Infrastructure bonds issues are running on , like

( a ).  L & T Infrastructure Finance ( L & T )
( b ).  IFCI
( c ).  Infrastructure Development Finance Company Ltd ( IDFC )
( d ).  Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd ( REC )
( e ).  PFS
( f ).   SREI Infrastructure Finance ( SREI )

You can find Full details of above mentioned currently running Infrastructure Bonds on web site easily. So no need to discuss more......

Some Interesting points to remember , while investing in Infra Bond u/s.80 CCF Of IT Act.:

( 1 ). All Infra bond has lock-in Period of 5 Yrs., so can't get exit before 5 yrs.

( 2 ). Tax Adjusted Yield from the Infra bond depends on your income Tax bracket. Higher the tax bracket , greater will be the effective yield.

( 3 ). A Shorter holding period will fetch a higher yield. So it is better to tender the bonds for a buy-back , not hold them till maturity.

( 4 ). You will have to pay tax on interest received , because it will be added to your regular income.

( 5 ). Those who are in higher tax slab, always Select the Cumulative option , here Interest gets re-invested at the bond's coupon rate , also you will get Indexation benefit.

( 6 ). While investing in Infra bond , check the Credit Rating of Bond issuer company and it is advisable to select the " AAA " Credit Rating. It indicating high safety for timely servicing of debt obligations.

( 7 ). Investment in Infra bond , is One time investment and you get tax benefit in current year only. Next year if you want tax benefit you have to invest again.

( 8 ). The Infra Bonds are trade able on the stock exchange after completion of lock-In period i.e.5 Yrs.



( 9 ). The Interest on such bond shall not be Higher than the Yields prevailing for 10 year Government Of India Bonds ( G-Sec ) the time of issuance of such Infrastructure Bonds. 

( 10 ). Only the bonds which are in demat mode can be trade able on the stock exchange. If you apply in physical mode , then TDS will be deducted on the Interest which you will receive every year ( as per category ).

Benefit Of Demat : ( Securities Dematerialisation )

( a ). Elimination of risks associated with physical certificates such as bad delivery, fake securities, delays, thefts etc. ( b ). Reduction in paperwork .    ( c ). Nomination facility.( d ). Change in address recorded with DP gets registered with all companies in which investor holds securities electronically eliminating the need to correspond with each of them separately.( e ). Holding investments in equity and debt instruments in a single account.( f ). Elimination of signature differ risk.


Hint :

For a 30% Tax bracket, I think its definitely worth investing in Infrastructure bond as post yield return comes to around 11-12%.

Unlike other categories, it does not make much sense for a person in the lowest tax category ( below Rs 5 lakh ) to invest into infra bonds. Five year lock-in and a small tax benefit is not a great incentive to go for it.

Till next time , Money Happy Returns.

Jigisha Nikhil Shah

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Mobile No : +91 98796 85266











IRFC Tax Free Bond : Ultimate Solution For NRI


      





Don’t allow taxes to eat out your returns. Instead , invest in India’s most trusted PSUs bonds which gives you completely Tax free return. Go ahead , enjoy the full benefit of your investments






   Salient Features 

Ø   The Income by way of interest on these Bonds is fully exempted from Income Tax and shall not form part of Total Income as per provision under section 10 (15) (iv) (h) of I.T. Act, 1961.

Ø   Wealth Tax is not levied on investment in Bond under section 2(ea) of the Wealth -tax Act, 1957

Ø    Tax Free bonds are issued by Government Owned Undertakings and carry high credit rating

Ø    Bonds to be allotted on first-cum-first serve basis up to the issue size of relevant tranches

Ø     Bonds are likely to be issued either in Demat form or physical form at the option of bondholders.

Ø    Bonds are listed on the WDN segment of the BSE and the NSE. and so, they will be traded, and this will provide liquidity to the instrument in a transparent manner.

Ø     No Limit on Investment

Ø     IRFC Tax Free Bonds are a lucrative option for investors in the 30% tax bracket. The return generated by the bonds are much higher than bank deposit. No banks are offering 11% interest rate neither for  short or for such a long period.

Ø  NRI’s can invest in bonds through Repatriable as well as Non - Repatriable basis.

IRFC – Tax Free Bonds have 10 or 15 Yrs Maturity and offer an average 8.00 to 8.10 % of interest ( 8.15 to 8.30% of Interest – With Some Condition ). Pre tax yield on these bonds are close to 11 per cent. The coupon is attractive given the fact that it is tax free returns and compares favorably than other current avenues, like bank or corporate deposits.

Analysis & Calculation For IRFC Bonds 2012

( 1 ). What is the face value of each bond? Minimum Investment Size?

Rs. 1,000/- per Bond. ; Minimum 10 Bonds ; Minimum Investment Size-Rs.10000( thereafter in multiples of 5 bonds)

( 2 ). Who is NRI ?

A Non-Resident Indian is a citizen of India ( holding a valid passport of Government of India ) temporarily residing in the country of his / her present residence.

NRI includes Person of Indian Origin ( PIO ).


A PIO is a citizen of any country other than Pakistan or Bangladesh if :

( a ). He / she at any time held an Indian passport
( b ). He / she or either of his/her parents or any of his/her grandparents was a citizen of India
( c ). The person is a spouse of an Indian citizen or a person referred in A and B above.

( 3 ). What Type Of Accounts For NRI – Currently In India ?


( 4 ). If I ’m an NRI can I invest in these bonds ?
          
Yes. NRI’s can invest in bonds through Repatriable as well as Non - Repatriable basis.

( 1 ). In case of NRIs applying under repatriation basis: If it is received either by inward remittance of freely convertible foreign exchange through normal  banking channels i.e. through rupee denominated demand drafts/cheque drawn on a bank in India or by transfer of funds held in the investor’s rupee denominated accounts i.e. Non-resident External (NRE) account maintained with an RBI authorised dealer or a RBI authorised bank in India.

( 2 ). In case of NRIs applying under non - repatriation basis - If it is received either by inward remittance of freely convertible foreign exchange through normal banking channels i.e. through rupee denominated demand drafts/cheque drawn on a bank in India or by transfer of funds held in the investor’s rupee denominated accounts i.e.. Non-resident Ordinary (NRO) account and Non Resident Ordinary (NRO) maintained with an RBI authorised dealer or a RBI authorised bank in India.

( 5 ). Can person who has foreign citizenship and having PIO card apply in IRFC Issue?

Yes , Submit self attested copy of PIO Card along with application

( 6 ). Can a NRI apply for bonds in Physical mode?

Yes. NRI can apply for physical mode.
                      
( 7 ). There is a separate form for NRI?

There is no separate form for NRIs, the form for residents and NRIs are same.

( 8 ). Documents required along with NRI application in case of Demat mode?

( I ).    Application form in original
( II ).   Cheque from respective bank account – NRE / NRO
( III ). Self attested copy of PIO card ( If client is a PIO ) Or Notarized copy of POA if application under POA.
( IV ).  Pan Card Copy of POA self certified.

( 9 ).   Documents required incase NRI applying in Physical mode?

Application in Original ( Please complete the Application Form in all respects, by providing all the information including PAN and demographic details )

Cheque from respective NRE / NRO saving as applicable.

Self-attested copy of the Income Tax Pan card
self attested copy of PIO card ( if client is a PIO )
Self-attested copy of the proof of residence.
Self-attested copy of a cancelled cheque leaf
Self attested bank statement ( if the given chq does not display the client Name and account status-NRE/NRO)
Notarized copy of POA if applicable.
Copy Of Power Of Attorney  ( Self Certified )

Important note: Applications by NRI in physical form shall be submitted only at the Collection Centres located at Mumbai, Delhi, Ahemdabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Kochi.

( 10 ). Can one apply in joint names?

Yes,

Applications may be made in single or joint names (not exceeding three). In the case of joint Applications, all refunds/ interests/ redemption amounts will be made out in favour of the first Applicant. All communications will be addressed to the first named Applicant whose name appears in the Application Form at the address mentioned therein.

Names in the Application Form should be identical to those appearing in the account details in the Depositories. In case of joint holders, the names should necessarily be in the same sequence as they appear in the account details in the Depositories.

( 11 ). Can NRI apply by doing the direct transfer of funds to escrow account?

No, not allowed

NOTE:

Only cheque from respective NRE / NRO account maintained with an RBI authorised dealer or a RBI authorized bank in India will be acceptable. Demand draft along with banker certification is acceptable

( 12 ). Can cheque be signed by a person holding POA?

Cheque may be signed by the POA holder as long as the applicant`s bank clears the Cheque

Documentary requirement in case of application made under power of attorney Notarized copy of POA must be attached with the original application and cheque.

( 13 ). Who will get the interest in case of joint application?

In case of joint application, interest will be accounted to the first holder only, and will be credited to the bank account which is linked to demat account.

( 14 ). Is there TDS on the interest on allotment of bonds?

There will be no deduction of tax at source from the interest on allotment of bonds

( 15 ). Are these bonds listed any where?

Yes. The Bonds will be listed on NSE and BSE

( 16 ). Will the scanned copy of form be acceptable?

No.Scanned copy of form will not be acceptable.

( 17 ). Does this bond carry buyback options?

No. Neither “Put Option” shall be available to the Bondholder(s), nor would “Call option” be available to the Company to redeem the Bonds prior to maturity.


Tomorrow I am going to post Some Calculation Sheets here.. 



Till next time , Money Happy Returns.

Follow : www.facebook.com/shah.jigisha

Mobile No : +91 98796 85266

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Tax Free Bonds Calendar 2011 - 2012

Here I am posting Tax Free Calendar ( Accounting Year 2011 - 2012 ) Ready Made Chart For Investor ; Corporate and  AMFI Certified Mutual Fund Advisor Etc..


Pl Keep this Sheet in your ledger.





Till next time , Money Happy Returns.

Jigisha Nikhil Shah

Follow : www.facebook.com/shah.jigisha

Mobile No : +91 98796 85266





Wednesday, 25 January 2012

How To Use IRFC Tax Free Bonds - Effective Way

Today I am posting some different calculation sheets which show the different concepts of investment that one can think to make good Investment through Tax Free Bond to get the Regular Annual Cash Flow.

Sheet #1 Shows Present Value to Future Value computations.




Sheet #2 Shows computation of pre-tax yield for Individuals & HUF and also for Banks & Corporate.





Sheet #3 Shows Child Education Expenses Planning via Tax Free Bonds.


Sheet #4 Shows Retirement Expenses Planning via Tax Free Bonds.


Sheet #5 Shows how much to invest to get desired amount.



Sheet #6 Shows how much to invest to get desired amount - Year wise Annual Cash Flow Chart.


Sheet #7 Shows some useful calculations and tools.





Till next time , Money Happy Returns.

Follow : www.facebook.com/shah.jigisha

Mobile No : +91 98796 85266





IRFC Tax Free Bond : Never Before ….. Perhaps Never Again

Today I am Posting IRFC (Indan Railway Finance Corporation Ltd.),    A Govt. Of India Enterprise - Tax free  Bonds. The Issue is about to open on January 27, 2012. The common FAQs regarding the Issue which are commonly being asked by the investors. I have tried to give answer in easy and simple way.








Don’t allow taxes to eat out your returns. Instead , invest in India’s most trusted PSUs bonds which gives you completely Tax free return. Go ahead , enjoy the full benefit of your investments.





 Salient Features :

Ø   The Income by way of interest on these Bonds is fully exempted from Income Tax and shall not form part of Total Income as per provision under section 10 (15) (iv) (h) of I.T. Act, 1961.

Ø   Wealth Tax is not levied on investment in Bond under section 2(ea) of the Wealth -tax Act, 1957

Ø   Tax Free bonds are issued by Government Owned Undertakings and carry high credit rating

Ø    Bonds to be allotted on first-cum-first serve basis up to the issue size of relevant tranches

Ø    Bonds are likely to be issued either in Demat form or physical form at the option of bondholders.

Ø   Bonds are listed on the WDN segment of the BSE and the NSE. and so, they will be traded, and this will provide liquidity to the instrument in a transparent manner.

Ø     No Limit on Investment

Ø   IRFC Tax Free Bonds are a lucrative option for investors in the 30% tax bracket. The return generated by the bonds are much higher than bank deposit. No banks are offering 11% interest rate neither for  short or for such a long period.

Ø   NRI’s can invest in bonds through Repatriable as well as Non - Repatriable basis.

IREC – Tax Free Bonds have 10 or 15 Yrs Maturity and offer an average 8.00 to 8.10 % of interest ( 8.15 to 8.30% of Interest – With Some Condition ). Pre tax yield on these bonds are close to 11 per cent. The coupon is attractive given the fact that it is tax free returns and compares favorably than other current avenues, like bank or corporate deposits

FAQs Of IRFC

( 1 ) . What is the Issue Size?

CBDT as vide its notification authorized us to raise tax free bonds for total amount of up to Rs. 6300 crores in one or more tranches in the financial year 2011-12.

( 2 ) . What is the face value of these Bonds?

The Face Value per Bond is Rs. 1,000. Each bond is being issued and shall be redeemed at par.

( 3 ). What is the frequency of interest payment?

Interest on bonds is payable  annually on  15 th October every year and on redemption date  Tranche Prospectus(es) from, and including, the Deemed Date of Allotment up to, but excluding their respective Maturity Dates, payable on the "Interest Payment Dates" (to be specified in the Tranche Prospectus(es)), to the Bondholders as of the relevant Record Date. There is no cumulative option. The Annual Interest , which Bond Holder recived can’t Reinvest in this bond.

( 4 ). What is the minimum application amount and mode of payment to be payable on application?

The Bonds are being issued at par and full amount of face value per Bond is payable on application. Eligible Applicants can apply  for any amount of the Bonds subject to a minimum application size of  10 Bonds and  in multiples of 5 Bonds thereafter, across any of the Series(s) or a combination thereof.

( 5 ). Is there any reservation for individual investor investing in this issue?

Yes. There is a reservation of 30 % for retail investors (individuals and HUFs applying for an amount upto Rs. 5 lacs) and reservation of 25 % for HNI investors (individuals and HUFs applying for an amount above Rs. 5 lacs).

( 6 ) . Is Demat account necessary to invest in these bonds?

No. The issuance shall be both in physical as well as in dematerialized form at the option of the investors. However as per the SEBI Debt Regulations, the  trading of the Bonds shall be compulsorily in dematerialised form.

( 7 ).  Can the application be made on joint names?

Yes. Applications may be made in single or joint names (not exceeding three). In the case of joint Applications, all refunds/ interests/ redemption amounts will be made out in favour  of the first Applicant. All communications will be addressed to the first named Applicant whose name appears in the Application Form at the address mentioned therein. Names in the Application Form should be identical to those appearing in the  account details in the Depositories. In case of joint holders, the names should necessarily be in the
same sequence as they appear in the account details in the Depositories.

( 8 ).  Which stock exchange are the bonds proposed to be listed on?

The Bonds will be listed on both BSE and NSE. NSE shall be the designated stock exchange.

( 9 ). What is the interest on application money on allotted amount?

Issuer shall pay interest on the amount for which Bonds are allotted to the Applicants subject to 108 deduction of income tax under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended, from the date of realization of the cheque(s)/demand draft(s) or 3  (three) days from the date of banking of the application (being the date of submission of each application as duly acknowledged by the Bankers to the Issue) whichever is later upto one day prior to the Deemed Date of Allotment, at the rate of  8% per annum.

( 10 ). What is the interest on application money which is liable to be refunded?

Issuer shall pay interest on application money which is liable to be refunded to the Applicants in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI Debt Regulations, or other applicable statutory and/or regulatory requirements, subject to deduction of income tax under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended, as applicable, from the date of realization of the cheque(s)/demand draft(s) or 3 (three) days from the date of receipt of  the application (being the date of presentation of each application as acknowledged by the Bankers to the Issue) whichever is later upto one day prior to the Deemed Date of Allotment, at the rate of 4% per annum.

( 11 ). What are the tenors of these bonds?

The tenor for these Bonds will be 10 years and 15 Years

( 12 ). Can an applicant trade the bonds in the market?

Yes. The Bonds will be listed on both BSE and NSE. The trading of the Bonds shall be in dematerialised form only.

( 13 ). Who is not eligible to invest in the issue?

Applications cannot be made by:

( 1 ). Minors without a guardian name;
( 2 ). Foreign nationals;
( 3 ). Persons resident outside India other than NRIs; and
( 4 ). Overseas Corporate Bodies         

( 14 ). Can a Minor apply to these bonds?

Yes, a minor can apply for these bonds, but only through a guardian.

( 15 ). what is the basis of allotment?

The basis of allotment of allotment is on first come first Serve basis. If there is any under subscription in any Portion, priority in allotments will be given in the following order:

[ I ].  Category III Portion
[ ii ].  Category II Portion
[ iii ]. Category I Portion
                 
In case of an oversubscription, allotments to the maximum extent, as possible, will be made on a first-come first-serve basis and thereafter on proportionate basis, i.e. full allotment of Bonds to the applicants on a first come first basis up to the date falling 1 (one) day prior to the date of oversubscription and proportionate allotment of Bonds to the applicants on the date of oversubscription (based on the date of submission of each application to the Bankers to the Issue, in each Portion).

( 16 ). Can an applicant make additional / multiple applications?

An Applicant may make multiple applications for the total number of Bonds required and the same shall be considered valid. For the purposes of allotment of Bonds under the Issue, applications shall be grouped based on the PAN, i.e. applications under the same PAN shall be grouped together.

Two or more applications will be deemed to be multiple applications if the sole or first applicant is one and the same. For the sake of clarity, two or more applications shall be deemed to be a multiple application for the aforesaid purpose if the PAN number of the sole or the first applicant is one and the same.

( 17 ). Who will get the interest in case of joint application?

In case of joint application, interest will be accounted to the first holder only.

( 18 ). What is the tax treatment of these bonds?

The interest on these bonds shall not be included while computing the Total Income of an assessee as per provisions of section 10(15)(iv)(h) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.Interest from bonds will be exempt from income tax Since the interest income on these bonds is exempt, no Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) is  required Under section 2 (29A) of the I.T. Act, read with section 2 (42A) of the I.T. Act, a listed Bond is treated as a long term capital asset if the same is held for more than 12 months immediately preceding the date of its transfer.

Under section 112 of the I.T. Act, capital gains arising on the transfer of long term capital assets being listed securities are subject to tax at the rate of 20% of capital gains calculated after reducing indexed cost of acquisition or 10% of capital gains without indexation of the cost of acquisition

Wealth-tax is not levied on investment in bond under section 2(ea) of the Wealth-tax Act, 1957.

Please note that the sum invested in these bonds is not eligible for any deduction under section 80C, 80CCF or 54EC.

The Bond Holder is advised to consider in his own case the tax implications in respect of subscription to the Bond after consulting his tax advisor as alternate views are possible interpretation of provisions where under the contents of his statement of tax benefit is formulated may be considered differently by income tax authority, government, tribunals or court. We are not liable to the Bond Holder in any manner for placing reliance upon the contents of this statement of tax benefits.

( 19 ).  Is there TDS on the Annual Interest?

There will be No deduction of tax at source ( TDS ) from the interest, which accrues to the bondholders in these bonds irrespective of the amount of the interest or the status of the investors.

( 20 ). What is Tax Free : Is the Principal Tax Free or the Interest Tax Free ?

This is not like the 80CCF infrastructure bonds that are open right now so don’t confuse these bonds with them. This is truly tax free in the sense that the interest you receive from these bonds will not be taxed.

The infrastructure bonds ( U/s.80 CCCF ) are called tax saving bonds but are not tax free. They save tax because when you invest in them then you can reduce the amount of investment (up to a maximum of Rs. 20,000) from your income and lower your tax incidence. But the interest income on them is taxable, so they are not tax free.

As far as the principal being tax free is concerned – the principal is always tax free. That’s your money anyway and tax is charged only on the income by the way of interest or capital gains.

( 21 ).  I don't have a PAN card. Can I still apply for subscription?

Income Tax PAN card is mandatory for subscribing to these bonds.

( 22 ). Can I appoint Nominee’s name in Bond Certificate ?

Yes. You can appoint NRI or resident Nominee in the Bond Certificate.

( 23 ). Is there Loan / Lien Facility is available ?

Yes. Loan can be availed against bonds and a lien / charge can be created.

( 24 ). What is Credit Rating of theses Bond ?

“ CRISIL LAAA/stable " By Crisil ; “ ICRA AAA “ By Icra ; “ CARE AAA “ By Care.
                                          
( 25 ).  Does this bond carry buyback options?

No. Neither  “Put Option ” shall be available to the Bondholder(s), nor would  “Call Option ”be available to the Company to redeem the Bonds prior to maturity

( 26 ). What is the Full Name Of IRFC ?

IREC : Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd , An Autonomous Body under the   Ministry  of Railways , Government of India.

( 27 ). In whose favour the Cheque is to be made ? ( Payment Instruction )

( a ). Cheques has to be made in the favour of IRFC Tax Free Bonds - Escrow Account – Tranche - I” For Non-NRI And Non-FII applicants.

( b ). Cheques has to be made in the favour of IRFC Tax Free Bonds - NRI Escrow Account – Tranche - I” For NRI applicants.

( c ). Cheques has to be made in the favour of IRFC Tax Free Bonds - FII  Escrow Account – Tranche - I” For FII applicants.



Any other questions ?

I've tried to cover all questions that I see pop up frequently , but if you have any other questions feel free to leave a comment , and I will try to answer them.

Till next time , Money Happy Returns.

Follow : www.facebook.com/shah.jigisha

Mobile No : +91 98796 85266

Saturday, 21 January 2012

FAQ's - Infrastructure Bond


Section 80CCF Infrastructure Bonds FAQ
By Jigisha Nikhil Shah

Me and my  Husband always wanted to share our experiences and views about the financial matters , and this blog has given us the platform to spread our knowledge to the millions of the friends who actually want to know and make clear the confusion for the Financial  Investments.

During this month I've received lot of questions on section 80CCF Infrastructure bonds. Here i am going to address some common questions about sec.80CCF Of Income Tax Act with this post.


[ 1 ]. Who are the eligible Investors ?

Indian nationals resident in India, who are not minors, in single or joint names ( not more than three), and Hindu Undivided Families or HUFs, in the individual name of the Karta.

[ 2 ]. Can a Minor apply for subscription to these Bonds ?

A minor is not eligible to apply for subscription to these bonds.

[ 3 ]. What is the Tax Treatment of Interest on these Bonds ?

The interest received on these bonds shall be treated as income from any other source and shall form part of the total income of the assessee in that financial year in which they are received.

[ 4 ]. Are these Infrastructure Bonds Tax Free ?

No, the interest received in these bonds is not tax free. The investor is liable to pay tax on the interest received. The investment up to Rs. 20,000 made will be eligible for tax benefits in the year of investment under Section 80 CCF of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

[ 5 ]. Will TDS be Deducted on these Bonds ?

No TDS shall be deducted on interest with respect to bonds issued in Demat mode. TDS will apply with respect to bonds issued to investors in physical form.

[ 6 ]. What are the prime objectives of the Bond Issue ?

The funds raised through the issue will be utilized towards “infrastructure lending” as defined by RBI in the regulations issued by it from time to time, after meeting the expenditures of, and related to, the Issue.

[ 7 ]. What will be tax implication in case of transfer of Bonds before maturity ?

Under section 2(29A) of the I.T. Act, read with section 2(42A) of the I.T.Act, a listed Bond is treated as a long term capital asset if the same is held for more than 12 months immediately preceding the date of its transfer.

Under section 112 of the I.T. Act, capital gains arising on the transfer of long term capital assets being listed securities are subject to tax at the rate of 10% of capital gains calculated without indexation of the cost of acquisition. The capital gains will be computed by deducting expenditure incurred in connection with such transfer and cost of acquisition of the Bond from the sale consideration.

In case of an individual or HUF, being a resident, where the total income as reduced by the long term capital gains is below the maximum amount not chargeable to tax i.e. Rs 1,80,000 in case of all individuals , Rs 1,90,000 in case of women , Rs 2,50,000 in case of senior citizens And Rs.5,00,000 in case of Very senior citizens, the long term capital gains shall be reduced by the amount by which the total income as so reduced falls short of the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax and the tax on the balance of such long-term capital gains shall be computed at the rate of 10% in accordance with and the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 112 of the I.T. Act read with CBDT Circular 721 dated September 13, 1995.

A 2% education cess and 1% secondary and higher education cess on the total income tax (including surcharge applicable if any) is payable by all categories of tax payers.

Short-term capital gains on the transfer of listed Bonds, where Bonds are held for a period of not more than 12 months would be taxed at the normal rates of tax in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the I.T. Act.

The provisions related to minimum amount not chargeable to tax, education cess and secondary and higher education cess described at Para 4(a) above would also apply to such short-term capital gains.

In case the Bonds are held as stock in trade, the income on transfer of Bonds would be taxed as business income or loss in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the I.T. Act.
                                                                     
[ 8 ]. Is there any ceiling on investments for obtaining tax benefits ?

In accordance with Section 80CCF of the Income Tax Act, the amount, not exceeding Rs. 20,000 per annum, paid or deposited as subscription to Long Term Infrastructure Bonds during the previous year relevant to the assessment year beginning April 01, 2011 shall be deducted in computing the taxable income of a Resident Individual or HUF.

In the event that any applicant applies for and is allotted Long Term Infrastructure Bonds in excess of Rs. 20,000 per annum (including Long Term Infrastructure Bonds issued by any other eligible issuer), the afore stated tax benefit shall be available to such applicant only to the extent of Rs. 20,000 per annum. Subscription to additional Bonds will not be eligible for deduction in taxable income.

[ 9 ]. Can a person investing in the Bond Issue get loans against it ?

The Bonds cannot be pledged or hypothecated for obtaining loans from scheduled commercial banks during the lock-in Period ( 5 Years ). Thereafter, these bonds may be pledged to avail loan

The Company shall have the right of set-off and lien, present as well as future on the money due and payable to the Bondholder or deposits held in the account of the Bondholder, whether in single name or joint name, to the extent of all outstanding dues by the Bondholder to the Company.

The Company, at its discretion, may note a lien or pledge of Bonds if such pledge of Bond is accepted by any bank or institution for any loan provided to the Bondholder against pledge of such Bonds as part of the funding subject to applicable laws.

[ 10 ]. I don’t have Demat Account. Can I Apply ?

Yes, Investors who do not have any Demat Account can apply for the bonds in physical form. Additional requirements for applying in physical form are given in the Annexure. 

Please note In terms of Regulation 4(2)(d) of the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) Regulations, 2008, the Company will make public issue of the Tranche 1 Bonds in the dematerialized form. However, in terms of Section 8 (1) of the Depositories Act, 1996, the Company, at the request of the Applicants who wish to hold the Tranche 1 Bonds in physical form, will fulfill such request

[ 11 ]. I only have a joint Demat Account. Can I apply in my own name only ?

The name of applicant shall be same as the holders of Demat account. In case of single applicant the demat account shall also be held in the name of the same single applicant.

[ 12 ]. Can I apply in Joint names ?

Yes application can be made in joint names with a maximum of three applicants, however the demat account shall also be held in the joint names and order of applicant shall be the same as appearing in the demat account. In case of application made in joint names, the tax benefit shall only be availed by the first applicant.

[ 13 ]. What is the Maximum amount for which the benefit u/s.80 CCF be availed ?

Maximum benefit to investor shall be Rs. 20,000/-- under section 80CCF of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

[ 14 ]. What would happen if apply amount more than Rs.20,000 ?

The allotment shall be made as per the Basis of Allotment, However, the benefit under section 80CCF of the Income Tax Act, 1961, of the Income Tax Act may only be availed for a maximum sum of Rs. 20,000.

[ 15 ]. Can I invest in both the options ?

Yes an applicant may subscribe in both the options. For the purpose of fulfilling the requirement of minimum subscription, an applicant may choose to apply for five Tranche 1 Bonds of the same series or across different series.

[ 16 ]. What is the benefit of investing in Tax Savings Infrastructure Bonds if they offer the same tax benefit ?

The Tax exemption benefit under Sec 80CCF on a sum of Rs. 20,000/- is over and above Rs.1,00,000/- benefit under section 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD.

[ 17 ]. What is the tenure & lock-in period of these Infrastructure Bonds ?

The Tenure of bonds under both the series shall be 10 years or 15 Years and bonds shall be locked-in of 5 years.

[ 18 ]. Who can offer these Long Term Infrastructure Bonds ?

The entities like LlC, IDFC, IFCI, and other NBFCs which are classified as Infrastructure Finance Companies by RBI shall be allowed to issue these long term infrastructure bonds.

[ 19 ]. I Don’t have a Income Tax PAN Card. Can I still apply for subscription ?

PAN card is mandatory for subscribing to these bonds.

[ 20 ]. How will I get my Interest on the Due Date ?

The interest shall be credited to the respective Bank account registered with the Demat account and for the bond held in physical form in the bank account indicated in a self-attested copy of the cancelled cheque attached with the form as mentioned in Annexure I through ECS on the due date for interest payment, and if the due date is a public holiday then the next working date.

[ 21 ]. What is the Interest On Application Money & Interest On Refund ?

The Infra Bond – Issuer company shall or shall not pay any interest on application money and interest on refund of Application Amount, in whole or part.

[ 22 ]. Where shall I submit the application Form ?

All Application Forms duly completed together with cheque/demand draft for the amount payable on application must be delivered before the closing of the Issue to any of the Bankers to the Issue or collection centre(s)/agent(s) as may be specified before the closure of the Issue.

[ 23 ]. Who shall pay the interest and repay the principal amount ?

Infra Bond – issuer company shall pay the interest on these bonds and also the principle amount to the Investor upon maturity of the bonds or at the time of buy back. The bonds have been assigned credit rating as CARE AA+ by CARE & [ICRA] AA+ by ICRA which are considered to offer high safety for timely servicing of financial obligations.

[ 24 ]. Who would get the Interest in case of the Joint Application ?

In case of joint application the interest shall be paid to the account of the first applicant only.

[ 25 ]. Is it OK to submit Photocopy of all the 3 documents mentioned in the Annexure ?

As long as the documents are self attested, the photocopy all these documents can be submitted with the application form.

[ 26 ]. Mode Of Holding can be Either Or Survivor ?

When the bonds are held in joint names and one of the joint holders dies, the survivor(s) will be recognized as the Bondholder(s).

[ 27 ]. Will there be TDS in Physical Form ? ( As per General Instruction 12 , to avail TDS Investor can Submit 15G / 15H ) ?

In case the bonds are held in physical form, no TDS is applicable as long as the interest received does not exceed Rs. 2500 per year. However such interest is taxable income in the hands of resident bondholder. If the interest exceeds Rs. 2500, to ensure non-deduction of tax as source the bondholder are required to furnish either (a) declaration [in duplicate] in the prescribed form i.e Form 15G. In case of Senior citizens it should be 15H.

[ 28 ]. Nomination process in case opted for physical ?

Infra Bond – Issuer company would provide the investors holding the bonds in physical form, nomination facility at the time of sending the bond certificates.

[ 29 ]. Is it Necessary to provide the identify and address proof in case of second and third holders ?

The address and identity proof must be provided for all the joint holders of the bonds. The cheque details would be required only for the account in which the payments need to be credited.

[ 30 ]. Can I accept NRI Application ?

Non-resident investors including NRIs, FIIs and OCBs are not eligible to participate in the Issue.

[ 31 ]. Will the NCDs to be traded on the stock exchange ?

NCDs will be listed on BSE or NSE for trading. Trading will commence post completion of the lock in period ( After 5 Yrs ).

[ 32 ]. Under Cumulative Option , when I get the Interest amount ?

Under cumulative option, Interest will be paid at the end of 5 years or 10 Years if buyback option is exercised or at the time of maturity.

[ 33 ]. Will I get the tax benefit every year, or just one year?

You will get the tax benefit only in the first year, which means that if you buy bonds worth Rs. 20,000 in this year – Rs. 20,000 will be deducted from your taxable income while calculating tax this year. There is no tax benefit from next year onwards.

[ 34 ]. I have  a tax liability of Rs. 12,000 – will that become zero if I buy bonds worth Rs. 12,000?

No, that’s not how they work. Buying the bonds will not lead to a reduction in the tax paid by reducing that amount from your tax burden. The benefit comes from reducing your taxable salary by the amount of your investment, so that the final tax burden is reduced.

[ 35 ]. I missed the existing issues, will there be new infrastructure bond issues?

Yes, there are going to be more 80CCF infrastructure bond issues in the future, and if you missed the earlier ones, there is still a chance to get these bonds.


For Views , Here I am posting Tax Saving Infrastructure Bonds U/s.80CCF Of Income Tax Act - Calendar 2011-2012.

Any other questions ?


I've tried to cover all questions that I see pop up frequently , but if you have any other questions feel free to leave a comment , and I will try to answer them.

Till next time , Money Happy Returns.


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