📍 Introduction: Understanding Tax on Gold and Bonds

Kokila Chokkanathan
Investing in gold or bonds can be lucrative, but taxation can significantly affect returns. In India, the type of investment—physical gold, gold ETFs, or sovereign bonds—determines how much tax you pay on buying and selling. Understanding these rules can help investors plan better and minimize tax liability.

1️⃣ Physical Gold

🔹 Buying Physical Gold

  • No income tax at the time of purchase.
  • GST applies:
    • 3% on gold coins and jewelry.
    • Adds to the overall cost of investment.
🔹 Selling Physical Gold

  • Taxed under Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules:
    • Short-Term capital Gains (STCG): If held ≤ 3 years, gains are added to income and taxed according to your income tax slab.
    • Long-Term capital Gains (LTCG): If held > 3 years, taxed at 20% with indexation (adjusted for inflation).
  • Stamp duty may also apply if sold via recognized exchanges or dealers.
💡 Physical gold is taxed heavily if sold within 3 years, making it the least tax-efficient option for short-term investors.

2️⃣ Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

🔹 Buying gold ETFs

  • No GST is charged on purchase.
  • Brokerage fees may apply.
🔹 Selling gold ETFs

  • Tax depends on holding period:
    • Short-Term (≤ 3 years): Taxed as STCG under income tax slab.
    • Long-Term (> 3 years): Taxed at 20% with indexation.
💡 Gold ETFs are more tax-efficient than physical gold since they avoid GST and storage hassles, though brokerage charges exist.

3️⃣ Bonds (Sovereign or government Bonds)

🔹 Buying Bonds

  • No direct tax or GST at purchase.
  • Bonds are purchased at data-face value, sometimes with a small premium.
🔹 Selling or Redeeming Bonds

  • Sovereign gold Bonds (SGBs):
    • Interest income (2.5% per annum) is taxable under your income tax slab.
    • Capital gains at maturity (after 8 years) are exempt from tax.
    • Early sale on exchanges: Gains treated as long-term capital gains, taxed at 20% with indexation.
  • Other government Bonds:
    • Interest is taxed under income tax slab.
    • Gains from sale may be STCG or LTCG based on holding period.
💡 Bonds, especially SGBs, are the most tax-efficient, particularly if held to maturity.

📊 Tax Comparison at a Glance

Investment

Short-Term Tax

Long-Term Tax

Additional Costs

Physical Gold

Income tax slab

20% with indexation

GST on purchase, possible stamp duty

Gold ETFs

Income tax slab

20% with indexation

Brokerage fees

Sovereign gold Bonds

Interest taxed as per slab

Exempt on maturity

None if held till maturity

✅ Conclusion: Which Investment is Most Tax-Efficient?

  • Highest Tax Impact: Physical gold (especially short-term holdings due to STCG + GST).
  • Moderate Tax Impact: gold ETFs (no GST, but STCG applies for short-term).
  • Lowest Tax Impact: Sovereign gold Bonds (tax exemption on maturity makes them ideal for long-term investors).
 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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