ULIP vs ELSS

ULIP vs. ELSS this debate has been ongoing for long. Though Unit Linked Investment Plans (ULIPs) and Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) vary from each other and solve different investment purpose. While choosing between ULIP and ELSS it is imperative to align your future financial goals to both ELSS and ULIPs and see what works best for you. Here we will simplify this dilemma of ULIP vs. ELSS.

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All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply

While both ELSS and ULIP are different there are some similarities too. For example, both ELSS and ULIPs solve long-term investment purposes and also offer tax saving benefits to the investor. Both ULIP plans and ELSS have a lock-in period and give exposure to equities. However, the differences lie in terms of tax benefits, especially after alterations in the new budget. Moreover, there is an evident difference between the loading and costs involved in both ELSS and ULIPs. So how to decide which one is better and settle the debate- ULIP vs. ELSS?

Different between ULIP vs ELSS

Particulars	Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)	Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP)
Objective	ELSS are professionally managed fund that also provides the advantage of diversified equity investments.	Offers the benefit of investment return along with tax relief with life coverage
Returns	Being market-linked, the returns depend on the scheme, but an investor can expect an approximate return of 12-14%.	The returns can vary because an investor can choose any combination of equity, debt, hybrid funds in his investment.
Lock-in period	3-years mandatory lock-in	5-years mandatory lock-in
Tax Computation	LTCG is taxed @ 10% above Rs. 1 lakh	Tax exemption under Section 80C ( but gains are taxable)
Liquidity	High	Low
Applicable Charges	Fund management charges and exit load charges	Premium allocation charges, Policy administration charges, mortality charges, etc.
Regulator	ELSS funds are regulated by SEBI	ULIP plans are regulated by IRDA
Loyalty Additions	No such loyalty additions are applicable	Loyalty addition is offered under the policy for staying invested throughout the policy tenure. Loyalty addition bonus is given as per the terms and conditions of the policy.
Transparency	ELSS funds offers full transparency as the investors can track the fun regularly.	The funds are managed by the fund managers.
Risk	ELSS funds are high risk investment as the investment returns entirely depends on the market performance of the fund.	ULIP plans are high risk investment option as the returns entirely depends on the market performance of the fund. However, the plan offers guaranteed life cover.

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Tax Treatment - ULIP vs. ELSS

Both ELSS and ULIPS are tax-saving instruments that offer a tax deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh u/s 80C. In ULIPS, the maturity amount is tax-free. And if you surrender before the lock-in period of 5-years, there will be tax and any deduction claimed earlier is withdrawn. And the gains are exempted under Section 10(10D).

If the annual premium is less than equal to the 10% of the sum insured then the tax exemption limit is Rs. 1.5 lakh provided the policy was purchased before April 01, 2012. ULIPS purchased after that then you are eligible for tax benefits of Rs. 1.5 lakh if the annual premium is less than or equal to 20% of the sum insured.

On the other hand, ELSS funds also provide tax benefits up to Rs. 1.5 lakh u/s 80. You can continue to invest even after the lock-in period of three years if the scheme is offering good returns until you reach your financial goal and get tax-saving benefits on the premium paid.

What is ULIP?

ULIP plans serve the dual purpose of insurance and investment under one scheme. It gives a sense of financial security to the investor as a certain percentage of money is invested in the market that will help boost wealth.

And the best part about ULIP plans is that you can choose to invest either in debt, equity, hybrid, or money market funds. Moreover, you can choose to switch between debt, equity and hybrid funds to as per your investment objectives.

*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply

Is ULIP is a good investment?

If you are wondering ULIPS are the best investment option to help you meet your long-term goals like marriage, buying a new car, new house, etc. As the money gets compounded the returns are usually on a higher side in comparison to other traditional methods like FDs (or not investing at all), it is better to invest in one of the best ULIP plans. But, it is ideal if you want to stay invested for a minimum of five years and reap the benefits of ULIP returns.

Things to Know About ULIP

What sets ULIP plans apart from other traditional investment schemes is that ULIP plans offer both the investment returns and insurance cover.

In the beginning, the ULIP premium goes towards meeting policy expense and your insurance needs
Then the premium is further divided between investment in mutual funds 9buying fund units) and life insurance cover
Investing in ULIP involves fund management charges, administration charges, premium allocation charges, and mortality charges

ELSS or Equity Linked Saving Scheme is a tax saving mutual fund scheme that comes with a minimum lock-in period of 3-years, and the returns generated are taxable. The money is invested in the capital market and in companies with different market capitalizations. ELSS funds invest mostly in stocks. You can pay through SIP or submit a lump sum amount to gain benefits. Based on the sum of investment and market conditions, your return can range from 14-20% per year.

Things to Know About ELSS

You can invest any amount in ELSS funds. However, the tax exemption limit is only Rs. 1.5 lakh. And the returns generated are not tax-exempted as per the recent budget.
The investment can continue even after the completion of the 3-years waiting period
It is a high-risk investment scheme in comparison to a PPF or Fixed Deposit but the returns are substantially higher ( which makes it perfect for high risk-appetite investors)
ELSS funds are the best investment options for people looking to invest in short lock-in period and potentially higher returns

Best ELSS Funds 2020

Let’s take a look at the best ELSS Fund to invest on 2020.

You can pick one that aligns with your risk appetite and future goals.In a Nutshell As you see the above ULIP vs. ELSS comparison, features and benefits of both from investment perspective, ELSS makes a better investment scheme in terms of tax benefits. And offer better market exposure to your capital. On the other hand, ULIPs are a good deal if you looking for life insurance cover with some investment benefits. Based on your financial goals and investment requirements you can choose to invest in any of them. Though ELSS have a lock-in of 3 years, the returns are better if you stay invested for 5 to 7 years.