How to Do Tax Free SIP?

In 2025, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a simple and smart way to grow your wealth. Even though SIP investments can not be 100% tax-free, some SIPs, like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Schemes), can help you save taxes under the Income Tax Act.

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SIP Plan Benefits
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
No hidden charges
No hidden charges
Save upto ₹46,800 in Tax
Save upto ₹46,800 in Taxunder section 80C^
Zero LTCG Tax
Zero LTCG Tax
Disciplined & worry-free investing
Disciplined & worry-free investing

What is a Tax-Free SIP?

A Tax-Free SIP is systematically investing in an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS mutual fund) every month. The ELSS fund qualifies for the following:

  • Tax deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh per year under Section 80C.
  • Tax-free long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 lakh every year.
  • A 3-year lock-in period for each SIP installment.

Tax Rules on SIPs 2025-26

SIP Type Section 80C Deduction Limit Lock-in Period LTCG Exemption Limit LTCG Tax Rate STCG Tax Rate
ELSS Mutual Fund SIP Up to ₹1.5 lakh 3 years ₹1.25 lakh 12.5% NA (lock-in)
Regular Equity SIP No None ₹1.25 lakh 12.5% 20% plus cess
Debt Mutual Fund SIP No None None* Tax slab Tax slab

*Certain debt-like funds reclassified and taxed at slab rates for investments on or after 1 April 2025.

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ELSS SIP Example 2025

Year Amount Invested (₹) Lock-in Ends Value at Redemption (₹) Gains (₹) Tax Calculation Tax Payable (₹)
2022 12,500/month = 1.5L 2025 2.4L 0.9L Gains < ₹1.25L exempt from LTCG 0
  • Mr. Rajesh invests ₹12,500 monthly in SBI ELSS starting Apr 2022.
  • At 3 years, his corpus of ₹4.5 lakh grows to ₹6.3 lakh through this investment plan.
  • He gains ₹1.8 lakh, but each SIP is locked in separately.
  • He gets LTCG exemption of ₹1.25 lakh and gains above this limit are taxed at 12.5%.

Why Choose ELSS SIP for Tax-Free Investment?

An ELSS SIP offers several advantages that make it one of the best tax-saving investment options in 2025. It helps you build wealth while reducing your taxable income.

  • Dual benefit: Enjoy both tax savings and long-term wealth growth.
  • High potential returns: Earn around 12–15% annually over the long term through equity exposure.
  • Low starting amount: You can start investing from just ₹500 per month.
  • Encourages discipline: The 3-year lock-in period promotes consistent and long-term investing habits.

Top ELSS Mutual Funds in 2025

Choosing the right ELSS fund is key to maximizing returns. Here are some of the best-performing ELSS mutual funds in India based on their latest returns and performance.

Fund Name AUM Return 3 Years Return 5 Years Minimum Investment Return Since Launch
Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth ₹4,401.97 Crs 27.44% 26.99% ₹500 18.24%
SBI ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth ₹30,271.16 Crs 25.44% 25.53% ₹500 16.45%
WhiteOak Capital ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct - Growth ₹405.49 Crs N/A N/A ₹500 22.75%
ITI ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct - Growth ₹420.01 Crs 23.25% 21.42% ₹500 18.42%
HDFC ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Plan-Growth ₹16,579.03 Crs 23.22% 25.91% ₹500 15.54%
JM ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Plan-Growth ₹206.74 Crs 22.35% 23.98% ₹500 17.53%
DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Plan-Growth ₹16,980.66 Crs 21.37% 24.08% ₹500 17.79%
HSBC ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth ₹4,143.69 Crs 20.99% 21.22% ₹500 15.45%
Baroda BNP Paribas ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth ₹911.15 Crs 20.11% 20.2% ₹500 15.57%
Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth ₹6,705.56 Crs 20.02% 24.27% ₹500 16.21%

  • Insurance Companies
  • Mutual Funds
Returns
Fund Name 5 Years 7 Years 10 Years
Equity Fund SBI Life
Rating
14.4% 13.51%
12.54%
View Plan
Opportunities Fund HDFC Life
Rating
20.53% 16.41%
14.88%
View Plan
High Growth Fund Axis Max Life
Rating
26.3% 22.61%
19.07%
View Plan
Opportunities Fund ICICI Prudential Life
Rating
17.23% 15.17%
13.4%
View Plan
Multi Cap Fund Tata AIA Life
Rating
22.37% 22.61%
21.09%
View Plan
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II Bajaj Life
Rating
18.03% 14.76%
14.39%
View Plan
Multiplier Birla Sun Life
Rating
19.93% 16.74%
15.84%
View Plan
Pension Mid Cap Fund PNB MetLife
Rating
31.41% 24.68%
18.41%
View Plan
Growth Plus Fund Canara HSBC Life
Rating
13.46% 12.18%
11.46%
View Plan
US Equity Fund Star Union Dai-ichi Life
Rating
16.95% -
14.82%
View Plan
Fund rating powered by
Last updated: Nov 2025
Compare more funds

Fund Name AUM Return 3 Years Return 5 Years Return 10 Years Minimum Investment Return Since Launch
Quant Multi Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹9,631.80 Crs 12.58% 23.12% 17.69% ₹5,000 18.36%
Canara Robeco Large and Mid Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹25,550.61 Crs 16.79% 20.35% 15.33% ₹5,000 17.1%
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹80,642.30 Crs 23.71% 28.76% 16.17% ₹100 18.87%
Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund Regular-Growth ₹40,554.09 Crs 17.5% 20.65% 17.41% ₹5,000 19.58%
Quant Large and Mid Cap Fund-Growth ₹3,651.47 Crs 17.05% 23.08% 16.28% ₹5,000 13.77%
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹113,280.87 Crs 21.59% 21.81% 17.97% ₹1,000 18.9%
Kotak Large & Midcap Fund Regular-Growth ₹28,084.13 Crs 19.77% 21.97% 15.46% ₹100 18.31%
Edelweiss Large & Mid Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹4,063.31 Crs 17.71% 21.4% 14.44% ₹100 12.53%
ICICI Prudential PSU Equity Fund - Growth ₹1,967.12 Crs 28.18% N/A N/A ₹5,000 27.22%
SBI PSU Fund-Growth ₹5,278.16 Crs 31.67% 32.69% 13.87% ₹5,000 8.1%

Last updated: October 2025

Compare more funds

How to Start Your Tax-Free SIP?

You can follow these steps to do a tax- free SIP:

Step 1: Choose a good ELSS fund from trusted AMCs.
Step 2: Start a monthly SIP (₹12,500/month gives ₹1.5 lakh yearly).
Step 3: Stay invested for at least 3 years to enjoy full tax benefits.
Step 4: Redeem after 3 years only if necessary; otherwise, stay invested longer for better returns.

Start Small & Build Your Wealth For A Brighter Tomorrow Start Small & Build Your Wealth For A Brighter Tomorrow

Benefits of Tax-Free SIPs

Investing in a tax-free SIP helps you save tax while building long-term wealth. Here are some key benefits you can enjoy in 2025:

  • Save up to ₹46,800 in taxes every year under Section 80C as per the Income Tax Act in 2025.
  • Earn tax-free long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 lakh per year, as per the latest 2025 tax rule.
  • Grow wealth through compounding and equity market growth over the long term.
  • Encourage disciplined and goal-based investing with regular contributions.
  • Enjoy better post-tax returns by investing in ELSS SIPs and staying invested beyond the 3-year lock-in period.

Smart Tips for a Tax Free SIP in 2025

A few smart strategies can help you get the most out of your tax-free SIP investments. Follow these tips to grow your wealth faster and save more tax.

  • Start early: Begin your SIPs at the start of the financial year to enjoy longer compounding benefits.
  • Use multiple SIPs: Invest in more than one ELSS fund for better flexibility and diversification.
  • Stay invested: Continue beyond the 3-year lock-in period to earn higher long-term returns.
  • Reinvest gains: Reinvest profits within the ₹1.25 lakh LTCG exemption limit for extra growth.
  • Diversify wisely: Spread your investments across top-performing ELSS funds to balance risk and reward.

SIP Calculator

I want to invest Pro Tip
Financial experts suggest that a person should invest 10-15% of their monthly income for long-term financial growth
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I want to invest for Pro Tip
Financial experts suggest that individuals should ideally invest for a period of 5 to 10 years, or even longer, to maximize the benefits of compounding and navigate market fluctuations effectively
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Expected return Pro Tip
Top 25% of investors consistently generate more than 12% return
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Total Wealth ₹1.03 Cr
View Plans
I want to save
I want to invest for Pro Tip
Financial experts suggest that individuals should ideally invest for a period of 5 to 10 years, or even longer, to maximize the benefits of compounding and navigate market fluctuations effectively
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Expected return Pro Tip
Top 25% of investors consistently generate more than 12% return
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Monthly Investment ₹22.4 L
View Plans
Top Funds with High Returns (Past 7 Years)
Equity Pension
13.18%
Equity Pension
Global Equity Index Funds Strategy
15.49%
Global Equity Index Funds Strategy
High Growth Fund
19.07%
High Growth Fund
Opportunities Fund
13.4%
Opportunities Fund
Multi Cap Fund
21.09%
Multi Cap Fund
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II
14.39%
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II
Multiplier
15.84%
Multiplier
Frontline Equity Fund
14.73%
Frontline Equity Fund
Pension Mid Cap Fund
18.41%
Pension Mid Cap Fund
Growth Plus Fund
11.46%
Growth Plus Fund
US Equity Fund
14.82%
US Equity Fund
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund
15.19%
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund
Equity Top 250 Fund
11.84%
Equity Top 250 Fund
Future Apex Fund
14.24%
Future Apex Fund
Pension Dynamic Equity Fund
12.17%
Pension Dynamic Equity Fund
Pension Enhanced Equity
14.64%
Pension Enhanced Equity

Conclusion

A Tax-Free SIP in 2025 is one of the smartest ways to build long-term wealth while saving taxes. By investing in ELSS mutual funds, you not only enjoy Section 80C deductions but also benefit from tax-free gains up to ₹1.25 lakh every year. Starting early, staying invested beyond the lock-in, and choosing top-performing ELSS funds can help you grow your money faster with complete tax efficiency.

FAQs

  • What is a Tax-Free SIP in 2025?

    A Tax-Free SIP in 2025 refers to an ELSS mutual fund SIP that offers tax deductions under Section 80C and tax-free long-term gains up to ₹1.25 lakh per year.
  • How does a Tax-Free SIP help in saving taxes?

    A Tax-Free SIP allows you to claim deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C while earning returns that are partly exempt from tax under LTCG rules.
  • What is the lock-in period for a Tax-Free SIP?

    An ELSS Tax-Free SIP has a 3-year lock-in period for each SIP installment, which encourages long-term and disciplined investing.
  • What is the LTCG exemption limit for Tax-Free SIP in 2025?

    The LTCG exemption limit for Tax-Free SIPs in 2025 has increased to ₹1.25 lakh per financial year.
  • Are returns from a Tax-Free SIP completely tax-free?

    No, only gains up to ₹1.25 lakh in a financial year are tax-free. Any gains above this are taxed at 12.5%.
  • Can I start a Tax-Free SIP with a small amount?

    Yes, you can start a Tax-Free SIP in an ELSS fund with as little as ₹500 per month.

SIP Hub

˜The insurers/plans mentioned are arranged in order of highest to lowest first year premium (sum of individual single premium and individual non-single premium) offered by Policybazaar’s insurer partners offering life insurance investment plans on our platform, as per ‘first year premium of life insurers as at 31.03.2025 report’ published by IRDAI. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the IRDAI website www.irdai.gov.in
Disclaimer:#The investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 1 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 10,000/- per month for 30 years, with assumed rates of returns @ 8% p.a. that is not guaranteed and is not the upper or lower limits as the value of your policy depends on a number of factors including future investment performance. In Unit Linked Insurance Plans, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder and the returns are not guaranteed. Maturity Value: ₹1,05,02,174 @ CAGR 8%; ₹50,45,591 @ CAGR 4%. All SIPs listed here are of insurance companies’ funds. The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs.
++Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.
**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).

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