6 days ago

How to Gift an SIP to Your Sister Correctly

How to Gift an SIP to Your Sister Correctly
Gifting an SIP to your sister this Raksha Bandhan? Rules, tax traps and how to do it the right way · livemint.com

A brother can give money to his sister so she can invest it in a mutual fund SIP.

If she is an adult, the SIP should normally be linked to her own bank account.

The investment will be made in her name, and she will own the mutual fund units.

Money gifted by a brother to his sister is generally not taxed as income for the sister.

Any capital gains when she sells the investment are generally taxable to her.

A written gift letter is not required, but it can help prove that the money was a genuine gift.

Different rules apply if the sister is a minor.

In many minor-investment cases, payments from related people are allowed up to ₹50,000 per regular purchase or SIP instalment, subject to required declarations and KYC.

Key facts

Adult sister
The SIP should generally be funded from the bank account of the first-named investor, normally the sister.
Suggested method
The brother can transfer money to the sister, who invests it through an SIP from her own bank account.
Gift tax
Money received by a sister from her brother is generally exempt from tax, irrespective of the amount.
Investment ownership
After the gift is invested, the mutual fund units belong to the sister.
Capital gains
Applicable capital gains tax on redemption would generally arise in the sister's hands.
Documentation
A gift deed is not mandatory under the Income-tax Act, but a gift deed or written gift letter may help for larger transfers.
Minor beneficiary
Third-party payments for a minor may be permitted up to ₹50,000 per regular purchase or SIP instalment, subject to conditions; the limit does not apply when the registered guardian pays.

Sources

Related news