The Golden Opportunity: What you need to know about the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
In India, gold has always been an important investment option. The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme offers investors an opportunity to invest in gold in a secure and convenient manner. The scheme was initiated by the Government of India and allows investors to buy gold bonds issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the government.
Demystifying SGBs: Your quick guide to Paper Gold
- Only resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, universities and charitable institutions can buy SGBs.
- The price of SGBs is determined in INR, based on the simple average of the closing price of gold (999 purity). This average will be calculated using data published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited (IBJA) over the last three working days of the week preceding the subscription period.
- Investors will receive interest at a fixed rate of 2.5% per annum. This is payable semi-annually on the nominal value.
The duration of SGB is eight years, with the flexibility of early redemption after the fifth year. This option can be availed on the date when interest is due. - The minimum investment in SGB is one gram of gold.
- Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) can only buy SGBs worth 4 kg of gold each fiscal year. This limit is determined by the Government of India.
- For joint holdings, the investment limit of 4 kg is applicable to the primary applicant only.
- Payment for SGBs can be made through various methods, including:
- Cash (up to a maximum of ₹20,000)
- Demand draft
- Cheque
- Electronic banking methods
- Upon investing in SGBs, investors will receive a Certificate of Holding for their investment. Additionally, the SGBs will be held in demat form as well, providing investors the flexibility of managing their holdings online.
Investment Benefits: Capital Gains Tax Exemption on SGBs
Though the interest earned on SGBs is taxable according to the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), investors are exempt from capital gains tax upon redemption of such bonds. Moreover, investors enjoy indexation benefits on long-term capital gains when transferring bonds between parties.
- SGBs can be purchased from specific financial institutions including scheduled commercial banks (excluding Small Finance Banks, Payment Banks, and Regional Rural Banks), the post offices (as notified) and registered stock brokers).
- You can also buy SGBs on specified online platforms. This makes for a convenient and secure investment procedure.
- You need to provide personal information, the amount for investment and the mode of payment. After the successful purchase of SGBs, you will be issued a Certificate of Holding, proof of ownership of SGBs. A certificate would provide information on the name of the investor, the SGB series and number, and the quantity of bonds held by the investor.
Demat options available for SGBs
SGBs can be dematerialised just like shares. Demat alternatives are accessible to investors. It is required that the Certificate of Holding and necessary formalities be completed through the Depository Participant for this purpose.