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ELSS vs PPF vs Regular Mutual Fund Calculator

Same 80C cap, three very different lock-ins and tax outcomes

ELSS vs PPF vs Regular Mutual Fund Calculator

₹
Years Months Days
%
%
%
ELSS: maturity + 80C tax saved
0
3-yr lock-in, 12.5% LTCG above ₹1.25L/yr
PPF: maturity + 80C tax saved
0
15-yr lock-in, fully tax-free (EEE)
Regular equity MF: maturity (no 80C)
0
no lock-in, no upfront deduction

"Total" for ELSS and PPF includes both the maturity value AND the upfront tax saved each year via the Section 80C deduction (assumed reinvested at the same slab rate for simplicity, not separately compounded). ELSS and regular MF are both taxed at 12.5% LTCG above a ₹1.25 lakh annual exemption, assumed applied once at the end of the holding period (real-world staggered redemptions could use the exemption more efficiently across years). PPF is fully exempt (EEE) with no tax on maturity. Uses the current PPF rate of 7.1% (government-set, reviewed quarterly, subject to change). Not tax or investment advice.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I choose the old tax regime or the new one?

It depends on how many deductions and exemptions you actually claim (80C, HRA, home loan interest, and similar). If your eligible deductions are substantial, the old regime often works out cheaper; if you claim few or none, the new regime's lower slab rates usually win. Compare both using your real numbers rather than assuming -- this calculator does that comparison directly.

What counts as a tax-saving investment?

Under the old regime, Section 80C covers instruments like PPF, ELSS mutual funds, EPF, life insurance premiums, and 5-year tax-saving FDs, up to the annual 80C cap. The new regime doesn't offer most of these deductions, which is the core trade-off between the two regimes.

How is capital gains tax calculated on mutual funds/stocks?

It depends on the holding period and asset type. Equity held over 12 months is taxed as long-term capital gains (with an annual exemption threshold); held less than 12 months, it's short-term and taxed differently. Debt funds follow their own, separate rules. Always check the current thresholds, since these are periodically revised.

What is TDS and when does it apply?

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is income tax deducted upfront by whoever pays you -- an employer, a bank paying FD interest above a threshold, and similar -- and deposited with the tax department on your behalf. It's an advance payment toward your total tax liability, not an extra tax, and is adjusted when you file your return.

Estimates only, not financial advice. See our Disclaimer.