Sovereign Gold Bonds: Key benefits, eligibility and other details

The 5-day long subscription for sovereign gold bonds started on Monday. While one can buy as little as 1 gram of gold under the scheme, the maximum limit has been set at 4kg. Moreover, one gets a discount by applying online. Find out more details.

Business Desk, ETV Bharat: If you are planning to invest in gold, this news is for you. Starting from Monday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is offering Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) with an issue price at Rs 5,000 per gram of gold.

Buyers who are looking at the yellow metal from purely an investment perspective can subscribe to these gold bonds due to the numerous advantages it has over buying the physical metal.

As the bonds are open for subscription till 01 January 2021, ETV Bharat presents you some of the key features of this scheme.

What are gold bonds?

Sovereign gold bonds, or SGBs, are essentially government securities issued by RBI. They are denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram.

These bonds are considered extremely safe as they carry sovereign guarantee both on the redemption amount and on the interest.

What are the key benefits of investing in gold bonds?

If you invest in the gold bond scheme, then along with the regular returns linked to rising/falling gold prices, investors are compensated at a fixed rate of 2.5% interest per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.

Also, there is no GST levy on purchase of gold bonds unlike that paid when buying physical gold.

Moreover, no storage hassles or theft concerns as gold bonds are available in either demat or paper forms.

Gold bonds are also free from issues like extra making charges and purity that arise when one buys gold in the jewellery form.

Gold bonds can be used as collateral for gold loans, too. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio to be set is equal to that set in the ordinary gold loan as mandated by RBI from time to time.

What is the lock-in period if you invest money in gold bonds?

It is important to know that the tenor of gold bonds is 8 years, with an exit option available only after the fifth year that can be exercised on the interest payment dates.

Who can invest in this scheme?

Resident Indian entities including individuals, HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families), trusts, universities, and charitable institutions can invest in such bonds.

How much gold can you buy through this scheme?

One can buy as little as 1 gram of gold through the gold bond scheme, while the maximum investment limit has been set at 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for HUFs and 20 kg for trust and similar entities in one fiscal year.

From where can you buy gold bonds?

Gold bonds are sold through commercial banks (like SBI, HDFC Bank etc), Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd (SHCIL), designated post offices (as may be notified) and recognised stock exchanges like National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and BSE, either directly or through agents.

How are these gold bonds priced?

The nominal value of gold bonds is based on the simple average closing price of gold of 999 purity during the last three business days of the week preceding the subscription period.

Also, those who apply online and pay through the digital mode get an additional discount of Rs 50 per gram from the issue price of the bond.

In case, if you are subscribing to this scheme via online, you will be charged Rs 4,950 per gram.

How are returns from gold bonds taxed?

The interest on gold bonds shall be taxable as per the provision of Income Tax Act, 1961. The capital gains tax arising on redemption of sovereign gold bonds at maturity has been exempted.