ELSS
Equity-linked savings scheme
Tax-saving equity mutual funds with a 3-year lock-in, eligible for section 80C in the old regime.
ELSS funds invest mostly in shares. Each investment (each SIP instalment too) is locked for 3 years, the shortest of the 80C options. Returns are market-linked and can be negative in bad years.
Gains are taxed like other equity funds: long-term gains above ₹1.25 lakh a year at 12.5%.
Tax-Saving Investments Compared
How much tax 80C and NPS investments save you, whether the old regime is still worth it, and how the options compare.
Related terms
Rules as of tax year 2026-27. Written by the Welthr team; last reviewed on . Not financial advice.