Tax Loss Harvesting: A Strategic Guide for Indian Investors

Tax loss harvesting is a sophisticated investment strategy that can help reduce your tax liability while maintaining your investment portfolio's overall structure. This guide explains how Indian salaried employees can effectively use this strategy to optimize their tax situation.

What is Tax Loss Harvesting?

Tax loss harvesting is the practice of selling securities at a loss to offset capital gains tax liability. These losses can offset both capital gains and, in some cases, regular income, thereby reducing your overall tax burden.

Understanding Capital Gains in India

Short-term Capital Gains (STCG)

• Equity holdings sold within 12 months: 15% tax
• Other assets sold within 36 months: Taxed at your income tax slab rate

Long-term Capital Gains (LTCG)

• Equity and equity mutual funds: 10% tax on gains above ₹1 lakh
• Other assets: 20% tax with indexation benefits

How Tax Loss Harvesting Works

Practical Example 1: Basic Tax Loss Harvesting

Consider Rahul's portfolio:

• Purchased 100 shares of Company A at ₹1,000 each (Total: ₹100,000)
• Current market price: ₹800 per share
• Unrealized loss: ₹20,000

Strategy Implementation:

• Sell all shares of Company A: Realize ₹20,000 loss
• Buy similar (but not identical) shares or mutual funds
• Use the ₹20,000 loss to offset other gains

Practical Example 2: Offsetting Multiple Gains

Priya's Investment Portfolio:

Gains:

• Profit from Stock X: ₹30,000 (Short-term)
• Profit from Mutual Fund Y: ₹25,000 (Long-term)

Potential Losses:

• Loss in Stock Z: ₹40,000 (Unrealized)

Strategy:

• Sell Stock Z to realize the loss
• Use ₹30,000 to offset short-term gains
• Use remaining ₹10,000 to offset long-term gains
• Net tax saving: Approximately ₹6,000

Key Rules and Regulations

Loss Adjustment Hierarchy

• Short-term losses must first offset short-term gains
• Long-term losses must first offset long-term gains
• Remaining short-term losses can offset long-term gains
• Remaining long-term losses can offset short-term gains

Carry Forward Provisions

• Losses can be carried forward for up to 8 assessment years
• Must file tax returns before due date to claim carry forward
• Losses must be declared in the year they occur

Wash Sale Rules

• No specific wash sale rules in India
• However, maintain a reasonable gap between selling and repurchasing
• Recommended: Wait at least a few days before repurchasing

Strategic Approaches

Year-End Planning: October-December Strategy:

• Review your portfolio for unrealized losses
• Calculate your realized gains for the year
• Identify opportunities to harvest losses
• Execute trades before March 31st

Periodic Review Strategy: Quarterly Actions:

• Assess portfolio performance
• Identify underperforming investments
• Calculate potential tax benefits
• Execute strategic trades if beneficial

Advanced Strategies

Portfolio Rebalancing with Tax Benefits

Example:

• Original allocation: 70% equity, 30% debt
• Current allocation: 75% equity, 25% debt
• Action: Sell underperforming equity funds to:
  • Harvest losses
  • Restore target allocation

Systematic Loss Harvesting:

Monthly Review:

• Identify investments down by 10% or more
• Calculate tax benefit vs transaction costs
• Execute trades if net benefit is positive

Best Practices

Documentation: Maintain records of:

• Purchase dates and prices
• Sale dates and prices
• Realized gains and losses
• Carry forward losses

Cost Consideration: Factor in:

• Brokerage fees
• Securities Transaction Tax (STT)
• Impact cost
• Exit loads for mutual funds

Investment Strategy: Remember:

• Don't let tax considerations override investment logic
• Maintain portfolio balance
• Consider long-term investment goals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Timing Errors

• Waiting too long to harvest losses
• Missing the fiscal year deadline

Strategic Mistakes

• Selling profitable positions to avoid taxes
• Ignoring transaction costs
• Not maintaining proper documentation

Compliance Issues

• Not reporting losses in the correct year
• Failing to file returns before due date
• Incorrect loss categorization

Impact on Tax Returns

Reporting Requirements

Schedule CG in ITR:

• Report all capital gains/losses
• Segregate short-term and long-term
• Provide acquisition and sale details

Documentation:

• Keep trade confirmations
• Maintain annual statements
• Save tax-saving computation sheets

Tax loss harvesting is a powerful strategy that requires careful planning and execution. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce your tax liability while maintaining your investment strategy. Regular monitoring, proper documentation, and understanding of tax rules are essential for successful implementation. Remember to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor before implementing these strategies, as individual circumstances may vary.