Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24 Series II Opens Today; All You Need To Know

The Indian government has initiated the 2023-24 Series II of the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme, which has begun its subscription phase today and will remain open until September 15. This scheme offers a secure alternative for investing in gold, diverging from physical gold ownership, while also presenting an opportunity for additional income.

Some Key Features Of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)

Issuance, Pricing, and Online Discounts

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues SGBs on behalf of the government. The issue price is determined based on the average gold prices of the past week.
These bonds are denominated in multiples of grams of gold, with a minimum investment requirement of one gram. Individual investors can invest up to 4 kilograms within a fiscal year.
While the bond’s nominal value stands at Rs 5,923 per gram of gold, the government, in consultation with the RBI, offers a discount of Rs 50 per gram over the nominal value to online applicants, reducing the issue price to Rs 5,873 per gram of gold.

Interest, Tenure, and Exit Option

One significant advantage of SGBs over physical gold is the fixed annual interest rate of 2.5%, paid semi-annually to investors based on the issue price.
This interest is credited directly to the investor’s bank account.
SGBs come with an eight-year tenure, but investors have the option to exit from the fifth year, which can be exercised on interest payment dates.

Subscription Modes and Taxation Benefits

SGBs can be subscribed through various channels, including banking channels, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), selected post offices, and recognized stock exchanges, either directly or indirectly through agents.
From a taxation perspective, the Indian government does not require investors to pay TDS deducted or GST on the purchase or redemption of SGBs. Capital gains tax arising from the redemption of SGBs by an individual is also exempt. However, selling bonds before maturity may attract capital gains tax, which can be paid after availing the benefits of indexation.

Risk, Security, and Government Guarantee

SGBs are considered safe and virtually risk-free investments because they are government securities.
These bonds come with sovereign guarantees for both the capital invested and the interest earned.
Additionally, as SGBs are electronically held, concerns associated with physical gold, such as storage and theft, are eliminated.

The SGB 2023-24 Series II represents a unique opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios. It offers the benefits of physical gold without the associated risks and provides a regular income. This investment avenue is secure, profitable, and convenient, catering to the needs of various investor classes. As the government encourages shifting savings from physical gold to financial products, SGBs emerge as an ideal conservative investment option that combines safety and returns.

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