What is IDCW in Mutual Funds?

Whether you are a retired person earning a fixed income or self-employed with a fluctuating income, the investment challenge remains the same: balancing liquidity with growth.

For those facing this dilemma, the Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) plan has come as a blessing, providing the option for regular payouts along with a facility for capital withdrawal. In this blog, we will look at the IDCW meaning, its benefits, workings, and tax implications.

IDCW Meaning and its Role in Mutual Funds

IDCW, or Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal in the mutual fund industry, is a mechanism that allows an investor to get income from dividends and also to withdraw a part of the invested capital while leaving the remaining corpus intact to earn an income stream. 

In April 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) replaced the term 'dividend plan' with 'Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal Plan' with retrospective effect, ie, it applies to all past transactions. Post-amendment, the payout is split into income distribution and capital withdrawal.

The monthly Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) clearly shows this detail. The net asset value (NAV) that is more than the capital is income, and all shortfalls are capital withdrawals.

Benefits of IDCW in Mutual Funds

Some of the benefits of IDCW in mutual funds are as follows:

  • Regular Income Generation – IDCW offers a regular flow of payout, just like getting a paycheck from your investments. 
  • Cash Flow Management - The investor can receive periodic payouts with IDCW, which may be used for regular expenses, EMIs, or retirement planning. 
  • Balance Income and Growth - IDCW is a midpoint balance between income generation and capital appreciation.
  • Diversification and Risk Management - The IDCW investor enjoys diversification and gets a stable income source.
  • Tax Benefits - IDCW can avail of tax benefits since dividends are taxed lower than capital gains. 

How do IDCWs in Mutual Funds work?

When one invests in a mutual fund dividend plan, the person opts to receive dividend returns at regular intervals. A mutual fund declares a dividend. Allocations of such earnings are given to all qualified investors proportionate to their investment in the fund. The amount of IDCW for an investor is determined based on the net asset value (NAV) of the fund and the period for which the investor has been holding the units.

Redemption charges or exit loads may be applicable depending on the mutual fund involved. Investors can withdraw a lump sum or set up a systematic withdrawal plan and withdraw money regularly.

Example of IDCW

Let's understand IDCW with an example. 

Suppose you invest Rs 2,00,000 in an IDCW of a mutual fund. The fund declares a dividend of Rs 10,000 in a financial year. You receive this amount as income distribution, and it will not reduce your capital investment. If you need cash for an unexpected expense, you can withdraw an additional Rs 20,000 from your investment by redeeming the necessary units.

In this scenario, the total amount you have received is Rs 30,000 (Rs 10,000 as IDCW and Rs 20,000 as a capital withdrawal). This flexibility helps you manage your finances effectively while allowing the remaining part of your investment to grow.

Types of IDCW in Mutual Funds

The two types of IDCW in mutual funds are as follows: 

  1. Regular IDCW - In Regular IDCW, you are given a regular income through either monthly, quarterly, or yearly disbursements.
  2. Growth IDCW - This scheme does not distribute the income; it reinvests the dividend into the fund. 

Who Should Invest in the IDCW Plan? 

Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) plans are suited for the following types of investors: 

  • Retirees

Retirees require a steady flow of income from their investments. IDCW plans allow for the generation of an unbroken income through dividends, thus aiding retirees meet their day-to-day expenses without being compelled to liquidate assets. 

  • People Having Unstable Income

Independent contractors or other working professionals with unstable incomes may also benefit from an IDCW plan. A steady flow of income received through an IDCW plan reduces instability despite ebbs and flows in their income.

  • Investors Who Prefer Simple Solutions

These are ideal for investors who want to avoid selling units from their mutual fund portfolio and instead receive periodic income from dividends.

Things to Consider Before Investing in the IDCW Plan

Investors should know a few things before choosing the right IDCW plan:

  • Dividend Composition

Before choosing an IDCW plan, research the sources of the dividend payments. It involves examining whether the dividends accrue from a mutual fund's profit or other revenue streams like interest income. 

  • Dividend Payout

It is important to be aware of the dividend payout mechanism. Investors should know when dividends are paid – monthly, quarterly, or yearly. This information will give an investor practical cash flow planning and financial management guidelines.

  • Dividend Taxation

Tax implications are an essential consideration for people contemplating an IDCW plan. Investors must know the tax treatment on dividends, including applicable rates, exemptions, and deductions. 

Understanding IDCW Taxation

Earlier, companies used to pay a Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) of 15% on dividends. However, with effect from April 2020, mutual fund schemes would be taxed in the hands of investors according to their respective income tax slabs on earnings from dividends.

For example, if an investor falls within the 30% tax bracket, the investor would pay 30% tax on the dividends received through IDCW. Also, if the aggregate sum of the total dividend amount exceeds Rs 5,000 in a fiscal year, a tax deducted at source (TDS) rate of 10% would apply.

Conclusion

The primary advantage of mutual fund IDCW is regular income disbursal along with the preservation of the investor's capital. That makes it suitable for a person who requires cash flow consistently, such as retirees or those who earn variable incomes. Before investing in IDCW, consider factors like sources of dividends, how they are distributed (in terms of frequency), and tax treatment. With this balance of generating income and potential growth, IDCW could be the strategic choice for several investors to meet their financial goals.

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