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Introduction
Sovereign Gold Bond – an attractive alternative to physical gold.
These bonds are issued by the RBI on behalf of the Government of India. They come with a higher return rate and an assured interest of 2.5% p.a. What more, they do not cost you any making charges or value add charges.
Sovereign Gold Bonds were introduced by the Government of India in 2015 under the Gold Monetization Scheme. They are a great alternative to physical gold. They provide better security and higher returns for your investment. The bond issues are offered in tranches by the Reserve Bank of India in consultation with the Government of India.
About Lakshmi Vilas Bank Gold Deposit Schemes
Lakshmi Vilas Bank – Sovereign Gold Bond
These bonds are generally issued from October to March of every year. Currently, 2019-20 Series IX Bonds are on offer. They are available for subscription from February 04, 2019 to February 08, 2019 at all branches of LVB. The Bonds will be issued on February 12, 2019.
What are the benefits of investing in Sovereign Gold Bond?
These bonds have many advantages over physical gold.
- Assured maturity value equivalent to the market value of gold at the time of maturity
- Eliminates the need for storage and security costs
- Tradable on Exchanges, in DEMAT form
- Saleable & transferable to another individual and hence serves as a valuable gift
- Can be used as collateral for loans from banks, financial Institutions & Non-Banking Financial Companies
- Additional benefit of interest at 2.50% p.a. on the total initial investment, credited to you semi-annually
Key Features of the Sovereign Gold Bonds
| Product name | Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2019-20 Series IX |
|---|---|
Eligibility for Investment |
|
Bond Form | The bond shall be issued in the form of a holding certificate or demat form, as the user chooses. |
Date of Issue | The latest tranche of Series IX is available for subscription from February 04, 2019 to February 08, 2019 at all branches of LVB. The Bonds will be issued on February 12, 2019. |
Denomination | The Bonds shall be available in denominations of units of one gram of gold or multiples thereof. |
Minimum investment | Minimum investment in the Bonds shall be one gram with a maximum limit of 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities, notified by the Government from time to time. This limit is for per fiscal year. |
Issue Price | The subscription price of the bond shall be fixed by the Government based on the simple average of closing price of 999 purity gold, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited, for the last 3 working days of the week preceding the subscription period. |
Interest | The Bonds shall earn a nominal rate of interest of 2.50% p.a. Interest shall be paid in half-yearly interval and the last interest shall be payable along with principal on maturity. |
Sales Offices | Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs, Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks), designated Post Offices (as may be notified), Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd (SHCIL) and recognized stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. are authorized to receive applications for the Bonds either directly or through agents. |
Payment Options | Payment shall be accepted in Indian Rupees through cash, up to a maximum of ₹ 20,000/-, cheque, DD or by direct debit from your Lakshmi Vilas Bank account. |
Redemption | The Bonds shall mature upon completion of 8 years from the date of issue of the Bonds. Premature redemption of the Bond is permitted after the fifth year of the date of issue of the Bonds and such repayments shall be made on the next interest payment date. The redemption price shall be fixed based on a simple average of closing price of 999 purity gold, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited, for the last 3 working days of the week preceding the maturity date. There will be no markdown on prevailing price of gold at the time of early redemption (post 5 years) or at maturity. |
Loan against Bonds | The Bonds may be used as collateral for loans. |
Tax Application | Interest on the Bonds shall be taxable as per the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961). The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted. The indexation benefits will be provided to long term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of bond. |
Applying for the Bond | Lakshmi Vilas Bank Customers may visit their nearest branch with KYC documents and submit the application form. |
Nomination | Yes, available |
Transferability of the Bond | Available as per eligibility criteria of the receiver |
Tradability of bonds | Yes, the bonds are tradable on stock exchanges |
KYC Documentation | Know-your-customer (KYC) norms will be the same as that for purchase of physical gold. KYC documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar card/PAN or TAN /Passport will be required. |
Why should I invest in Sovereign Gold Bond instead of buying physical gold?
There are a number of advantages in investing in the Sovereign Gold Bond rather than physical gold.
| Gold Jewellery | Gold Coins/Bars from the bank | Sovereign Gold Bonds | |
|---|---|---|---|
Purchase | You have to pay making charges ranging from 5 -20% | Banks charge 10-20% mark-up charges | No mark-up charges if withdrawn after minimum period of 5 years |
Sell | Loss of making charges, value add charges & taxes | Banks do not take it back, so premium paid at time of purchase is written off | Nil |
Maintenance | Hassle of storing them. Lockers and insurance charges to be incurred. | Hassle of storing them. Lockers and insurance charges to be incurred. | Nil, as they are given in document form or demat form |
Tax Implications | Need to pay Long term capital gains tax after 3 years, plus wealth tax | Need to pay Long term capital gains tax after 3 years, plus wealth tax | The interest earned on this bond is taxable at your income tax slab. There is no capital gains tax on the returns form this bond. |
Rate | Based on market price of gold | Based on market price of gold | Discounted price fixed by Government |
Lakshmi Vilas Bank - Sovereign Gold Bond FAQs:
1. Are there any risks in investing in SGBs?
There is an amount of risk involved with investing in SGBs. Investors may face the risk of capital loss if the market price of gold declines. However, the investor does not lose in terms of the units of gold which he has paid for.
2.What are the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) norms?
The KYC norms requires you to submit your ID proof and address proof. The investor should also quote his/her ‘PAN Number’ issued by the Income Tax Department, on the application form.
3.Can each member of my family buy 4Kg in their own name?
Yes, each family member can buy the bonds in his/her own name if they satisfy the eligibility criteria. However, in case of joint purchase, the limit shall apply on the first applicant.
4.When will the customers be issued a Holding Certificate?
The customers will be issued Certificate of Holding on the date of issuance of the SGB. Certificate of Holding can be collected from the issuing banks/SHCIL offices/Post Offices/Designated stock exchanges/agents or obtained directly from RBI on email, if email address is provided in the application form.
5. What is the rate of interest and how will the interest be paid?
The Bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.50 per cent (fixed rate) per annum on the amount of initial investment. Interest will be credited semi-annually to the bank account of the investor and the last interest will be payable on maturity along with the principal.
