Guides
A growing collection of how-to guides and reference notes.
- How to file a SEBI SCORES complaint for mutual fund issues
Step-by-step procedure for filing a SEBI SCORES complaint when AMC / AMFI escalations don't resolve mutual fund issues. Covers SCORES portal registration, complaint filing, SEBI's investigation process, and follow-up.
- How to file a complaint with the AMC for mutual fund issues
Step-by-step procedure for filing a complaint with the AMC's investor service for mutual fund issues. Covers Investor Service Officer, written complaint, SLA, escalation matrix, and the documentation.
- How to file a broker grievance for mutual fund issues
Step-by-step procedure for filing a grievance against a stockbroker for mutual fund issues (Coin, BSE Star MF, NSE MFSS-routed). Covers broker's internal channels, NSE/BSE arbitration, and SEBI escalation.
- How to exit a mutual fund tax-efficiently
Step-by-step procedure for exiting a mutual fund tax-efficiently. Covers LTCG harvesting under the Rs 1.25 lakh annual exemption, phased exits across FYs, tax-loss harvesting, and the choice between SWP and lump-sum.
- How to evaluate a mutual fund NFO before subscribing
Step-by-step framework for evaluating a mutual fund NFO before subscribing. Covers scheme rationale, AMC track record, fund manager, peer comparison, and the bias against most NFOs.
- How to evaluate a mutual fund manager's track record
Step-by-step guide to evaluating a mutual fund manager's track record. Covers tenure, attributable performance, multi-scheme management, AUM trajectory, and the manager-change risk.
- How to download mutual fund tax statement (capital gains)
Step-by-step procedure for downloading mutual fund tax statement (FY-wise capital gains statement). Covers AMC portal, CAMS/KFin, MFU, MF Central, and the use for ITR filing.
- How to download a mutual fund Statement of Account (SoA)
Step-by-step procedure for downloading a mutual fund Statement of Account (SoA). Covers AMC portal, RTA portal (CAMS/KFin), MFU, MF Central, and the period-selection options.
- How to do video KYC for mutual funds (KRA / AMC route)
Step-by-step procedure for completing video KYC (V-CIP) for mutual fund investments in India. Covers the SEBI video-verification framework, the document and identity-proof requirements, the live call flow, and the typical T+1 processing.
- How to do KYC modification at CAMS or KFin (multi-field update)
Step-by-step procedure for modifying multiple KYC fields (name, address, mobile, email, signature) in a single submission at CAMS or KFin via the KYC Change Request Form (KCRF). Covers the consolidated form, document attachments, and the KRA cascade.
- How to do client KYC as MF distributor
Step-by-step procedure for MF distributors to onboard client KYC. Covers document collection, KRA upload, FATCA, and the digital eKYC route via Aadhaar.
- How to do CKYC verification for mutual funds in India
Step-by-step procedure for using your existing CKYC (Central KYC) record to onboard to a mutual fund AMC, including locating your 14-digit CKYC number, verification with CERSAI, and the cross-regulator scope.
- How to display multiple charts on ChartIQ (Kite)
Step-by-step procedure for displaying multiple charts simultaneously on ChartIQ engine of Zerodha Kite. Covers multi-pane layouts, multi-instrument comparison, and the limits.
- How to default chart settings on ChartIQ (Kite)
Step-by-step procedure for setting default chart settings on ChartIQ engine of Zerodha Kite. Covers default settings restore, baseline configuration, and the persistence.
- How to decide between SIP and lump-sum for mutual fund investing
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) and lump-sum subscription for mutual fund investing in India. Covers the cost-averaging mechanics, volatility considerations, and a simple rules-based selection.
- How to decide between nominee and will for mutual fund inheritance
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between nominee registration and will for mutual fund inheritance planning. Covers legal precedence, operational simplicity, tax implications, and the recommended combined approach.
- How to decide between NFO and an existing scheme
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between subscribing to a mutual fund NFO and investing in an existing scheme in the same category. Covers track-record bias, TER, peer comparison, and the empirical evidence.
- How to decide between lump-sum redemption and SWP for cash flow
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between lump-sum redemption and SWP for cash-flow needs from a mutual fund corpus. Covers tax efficiency, timing risk, and the worked-example comparison.
- How to decide between growth option and IDCW option (mutual fund)
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between growth option and IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) option for mutual fund investments. Covers the distribution mechanics, tax implications under Finance Act 2020, and the simple selection rule.
- How to decide between direct plan and regular plan (mutual fund)
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between direct plan and regular plan for mutual fund investing in India. Covers the TER difference, the long-term compounding effect, and when an advisor's value justifies regular plan.
- How to create monthly income from mutual funds via SWP
Step-by-step playbook for generating monthly income from mutual fund corpus via Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). Covers corpus sizing, fund selection, withdrawal rate, and tax-efficient design.
- How to convert mutual fund units from demat to folio (rematerialisation)
Step-by-step procedure for rematerialising mutual fund units from demat form back to folio (SoA). Covers when this is needed, the RRF process, and the implications for ongoing operations.
- How to convert mutual fund folio (SoA) to demat form
Step-by-step procedure for converting mutual fund units from Statement of Account (SoA / folio) form to dematerialised form. Covers the AMC route, CDSL/NSDL processing, and the use cases for demat-mode MF holdings.
- How to convert ETF holdings to index fund (or vice versa)
Step-by-step procedure for converting ETF holdings to an index fund (or vice versa). Covers sale-then-buy execution, tax implications, and the use case.
- How to consolidate multiple folios at the same AMC
Step-by-step procedure for consolidating multiple folios at the same AMC into one. Covers AMC consolidation request, the conditions required, the operational benefits, and the tax-event neutrality.
- How to compute XIRR for your mutual fund portfolio
Step-by-step procedure for computing XIRR (annualised return) for a mutual fund portfolio with irregular cash flows. Covers spreadsheet formula, cash-flow setup, and the comparison with CAGR / absolute return.
- How to compute risk-adjusted return for a mutual fund
Step-by-step guide to computing risk-adjusted return metrics for a mutual fund: Sharpe ratio, Sortino ratio, Calmar ratio, alpha, beta, and the use in comparing schemes.
- How to compute debt mutual fund tax (post Finance Act 2023)
Step-by-step procedure for computing debt mutual fund tax post Finance Act 2023. Covers Section 50AA framework, slab-rate treatment, indexation removal, the pre-vs-post-2023 acquisition distinction, and ITR reporting.
- How to compute AIF tax in the context of mutual funds
Step-by-step procedure for understanding AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) taxation as it relates to mutual fund investors. Covers Category I/II/III AIFs, pass-through taxation, and the distinction from MFs.
- How to comply with FEMA for NRI mutual fund investments
Step-by-step procedure for ensuring FEMA compliance on NRI mutual fund investments. Covers NRE/NRO use, scheme restrictions, outward remittance, and the Form 15CA/CB framework.