Guides
A growing collection of how-to guides and reference notes.
- How to comply with Companies Act for corporate mutual fund investments
Step-by-step procedure for ensuring Companies Act compliance on corporate mutual fund investments. Covers Section 186 (loans / investments), Board Resolution, related-party transactions, and audit / disclosure.
- How to complete NRI mutual fund KYC
Step-by-step procedure for completing NRI-specific mutual fund KYC. Covers documentation (PAN, OCI, passport, NRI status proof), in-person verification options, and the FATCA self-certification.
- How to complete mutual fund KYC online using Aadhaar OTP
Step-by-step procedure for completing mutual fund KYC online in India using Aadhaar OTP-based eKYC, including prerequisites, the UIDAI-AMC integration, the Rs 50,000 per AMC per FY investment ceiling, and common error scenarios.
- How to complete in-person verification (IPV) for mutual fund KYC
Step-by-step procedure for completing in-person verification (IPV) for mutual fund KYC at an AMC or RTA service centre. Covers the IPV form, document requirements, and the cases where IPV is mandatory over Aadhaar OTP eKYC.
- How to compare two mutual fund schemes
Step-by-step framework for comparing two mutual fund schemes head-to-head. Covers category-mandate match, return comparison, risk-adjusted metrics, expense, manager continuity, and the decision matrix.
- How to compare relative performance on Kite
Step-by-step procedure for comparing relative performance of multiple instruments on Zerodha Kite. Covers compare feature (TradingView), benchmark normalisation, and the chart overlay.
- How to compare mutual fund factsheets across schemes
Step-by-step procedure for comparing multiple mutual fund factsheets across peer schemes within a SEBI category. Covers metric selection, normalisation, weighted scoring, and the decision framework.
- How to compare loan against MF: bank vs NBFC
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between bank and NBFC for loan against mutual fund units. Covers LTV, interest rate, tenure, processing time, customer service, and risk dimensions.
- How to compare distributor vs RIA business model
Step-by-step comparison of mutual fund distributor (ARN) vs Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) business models. Covers revenue, regulation, fiduciary, compliance, and the suitability matrix.
- How to claim TDS under Section 194K on mutual fund income in ITR
Step-by-step procedure for claiming Section 194K TDS on mutual fund income (IDCW, sometimes capital gains) as tax credit in ITR. Covers TAN identification, Schedule TDS entry, and the verification.
- How to claim TDS on mutual fund dividend in ITR
Step-by-step procedure for claiming TDS deducted on mutual fund dividend (IDCW) as a credit in ITR. Covers Section 194K mechanics, Form 26AS reconciliation, and the refund process for excess TDS.
- How to claim segregated portfolio recovery proceeds
Step-by-step procedure for claiming recovery proceeds from a segregated portfolio (side pocket) in a mutual fund. Covers AMC notifications, automatic credit, and tax reporting.
- How to claim NPS Section 80CCD deduction in ITR
Step-by-step procedure for claiming NPS contributions as deductions under Sections 80CCD(1), 80CCD(1B), and 80CCD(2) in ITR. Covers the Rs 50k additional cap, employer contribution, and the regime applicability.
- How to claim mutual fund units via succession certificate
Step-by-step procedure for claiming mutual fund units via succession certificate when no nominee is registered. Covers court application, certificate issuance, AMC processing, and the typical 6-12 month timeline.
- How to claim mutual fund units via nomination
Step-by-step procedure for a nominee to claim mutual fund units after the holder's death. Covers required documents, AMC processing, multi-nominee allocation, and the timeline.
- How to claim mutual fund units / dividends from IEPF
Step-by-step procedure for claiming mutual fund units / unclaimed dividends transferred to IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund). Covers Form IEPF-5, eligibility, documentation, and the typical processing timeline.
- How to claim ELSS Section 80C deduction in ITR
Step-by-step procedure for claiming Section 80C deduction on ELSS investments in ITR. Covers Rs 1.5 lakh combined limit, Schedule 80C entry, proof requirements, and the new vs old regime applicability.
- How to claim DTAA benefit on NRI mutual fund taxation
Step-by-step procedure for claiming Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) benefit on NRI mutual fund taxation. Covers TRC, Form 10F submission to AMC, and the country-specific tax rate adjustments.
- How to choose your first mutual fund (India)
Step-by-step procedure for selecting your first mutual fund in India. Covers goal definition, horizon-risk matching, fund category selection, scheme evaluation, and the simple starter-portfolio template.
- How to choose the right ITR form for mutual fund investors
Step-by-step procedure for selecting the correct ITR form when filing returns with mutual fund holdings. Covers ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4 applicability and the disqualifiers for each.
- How to choose between old and new tax regime as a mutual fund investor
Step-by-step decision framework for choosing between the old and new tax regimes as a mutual fund investor. Covers 80C / 80CCD / HRA implications, breakeven calculation, and the annual regime switch flexibility.
- How to choose between Growth and IDCW option
Step-by-step guide to choosing between Growth and IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) option for a mutual fund. Covers tax implications, compounding, and the goal-fit decision.
- How to choose an AMC for your first mutual fund investment
Step-by-step procedure for selecting an Asset Management Company (AMC) for your first mutual fund investment. Covers AMC size, sponsor reputation, scheme range, operational quality, and the diversification argument for using 2-3 AMCs.
- How to choose a fund category for your first mutual fund investment
Step-by-step procedure for selecting a fund category for your first mutual fund investment, navigating SEBI's 42 categories framework. Covers horizon-category mapping, equity vs debt vs hybrid choice, and the simple categorical starter set.
- How to check KYC status on CAMS or KFin
Step-by-step procedure for checking your KYC KRA status by PAN across the five SEBI KRAs (CVL, NDML, CAMS, KFin, and DotEx). Distinguishes Registered, Validated, On Hold, and Rejected statuses and explains what each means for your ability to invest or trade.
- How to change candle body, wick, and border colour (Kite)
Step-by-step procedure for changing candle body, wick, and border colour on Zerodha Kite charts. Covers TradingView and ChartIQ workflows.
- How to carry forward mutual fund capital losses
Step-by-step procedure for carrying forward unutilised mutual fund capital losses across financial years. Covers Schedule CFL, the 8-year window, ITR filing prerequisites, and the per-FY tracking.
- How to cancel a NACH mandate (mutual fund)
Step-by-step procedure for cancelling a NACH eMandate used for mutual fund SIPs. Covers the bank-side and AMC-side cancellation, the effect on active SIPs, and the timing considerations to avoid missed debits.
- How to buy an ETF on NSE
Step-by-step procedure for buying an ETF on NSE / BSE secondary market through a broker. Covers demat requirement, order placement, NAV vs market price, and the iNAV reference.
- How to build an emergency fund using mutual funds
Step-by-step playbook for building a 6-12 month emergency fund using liquid and ultra-short duration mutual funds. Covers sizing, fund category selection, allocation, and redemption protocol.