IDCW in Mutual Funds: Meaning, Taxation, Pros, Cons, and Strategy
Mutual fund investors often come across the term IDCW, which replaced the older term Dividend Option. IDCW stands for Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal, and understanding it is crucial for anyone investing in mutual funds for regular income or cash flow. This detailed guide will help you understand what IDCW means, how it works, tax implications, and whether it’s suitable for you. What is IDCW in Mutual Funds? IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) is a payout option in mutual funds where the fund distributes part of the income and/or capital gains to investors at regular intervals. Earlier known as the Dividend Option, SEBI mandated a change in terminology in 2021 to reflect that such payouts may come not just from the profits but also by redeeming part of the investor’s own capital. How Does IDCW Work? In an IDCW plan: The mutual fund declares IDCW based on surplus cash (dividends received, interest, gains). The amount is paid to the investor on a regular b...