Govt allows investors to set off losses against long-term capital gains tax

The Union Budget 2018 proposes to levy a 10% LTCG tax on gains above Rs 100,000 from selling securities

It is better to wait beyond March 31 this year to sell equity shares or units of equity-oriented mutual funds if one is incurring losses. 

This is so because these losses can be set off for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, to come into force from April 1 this year. These losses can be set off for a period of eight years. 

"Long-term capital loss arising from transfer made on or after April 1, 2018, will be allowed to be set-off and carried forward. Unabsorbed loss can be carried forward to subsequent eight years for set-off against long-term capital gains," clarified the