Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) in Mutual Funds
The term IDCW stands for “Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal.” IDCW was introduced by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) in April 2021, replacing “Dividend” in mutual funds. In this article, we will be covering what IDCW in mutual funds means, its types, taxation aspects, benefits of IDCW, factors to consider before investing, and more.
What is IDCW in Mutual Funds?
IDCW in mutual funds is an investment plan offered by mutual funds where investors receive regular income from their investments. IDCW is not an additional benefit but a reclassification of returns from a fund’s NAV as “income distribution” and partial “capital withdrawal.”
Investors can receive IDCW payments from a mutual fund’s NAV even if the fund does not make profits. This is because IDCW payments include income and capital withdrawal, which allows investors to receive a consistent return on their investments. This structure can be appealing for those seeking a steady income stream without having to liquidate their holdings.
How Does Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal Work?
Here is how Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal works:
- Profit Distribution: When a mutual fund earns profits, it can either reinvest them back into the fund or distribute them to its investors.
- Issuing IDCWs: If the fund chooses to distribute the profits, it does so by issuing IDCWs to its investors. IDCWs are essentially units of the fund that represent the investor’s share of the profits.
- Determining Amount: The IDCW mutual fund’s NAV and the investor’s holding period determine the amount of Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal received by the investor.
- Regular Payouts: IDCW payouts can be made regularly, such as monthly or quarterly, providing a predictable income stream.
- IDCW Mutual Fund Taxation: The income received under IDCW is taxable as per the individual’s income tax slab. If you fall under the 30% tax slab, then your IDCW earnings will be taxed at 30%. This taxation applies to all dividends, and there is no separate provision for tax-free earnings under IDCW in mutual funds. If the total income from IDCW in a financial year exceeds Rs 5,000, a Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) at the rate of 10% is applicable. The deducted TDS will be credited to your income tax account and will be adjusted against your final tax liability.
Types of IDCW in Mutual Funds
Here are the two main types of IDCW in mutual funds
- IDCW Payout Option: Under this option, the mutual fund scheme distributes income (if any) to investors periodically, such as monthly, quarterly, or on an annual basis. The payout is made from the distributable surplus of the scheme, which could include profits earned through dividends or capital appreciation. The frequency and amount of such distributions are not guaranteed and depend on the scheme’s performance. This option may be suitable for investors seeking regular income, such as retirees or individuals requiring supplemental cash flow.
- IDCW Reinvestment Option: In this type, the income declared under IDCW is not paid out but is reinvested back into the scheme at the prevailing net asset value (NAV). This allows the investor’s holdings to grow over time by compounding the reinvested amount. It can be an effective choice for investors who do not require immediate income and are focused on long-term wealth creation.
What is SEBI’s New Rule on Dividend Plans?
SEBI has renamed the Dividend Plan to the Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) Plan. This change came into effect in April 2021. The IDCW option in mutual funds provides better clarity and transparency to investors regarding the nature of payouts.
Why did SEBI rename the Dividend Plan as the Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal Plan?
The reason behind this change is to avoid confusion caused by the term “dividend.” Mutual fund dividends are usually viewed as being paid from a company’s profits. However, in case of IDCWs, it can be paid out of a mutual fund’s NAV, even if the fund didn’t make any profits. To make things clearer for investors, the IDCW Plan combines income distribution and capital withdrawal. This helps investors understand where their returns are coming from and maintain transparency.
Key Things Investors Should Know Before Choosing the IDCW Plan
Dividend Composition
Dividend composition involves examining the sources of the dividend payments, such as profits generated by the mutual fund, interest income, or any other income. Having an idea about the composition can help investors assess the reliability of the income distributions.
Dividend Payout
Investors need to know whether the dividends are paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. This helps them in planning cash flow and coming up with a better financial strategy.
Dividend Taxation
To manage finances effectively, investors should understand how taxes treat dividends from the plan. Having enough information about the tax treatment helps optimise your after-tax returns and align your investment strategy with your financial goals. IDCW mutual fund taxation can make a big difference in the net returns, especially for investors in higher tax brackets.
Who Should Invest in Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal?
Here are some of the people who might find Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) plans interesting:
Retirees
IDCW in a mutual fund can be a good option for retirees who need regular income from their investments. IDCW payments can provide a steady income stream, and the tax treatment is also favourable for retirees.
People with Unpredictable Income
People with unpredictable income, such as freelancers or self-employed individuals, may also find an IDCW plan suitable. Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal payments can provide a regular stream of revenue, even if their income fluctuates.
People Who Want to Avoid the Hassle of Selling Units
IDCW plans can be a suitable option for those who want to avoid the hassle of selling units from their mutual fund portfolio. With an IDCW plan, you can receive regular income without having to sell your units. This can simplify the process of accessing funds.
Note: IDCW in mutual fund plans may not be suitable for everyone. It is advisable to consult a financial advisor before making any decision.
Benefits of Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal
Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal in mutual funds offers several benefits for investors, including:
Generating Regular Income for Investors
With IDCW, investors can receive regular income distributions from their mutual fund investments. It’s like getting a paycheck from your investments, which can help meet your day-to-day expenses or provide a steady income stream. However, distributions depend on the fund’s performance and distributable surplus and are not guaranteed.
Managing Cash Flow and Meeting Financial Obligations
By receiving periodic income distributions, investors can easily cover their regular expenses, make loan payments, or even plan for their retirement income. The ability to manage cash flow depends on consistent IDCW payouts, which rely on market performance.
Balancing Income Distribution and Capital Appreciation Goals
IDCW in mutual funds strikes a balance between generating income and potentially growing your investment. You can enjoy the benefits of a regular income while still having the potential for your investment to increase in value over time. IDCW reduces NAV since payouts are deducted from the fund’s value.
Taxation Aspects of Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal in Mutual Funds
The taxation aspects of Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal in mutual funds are as follows:
- Taxation of IDCW: The income received under IDCW is taxable as per the individual’s income tax slab. If you fall under the 30% tax slab, then your IDCW earnings will be taxed at 30%. This taxation applies to all dividends, and there is no separate provision for tax-free earnings under IDCW.
- TDS on IDCW: If the total income from IDCW in a financial year exceeds Rs 5,000, a Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) at the rate of 10% is applicable. The deducted TDS will be credited to your income tax account and will be adjusted against your final tax liability.
- Tax Implications: The taxation on IDCW can reduce the overall returns from your investments. It is essential to be aware of these implications to plan your investments effectively. Understanding these aspects can help investors align their investment strategies with their financial goals.
What is the Difference Between Dividend Declared by Companies and IDCW from Mutual Funds?
The key difference between dividends declared by companies and IDCW from mutual funds is that dividends from mutual funds are paid out of the company’s profits, whereas IDCW is drawn from the fund’s net asset value (NAV). Key differences between IDCW and dividends declared by companies are:
Key Differences
| Aspect | Dividends Declared by Companies | IDCW from Mutual Funds |
| Source of Payment | Dividends declared by mutual funds are paid out of the company’s profits, directly reflecting its profitability. | IDCW in mutual funds means payments can be made from the fund’s NAV, which may include profits or capital withdrawals. |
| Determination | The company’s board of directors decides the dividend amount based on quarterly profits and financial performance. | Fund managers determine IDCW payouts based on the fund’s performance, aiming to balance income distribution and capital preservation. |
| Payment Frequency | Dividends are typically paid quarterly. | IDCW payouts can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually, offering more flexibility. |
| Representation | Dividends are a direct payout from the company’s profits to its shareholders. | IDCW payouts are in the form of units representing the investor’s share in the fund’s profits or NAV. |
| Taxation | Taxed as dividend income. | Taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab rate. |
| Investment Reinvestment | Dividend income cannot be reinvested directly by the company; shareholders must reinvest separately if desired. | IDCW payments can be reinvested back into the mutual fund, allowing for compounding of investment over time. |
Which Mutual Fund Scheme is Better – IDCW or Growth?
IDCW and Growth are both types of mutual fund schemes, but they have different investment objectives and strategies.
Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) schemes invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. Here are some of the key differences between IDCW and Growth.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) | Growth |
| Objective | Generate regular income through IDCW payouts. | Generate long-term capital appreciation by reinvesting profits. |
| Investment Mix | Invests in a mix of equity and debt instruments. | Invests in a mix of equity and debt instruments. |
| Income Distribution | Provides regular income through IDCW payouts which may come from the NAV. | No regular income distribution; profits are reinvested in the fund. |
| Reinvestment | IDCW payouts can be reinvested into the scheme. | Profits are automatically reinvested to grow the fund’s value. |
| Tax Implications | IDCW payouts are taxed as capital gains, often at a lower rate. | Growth option’s gains are taxed only when units are redeemed, potentially at long-term capital gains rates. |
| Risk and Return | Suitable for investors seeking regular income with moderate growth potential. | Suitable for investors seeking higher long-term growth and willing to accept more volatility. |
| Suitability | Best for investors needing regular income, such as retirees. | Best for investors looking for long-term capital growth, such as young professionals. |
| Payouts | IDCW offers periodic payouts, aligning with income-focused investment strategies. | Growth focuses on compounding returns over time, ideal for wealth accumulation. |
IDCW vs. SWP: Which Option is Better?
When it comes to generating regular income from your investments, two popular options often come into play: IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) and SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan). Both have their unique benefits and can cater to different financial goals.
| Aspect | IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) | SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) |
| Definition | Regular payouts from the profits made by the fund. | Fixed amount withdrawals from mutual fund investments. |
| Income Distribution | Provides regular income without selling units. | Withdraws a fixed amount by selling units of the mutual fund. |
| Taxation | As of 2025, IDCW payouts are added to the investor’s taxable income and taxed as per the individual’s tax slab rate. Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) is no longer applicable after it was abolished in 2020. | Withdrawals under SWP are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term or long-term capital gains tax is applied depending on the holding period of the units sold. |
| Market Performance Dependence | Payout frequency and amount depend on fund performance, leading to variable income. | Offers a predictable and steady cash flow regardless of market performance. |
| Customizable Withdrawals | Payouts are decided by the fund policy and market performance. | Investors can choose the amount and frequency of withdrawals. |
| Capital Reduction | Units remain intact as only profits are distributed. | Reduces the total investment value over time as units are sold. |
| Best For | Investors seeking regular income without selling their units. | Those needing a fixed, predictable income stream. |
| Considerations | Suitable for those comfortable with fluctuating payouts and associated tax implications. | Ideal for retirees or anyone wanting controlled withdrawals and tax efficiency. |
IDCW in Mutual Funds – The Methodology
Before understanding the methodology of IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal), it’s helpful to first understand what IDCW means in mutual funds. When an investor receives a dividend, it essentially signifies a withdrawal of their capital, with or without appreciation.
Let’s understand this with an example.
Suppose an investor holds 1,000 units of a mutual fund and the NAV of each unit is Rs. 50. The mutual fund declares an IDCW of Rs. 2 per unit.
Calculation:
- Number of units held: 1,000 units
- IDCW per unit: Rs. 2
Income Distribution Amount:
1,000 units x Rs. 2 per unit = Rs. 2,000
In this scenario, the investor would receive an income distribution of ₹2,000. This amount is a partial return of the investor’s original capital and can be taken in cash or reinvested in more units of the mutual fund. As a result, the net asset value (NAV) of the mutual fund would decrease by the income distribution amount.
Example of Dividend Payout
When an IDCW in a mutual fund plan pays out dividends to unitholders, the Net Asset Value (NAV) decreases. It leads to relatively lower overall returns compared to the growth option of the same fund.
Let’s understand how dividend distribution impacts returns with the help of an example.
Suppose you are an investor in the IDCW option of a large-cap fund. The fund’s current NAV is Rs. 10, and you own 100 units. This means your total investment value is Rs. 1000.
| Information | Amount (in Rs) |
| Number of units | 100.00 |
| NAV before dividend payout | 10.00 |
| Investment Value | 1,000.00 |
| Dividend per unit | 1.00 |
| Total dividend received (units X dividend per unit) | 100.00 |
| NAV after dividend payout | 9.00 |
| Investment value after dividend payout | 900.00 |
Common Misconceptions about IDCW in Mutual Funds
Let’s look at some important considerations before investing in IDCW in mutual funds.
Misconception 1: Mutual funds primarily use income from underlying stocks to distribute dividends.
Reality: Mutual fund dividends can be disbursed not only from the income generated by the underlying stocks in the portfolio but also from the profits made by selling stocks within the portfolio.
Misconception 2: Dividend option mutual fund schemes regularly book profits to pay dividends to investors.
Reality: Dividends from mutual funds do not represent additional income beyond the profits realised upon redemption. Instead, they can be in the form of capital appreciation, sourced from the investor’s capital.
Misconception 3: Dividend option mutual fund schemes regularly book profits to pay dividends to investors.
Reality: The portfolio of a mutual fund scheme is consistent across all options, whether it’s growth or dividends. Profit booking is done by the fund manager at the scheme level and applies to all options. In the growth option, profits are reinvested and reflected in the NAV.
In the IDCW option, the fund manager or AMC may distribute part of the profit to investors at their discretion. It is important to understand that profit distribution in the dividend option is not guaranteed by the AMC.t is important to understand that profit distribution in the dividend option is not guaranteed by the AMC.
To Wrap It Up…
Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) in mutual funds provides you with a flexible and convenient way to generate regular income while also allowing for capital withdrawal. It offers a balanced approach to meet both income distribution and capital appreciation goals.
However, it’s important to carefully evaluate your investment objectives and risk tolerance before choosing an Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal plan.
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FAQs about IDCW in Mutual Funds
IDCW full form in mutual funds is “Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal.” IDCW is a type of mutual fund plan that may allow investors to receive income from their investments while also having the flexibility to withdraw their capital if needed.
The choice between growth and IDCW depends on individual investor preferences and financial goals. Growth plan supports capital appreciation, and it reinvests returns in the fund to generate higher long-term gains. Whereas, IDCW plans provide regular income along with the dividend option in mutual funds to withdraw capital.
IDCW reinvestment refers to reinvesting the income distributions received from an IDCW plan into the mutual fund.
IDCW plans may not have a fixed dividend yield like traditional dividend plans. The income distributions in IDCW plans depend on factors such as the fund’s performance, market conditions, and the availability of distributable surplus.
IDCW interim means the interim payments made by a mutual fund under the Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) plan.
IDCW payout in mutual funds refers to the option where a mutual fund scheme distributes the income generated (through dividends or interest) and/or part of the capital invested to the investors.
