Gold Investment Comparison
With Budget 2026 Tax Rules
⚠️ Budget 2026 Update
SGBs bought on the exchange are no longer tax-free at maturity. Premature redemptions (5-7 yrs) from RBI are also now taxable at 12.5%.
Min ₹1,000 | Max ₹10 Crore
Used for SGB interest & STCG taxation
What Does This Calculator Do?
This Gold Investment Calculator compares returns across four popular gold investment options in India: Physical Gold (jewelry, coins, bars), Digital Gold (apps like PhonePe, Google Pay), Gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds on stock exchanges), and Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs issued by the RBI). Each option has different cost structures, tax implications, and liquidity profiles. This tool helps you make an informed decision by showing projected returns, tax impact under Budget 2026 rules, and total cost of ownership for each option.
Why Compare Gold Investment Options?
Gold has been a trusted store of value in Indian households for generations. However, the way you invest in gold significantly impacts your actual returns. Physical gold carries making charges (10-25%) and storage costs. Digital gold has no making charges but limited regulatory protection. Gold ETFs offer market liquidity but attract 12.5% LTCG tax under Budget 2026. Sovereign Gold Bonds are the only option offering 2.5% annual interest on top of gold price appreciation, and capital gains are fully tax-free if held to maturity (8 years).
How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Enter the investment amount in rupees. Step 2: Set the holding period (1 to 30 years). Step 3: Adjust the expected gold price growth rate (10-year average is ~11% in India). Step 4: Choose a gold type for detailed analysis or view the comparison table for all four options side by side. Step 5: Review the returns breakdown including making charges, tax impact, and net returns for each option.
Key Terms Explained
SGB (Sovereign Gold Bond): Government securities denominated in grams of gold, issued by RBI. They pay 2.5% annual interest and offer tax-free capital gains at maturity. LTCG: Long-Term Capital Gains tax at 12.5% applicable on gold ETFs and digital gold sold after holding for more than 12 months (Budget 2026). Making Charges: The fabrication cost added by jewelers when buying physical gold, typically 10-25% of gold value. Gold ETF: Exchange-traded funds that track gold prices and can be bought/sold on stock exchanges during market hours.