What Is Systematic Transfer Plan (stp) In A Mutual Fund? How Does It Work?

By Author: swarali chavan
Total Articles: 7
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We are aware that there are two ways to make mutual fund investments – lump sum or through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). But are you aware of the concept Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)?

Systematic Transfer Plan is a system wherein you move a fixed amount of money from one mutual fund scheme to another. Ideally, you use the STP method to transfer money from a debt fund to equity fund. It potentially reduces the risk for investors.

How does it work?

• STP reduces the balance in the first fund and increases in the second
• The transfer happens automatically
• STPs are closely related to the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and SWP
• One of the benefits of SIP is investing a fixed amount of money in the mutual fund scheme at regular intervals. In SWP, you can withdraw money from the mutual fund scheme at a predetermined date
• In STP, you can only move money between mutual fund schemes of the same AMC fund house
What are the benefits of STP?
• STPs are known to average out investor’s ...
... purchase price and protects them from catching a high market
• Say you have received lump sum amount through bonus, you can invest in the mutual fund scheme using the STP method

Investing in STP vs investing in market correction: the difference?
Most of the investors wait for market correction instead of setting up STP. Although it does offer higher returns, it does not work in practice. It is not possible to predict the length and depth of market correction. Also, investing in correction means timing the market which may not always be successful.

How to set up an STP?

Follow the guide to set-up the Systematic Transfer Plan (STP):
• Fill the form at the concerned AMC mutual fund house and submit it. If you want to use the online method, you can fill them up on the AMC site as well
• In the form, you have to mention details like date of the STP, duration of the STP, and the STP amount
• Upload/furnish the essential documents along with the form

What is the tax system under STP?

STPs tax system is dependent on two factors – the type of fund you are transferring the money to and the holding period. STPs are usually treated as a redemption and taxed accordingly.

Most of the STPs are taxed at your slab rate since they are liquid funds. Since the returns from such funds are usually not at a higher price, the actual tax payable rate is not large.

A Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) does carry exit load charges. However, most of the STPs transfer money from the liquid fund to an equity fund, so there is no scope for exit load as most of the fees are towards debt funds.