Top 5 ELSS Funds

These days, taxpayers are busy filing their income tax returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26), with less than 30 days remaining for non-audit ones. The tax department earlier extended the due date to September 15, 2025, from July 31, 2025, keeping in mind the delay in releasing the ITR forms and related Excel utilities due to several changes in reporting income.

Meanwhile, taxpayers are ruminating on every deduction to decrease their tax liability. The old income tax regime allows taxpayers to avail these deductions. Some investments are also eligible for deductions under the old income tax regime.

Equity-Linked Savings Scheme, commonly known as ELSS, allows taxpayers to not only invest in the markets but also use the investment to decrease their tax liability. ELSS is a tax-saving mutual fund that invests a minimum of 80 per cent in equities. Taxpayers under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act can avail tax deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh with a short lock-in period of 3 years.

Top 5 ELSS Funds by 3-Year Returns

Based on performance data as of August 13, 2025, here are the top five ELSS (Tax Saver) funds ranked by their 3-year returns (Direct Plan).

1. Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund
   • 3-Year Return: 28.82%
   • 5-Year Return: 28.82%
   • NAV (Direct): Rs 399.43
   • AUM: Rs 11,504.90 crore
2. Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund
   • 3-Year Return: 25.61%
   • 5-Year Return: 26.80%
   • NAV (Direct): Rs 57.81
   • AUM: Rs 4,285.51 crore
3. SBI ELSS Tax Saver Fund
   • 3-Year Return: 24.54%
   • 5-Year Return: 25.52%
   • NAV (Direct): Rs 466.13
   • AUM: Rs 30,225.44 crore
4. HDFC ELSS Tax Saver Fund
   • 3-Year Return: 22.08%
   • 5-Year Return: 25.32%
   • NAV (Direct): Rs 1,509.65
   • AUM: Rs 16,533.68 crore
5. Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund
   • 3-Year Return: 16.83%
   • 5-Year Return: 22.37%
   • NAV (Direct): Rs 54.51

Investing in the right ELSS can not only help you save on taxes but also potentially provide good returns over the years. Always consider your financial goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.