What is Exit Load in Mutual Fund? Meaning, Charges & How It Affects Returns

When you invest in a mutual fund, an exit load, also called a redemption fee, back-end load, or Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC), is a small percentage charged if you redeem your units before a specified holding period. 

For example, if a fund charges a 1% exit load and you redeem ₹1,00,000 worth of units early, ₹1,000 will be deducted as a fee, and you will receive ₹99,000.

Let’s take another practical example with Suganti investing in a fund with a 1% exit load if redeemed within one year:

• In January 2024, Suganti buys 500 units at a Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹100, so her total investment is ₹50,000.
   
• By July 2024, the NAV increases to ₹110, making her total redemption value ₹55,000.
   
• Since she is redeeming within 12 months, she must pay a 1% exit load on ₹55,000, which is ₹550.
   
• Hence, Suganti will receive ₹55,000 minus ₹550, equaling ₹54,450.

This means the exit load reduces Suganti’s redemption amount. For investors who withdraw early or switch funds frequently, this fee directly lowers their returns and reduces the benefit of compounding over time.

Why Do Funds Charge It? Objectives & benefits for investors.

Mutual funds charge an exit load primarily to:

1. Discourage Frequent Redemptions: Exit loads help prevent short-term trading, which can disrupt a fund's liquidity and investment strategy. Frequent withdrawals may force fund managers to sell assets at unfavourable prices, potentially harming the fund's performance. By imposing exit loads, funds encourage investors to stay invested for the long term, allowing managers to execute their investment strategies effectively.
    
2. Protect Long-Term Investors: Exit loads safeguard long-term investors from the costs associated with early redemptions by others. Without exit loads, the fund might need to sell assets to meet redemption demands, potentially incurring costs that could dilute returns for remaining investors. By charging an exit load, funds ensure that those who stay invested bear a fair share of the costs.

Let’s look at Suganti’s mutual fund investment and how the exit load affects her redemption amount when she sells her units early.

As this example shows, the exit load reduces Suganti’s redemption amount by ₹550. This cost can lower returns, especially for investors who redeem their units before the specified holding period.

Types & Structure of Exit Loads

Mutual funds apply exit loads in various ways to encourage long-term investment and protect the interests of existing investors. The main types are:

• Fixed Exit Load: This is a flat fee charged if you redeem your units before a specified period. For example, a fund may charge a 1% exit load if you redeem within 12 months of investing. If you redeem after 12 months, no exit load applies.
   
• Tiered Exit Load (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - CDSC): This structure reduces the exit load over time. For instance, a fund may charge 3% if you redeem within 1 year, 2% if you redeem between 1 and 2 years, and 1% if you redeem between 2 and 3 years. After 3 years, no exit load applies.
   
• Multiple Tiered Exit Load: Some funds have more detailed slabs, such as 2% exit load under 6 months, 1% between 6 and 12 months, and no exit load after 12 months. This structure encourages investors to stay invested longer.
   
• No Exit Load Funds: Certain mutual funds, especially liquid funds, overnight funds, and some index funds, do not charge any exit load. These funds typically allow investors to redeem their units at any time without penalty.

Example: Suganti's Investment with Tiered Exit Load

Let's consider Suganti's investment in a mutual fund with a tiered exit load structure:

• Investment Details:
   
  • Amount Invested: ₹50,000
     
  • Units Purchased: 500
     
  • NAV at Purchase: ₹100 per unit
     
• Exit Load Structure:
   
  • 3% exit load if redeemed within 1 year
     
  • 2% exit load if redeemed between 1 and 2 years
     
  • 1% exit load if redeemed between 2 and 3 years
     
  • No exit load after 3 years

Redemption Scenarios: Here is a table explaining redemption scenarios for better understanding:
 

In this example, Suganti's redemption amount increases as the holding period extends, demonstrating how exit loads can impact returns.

How to Calculate the Exit Load?

Mutual funds calculate exit load using a clear formula:

Exit Load = NAV × Units Redeemed × Exit Load Rate%

Redemption Proceeds = (NAV × Units) – Exit Load

This method applies to both lump sum investments and SIPs, using the NAV and units redeemed at the time of redemption. The fund’s scheme information document (SID) specifies the applicable exit load and holding period.

SIP Example:

If you invest ₹10,000 monthly via SIP when the exit load is 1% for redemptions within 365 days:

• Assume you make 12 monthly SIPs from April 2022 to March 2023.
   
• You wish to withdraw ₹50,000 on 25 June 2023 when NAV is ₹100.
   
• Some SIP instalments (e.g. from June 2022) have completed 365 days and are exit-load free; others have not.
   
• Suppose out of 500 units redeemed, 297 units are older than 365 days (no load) and 203 units are younger (load applies).
   
• Exit Load = 203 × ₹100 × 1% = ₹203.
   
• Redemption proceeds = ₹50,000 – ₹203 = ₹49,797

Understanding how exit loads apply to each investment, lump sum or SIP,  helps you plan redemptions and maximise returns. Always check the SID to know the exact exit load rate and period.

How Exit Load Affects Your Returns?

Exit load can have a direct impact on your investment returns, especially if you redeem your units early. Here are the key ways it affects what you receive.

• Directly Reduces Redemption Amount: When you redeem units within the exit load period, the amount you get is lower. For instance, a ₹1,00,000 redemption with a 1% exit load reduces your proceeds by ₹1,000, leaving you with ₹99,000.
   
• Erodes Compounding: Repeated early withdrawals diminish your principal. That means you have less money compounded over time, reducing future growth.
   
• Hits Short-Term Investors Hardest: Investors who redeem early or switch funds often lose more due to exit load. Exit loads are designed specifically to discourage this behaviour and benefit those who invest long term.
   
• Supports Fund Stability: Exit loads help funds avoid sudden large outflows. This enables fund managers to stick with their strategy and avoid forced sales at poor prices, which protects all investors.
   
• Not Tax-Deductible and Applied After Gains: Exit loads are not counted as tax-deductible expenses. They are applied after calculating capital gains and reduce the actual amount you receive.

Example: Suganti’s Withdrawal

Let’s see how exit load impacts Suganti’s returns:

• Investment Scenario: She redeems ₹1,00,000 from her equity fund after 6 months.
• Exit Load: 1%

Calculations:

Exit Load = ₹1,00,000 × 1% = ₹1,000  

Amount Received = ₹1,00,000 − ₹1,000 = ₹99,000

• She loses ₹1,000 upfront from her expected returns.
   
• That ₹1,000 could have been invested elsewhere, eroding the compounding effect.
   
• If she repeated this frequently, the cumulative loss would grow significantly.

Exit loads lower the amount you get when you redeem your mutual fund units, especially if you withdraw early or switch funds often. They reduce the power of compounding, which can affect short-term investors the most. On the good side, exit loads help keep the fund stable and protect long-term investors. Also, exit loads are not tax-deductible and apply after calculating capital gains.

Conclusion
 

Exit load is a fee that mutual funds charge when you withdraw your money before a set time. It helps keep the fund stable and protects long-term investors. By understanding how exit load works, you can plan better and avoid losing money on early redemptions.

FAQs

1. Can I avoid paying an exit load?

Yes, you can avoid it by staying invested beyond the fund's exit load period. Check the scheme document to know how long you need to stay invested.

2. Does exit load apply to every mutual fund?

No, it doesn't. Some funds like liquid funds, overnight funds, and certain index funds do not charge any exit load.

3. Is exit load the same for SIP and lump sum investments?

The rate is the same, but the timing matters more in SIPs. Each SIP instalment has its own holding period, so exit load applies only to the units that are still within the lock-in period.

4. Is exit load tax-deductible?

No, exit load is not tax-deductible. It is charged after calculating your capital gains and does not reduce your taxable amount.
 

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