Gold Investment: Which Option Offers the Best Tax Efficiency?

• Physical gold incurs 3% GST on purchase and 5% on making charges, making it the most tax-heavy option.
• Gold ETFs have no GST at entry but are subject to capital gains tax upon sale (12.5% without indexation for long-term).
• Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are the most tax-friendly; capital gains are tax-free if held to 8-year maturity.
• Inherited gold has no tax at inheritance; tax applies only upon sale, considering the original owner's holding period.