How to break the lock in period of a mutual fund?

Asked by: Larue Pollich  |  Last update: April 13, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (8 votes)

No, breaking a lock-in mutual fund before the end of the lock-in period is not possible. You must wait until the lock-in period expires to redeem or sell your investment.

Can I break a lock-in a mutual fund?

During the three-year lock-in period, no redemption of units or withdrawal of the invested amount is allowed. After the completion of the lock-in period, investors gain the freedom to redeem the units partially or in full.

How do you break a 3 year lock on a mutual fund?

To redeem ELSS before three years, follow these steps:
  1. Check the lock-in term. Ensure that the mandatory three-year lock-in time has elapsed from the date of investment.
  2. Contact the fund manager. ...
  3. Fill out the redemption form. ...
  4. Submit the form and documents. ...
  5. Awaiting processing.

How to withdraw locked in mutual funds?

How do I withdraw or redeem from a mutual fund?
  1. Tap the 'Mutual Funds' tab at the bottom.
  2. Go to your Dashboard.
  3. Select the mutual fund.
  4. Tap 'Redeem. '
  5. Enter the amount.
  6. Tap 'Confirm Withdrawal. ' The amount will reflect in your bank account within 3-4 working days.

Can I withdraw money from a mutual fund before the lock-in period?

Unfortunately, you cannot break the 3 year lock-in period in a mutual fund. The only way to access your funds before the 3 year period is up is to surrender the fund and pay the applicable exit load.

ELSS Mutual Fund Lock-in period explained | How to Redeem ELSS after 3 years | #YourEverydayGuide

29 related questions found

Can I break a mutual fund anytime?

An investment in an open end scheme can be redeemed at any time. Unless it is an investment in an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), wherein there is a lock-in of 3 years from date of investment, there are no restrictions on investment redemption.

What happens to mutual fund after lock-in period?

You can choose to invest in a lump sum or instalments via a SIP. All ELSS funds have a lock-in period of three years. Once the lock-in period ends for a particular instalment/lump sum investment, the ELSS becomes an open-ended equity-oriented investment scheme with full liquidity.

Can I redeem a locked-in mutual fund?

Other options for unlocking funds

This means you may be able to unlock up to 50% of your locked-in savings without losing the benefit of tax-sheltered investment growth. The amount that's left remains locked in and is subject to the annual minimum and maximum withdrawal limits.

Can you easily take money out of a mutual fund?

You can withdraw money from a mutual fund in several ways - via a trading or DEMAT account by selecting the fund and entering the amount to withdraw, through the AMC's website or app, via a broker or distributor, by submitting a form to an RTA branch, or through a bank.

How do I redeem a locked unit in mutual funds?

Redemption of Units - Using Redemption form

In the redemption form one needs to fill in details like unit holder's name, folio number, scheme name including the plan details, and number of units to redeemed (or the redemption amount desired). In addition, all the holders have to sign the Redemption form.

How to remove lock-in mutual fund?

No, breaking a lock-in mutual fund before the end of the lock-in period is not possible. You must wait until the lock-in period expires to redeem or sell your investment.

How do I withdraw money from old mutual investments?

You authorise OMIA to pay the withdrawal amount to Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited (Old Mutual). Old Mutual will pay the withdrawal amount into your bank account. The first two withdrawals per calendar year are free of charge, after which a transaction charge will apply.

Do all mutual funds have lock-in period?

Most mutual funds that operate in India don't have a lock-in period. The one exception is the class of open-ended schemes, namely Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), which are mutual funds that save taxes but need a three-year lock-in period.

How to sell mutual funds in lock in period?

A lock-in period refers to the minimum duration for which investors must hold their investment. Investors cannot redeem or sell mutual fund units in that period.

Is your money protected in a mutual fund?

Remember that any mutual funds sold by banks (including money market funds) are not FDIC- insured. You can lose money invested in a mutual fund, regardless of how you acquired it.

What does "lock in period" mean?

Lock in period or lock up period refers to that period for which investments cannot be sold or redeemed. Lock in periods are commonly used for hedge funds, IPOs of private equity, start-ups and few mutual funds. On the expiry of the lock in period, one must not withdraw the funds immediately.

Is there a penalty for withdrawing from a mutual fund?

Yes, withdrawing equity-oriented mutual fund investments early can have tax implications. Short-term capital gains tax may apply if the investments are held for less than one year, taxed at a higher rate than long-term capital gains tax.

When should I pull out of a mutual fund?

However, if you have noticed significantly poor performance over the last two or more years, it may be time to cut your losses and move on. To help your decision, compare the fund's performance to a suitable benchmark or to similar funds. Exceptionally poor comparative performance should be a signal to sell the fund.

How much tax will I pay if I cash out my mutual funds?

The resulting profit will be a long-term capital gain. As such, the maximum federal income tax rate will be 20%, and you may also owe the 3.8% net investment income tax. However, most taxpayers will pay a tax rate of only 15% and some may even qualify for a 0% tax rate.

What is the 50% unlocking rule for LIRA?

Most provinces allow you to withdraw up to 50% of your LIRA when you reach 55 and then transfer those funds to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

Can I break mutual fund anytime?

Yes, you can redeem your mutual fund investments any time you want.

How do I cash out my mutual funds?

Select the fund: Choose the mutual fund from which you want to withdraw money. Place the redemption request: Enter the number of units you wish to redeem or the amount of money you want to withdraw. Confirm your request: Once you've entered the details, confirm your redemption request.

How do I withdraw from Lockin mutual fund?

Understanding ELSS redemption

ELSS Mutual Funds come with a lock-in period, typically three years. During this lock-in period, investors cannot redeem or withdraw their investments. However, once the lock-in period is over, investors have the flexibility to redeem their ELSS units.

What happens after lock-in period?

The ULIP lock-in period is the duration within which you cannot make withdrawals from a ULIP. Once the lock-in period is over, you have the option to withdraw amounts from your plan. The policy term represents the total duration of the ULIP. This may extend beyond the lock-in period.

How to redeem a mutual fund?

To redeem mutual funds online, visit the AMC, RTA, or MF Central websites. Log in using your folio number, PAN card number, or specific login credentials. Next, go to the redemption section and select the scheme from which you wish to redeem. Now, specify the number of units or the amount you want to redeem.