Many grand parents want to give their grand children monetary gifts, which the recipient can use when they grow up and need the money. Since it is a gift, the cheque is issued from the grandparent's account. Usually, mutual funds do not permit payments made by a third party (payment instruments not drawn on the investor's bank account). However, one of the exceptions to this rule is in respect of cheques issued by a parent or grandparent in favour of a minor child for amounts not exceeding `50,000. However, such third party investments need to follow paperwork as explained below.

Conditions

The payment must be made out of natural love and affection as a consideration. The amount invested cannot exceed `50,000 for each purchase or each SIP instalment.

Third party declaration

A separate declaration needs to be provided by the grandparent termed as the "third party declaration" in the standard format provided by the AMC. The declaration form can be downloaded from the mutual fund's website. This declaration form contains the details of the bank account from which the payment is made and the relationship with the investor.

PAN and KYC

Such investments need to be accompanied by a copy of the PAN card and KYC acknowledgement letter of all parties. In this case, the grandparent (the person making the payment) and the guardian of the minor must submit these documents. If KYC is not already completed, these parties need to complete KYC formalities first before making the investment.

The third party declaration form is required to be signed by the investor (guardian in this case) and the grand parent (third party) making the payment.

Once the minor turns into a major, he she is required to complete the necessary formalities in order to access the investment.