ITR filing 2026: What salaried employees should check in AIS and Form 26AS before submitting returns
As the ITR filing season for 2026-27 begins, salaried employees must review their AIS and Form 26AS for accurate income reporting. The ITR deadline is 31 July 2026, with a belated return option until 31 December 2026.
UPI ID blocked due to cybercrime complaint? Heres how to recover your account and restore access
UPI remains the top payment method, but rising cybercrime cases may lead to account suspensions, despite the user being innocent. Here are the steps users can take to protect themselves or recover their UPI account in case it gets blocked due to fraudulent transactions.
High equity taxes, alongside foreign institutional investor outflows, geopolitical tensions, and elevated oil prices, weigh on market sentiment and returns, prompting debate over investment flows and policy tweaks.
I asked ChatGPT how to spend money guilt-free? AI suggests me the concept of Anti-Budget. Check the comprehensive plan as suggested by artificial intelligence.
What NRIs should know about gift received from grandparents
While ITA 1961 did not expressly clarify whether the term covered maternal as well as paternal relatives, there are judicial precedents supporting the view that the expression includes both maternal and paternal lineal ascendants and descendants.
How credit card interest works: Even a 100 unpaid bill can hurt your pocket
Credit cards allow users to borrow money up to a limit, offering convenience and rewards. They provide an interest-free period if the full balance is paid by the due date, but unpaid amounts can incur interest on both the existing balance and new transactions.
Mutual fund returns explained: CAGR vs XIRR vs rolling returns highlights key differences in measuring growth, SIP performance and consistency. The final investment decision should be made after proper due diligence and consultation with a certified financial advisor.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund: BSE, ICICI Bank and MCX among top 10 stock holdings in April
Edelweiss Mutual Fund held major allocations in banking, telecom and financial stocks during April 2026, with portfolio adjustments in MCX, L&T and BSE reflecting active investment and rebalancing strategies.
7 mutual funds trim exposure in 19 smallcap stocks in April. Check key details
Seven mutual funds reduced stakes in 19 smallcap stocks during April, trimming exposure across sectors to actively manage portfolios, rebalance holdings, and improve returns amid changing market conditions and valuations.
Why finding the right insurance agent matters as much as choosing the best policy
While aggregators may be cheaper, a dedicated agent provides vital advocacy during claim disputes and disclosures. But since commission structures make it nearly impossible to switch agents later, here's how to make the right choice.
Rising milk, petrol and vegetable prices: Does this justify a higher DA hike in July 2026?
Rising milk, vegetable, petrol and CNG prices have intensified inflation concerns across the country, increasing expectations of a reasonable July 2026 DA hike for central government employees and pensioners.
Want better returns than FDs? Here are top five government-backed schemes you can consider
Bank fixed deposits are favored by risk-averse investors for stable returns. However, if you are seeking alternative schemes that are backed by the government and offer higher interest rates than most FDs, here's a list of options.
Why is BNPL popular, and what users often overlook?
It feels convenient, but the silent accumulation of debt can disrupt your budget.
Facing layoff anxiety? Discover exactly how much emergency fund you need to survive job loss on a 10 LPA salary. A practical 3-to-6 month financial survival guide.
Teenagers gain independence and now no longer need to borrow their parents phone, ask for OTPs, or send QR, Paytm said. Here is step-by-step guide to activate Paytm Pocket Money on your Android or iOS device:
Best term insurance plan 2026 guide: 5 key factors to check before you buy
Best term insurance plan selection guide covering key factors like adequate coverage, claim settlement ratio, riders and insurer reliability for strong financial protection across any country.
Want to invest Rs 6 lakh? Expert suggests mix of mutual funds, gold and silver for balanced returns
Market expert Nisreen Mamaji advised a balanced, structured approach to a Rs 6 lakh mutual fund investment, suggesting 80% allocation to equities and 20% to gold and silver, deployed via staggered investing. She projected potential long-term returns of 1214% for equity, 78% for gold and 911% for silver, highlighting disciplined investing, diversification and avoiding overcomplex portfolios for wealth creation.
NFO Alert: Edelweiss Mutual Funds Altiva SIF to launch Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched its second Altiva SIF offering, the Altiva Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund. This equity-led strategy aims for long-term capital appreciation by focusing on small and midcap companies, offering a differentiated investment opportunity beyond the top 100 by market capitalization.
Retiring soon? How to split your PF and gratuity corpus between safe investments and mutual funds
Retiring soon and aiming for a Rs 1 lakh monthly income from your PF and gratuity corpus? Experts advise against investing the entire corpus in income products due to inflation and longevity risks. A prudent bucket strategy is recommended for sustainable income and portfolio growth.
Reese Witherspoon built Hello Sunshine into a $900 million media company after discovering no major Hollywood studio was developing films with female leads. Here is how she did it.
CGHS dependency rules revised introduce a one-time irreversible choice for male employees between parents or in-laws, clarifying eligibility, income limits and dependent coverage under updated government healthcare regulations in the nation.
The soldier who fought for 29 extra yearsand the investors doing the same
What the West Asia war, a fragile ceasefire and a volatile Nifty reveal about oil shocks, margins and investor psychologyand why waiting for certainty can be costly.
Mutual funds have significantly reduced their technology sector exposure to an eight-year low, driven by concerns over AI disruption, slowing global IT spending, and muted earnings. This strategic shift reflects investor caution amid a transition phase for the IT sector, with a preference for domestic sectors like financials and defence.
Bought your first commercial vehicle? Heres how insurance works
For small logistics businesses, even brief vehicle downtime can hit cash flow. Heres how light commercial vehicle insurance worksand which covers truly protect daily earnings.
Liquid fund inflows at a 7-year high as investors avoid risk
Liquid funds saw a record inflow of over 46,000 crore in April, the highest in seven years. This surge was driven by ample money in the banking system and attractive short-term returns. Investors also chose these low-risk options due to equity market volatility. Liquid funds offer quick access to money, making them ideal for parking surplus funds.
ITR: Income-Tax department notifies all forms for AY27 Here's how you can file your returns online
The Income-Tax department has notified all ITR forms for AY2026-27 and made excel utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for available to taxpayers. Here's a stepwise guide for how you can file your returns online
PPF Calculator: How 12,500 monthly investment can build tax-free corpus in 15 years
One of the biggest advantages of the PPF scheme is that it provides a combination of capital protection, guaranteed returns, and tax exemptions
SIPs: We explain how much monthly investment of 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 can yield for you. Investors can build wealth and gather a retirement corpus of up to XX crore by investing fixed amounts regularly.
Public provident fund: Here's how monthly deposit of 10,000 per in your or your child's PPF account ( 1.2 lakh annually) can earn up to 5.40 crore at time of retirement. A total of 1.5 lakh annually is also exempt under the old tax regime.
PF Balance Check: How to know whether EPF interest has been credited
EPFO members can easily download their EPF passbook online and verify all account transactions
What happens to your credit score if you miss EMI payment? Penalty and recovery strategy explained
The credit system does not differentiate between the reasons behind a default, whether it results from travel expenses, temporary cash shortages, or delayed salary credits
EPFO is looking to automate final provident fund withdrawal claims to expedite money transfer to applicants' accounts and plans to allow auto-transfer of accounts during employer shifts. Here's all you need to know
The 8th central pay commission is consulting with stakeholders ahead of its recommendations that will significantly impact salaries of central government employees and pensioners, including railways and defence staff.
The Income-Tax Department has enabled Excel Utility facility for forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for taxpayers filing returns for AY2026-27 (i.e. FY2025-26 on its official e-filing portal. Here's all you need to know
Wondering why your bank just reduced your credit card limit? These could be the reasons behind it
Understanding the underlying triggers and practicing consistent credit management can prevent abrupt changes in credit card limit and protect your long-term financial health
Retirement planning: We asked experts how much corpus a 27-year-old newly married couple, living and working in Mumbai, will require to meet long-term financial goals and retire by 60 years of age. Here's what they said
7 mutual funds reduce exposure to 18 midcap names in April. Check details
NFOs this week: 4 SIFs and 1 passive fund to open for subscription
iSIF Equity Long-Short Fund and iSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund will open for subscription on May 19 and close on June 2. The minimum investment amount for both funds is Rs 10 lakh.
Credit card blocked? Follow these 5 simple steps to unblock it quickly
Blocked credit card problems can interrupt urgent transactions, but checking bank alerts, clearing pending dues, and contacting customer support can help restore credit card access quickly and securely.
Undisclosed cash, gold or investments? Pay up to 78% tax under income tax rules
There is no legal limit on the cash that you can keep at home. But you should explain how you got it and it should be through legal means.
Equity mutual funds rally up to 28% last week, international funds lead; check top 9 with 20%+ gain
Gold, silver rates today: Gold and silver prices declined on the MCX on Friday morning, May 15, pressured by a stronger US dollar amid rising crude oil prices.
States like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar have raised dearness allowance for government employees and pensioners, with increases ranging from 2% to 5%. West Bengal is expected to make similar decisions soon, while the Bihar cabinet will discuss further DA revisions in an upcoming meeting.
What are gold-backed stablecoins and can they become the future of digital gold investing?
As gold prices rise amid West Asia tensions, India increases customs duty on gold to 15% to conserve foreign exchange. With gold imports hitting a record $71.98 billion, discussions on gold-backed stablecoins emerge as a potential investment option for households and a hedge against inflation.
Delhi-NCR gets its second CNG price hike in 48 hours. Here is the latest rate
CNG in Delhi will cost 80.09 per kg, while consumers in Noida and Ghaziabad will have to pay 88.70 per kg, following the latest revision.
The market crisis where 'this too shall pass' doesn't work
For thirty years, I have told readers to ride out every crisis. The US-Iran war is the exception, and the reason matters more than the news itself.
Bank holiday next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed on these days between 18 and 24 May; check here
Private and public sector banks in India will observe two holidays next week, on May 23 and 24, as per RBI's schedule. Customers are advised to check local branches for specific holiday applicability, while online banking services remain available for transactions during these closures.
Nasdaqs round-the-clock trading dream sparks debate over when markets close: What SEC suggests
The SEC has approved Nasdaq's proposal to expand trading hours for NMS stocks and ETPs to 23 hours, starting December 6. This change aims to meet global trading demands and will introduce a Night Session, allowing trading between 9 PM ET and 4 AM ET.
Taxpayers with foreign investments must disclose them in Schedule FA when filing income tax returns. Resident and Ordinarily Resident taxpayers are required to report foreign assets, regardless of income generated, to avoid scrutiny. Details here.
Transport allowance exemption for employees: Who can claim tax relief of up to 1.80 lakh a year?
The tax exemption for transport allowance has been revised, offering higher limits for disabled employees starting FY 2026-27. This change aims to alleviate the burden of commuting costs, ensuring better support for specially abled employees.
Special vs regular FDs: Key differences and which one you should choose
Regular and special FDs offer different tenures and rates, with special FDs providing higher returns. Here's a breakdown of each FD's features and which one you may choose, based on your financial goals.
ITR filing 2026: Key documents you must keep ready before submitting your income tax return form
Filing your income tax return is easier with all documents prepared in advance. Gather income statements, tax documents, and proofs before the deadline to avoid errors and late fees. Full list here.
Credit card default: How bank settlements affect your CIBIL score and future loans
Missing credit card payments can lead to defaults, and may eventually result in a one-time settlement option from banks. However, this can negatively impact credit profiles and future borrowing. Details here.
RIL, HDFC Bank among 18 stocks from which these 7 mutual funds reduce their exposure in April
Seven top mutual funds trimmed exposure to 18 major stocks in April, signalling a strategic shift in market positioning.
Section 80EEB of the Income-Tax Act allows a deduction for interest on loans for electric vehicle purchases, up to 1.5 lakh, under the old tax regime. Here are the eligibility criteria and key highlights
Ankur Warikoo's old clip has gone viral in which he explained how Bengaluru techies can save more by ditching Mumbai's same salary. Comparing financial realities of the two top tier cities, he described a master plan for 2 crore savings in 18 years.
10 equity mutual funds cross Rs 60,000 crore AUM; top 3 manage over Rs 1 lakh crore each
Around 10 equity mutual funds managed over Rs 60,000 crore in assets by April 2026, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, while HDFC Mutual Fund dominated with three entries.
Home loan planning tips to avoid costly financial mistakes when buying a family home
Buying a home with family requires smart home loan planning, clear ownership roles, sustainable EMI management, legal agreements, and careful budgeting to avoid financial stress and long-term repayment challenges.
NPS withdrawal overhaul: How you can now plan flexible pension payouts till 85 2 methods explained
The PFRDA has launched Retirement Income Schemes and drawdown facilities under the NPS, allowing subscribers to withdraw retirement funds in phases. This aims to provide flexible payout options while ensuring corpus appreciation, with guidelines effective once operational frameworks are ready.
Quant Mid Cap Fund exits Lenskart Solutions and 2 other stocks, adds SAIL in April
Quant Mid Cap Fund exited Lenskart Solutions, NMDC and SBI Cards in April, while adding Steel Authority of India to its portfolio, the funds monthly disclosure showed. The fund also increased exposure to Reliance Industries and maintained holdings in several key stocks, as sector allocations shifted toward healthcare and metals.
For a family of four, ChatGPT suggested Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as an ideal summer vacation spot, emphasising safety and budget. Total costs for flights, accommodation, meals, transport, and activities range from 1.46 lakh to 2.80 lakh, ensuring a stress-free holiday.
PGIM India Mutual Fund reopens subscriptions in its 3 international funds for second time in CY26
PGIM India Mutual Fund has reopened subscriptions for three international funds, including the Global Equity Opportunities Fund of Fund, effective May 18. This follows a temporary restriction imposed on March 10 to avoid breaching overseas investment limits. Investors can now invest up to Rs 2 lakh daily per scheme.
How much salary makes you rich in Indias Tier-2 cities? Bengaluru-based CEO breaks it down | Watch
A viral video by entrepreneur and GoodWorks Group founder Vishwas Mudagal is getting widespread attention online for its take on wealth and quality of life in Indias tier-2 cities.
Petrol and diesel prices increased by 3 per litre, the first rise in over four years, due to global crude price surges linked to the Iran war. CNG prices also rose by 2 per kg in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Gold price today: Gold rates dropped on the MCX on Saturday morning amid a stronger US dollar, driven by elevated crude oil prices. International gold prices declined to an over one-week low, looking set for a weekly decline.
A settled loan status on a credit report can negatively impact credit scores, reduce creditworthiness and hurt future loan approvals, while a closed loan status reflects responsible repayment behaviour and stronger financial credibility.
Bengaluru couples 54,200 monthly expenses go viral, internet debates real cost of living
A Bengaluru-based couple has sparked a discussion online after sharing a detailed breakdown of their monthly expenses in the city.
I asked ChatGPT to plan Ladakh or Spiti Valley trip under 30,000 | It picked
A 10-day trip to Spiti Valley is more budget-friendly than Ladakh, costing around 25,00030,000 per person, compared to Ladakh's 40,00050,000. Spiti offers cheaper travel, accommodation, and food, making it a better choice for a group of eight seeking adventure without overspending.
Account holders and registered bank customers are eager to know whether 16 May is a bank holiday. Check if SBI, HDFC, PNB and other banks are open or closed on Saturday with RBI's holiday calendar.
A total of 1.5 lakh annual contribution towards the public provident fund (PPF) is exempt under Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act for taxpayers filing as per the old tax regime.
1 lakh monthly salary plan: How much should go to SIP, FD, PPF and emergency fund?
An effective financial blueprint should ideally include allocations to SIPs, fixed deposits, Public Provident Fund, and an emergency fund.
B-khata to A-khata: Bengaluru camps to offer on-the-spot help to property owners from 16 May
Karnataka's Bhoo Guarantee 2026 scheme allows Bengaluru property owners to convert B-Khata to A-Khata with a 60% fee reduction. Full details here.
Marginal relief helps those earning slightly above a certain tax limit, making the tax burden more manageable under both the old and new tax regimes and ensuring fair taxation across all income levels. Full details here.
30 lakh CTC breakdown: How much in-hand salary can you actually get?
The elements of the wage framework include Base Salary, House Rent Allowance, Leave Travel Allowance, Special Allowance, Performance Bonus, Employee Provident Fund, and Income Tax.
Gift tax rules explained: Who can give you money or assets without tax implications?
Gifts exceeding 50,000 are taxable under the Income Tax Act as income from other sources. Exemptions apply for gifts from relatives or on special occasions. Full list of exemptions here.
You can earn up to 69,000 monthly income from 1 crore FD in small finance banks. Here's how
Small finance bank FDs can help deliver attractive monthly income on 1 crore deposits, with senior citizens earning higher returns through competitive fixed deposit interest rates.
Buying or selling property in India as an NRI? Here are the rules you should know
Non-Resident Indians can buy property in India under FEMA and RBI regulations. They may purchase residential and commercial properties, but agricultural land is subject to restrictions.
EPFO plans auto-settlement for final PF withdrawals. How will it benefit its 7 crore members?
The EPFO auto-settlement facility aims to accelerate final PF withdrawals, reduce paperwork and streamline account transfers through a fully digital system for its more than seven crore members.
UPI's per-day and per-transaction limit set at 2 lakh in Europe. What it means for users
The per-transaction and per-day limit for UPI Global Acceptance in Europe (peer-to-merchant) has now been increased to 2 lakh. Each member bank may set its own norms, subject to the overall applicable limits, NPCI has said.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund: RIL, Infosys, HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in April
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Indias second-largest fund house with Rs 11.72 lakh crore AUM, reshuffled holdings across banks, autos, energy, and IT, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank topping exposure, while RIL, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, NTPC, and Maruti Suzuki saw selective buying and selling changes.
Did you receive money in your bank account by mistake? Follow these steps to avoid tax liability
Unexpected bank credits can become taxable unexplained income; follow prompt stepsdo not use funds, notify the bank and sender, document everything, and consult a tax professional to avoid tax liability.
What happens to your EPF account if you become an NRI? Rules explained
The EPF account remains active when an Indian becomes an NRI, but rules for contributions and withdrawals change. NRIs must meet eligibility conditions to withdraw funds online. Details here.
How rising crude oil prices and market volatility could impact your personal finances
Stock market volatility driven by rising crude oil prices, FII sell-offs, and inflation concerns reshapes the personal finance outlook, underscoring the importance of disciplined SIP investing, diversification, and long-term wealth creation.
The Senate Banking Committee advanced the CLARITY Act, aiming to regulate cryptocurrencies amid industry tensions. Supported by some Democrats, the bill moves to the full Senate, indicating a shift towards structured crypto policymaking and potential global regulatory implications.
5 mutual funds made a complete exit from 9 midcap stocks in April. Check details
Mutual funds exited nine midcap stocks in April. SBI Mutual Fund sold Uno Minda and Dabur India. Kotak Mutual Fund divested FSN E-Commerce. Nippon India Mutual Fund exited Havells India and Meesho. Quant Mutual Fund sold Dabur India, SBI Cards, and Lenskart Solutions. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund sold Tube Investments and Tata Communications.
Petrol and diesel prices in India increased by 3 per litre, with CNG rising by 2 per kg. This hike aims to offset losses from rising crude oil prices, but concerns about its impact on retail inflation persist, especially in sectors like agriculture and transportation.
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund exited Reliance Industries, Bank of Baroda, and L&T Finance in April. The fund also increased stakes in Titan Company, MCX, and 16 other stocks, including NTPC and ONGC. It added MTAR Technologies, Tata Steel, and Kirloskar Oil Engines as new holdings, expanding its portfolio to 42 stocks.
Income Tax return filing for AY 2026-27 begins: Check who can file ITR-1 and ITR-4
ITR filing for AY 2026-27 begins as the Income Tax Department enables Excel utilities and online filing for ITR-1 and ITR-4 on the e-Filing portal for eligible taxpayers in the country.
Gold price today: Gold rates dropped on the MCX on Friday morning amid a stronger US dollar, driven by elevated crude oil prices. International gold prices declined to an over one-week low, looking set for a weekly decline.

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