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EPF interest credit delayed? What it means for your savings
EPFO members have begun receiving the annual interest of 8.25% for FY2025-26 in their provident fund accounts, starting July 15. Interest is credited annually, and updates may take time to display, but any delays do not affect the amount earned.
Gifting money to your spouse? Here's when tax applies and who pays it
Transferring money to a low-income spouse to reduce tax liability can backfire, as income may be taxed in your hands under clubbing provisions if invested. Details here.
EPF withdrawals are tax-free if an employee completes five years of continuous service. Withdrawals before five years may be taxable, except in certain cases such as ill health or employer closure. TDS rules depend on the withdrawal amount.
The same real estate exposure can result in different post-tax returns. REIT mutual funds and listed REITs offer a shorter holding period for long-term capital gains than direct property, while differences in income taxation and TDS can further impact investor returns.
ITR filing deadline nears: Why the 31 July deadline is more important than you think
Missing the ITR due date can have consequences beyond a late filing fee. Delayed filing may lead to interest on unpaid taxes and the loss of key tax benefits, such as carrying forward capital losses. Knowing the applicable deadline can help taxpayers avoid unnecessary costs.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
Five new mutual fund NFOs, primarily passive in nature, will open for subscription this week. The lineup includes four ETFs and one fund of funds across midcap, banking and dividend themes. Invesco, SBI, DSP and Edelweiss are launching these schemes, with minimum investment starting at Rs 5,000.
Should you break an FD or take a loan against it when you urgently need money? Experts explain
Need urgent cash? Check whether breaking a fixed deposit or taking a loan against an FD is the better option. Compare costs, penalties, interest rates and repayment factors to make a smarter financial decision while protecting your long-term savings.
Small cap mutual funds have delivered strong three-year returns, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund at over 27%. Other funds such as ITI, Invesco India and Bank of India Small Cap also posted healthy gains. Investors with a three-year horizon may consider these funds based on performance, AUM and expense ratios.
Social security: Over 31.78 crore unorganised workers are registered on e-Shram porta till July 2026. Today, we take a look at how you can apply, the eligibility criteria and most frequently asked questions
Wider acceptance of UPI abroad benefits Indian tourists, students and business travelers by allowing use familiar mobile apps for payments instead of reliance on international debit or credit cards.
Asset allocation across equities, debt and gold helps investors balance growth, stability and risk. Learn how diversification, age-based investing and regular portfolio rebalancing can improve long-term returns and protect wealth during market volatility.
Most domestic ETFs are trading close to their NAV, while some international ETFs trade at steep premiums due to supply constraints. Experts advise investors to compare an ETF's market price with its NAV or iNAV to avoid overpaying and make better investment decisions.
Credit cards offer convenience, rewards and credit-building opportunities, but only when used responsibly. Experts explain how timely repayments and disciplined spending can help individuals avoid debt, improve credit scores and maximise financial benefits while reducing borrowing risks.
US market at record highs, China still cheap: Where should Indian investors invest?
Indian investors are reevaluating portfolio strategies amid market volatility. The US offers growth but is expensive, whereas China is cheaper yet carries risks. Experts suggest global diversification, with a recommended allocation of 15-25% for beginners and up to 50% for aggressive profiles.
How do active momentum funds work, and are they worth buying?
A new crop of funds claims to fix momentum investing's biggest flaw, but investors should wait for the funds to build a longer track-record.
In praise of inefficient money
The pouch system that economists call primitive is the discipline that stops you from robbing yourself.
Investors should update their nominee details after the nominee's death. The assets remain valid, but failing to appoint a new nominee can lead to delays and additional paperwork for beneficiaries in claiming investments later. Details here.
When making your financial plan, you can use systematic investment plan to build an emergency fund. Here's how to calculate how much to invest monthly using the 3-6-9 rule. We explain
A slowdown in demat account openings indicates a shift from speculative trading to long-term investing, says ClearTax CEO Archit Gupta. Here's why.
Warren Buffett is giving away $140 billion to charities. But what happens to the taxes?
Warren Buffett plans to give away his $140 billion stake in Berkshire Hathaway by 2034, donating 12 million shares to four foundations. He emphasises his children's responsibility in managing the wealth while facing criticism over the effectiveness of foundations for aiding vulnerable Americans.
ITR deadline: While the overall e-filing process has become quicker, the process can be daunting for first-time filers. Here are five key things taxpayers should know to prepare before filing ITR.
EPFO underpaid EPS pension by 1,350; consumer commission orders refund with interest
A consumer commission ordered EPFO to refund 1,350 plus interest after miscalculating an employee's EPS withdrawal benefit. The commission ruled that EPFO used the wrong factor for calculations, leading to a shortfall in the payout. Details here.
Women awaiting payments from the Annapurna Bhandar scheme are checking the status of their funds. The scheme replaces the Lakshmi Bhandar and offers helpline numbers for assistance. Possible reasons for delayed payments include banking issues and incorrect application information.
Did not file your ITR yet? Why waiting for a deadline extension could hurt your wallet
Missing the ITR deadline leads to penalties and interest on the unpaid taxes where applicable. Here's why a due date extension is unlikely this year and hence taxpayers should consider filing their tax returns on time.
EPFO: Today, look at how EPF subscribers can check their claim status for provident fund withdrawal, transfer, or pension fund in real-time using the official portal, Umang mobile app, SMS and missed call options.
ITR filing 2026: Can professionals and business owners change their tax regime every year?
The new tax regime is the default for taxpayers, with salaried individuals able to choose annually. Business income taxpayers face restrictive rules, allowing a one-time switch between regimes.
Fixed deposits offer senior citizens stable returns, protecting their savings from market volatility. Leading small finance banks provide competitive rates for different tenures.
How to pay income tax online? Step-by-step guide and payment modes available
The e-pay tax facility is a convenient option to pay taxes online as it allows payments via both pre-login and post-login options, and supports multiple payment methods. Details here.
8th pay commission: From pension revision to various leaves and increment schedule Here's the full list of demands for allowances and benefits made by the NC-JMC for government employees and pensioners.
India's first REIT mutual fund launched: Edelweiss NFO opens August 5; key details
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched India's first REIT-oriented mutual fund, with the NFO opening on August 5. The passive fund will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index, offering exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a single investment.
Property bought using NRI husband's funds? ITAT deletes 80 lakh tax addition
Mumbai ITAT ruled that a taxpayer cannot be taxed for unexplained investment merely because one remittance document is unavailable if the entire transaction is otherwise backed by credible evidence.
Income Tax Department launches foreign assets report on e-Filing portal, here's how to check
The Income Tax Department has launched a new Foreign Assets Information report on the e-Filing portal, allowing taxpayers to view overseas financial data received from foreign jurisdictions.
Old Bridge, ITI, Navi, Samco, and Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Funds held the highest mid and smallcap exposure in June 2026, reflecting aggressive positioning toward higher-risk, growth-oriented segments.
Up to 25% CAGR in 3 years! Invesco India Mid Cap, 4 others delivered stellar returns
HSBC Midcap, Invesco India Mid Cap, ICICI Prudential Midcap, WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap, and Edelweiss Mid Cap led midcap mutual fund returns over three years, delivering gains of up to 25.2%.
ITAT has ruled that administrative controls such as attendance, fixed timings and leave approval do not, by themselves, create an employer-employee relationship. The tribunal quashed a 9.48 lakh tax demand, holding that contractual teachers were independent professionals.
Explained: Sebi simplifies mutual fund transmission process. Here's what it means for investors
SEBI and AMFI have streamlined mutual fund transmission rules, simplifying claim procedures for nominees, joint holders, and legal heirs through standardized documentation, reducing delays and easing access to investments after an investor's death.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund introduces India's first REITs-oriented index fund. This new fund offers investors easier access to the listed real estate sector. It will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index effectively. The fund opens for subscription on August fifth, providing diversified exposure. Investors can benefit from potential tax efficiencies and long-term growth trends.
Many investors do not know the exact monthly SIP needed for their financial goals. Excel's PMT function helps calculate the required investment amount for future targets. Investors must first determine their target corpus and the desired time frame for accumulation. Accounting for inflation is crucial to adjust the financial goal's future value. This calculation ensures investors can effectively reach their desired corpus through systematic investments.
Minimum pension scheme for all? Government clarifies there is no such proposal
The Centre has clarified that it is not considering a universal minimum pension scheme for all citizens. According to an ET Online report, the government instead highlighted existing social security provisions under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Metal ETFs shine in uncertain market: Should you invest now?
The performance of metal ETFs depends on the state of the economy, as they invest in industrial metals. While they are expected to grow during economic expansion, they carry more risk than gold and silver ETFs.
Planning to invest in a bond SIP? Why it doesn't work like your regular equity SIP
Running a SIP in fixed income works on a fundamentally different principle than running one in stocks
FM Sitharaman asks I-T dept to crack down on tax evaders, ease compliance for honest taxpayers
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for firm actions against tax evaders while prioritising convenience of honest taxpayers. Details here.
EPFO: Want to claim provident fund after EPF member's death? Here's how Stepwise guide for families
Today, we take a look at how the family (nominees or legal heirs) of an EPF subscriber can claim the provident fund savings amount after the member's death. Here's a stepwise guide
EPF members can retrieve their forgotten UAN online via the EPFO portal or through SMS and missed call services. Details here.
9,330 crore lies unclaimed in inoperative EPF accounts: Here's how to check and claim your money
The sizeable amount locked in such accounts indicates that many workers have either not withdrawn or transferred their EPF balances.
The government penalised the MSP of the income tax e-filing portal due to an extension of the ITR filing deadline caused by technical issues in FY 2025-26. Here's why an extension this year is unlikely.
The West Bengal government has officially constituted its 7th central pay commission. The finance department's resolution states that the panel will review allowances, salaries and service conditions for state government employees and pensioners.
Gifts received during the financial year may be taxable and need to be reported in the income tax return. Taxpayers should be aware of exemptions and the new reporting field for non-taxable gifts to maintain compliance.
The Odisha government has approved a 5% increase in dearness allowance for state employees and pensioners, effective January 2026. Here's a look at who's eligible and how it works
Monsoon respiratory infections: What your health insurance covers and when claims may be denied
Seasonal respiratory infections can lead to expenses beyond a doctor's visit. Here's what your health insurance is likely to cover, where claims may be denied, and the policy features to check before the monsoon season.
Mutual fund NFOs: 8 new funds are open for subscription now. Check details
Eight new mutual fund NFOs are currently open for subscription, spanning ETFs, flexicap, large & midcap, midcap, sectoral, FoF and fixed maturity categories, offering investors diverse investment options.
Mid-cap funds beat all equity categories over 1, 3 and 5 years, here are the top-performing schemes
Mid-cap funds have outperformed every equity mutual fund category over the last one, three and five years. Here's how the category fared and the schemes that delivered the highest returns.
RIL and BSE among top 5 largecap stocks sold by mutual funds in June. Check details
Mutual funds were net sellers in several large-cap stocks in June, with Reliance Industries topping the list, followed by Hindalco Industries, NTPC, BSE and Tata Steel, according to Dolat Capital.
ITR filing guide: How to report NSC and Kisan Vikas Patra interest
The interest earned from National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is taxable, but only NSC offers a Section 80C benefit under the old tax regime. Here is how to report income correctly in your ITR before the 31 July deadline.
Can the Income Tax Department issue a notice after a taxpayer's death? Allahabad HC answers
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that an income tax notice issued after a taxpayer's death is legally invalid. Here's what the judgment means for legal heirs and when the Income Tax Department can still recover dues.
Explained: Sebi proposes MF-PMS framework model with entry fee at Rs 25 lakh. Who stands to benefit?
SEBI has proposed a major revamp of the Portfolio Management Services (PMS) framework, including the launch of a new mutual fund-only PMS (MF-PMS) category. The proposal aims to widen investment options for portfolio managers, improve investor access to professionally managed portfolios, and create new business opportunities for PMS providers and mutual fund distributors.
Government warns against job scams; NCS registration, applications and interviews remain free
The Ministry of Labour has warned of rising online recruitment scams. It reminded job seekers that National Career Service (NCS) services are free. Fraud should be reported to helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Reporting Platform (NCRP).
MF Tracker: Should you invest in this only international mutual fund open for subscription now?
With 11 international mutual fund schemes suspending fresh SIP registrations due to regulatory overseas investment limits, Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund has emerged as the only international mutual fund currently accepting both fresh SIPs and lump sum investments. Experts, however, caution investors against investing solely because the fund remains open, highlighting its thematic nature and suitability only for specific portfolios.
Filed your ITR? Don't miss this final step or your income tax return may be treated as invalid
Filing your Income Tax Return is only half the job. Taxpayers must e-verify their ITR within the prescribed deadline, or the return may be treated as invalid.
TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund, the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past one year with a 21.98% return, added Dixon Technologies (India), Paras Defence and Space Technologies and 14 other stocks to its portfolio in June. The fund also exited 13 stocks while increasing exposure to several others, according to its latest monthly factsheet.
Switched jobs? Your EPF may not transfer automatically unless you meet these conditions
EPFO now automatically transfers EPF balances for eligible members after a job switch, removing the need to file a transfer claim in many cases. But the facility works only if specific conditions are met and missing records can still hold up the transfer.
Gold and silver prices today, 24 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates and how they are affected by ongoing geopolitical developments.
Health insurance claim rejected over hospitalisation? Court rules in policyholder's favour
A Delhi consumer commission has ruled that health insurers cannot reject claims merely by declaring hospitalisation medically unnecessary without evidence. The order reinforces that a treating doctor's clinical judgment cannot be replaced by an insurer's assessment.
ITR filing: Section 143(1) tax demand explained; steps to avoid penalties and disputes
A Section 143(1) tax demand does not always mean your ITR is wrong. Here's why taxpayers receive this notice, how to verify mismatches, respond correctly through the Income Tax e-filing portal and avoid penalties.
ITR filing deadline 2026: 5 income tax penalties every taxpayer must know for AY 2026-27
Five income tax penalties applicable for AY 2026-27 include late Income Tax Return filing fees, revised return charges and misreporting penalties. Here's why filing your ITR before 31 helps avoid fines, delays and tax notices.
The 8th Pay Commission could significantly raise HRA for Level 15-18 Central government employees if a higher fitment factor is approved. Illustrative estimates indicate monthly HRA may reach 1.93 lakh in X-category cities, though final revisions await the government's decision.
SIFs are designed to improve risk-adjusted returns: Edelweiss' Bhavesh Jain
Instead of focusing only on headline returns, investors should start looking at risk-adjusted returns, says Edelweiss Mutual Fund's Bhavesh Jain
Today we explain how investors with unclaimed LIC insurance amounts or inoperative EPF accounts can check their dues and make claims online facilitated by the Centre's Your Money Your Right campaign.
Here's a comparison of NRE and NRO accounts, along with the latest interest rates offered by leading lenders such as State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank and Axis Bank on fixed deposits with tenures ranging from five to 10 years.
Provident Fund: Forgot your UAN? Here's how to instantly recover your PF number online
Assigned by the EPFO, the UAN is a permanent 12-digit code that stays with you throughout your professional career.
Got Rs 15 lakh to invest for 10 years? Here's what expert recommends
An expert recommends diversifying Rs 15 lakh across equity mutual funds, precious metals and international funds for a 10-year horizon. Investors should align allocations with their risk profile and goals, while staggering investments over 1520 weeks to manage volatility.
The Karnataka High Court ruling clarifies that property received by a father from his own father does not automatically become ancestral. Children cannot claim a birthright in such assets if they remain the father's self-acquired property.
Consistent performers: 41 equity mutual funds deliver over 15% CAGR in 3 and 5 years
Around 41 equity mutual funds delivered more than 15% CAGR over both three- and five-year periods. Bandhan Small Cap Fund led three-year returns at 25.95%, while Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund topped the five-year chart at 21.64%.
Cash deposits below 10 lakh can still attract an Income Tax notice. Here's why
The 10 lakh threshold under Rule 114E only determines when banks must report cash deposits through the Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT). It does not prevent the Income Tax Department from seeking information about deposits below that limit where required under the Income-tax Act.
Section 44ADA allows eligible professionals to pay tax on 50% of their gross receipts as taxable income, treating the rest as a deemed expense deduction. The scheme applies to specified professionals with receipts up to 50 lakh, extendable to 75 lakh if cash receipts are within 5%.
Over 3 crore ITRs already filed: What happens if you miss 31 July deadline? Tax experts explain
With more than 3 crore Income Tax Returns already filed, taxpayers have a limited time before the 31 July 2026 deadline. Missing it can lead to late-filing fees, interest, refund delays, psychological stress, and loss of tax benefits, making timely filing essential.
Small-cap investing has historically delivered strong return potential but with frequent sharp corrections. Data from Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI show that staying invested through volatility and adopting disciplined approaches, such as SIPs, reduces the impact of market timing on long-term outcomes.
Forgot your UAN? Here's how to retrieve it online through the EPFO portal
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is essential for checking your PF balance, filing claims and accessing other EPFO services. Here's how members can recover a forgotten UAN online or through EPFO's offline facilities.
Can an insurer reject your claim over a tax issue? Consumer panel answers
A Rajasthan consumer commission has reportedly ruled that insurers cannot reject an otherwise valid claim merely because of an unrelated tax irregularity. The decision underlines that the reason for claim repudiation must have a direct link with the insured loss.
ETF split FAQs: Why fund houses are splitting units and how investors benefit
A split reduces the per-unit price of an ETF and increases the number of units an investor owns, while the total value of the investment remains the same. It is not a taxable event and tax applies only when the investor sells the ETF units.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund among the top 7 flexi cap mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and five others feature among the top flexi cap mutual funds for July 2026, shortlisted on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk and outperformance.
Will a Rs 42,500 monthly SIP with a 10% annual step-up help you retire early?
A 35-year-old investor from Hyderabad, aiming to retire in the next 10 years, sought expert advice on whether his Rs 42,500 monthly SIP portfolio can help build a retirement corpus of Rs 1 crore. While the target appears achievable with disciplined investing, the expert recommended simplifying the 14-fund portfolio and reviewing retirement needs beyond just the corpus size.
Global diversification matters more than ever, says Marcellus' Saurabh Mukherjea
Marcellus Investment Managers' founder and CIO Saurabh Mukherjea argues that portfolios anchored solely to domestic markets may no longer be enough.
The Centre has introduced a paperless CGHS pensioner card application process through the Bhavishya Portal for retiring central government employees. The move enables auto-filled applications, PAN-based verification, online payment and faster access to CGHS healthcare benefits after retirement.
Revised ITR cannot take away capital loss carry-forward if original return was filed on time: ITAT
A Bengaluru taxpayer won relief after the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal held that filing a revised ITR does not extinguish the right to carry forward capital losses if the original return was filed within the prescribed due date.
The e-Pay Tax facility allows taxpayers to pay direct taxes online quickly and securely without visiting a tax office. It supports both pre-login and post-login payments through multiple payment modes, offering flexibility and easy access to challans and payment records.
Gold and silver prices today, 23 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold, and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates and how they are affected by ongoing geopolitical developments.
Best balanced advantage funds or dynamic asset allocation funds to invest in July 2026
Balanced advantage funds dynamically manage equity exposure based on market conditions. These hybrid schemes invest in stocks, debt, and arbitrage opportunities. While advisors recommend them, these funds are not entirely risk-free investments. Investors should tolerate stock market volatility and have a five-year horizon. Edelweiss and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Funds are recommended options.
NPS rule change: Pension funds liable for third-party lapses under new PFRDA rules
PFRDA has amended NPS regulations to make pension funds accountable for lapses by third-party entities engaged to provide subscriber services. The regulator has also introduced a Regulatory Sandbox framework to encourage innovation while safeguarding investors.
First-time home buyers: 5 mistakes that can increase your EMI burden
First-time home buyers often make costly loan mistakes that increase EMIs and overall repayment burden. Experts explain how tenure, down payment, credit score, hidden costs and borrowing limits impact home loan affordability, helping buyers make smarter financial decisions.
