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Can you change the income tax regime while filing ITR? Here's what taxpayers should know
Salaried taxpayers can switch between the old and new tax regimes while filing their ITR, regardless of the regime used by their employer for TDS. However, rules differ for those with business income. Understanding the flexibility and tax impact can help taxpayers make an informed choice.
EPF Scheme 2026: Got married? Your past PF nomination is now invalid key FAQs answered
Your earlier EPF nomination becomes invalid once you get married. Filing a fresh nomination ensures your PF benefits are paid to the intended beneficiaries without unnecessary delays or legal complications.
Multi-asset allocation funds topped the hybrid category, recording 70,819 crore in net inflows in 12 months. These funds help diversify across equities, debt, gold, and other assets. Investors should evaluate allocation strategy, diversification, and capture ratios before investing.
Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: 2,500 monthly assistance announced; Check eligibility, rules and documents
The Delhi government has launched the 'Delhi Lakshmi Yojana', providing eligible women with monthly financial assistance of 2,500, of which 1,500 will go into a locked savings account. The initiative aims to empower women financially and support family stability.
I work remotely in India for a US firm. Can I avoid Indian tax if I'm paid in the US?
Many tech professionals moving back home assume receiving dollars in a foreign account keeps their income out of local jurisdictionhere is how tax residency rules actually treat global earnings.
Switched jobs and lost track of your old PF account? Govt explains how EPFO's e-portal can help
The government has revealed that the EPFO has developed an Aadhaar-based e-portal to help members trace old inoperative PF accounts, transfer balances to their active UAN or settle claims. The portal aims to reduce paperwork, improve transparency and simplify access to forgotten PF savings.
New vs old regime: Income tax slab rates for FY26 know how slab-wise tax calculation works
Taxpayers should compare the new and old tax regimes before filing their ITR for FY26. Since India follows a slab-based tax system, only the portion of income falling within each tax slab is taxed at the applicable rate. Understanding this helps taxpayers estimate tax liability more accurately.
Need regular income from mutual funds? Check these top-performing hybrid funds over 3 years
Five conservative hybrid mutual funds delivered attractive Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) returns over a three-year period, according to an ET Wealth report. Parag Parikh Conservative Hybrid Fund led the category among listed schemes with a 10.9% return, followed by HSBC, ICICI Prudential, DSP, and SBI schemes.
Form 16 makes return filing easier, but it is not the only document required. By reconciling salary records with Form 26AS, AIS, bank statements and investment proofs, salaried taxpayers can accurately file their returns even without Form 16.
Planning to start investing in stock market? Avoid these 5 costly beginner mistakes
First-time stock market investors can avoid costly mistakes by focusing on diversification, asset allocation, disciplined investing and long-term wealth creation. Check out the five most common investing mistakes experts warn against and practical steps to build a stronger investment portfolio.
Looking for best equity mutual funds to invest for 5 years? Check these 12 funds with over 20% gain
Top-performing equity mutual funds delivered over 20% five-year returns, led by infrastructure, midcap, and smallcap funds, with varying AUM, ratings, and expense ratios highlighting strong performance.
ITR filing deadline 2026: Missing July 31 can cost you more than you think
The late filing fee is only one consequence of missing the ITR deadline. Delayed filing can also result in the loss of capital loss set-off benefits, delayed refunds and additional interest, increasing your tax burden in future years.
The best way to navigate market volatility? Invest for milestones, not markets
Market volatility often fuels fear and greed, prompting costly investment mistakes. Goal-based investing shifts the focus from market moves to life milestones, helping investors stay disciplined.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap among 5 flexicap funds with highest cash holding in June. Details here
Fund managers typically maintain cash to meet redemption requests and deploy capital when attractive investment opportunities arise.
Stopping SIP contributions permanently can significantly delay wealth creation goals as investors lose the benefit of regular investments and long-term compounding. ET Wealth analysis shows how discontinuing a Rs 20,000 monthly SIP can delay a Rs 1 crore corpus target by several years.
How to accurately report REIT/ InvIT income in ITR for AY 2026-27 ahead of 31 July deadline
Report REIT and InvIT income in your ITR for AY 202627. Know the tax treatment, choose the right form and keep essential documents ready to avoid mistakes before the 31 July deadline.
Bank of India Small Cap Fund among 21 equity MFs delivering over 20% SIP XIRR in one year
Around 21 equity mutual funds delivered over 20% XIRR on SIP investments over the past year, an ETMutualFunds analysis found. Small-cap funds dominated the list, with the top seven all belonging to the category and five generating over 30% XIRR. Bank of India Small Cap Fund topped the rankings with a 39.08% XIRR, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into around Rs 1.43 lakh.
Debt funds or direct bonds? Understanding the routes to fixed income investing
Sebi's reforms and online bond platforms have made direct bond investing more accessible than ever. But should investors choose individual bonds over debt mutual fundsor use both?
MF Tracker: Can Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund retain its edge after topping the 5-year return chart?
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund leads five-year returns, raising questions about future performance. The fund delivered strong CAGR, outperforming its benchmark and category average. However, recent valuations suggest a lower scope for similar past returns. Experts advise diversified equity fund investments to mitigate concentration risk. Investors can consider SIPs for rupee cost averaging during market fluctuations.
Income tax refund delayed for AY 2026-27? 5 reasons your refund may be stuck
Income tax refund delays for AY 202627 may occur due to incorrect bank details, pending e-verification, PAN issues, tax mismatches or errors in return filing. Here are common causes of delays, how to track your refund status and the key checks to complete for faster processing.
Moving back for ageing parents? Here's the financial reality NRIs must prepare for
As more NRIs return to India to care for ageing parents, experts say early planning is crucial to manage healthcare costs, lower incomes, taxes, overseas assets and retirement savings.
Gold and silver prices today, 28 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.
The ITR filing deadline for AY 2026-27 remains 31 July, with experts expecting no extension. Over 4.1 crore returns have already been filed. Taxpayers should file and e-verify returns on time to avoid penalties, interest and loss of key tax benefits.
ITR filing 2026: Avoid these 5 costly mistakes before the July 31 deadline
The July 31 ITR deadline is just days away. Avoid these five common filing mistakes that could lead to tax notices, refund delays or additional tax demands.
8th Pay Commission: Fitment factor above 3 may raise salaries, but test Centre's fiscal discipline
8th Pay Commission: Fitment factor debate has intensified as employee unions seek a multiplier above 3. While a higher fitment factor could significantly increase salaries and pensions, experts say the Centre will balance employee expectations with fiscal sustainability before final recommendations.
NFO flows hit a 5-year low in June quarter, SIPs stay robust
New fund offer collections by asset management companies fell significantly. Funds raised through new fund offers reached a five-year low in June. This sharp decline followed weak equity market sentiments in the preceding quarter. Although market sentiment improved, it did not revive new fund offer fundraising. Established fund houses and differentiated products may still attract investor interest.
SEBI proposes MF-only PMS with 25 lakh entry: Expert explains how it differs from traditional PMS
The proposed MF-only PMS framework is positioned as a bridge between self-managed mutual fund investing and traditional PMS, allowing investors to access professional portfolio management at a lower entry threshold of 25 lakh while remaining within regulated investment products.
ITR: India has seen 4x growth in billionaires in five years. As many as 576 people reported gross total income of 100 crore or more, FY26 income-tax filings showed, MoS Pankaj Chaudhary said today.
The CBDT has issued a guidance note to operationalise India's crypto-asset reporting framework in line with the OECD's global standards. While there is no change in crypto taxation, experts say investors should focus on accurate record-keeping as information sharing becomes more structured.
Want to complete filing your income-tax returns before the 31 July deadline? Here's how taxpayers can calculate their ITR dues under new tax regime and old tax regime for financial year 2026 / AY 2027.
DA hike: Here are the key Dearness Allowance-related demands made by employee groups from demand for an inflation-linked wage model to calls for implementation of DA merger and a new calculation formula for the component.
EPFO has delayed the launch of its UPI-linked claim settlement facility to August as it focuses on resolving glitches in the upgraded CITES 2.01 portal. The new system aims to enable faster credit of eligible PF claims through UPI once the platform stabilises.
The 8th pay commission panel is scheduled to hold state and union territory visits and meetings in Delhi, Chennai, and Puducherry in August and September this year as part of its consultation process. Check the full list of cities, dates and other details here
Different fund categories, same stocks? These equity mutual funds have up to 79.4% portfolio overlap
A study found that the BOI Large & Mid Cap Fund and BOI Multi Cap Fund from the same AMC have a portfolio overlap of 79.4%, despite belonging to different categories. This highlights that investing in multiple equity mutual funds across categories may not always lead to better diversification.
Rising education costs necessitate early financial planning for parents. Disciplined investing and compounding can build a substantial education corpus. A bachelor's degree costing Rs 10 lakh today could exceed Rs 40 lakh annually in 18 years. Starting investments early significantly reduces monthly contribution requirements. Strategic shifts to debt investments mitigate market risks before college.
Experts say investors aged 25-30 should focus on goal-based asset allocation rather than chasing returns. Here's how to allocate equity, debt and gold, and the mistakes to avoid.
Can a salaried person use presumptive tax for 1 lakh freelance income?
Whether you can opt for presumptive taxation under section 44ADA of the Act depends on the nature of your freelance income. If your freelance work qualifies as a specified profession you may opt for the presumptive taxation scheme, as gross receipts of 1 lakh are within the prescribed thresholds.
ITR filing mistake: ITAT deletes 17.41 lakh penalty after CA firm's affidavit proves clerical error
The Mumbai ITAT deleted a 17.41 lakh penalty after accepting a CA firm's affidavit that an incorrect revised ITR was filed due to a clerical error. The Tribunal held that, in the absence of evidence of deliberate misreporting, penalty under Section 270A could not be sustained.
ITR filing issue, refund delay or TDS mismatch? Here's how to raise a complaint through e-Nivaran
The e-Nivaran facility allows taxpayers to raise and track income tax grievances online through a structured process. Both registered and unregistered users can raise complaints, which are routed to the concerned department, and can be tracked using a unique acknowledgement number.
Can increasing your SIP every year help you reach your goals faster? Here is what calculations show
Increasing your mutual fund SIP contribution every year can significantly accelerate wealth creation. For a Rs 1 crore target with a Rs 20,000 monthly SIP at 10% return, a 10% annual step-up cuts the timeline by nearly four years, leveraging the dual power of higher savings and compounding.
EPF Calculator: 25,000 basic pay can build corpus of over 1.12 crore in 30 years Here's how
An employee earning a basic salary of 25,000 can accumulate an estimated EPF corpus of 1.12 crore over 30 years. Monthly contributions, annual salary hikes and the power of compounding together build long-term retirement wealth through the Employees' Provident Fund.
Supreme Court rules vehicle's mere presence is not enough for motor accident compensation
SC says compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act cannot be awarded merely because a vehicle was part of the sequence of events. Claimants must establish a credible causal link between the use of the vehicle and the death or injury.
How investors can benefit from India's push to reduce import dependence
India's push to reduce external dependence presents a long-term investment opportunity. Experts suggest focusing on structural reforms, strong management, and business fundamentals, rather than short-term policy announcements, for sustainable earnings growth
Missed the smallcap recovery? Here's what's fuelling the 2026 surge and what to do now
Smallcap stocks have emerged as the best-performing asset class in 2026 so far, rebounding sharply after a correction in late 2025 and early 2026. ET Wealth examines the factors driving the rally and compares the performance of other major asset classes, including gold, silver, debt, midcaps and largecaps.
Tax experts caution against viewing an HUF as a simple tax-saving hack because transferring assets to it changes their ownership.
The EPF reform gives employers a chance to rethink retirement architecture
The EPF reform is more than a payroll change. It gives employers an opportunity to redesign retirement benefits by combining EPF's stability with NPS's growth potential and tax efficiency.
Funding your spouse's PPF account? Tax expert explains how Section 80C rules apply
Funding your spouses PPF account can help you claim a Section 80C deduction of up to 1.5 lakh, provided the contribution comes from your own income. Tax treatment, ownership rules, clubbing provisions and practical points every taxpayer should know before investing.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund's upcoming REIT-oriented index fund has sparked investor interest as India's first such passive offering. Explaining why the scheme excludes InvITs, MD & CEO Radhika Gupta said current SEBI regulations do not allow passive funds to combine equity-classified REITs with hybrid-classified InvITs.
Nippon India Mutual Fund surpasses 4 crore investor folios, marks historic milestone
Nippon Life India Asset Management has become the first mutual fund house in India to cross 4 crore investor folios. Reaching 40.2 million folios as of June 30, 2026, the AMC holds a dominant 39% share of the country's unique investor base, driven by deep retail penetration beyond metros.
Will my FCNR deposit stay tax-free after I return to India?
Experts explain whether FCNR deposit interest remains tax-free after returning to India and whether a five-month stay in India triggers tax residency under current rules.
ITR filing 2026: Sitharaman asks tax officials to let honest taxpayers correct genuine mistakes
As the July 31 ITR filing deadline nears, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged tax officials to let honest taxpayers correct genuine mistakes. She also outlined the 5Rs of responsive tax governance and called for greater tax certainty and lower litigation.
Pharma mutual funds are leading returns in CY2026, driven by strong earnings, defensive demand, and US export growth. Despite recent outperformance, experts advise against heavy sectoral bets, recommending a 5% to 10% satellite allocation via SIPs while navigating potential long-term US tariff developments.
Indian investors now have no options for new international mutual fund SIPs. The Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund suspended new investments on July 23. This action follows SEBI's overseas investment limits for mutual funds. Investors are exploring alternatives like LRS and GIFT City for global exposure. Global ETFs also offer a way to gain international diversification.
Prepare your SIP before the next market correction: Experts share a 5-point checklist
Market volatility is inevitable, but experts say investors can avoid emotional decisions by planning ahead. From setting investment rules to building an emergency fund, here's how to prepare your SIP before markets turn turbulent.
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.
ITR filing deadline 2026: Only 5 days left till 31 July Key things taxpayers must know
ITR filing deadline 2026 is just five days away for salaried taxpayers, pensioners and investors. Here's who must file by 31 July, key due dates, essential verification steps, filing checklist and practical tips to avoid last-minute errors and refund delays.
When should you pause your SIP? Experts explain when it makes sense and when it doesn't
Experts say pausing a SIP should be driven by financial emergencies such as job loss or medical expenses, not market volatility. Here's when it makes sense to hit pause and when staying invested could work in your favour.
How balanced credit mix improves credit score, boosts loan eligibility, say experts
A healthy credit mix can improve your credit profile by showing responsible borrowing behaviour. Here's how secured and unsecured loans, timely repayments and low credit utilization influence credit scores constructively and help borrowers access better financial opportunities.
The 8th Pay Commission is holding stakeholder meetings and consultations. Central government employees can track key developments and submission deadlines before recommendations on salaries, pensions and allowances are finalized.
SEBI's MF-only PMS push broadens retail access to wealth products
Sebi proposes a new Mutual Fund-only Portfolio Management Services category. This new category will invest exclusively in direct plans of mutual funds. The regulator is lowering entry thresholds and permitting global diversification for investors. This move aims to increase transparency and promote a fee-based wealth management model. Affluent retail investors may gain access to products previously for high networth individuals.
Looking for better SIP returns? This mutual fund category has outperformed
Systematic investment plans build wealth, but returns differ across mutual fund types. Sectoral funds, particularly pharma and healthcare, showed superior recent performance. Diversified funds like flexi caps offered moderate and stable long-term returns. An analysis covered 546 equity mutual funds and their market cycle performance. This data highlights varied outcomes based on fund category selection.
Property inheritance: How this one document can prevent family disputes later
A missing property document can lead to legal disputes over inheritance. Estate planning is essential for ensuring asset distribution aligns with one's wishes and minimises conflict among heirs after the owner's death. Here are the key components of estate planning.
EPFO mandates PF, pension claim settlement within 20 days What to do if it's delayed?
EPFO employees will experience faster settlements for provident fund, pension, and insurance claims, with a 20-day processing rule. Delays incur a 12% penal interest. Here's how employees can submit their complaints.
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.
Equity mutual funds delivered up to 7% returns in the week of July 20 to July 24, led by international funds. Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund topped the chart, followed by global and commodity-focused funds. Most schemes posted moderate gains, while a few saw marginal declines, according to ACE MF data.
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.
Bank holidays this week: Banks in India will be closed for upto eleven days in the next month, but digital platforms like UPI and banking apps will remain operational. Customers should note that in-branch services are suspended on Sundays and specific regional holidays.
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.
Financial freedom at 32, but at what cost? The 4.5 crore health warning
A 32-year-old struggled with health due to long work hours and poor self-care, leading to a diabetes and hypertension diagnosis. His story highlights the relationship between health and financial risk, emphasizing the need for professionals to prioritize well-being alongside career goals.
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.
