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ITR Form 1 (Sahaj) is for small taxpayers with income up to 50 lakh. Over 1.7 crore ITRs were filed for 2025-26, urging timely submissions before the July 31 deadline to avoid penalties and delays in refunds.
With the new EPF rules and Labour Codes redefining contributions by employees and employers towards provident fund, we asked experts to explain how this impacts your monthly investment in the financial instrument. Here's what they said
Income Tax Return filing has become more than a tax obligation. A timely and accurate ITR strengthens your financial identity, improves loan eligibility, supports visa applications, speeds up refunds and builds long-term financial credibility with lenders, insurers and financial institutions.
Chose the new tax regime? Here are 5 ways to reduce your tax while filing ITR for AY 2026-27
The new tax regime features lower rates with fewer deductions, leading many salaried taxpayers to think they can't reduce tax liabilities. However, there are tax-saving provisions available. Here are five ways to lower your tax outgo.
NPS exit rules explained: How the Retirement Income Scheme and drawdown options work
The PFRDAs latest initiative aims to provide NPS subscribers with more flexible periodic payouts during the decumulation phase while continuing to support corpus appreciation through the RIS. While the subscriber gets periodic payments, the remaining corpus stays invested and continues to grow.
8th pay commission: Here's how union representatives, employees, pensioners, government departments and stakeholders can submit data to the 8th pay commission (CPC). Today, we take you through the full step-by-step process.
After SpaceX's IPO valuation surpassed $2 trillion, investors eye OpenAI as the next major IPO. CEO Sam Altman won't consider going public below $1 trillion, raising questions on whether OpenAI can match SpaceX's investment return despite their differing business models.
Term insurance serves as a fundamental part of financial planning, providing affordable life coverage. It's essential to determine how long coverage is needed based on financial responsibilities and existing assets before purchasing a policy.
Want Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu in your portfolio? 5 China ETFs Indian investors should know about
Diversifying equity portfolios geographically can be beneficial, especially with China-focused ETFs, which track Chinese companies. While easier for Indian investors through US-listed ETFs, risks such as geopolitical tensions remain.
Dearness Allowance: From DA hike to restoration of Old Pension Scheme, pension revision, gratuity, minimum wage and more Check the demands made by Joint Coordination Committee of Punjab Government Employees and Pensioners.
Capital gains tax on property sale: ITAT allows home loan interest as cost of acquisition
A Bengaluru ITAT ruling has clarified which expenses can be included in the cost of acquisition while computing capital gains tax on a property sale. The order allows home loan interest and maintenance deposits but requires verification of travel expenses.
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund portfolio: 4 new stocks added in June; see the biggest buys and sells
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund made a series of portfolio changes in June, introducing four new stocks, increasing holdings in 18 companies and trimming stakes in 25 others. It also made a complete exit from Ramco Cements during the month.
Think EPF is completely tax-free? Here's what employees should know
Job switches, career breaks and early withdrawals can all affect the tax treatment of your EPF corpus. Here's a breakdown of the key rules employees should know.
Retail investors pumped more money into mid-cap and small-cap funds than flexi-cap funds in June for the first time since Dec 2023. Experts say improving earnings visibility, stronger returns and attractive valuations drove the shift, while cautioning against reading too much into one month's data.
Income Tax Department releases ITR-7 Excel utility for AY 2026-27; check who can use it
The Income Tax Department has released the ITR-7 Excel utility for AY 2026-27, enabling eligible entities to prepare returns offline and upload them through the e-filing portal. Here's who can use the form, how the process works and the applicable deadlines.
These 9 equity mutual fund categories see inflows in June; midcap funds emerge on top
Equity mutual fund inflows climbed 26% in June to Rs 28,973 crore, led by strong investments in midcap, smallcap and flexicap funds, while ELSS and dividend yield funds continued witnessing net outflows.
Health insurance checklist: Key policy terms to watch out for before hospital admission
Many policyholders get nasty surprises during hospitalisation. This is mainly due to several limitations buried in the policy terms and conditions, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses.
Tata Asset Management elevates Anand Vardarajan as CEO and MD, Prathit Bhobe steps down
Anand Vardarajan will become Tata Asset Management's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He takes over from Prathit Bhobe, who steps down in July 2026. Vardarajan has been with the company since 2018, serving as Chief Business Officer. Hemant Kumar is appointed Chief Business Officer, overseeing various business functions. These appointments ensure a smooth leadership transition for future growth.
Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio slows to 91% in June as new SIP registrations outpace closures
The mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio eased in June, falling below 100% for the first time in months. More new SIPs were registered than those discontinued or completed their tenures. SIP contributions reached a record Rs 31,781 crore, showing investor confidence in long-term investing. Retail mutual fund assets and folios also saw an increase during the month. This trend reinforces disciplined investor participation in India's growth story.
Wealth management for new parents: Expert explains 5 money moves to secure your child's future
New parents can strengthen their child's financial future through term insurance, health cover, emergency savings and SIP investments. Early investing helps build a 1.2 crore education corpus while protecting the family from unexpected financial risks and rising education costs.
Lost track of an old PF account? EPFO's new Service History feature can help, here's how
EPFO's new Service History feature lets members view their complete employment and PF records in one place. The update can help subscribers identify missing service records and trace old PF accounts before filing claims.
Govts hub-and-spoke model for international travel: How will it help airline passengers?
The governments hub-and-spoke model will allow airline passengers to check in baggage and complete customs and immigration formalities at spoke city airport (Tier-II and -III cities), and take onward flight from the hub city airport (Delhi or other major cities) to international locations.
Mid & smallcaps turn the tide for equity mutual fund flows
Equity mutual fund inflows increased significantly in June, reaching 28,973 crore. Retail investors returned to mid- and small-cap segments, allocating substantial funds to these categories. Systematic investment plan collections also saw a modest rise during the month. The mutual fund industry's assets under management edged up slightly, aided by market gains. Sectoral and thematic funds also experienced renewed investor interest and recovered inflows.
Public and private banks across India will remain closed today, 11 July, for the second Saturday holiday. Bank operations will remain suspended nationwide, but online banking services will remain accessible for transactions.
The Karnataka High Court has requested the Union government to respond to a petition challenging tax exemptions for gifts between spouses, which currently excludes same-sex couples. Details here.
EPS 2026: New withdrawal rules and 20-day claim settlement explained
With EPS 2026, the pension system for organized sector employees is reformed for transparency and efficiency. It mandates a 36-month wait for withdrawal benefits, enforces a 20-day claim processing deadline, and supports higher pensions, while preserving existing benefits for current members.
If you invested like Trump, you'd be ahead of the S&P 500 here's what the US President is betting on
Trump's financial disclosures reveal he executed 21,285 stock trades in 2025, averaging one trade every five minutes. His portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500, with a 37.3% return since his inauguration. Here's a look at the US leader's portfolio .
The EPFO has restored its passbook portal after a two-week outage due to a database upgrade. Members can access their accounts again ahead of 8.25% interest credit.
Same salary, different loan amount? Here's why banks may treat borrowers differently
Lenders consider factors beyond income when approving loans, such as repayment history and financial habits. Two individuals with identical salaries may experience different loan outcomes based on their overall financial profiles.
Which ITR form should you file? A guide for salaried employees, pensioners and other taxpayers
The ITR forms have been revised for AY 2026-27, affecting ITR-1, ITR-4 and ITR-2. Taxpayers must ensure correct filing by reviewing income sources and changes to avoid complications. The filing deadline is 31 July 2026 for individuals and non-audited entities.
Sebi allows mutual funds to use intraday borrowing to manage liquidity mismatches
Starting September 1, 2026, SEBI allows mutual funds to use intraday borrowing to manage short-term liquidity mismatches for payouts. Asset management companies must cover all borrowing costs, ensuring no financial risk is passed on to the scheme investors.
AMFI Data: Gold ETF inflows rebound to 3,443 crore in June after May outflows, here's what changed
Gold ETF inflows rebounded sharply to 3,443 crore in June, reversing May's outflows as investors returned after profit booking. Experts say cooling gold prices and persistent global uncertainties revived demand for the safe-haven asset.
EPF vs PPF vs NPS: Which retirement scheme is meant for you?
Building a solid retirement corpus is crucial for financial planning. Popular schemes in India include EPF, PPF, and NPS, each differing in eligibility, contributions, and benefits. Details here.
These value mutual funds delivered the highest returns in 5 years. Should you invest?
Value funds, notably HSBC and ICICI Prudential, have yielded strong returns. Experts suggest that investors adopt a mixed strategy, combining value and growth stocks, to enhance portfolio performance throughout different market cycles.
Gold ETFs witness 570% surge in inflows in June, silver ETFs follow with 300% jump
Gold ETF inflows surged to Rs 3,443 crore and silver ETF inflows reached Rs 4,286 crore in June, reversing recent outflows. Investors increased allocations despite negative monthly returns, highlighting continued demand for precious metals as strategic portfolio diversification and passive investment options.
ITR filing: Switched jobs during FY 2025-26? Follow this checklist to avoid errors
Employees who changed jobs during FY 2025-26 should report salary from all employers while filing ITR for AY 2026-27. Verify Form 16, Form 26AS and AIS, report total salary correctly, and avoid tax notices, interest charges and refund delays.
Mutual fund delivered 15% CAGR? Why your returns may still be lower
Your mutual fund's published return and your actual return are often not the same. Experts explain why investor behaviour, rather than fund performance, is usually responsible for the gap.
Planning to invest in largecap mutual funds for 3 years? Here are 5 top performers with 19% gain
Five Nifty Next 50 ETFs topped large-cap fund performance with annualised returns of nearly 19% over three years, while five BSE Sensex index funds lagged, delivering modest single-digit annualised returns between 6% and 6.7%.
Nithin Kamath's remarks spark public spat between Zerodha and Groww over direct mutual funds
Zerodha's Nithin Kamath and Groww are debating direct mutual fund offerings publicly. Kamath reiterated Zerodha's commitment to free direct mutual fund plans. Groww clarified that its optional subscription service does not replace direct mutual funds. Direct mutual funds remain free for do-it-yourself investors on Groww. This debate highlights shifts in India's investment platform industry.
Equity mutual fund inflows jump 26% to Rs 28,973 crore in June; midcap funds lead flows
Equity mutual fund inflows saw a significant surge in June, reaching Rs 28,973 crore. Midcap funds attracted the highest investor interest, followed by small cap and flexi cap funds. Sectoral and thematic funds experienced a substantial jump in inflows during the month. Conversely, dividend yield and ELSS funds continued to witness outflows. This data reflects investor activity as reported by AMFI for the month.
CBDT directs AIS to show foreign investments, strengthening tax transparency and compliance
CBDT will upload foreign investment and overseas financial account information into taxpayers' AIS within 90 days under the AEOI framework. The move aims to improve tax transparency, simplify compliance, strengthen verification of foreign assets and encourage accurate income tax return filing.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund announces restriction on fresh subscription in 7 funds
Edelweiss Mutual Fund will halt new SIP and STP subscriptions in seven schemes. This suspension takes effect from July 10, 2026, impacting international and sectoral funds. Existing systematic transactions will continue as usual without any changes. The fund house cited nearing overseas investment limits as the primary reason for this decision. Investors were previously informed about subscription caps on these specific schemes.
8th Pay Commission: Should the highest government salary be capped? Here's what employee bodies want
Employee bodies have proposed contrasting approaches to determining the highest salary under the 8th Pay Commission, with some seeking a 1:12 cap between minimum and maximum pay while others oppose any such limit.
HDFC Defence Fund raises stake in Mazagon Dock, Tata Motors and 3 others in June
The HDFC Defence Fund boosted its holdings in Mazagon Dock and Tata Motors during June. It also added shares of Bharat Electronics, BEML, and Bosch to its portfolio. The fund completely exited Rishabh Instruments, selling its entire stake. Seventeen existing stock exposures remained unchanged, including Bharat Forge and HAL. The fund's performance has outperformed its benchmark in shorter timeframes.
20x rule explained: Simple property price test to decide if renting or buying a home is smarter
The 20x rule helps homebuyers compare property prices to rental values before deciding whether to buy or rent. Here's how the pricetorent ratio works, its benefits and limitations and how EMIs, appreciation and personal finances shape smarter housing choices.
NFO Insight: Can the NJ Momentum Fund help investors capture market momentum?
NJ Mutual Fund has launched the NJ Momentum Fund, an NFO that seeks to capture strong price trends through a rules-based momentum strategy backed by quality filters. While experts see momentum as a useful satellite allocation, they advise limiting exposure and caution that investors may be better off choosing proven, lower-cost existing momentum funds.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Funds June moves: ITC, TCS among key buys; Dr Reddys, Maruti see stake cut
Gold and silver prices today, 10 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, along with other important geopolitical updates.
Best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Flexi cap funds offer fund managers investment freedom across market capitalizations and sectors. These schemes are recommended for moderate investors seeking long-term wealth creation over five years. Investors should carefully select schemes aligning with their individual risk appetite and temperament. Several flexi cap funds are highlighted for potential investment in July 2026. Performance metrics like rolling returns and downside risk guide fund selection.
Switched jobs recently? EPFO's new rule can make your PF transfer hassle-free
EPFO has removed the need for a separate provident fund transfer request when employees with Aadhaar-linked UANs change jobs. The move is part of a wider overhaul of the EPFO's digital platform aimed at making PF services faster and simpler.
Ask the right questions before you borrow: CRIF's Sachin Seth
CRIF India's Sachin Seth discusses how India's credit ecosystem has matured through Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and digital lending infrastructure, and why risk-based pricing and secured credit products like gold loans are gaining traction.
Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath has asked investors to understand the difference between direct and regular mutual fund plans. He said many investors remain unaware of the higher costs associated with regular plans and advised reviewing their portfolios to identify their existing investments.
Railway engineers have urged the 8th Pay Commission to restore pay parity, grant Group B status and improve promotions. Their demands, raised during stakeholder consultations, could shape future salary, pension and allowance reforms for 1.1 crore Central government employees and pensioners.
8th pay commission: Window for submission of data online for the 8th CPC's consideration has been extended to 31 July this year. Here's how to complete the process and some of the frequently asked questions answered
Heavy rains damaged your car? Here's what motor insurance covers and what it doesn't
Heavy rains can damage your car, but not every repair is covered by insurance. Here's what comprehensive policies pay for, common claim exclusions, and mistakes that could lead to claim rejection.
A comprehensive car insurance policy may not cover every monsoon-related expense. Experts explain which add-ons are worth buying to reduce repair costs and improve financial protection.
The West Bengal government will release 50% of estimated Dearness Relief (DR) arrears to pensioners in the Kolkata municipal area in an interim measure that aims to provide immediate relief for state govt retirees.
Is 80 lakh enough to retire? 31-year-old woman wants to quit govt job for 'peace'
The woman said she has been employed at a PSU for the past seven years and is in a comfortable financial position. According to her post, she has no outstanding debt, follows a modest lifestyle and has accumulated significant savings over time.
US-Iran war: Defence funds surge, IT lags; experts share what mutual fund investors should do
Since the start of the US-Iran war in February, the Nifty Defence Index has delivered positive returns of 18.7%, while the Nifty IT Index declined 12.5%. Experts advise investors to avoid short-term reactions, focus on diversified funds, and use SIP investments during periods of market volatility.
Already have 3-5 SIPs running? Expert shares a checklist before you add another fund
Investors who already have 3 to 5 SIPs running should review their existing portfolio before adding another fund. The expert recommends focusing on 5 key areas: goal alignment, portfolio overlap, risk balance, contribution sizing, and regular portfolio reviews.
NFOs: 13 mutual funds and 2 SIFs are open for subscription. Check dates and key details
Around 13 mutual funds and two Specialized Investment Funds are currently open for subscription across categories including hybrid, index, ETF, multi-asset and large & midcap funds. Investors can choose from offerings by ICICI Prudential, SBI, Mirae Asset, UTI and others.
ITR-2 filing for AY 2026-27 requires careful reporting of capital gains, multiple properties, foreign assets and other income. Learn who must file ITR-2, key online filing steps, deadline and practical tips to submit accurate tax returns before 31 July 2026.
Around 59% of large and midcap stocks are trading at least 20% below their all-time highs after the recent market correction, creating attractive long-term investment opportunities, according to Abakkus Mutual Fund. The fund house believes improving earnings, reasonable valuations and active stock selection could drive the next phase of returns.
Explained: What are income plus arbitrage FoFs and why are wealthy investors buying them?
Based on 5-year CAGR performance, ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund has emerged as the top-performing scheme in the category, delivering 19.95% returns. LIC MF Dividend Yield Fund and HDFC Dividend Yield Fund follow.
EPFO's 2026 overhaul: key takeaways from the latest EPF, EPS, EDLI schemes
The new EPF Scheme, 2026 does not make higher PF contributions optional. Here's what remains unchanged, what has changed, and what it means for employees and employers.
Section 54 relief: ITAT allows tax exemption on 23 flats, wipes out 8 crore demand
A Bengaluru ITAT ruling allowed a landowner to claim capital gains exemption on 23 flats received under a redevelopment deal. The relief, however, applies to older joint development agreements executed before key tax law changes.
Selling gold in 2026? Your holding period could decide how much tax you pay
Gold ETFs, gold mutual funds and physical gold are taxed differently, with holding periods ranging from 12 to 24 months to qualify for lower long-term capital gains tax. Selling too soon could result in gains being taxed at your income-tax slab rate instead.
ITR filing 2026: Claiming a Section 80G deduction? Don't miss this new requirement
Taxpayers claiming deductions under Section 80G will now have to disclose payment reference details while filing their income tax return. The new disclosure is part of the Income Tax Department's push to digitally verify deduction claims.
EPFO's new PF transfer system: How to move your EPF balance without paperwork
EPFO has introduced 2 online EPF transfer options under the new scheme, enabling employees to consolidate PF accounts, preserve service history, improve pension eligibility, avoid tax issues on eligible withdrawals and also secure EDLI insurance benefits of up to 7 lakh.
New Income Tax Act: CBDT issues FAQs on pending tax cases, TDS and transition rules
CBDT has clarified how pending tax cases, assessments, and TDS certificate applications will move after the Income-tax Act 2025 takes effect from April 2026. The FAQs explain which matters stay under the old law and which follow new provisions.
FCNR deposits: a compelling opportunity for NRIs
That combination of high foreign-exchange returns, no exchange-rate risk, and tax-free interest in India makes FCNR compelling.
EPS Scheme 2026 vs EPS 1995: What changes for employees under new pension framework?
The EPS 2026 has replaced EPS 1995, introducing a new pension framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The new scheme retains key pension benefits and contribution rates while adding digital compliance, a 20-day claim settlement timeline and interest on delayed claims.
Can a Rs 58,000 monthly SIP build a Rs 10 crore corpus in 16 years? Expert reviews portfolio
A Rs 58,000 monthly SIP with a 10% annual step-up may not reach the Rs 10 crore goal. Increasing the annual SIP step-up to 20% could exceed the target corpus. The expert suggests rebalancing market-cap allocation for better diversification. Shifting investments from gold and silver ETFs towards equity funds is advised. The portfolio requires adjustments to achieve long-term financial objectives.
Why Gen Z borrows for experiences and keeps investments intact
With higher financial literacy, younger borrowers are leveraging personal loans to fund lifestyle choices, experiences, travel and discretionary spending, all while keeping their investment portfolios intact.
Best tax saving mutual funds or ELSS to invest in July 2026
Taxpayers often invest in ELSS funds for Section 80C deductions. These funds offer potential for higher returns over the long term. ELSS schemes have a three-year lock-in period, shorter than other options. Investors should consider ELSS for long-term equity exposure and potential growth. Several ELSS funds are recommended for investment consideration.
Gold and silver prices today, 9 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.
What Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund bought and sold in June 2026: Top 10 holdings revealed
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is India's largest open-ended equity scheme with an AUM of 1.43 lakh crore. The fund increased its exposure to HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and ITC in June, while trimming its holdings in Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta Platforms.
July 2026 DA hike: 3% increase most likely as June inflation data guides decision, says expert
3% Dearness Allowance hike for Central government staff and pensioners is a possibility in July 2026. The final DA revision hinges on June AICPI-IW inflation data, with the government's announcement expected after Cabinet approval and inflation review.
UPI and personal loans are replacing credit cards in Indians' wallets: CIBIL
Credit card penetration in India remains low, with only 5.2 crore holders, representing 25% of the credit-active population. While usage is rising, first-time borrowers account for just 8% of new credit card issuances
PPF account turns dormant if you invest less than 500 a year: What you lose and how to revive it
PPF accounts become inactive if the annual 500 minimum deposit is missed, restricting benefits. Activation requires a request and payment of a penalty. Full details here.
Sebi has notified rules for open-market share buybacks effective August 1, 2026, allowing companies to repurchase shares through stock exchanges. Here's how your capital gains will be taxed and what to consider before selling your shares via the open market.
How many mutual funds should you own? Experts explain the right portfolio mix
Managing too many mutual funds complicates portfolio tracking without enhancing diversification. Experts suggest three to six funds can suffice, emphasising a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds along with debt for balance.
As the Magnificent 7 lose swagger, which stock should you buy now? Experts reveal the right strategy
The Magnificent Seven tech giants are losing investor interest as their performance lags behind the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500. Emerging chipmakers like Micron Technology are gaining traction, while stocks like Alphabet show potential amidst differing fortunes among the group.
Quant Mid Cap Fund has outperformed its benchmark index over the last 3 and 6 months, but continues to lag over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. The expert attributed the rebound to portfolio repositioning and advised investors to focus on long-term consistency.
ITR filing 2026: Preventive health checkups can help you save tax here's how
The ITR filing deadline is approaching, prompting taxpayers to prepare documents and explore deductions. Section 80D allows deductions for preventive health checkups, capped at 5,000, applicable only in the old tax regime.
EPFO portal revamp: 10 changes in PF claims, withdrawals and transfers every member should know
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has centralised its member database through the CITES project to enhance service speed, transparency, and accessibility.
Can tenants continue paying old rent if they overstay after lease expires? Delhi HC answers
The Delhi HC ruled that tenants staying in a property after lease expiration may face higher rent due to automatic escalation clauses. Here's all you need to know.
How much should you invest in mutual funds? Experts say theres no magic number
A 20-30% investment target can be a useful starting point, but the right SIP depends on your goals, emergency savings and ability to increase investments as income grows.
EPFO will credit FY26 interest at 8.25% to 34 crore member accounts by July 15. Members can check the updated amounts online through various methods, including the EPFO Portal, UMANG app, missed calls, SMS, and DigiLocker after activating their UAN.
