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Income-tax return forms released: Here's all you need to know about ITR-1 Sahaj Top FAQs answered
The Income-Tax department has released ITR forms for AY27/FY26, enabling offline preparation via Excel Utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4. Taxpayers can file returns online through the official portal, with a deadline for individual filings set for 31 July 2026.
What happens when you close your loan early? All you need to know about prepayment charges
Repaying a loan ahead of schedule can help reduce the total interest payable and shorten the duration of your debt.
The 8th Central Pay Commission has started consultations with employee representatives to recommend salaries and allowances for central government employees and pensioners. Here's why central government employees may get pay hike only in 2027
75.5% of Indians lack a retirement plan, while 77% avoid financial advice: 1 Finance survey
A growing retirement planning gap in India is raising concern as 75.5% of middle-aged earners lack a detailed plan while 77% have not sought financial advice, reveals a 1 Finance survey.
Hindu Undivided Family: Who is eligible to form HUF and how much tax can be saved?
HUF is treated as a separate taxable entity from its family members. Family income can be legally divided and reported under the HUF to avail additional tax advantages
8th Pay Commission fitment factor discussions are reshaping salary expectations as Indias pay commission history highlights major changes in government pay, pensions and employee benefits over decades.
DA demands: Here's what the big three employee groups NC-JCM, AIDEF and Maharashtra Old Pension Organisation are demanding for Dearness Allowance. From inflation-linked compensation, 4% hike, merger and more, here's all we know
Dearness Allowance: Uttar Pradesh announces 2% hike in DA for state government employees
Dearness Allowance: Uttar Pradesh today announced a 2% hike in DA for state government employees, effectively increasing the component to 60% of basic pay from 58%.
Top 5 India-focused offshore equity funds and ETFs with highest 1-year returns. Check details
India-focused offshore funds and ETFs underperformed the MSCI India USD Index over one year, though Aryabhata India Fund emerged as the top performer with the smallest decline among peers.
As job insecurity rises globally, building an emergency fund is essential for financial stability amid layoffs, inflation and AI-driven restructuring, ensuring protection through disciplined saving strategies.
4 SIFs and mutual fund NFOs open for subscription now. Check details
Indian mutual fund assets under management have surged. Equity funds saw a significant rise in assets and investor numbers. Flexicap funds led net sales, attracting substantial inflows. SIP flows doubled in under three years, reaching new highs. The industry's AUM grew substantially over the past decade, indicating strong investor confidence and growing participation in mutual funds.
Does your portfolio needs a global hedge in a weaponised world?
Geopolitical shifts are prompting Indian investors to reconsider strategies as economic equities become tools of statecraft. Experts emphasise the need for global diversification to mitigate local volatility and capture international growth amidst changing dynamics.
Newly married couples can build stronger personal finances with smart budgeting, emergency savings, early investing and insurance planning for long-term financial stability and wealth creation.
Wholesale inflation hits a 42-month high but does it really spell bad news for your wallet?
India's wholesale inflation hit 8.3% in April, a 42-month high, mainly due to rising energy prices from the West Asia conflict. Experts note a weak correlation with consumer prices, suggesting retail inflation may not rise significantly despite the wholesale increase.
Gold turned 1 lakh into 15 lakhs in 20 years - Here's how equities, real estate and debt compare
Equities in India and the US have outperformed fixed deposits, debt, and real estate over the long term. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks yielded the highest returns, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment.
These 5 smallcap mutual funds deliver over 20% annualised return in 3 years. Check toppers
The ET Alpha Summit gathers top market minds to decode global risks, AI disruption, and investment opportunities, offering investors a clear roadmap for smarter, future-ready wealth decisions.
Taiwan-focused mutual funds soar 200% in a year. Experts warn against FOMO investing
Mutual fund investors are exploring international and thematic schemes, with some delivering up to 200% returns. Technology and semiconductor funds, especially those with Taiwan exposure, have seen significant gains. Experts suggest starting global diversification with broader US funds. While past performance is strong, future returns may vary.
Stay prepared for Income Tax Return Filing 2026 with essential documents including Form 16, AIS, Form 26AS, bank statements and investment proofs to ensure accurate AY 2026-27 ITR filing, faster refunds and hassle-free tax compliance.
Mutual fund factsheets are no longer compliance documents theyre becoming investor playbooks
As more investors go direct and digital, mutual fund factsheets are evolving from compliance-heavy disclosures into sharper communication tools aimed at helping investors make decisions.
Large cap funds have lagged mid and small caps across various time horizons, showing muted or negative returns in shorter periods. Experts suggest increasing allocation to large caps for stability and better risk-reward due to attractive valuations, especially for first-time investors and through SIPs.
The EPFO's UPI payment gateway for provident fund withdrawals is set to launch soon, with testing completed. Members can access their funds directly in bank accounts, improving service delivery for over seven crore users.
Your employer may soon pay your SIP from salary: Sebi's new mutual fund proposal explained
Your employer might soon invest in mutual funds directly from your salary. Sebi is considering a new proposal to allow this. Employees can choose their funds, and employers will deduct the amount from salaries. This aims to simplify investing and increase participation. Redemption proceeds will still go to the employee's account.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Banking & PSU debt funds offer a relatively safe investment option for a few years, investing primarily in government-backed entities. These schemes gained popularity after past debt market turmoil. While risks like private bank exposure and interest rate changes exist, they are considered minimal for short-term investors.
SpaceX plans to go public, targeting a $75 billion IPO and a valuation of $1.75 trillion. Elon Musk will maintain significant control post-IPO, raising concerns over corporate governance and valuation risks. The filing reveals $18.7 billion revenue in 2025, driven mainly by Starlink's growth.
Recent inflation data suggests a potential increase in Social Security COLA for 2027, with estimates rising to 4.2%. The Senior Citizens League also adjusted its projection to 3.9%. Inflation has significantly impacted living costs, affecting the purchasing power of benefits since 2016.
Federal Reserve proposes new payment accounts for fintechs: What's allowed, what's not
The Federal Reserve proposed a new payment account category for fintechs and non-traditional institutions to access payment systems, aiming to enhance innovation while managing risks.
Jeff Bezos pitches major US tax overhaul: Bottom half should pay 0%, not 3%
Jeff Bezos proposed eliminating federal income taxes for the bottom half of earners, advocating for significant tax reform without detailing implementation. He highlighted the burden on lower earners and noted the disparities in income and tax contributions between different income groups.
Sebi moots MF payment by 3rd parties in select cases
Sebi is proposing new rules for mutual fund investments. Third parties can now make payments in certain situations. Employers can invest on behalf of employees through salary deductions. Asset Management Companies can pay distributors in mutual fund units instead of cash. A framework for investors to donate to social causes is also suggested.
Long-term SIPs deliver consistent gains as market volatility eases over time
Investing in equity through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) offers greater predictability and reduced risk over extended periods. A study reveals that longer tenures, ideally 10 years or more, allow investors to navigate market cycles and benefit from rupee cost averaging.
EPFO: We take a look at if EPF amounts be attached for liabilities and what happens if your employer recovers contribution but doesnt deposit it, among other top FAQs. Here's a look
Co-applicant home loan rules: How joint loans affect EMI, tax benefit and credit score
One effective way to improve your home loan eligibility is to add a co-applicant with an independent source of income.
ITR forms for FY26 / AY27 have been notified by the tax department, and Excel Utility for the ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms has also been enabled by the I-T department. Here's how you can use e-pay to clear income tax dues
Debt Snowball vs Debt Avalanche: Which method clears loans faster?
There is no universally superior choice here, as every individuals financial landscape is unique. While the avalanche path optimises your total savings, tackling a massive principal balance first can feel slow, sometimes draining your motivation.
While a car EMI of 16,000 seems reasonable, actual ownership costs can exceed 36,000 per month due to hidden expenses such as depreciation and insurance. ChatGPT gave me the entire estimate.
How much money should you keep in a savings account and where to park the rest?
The 50/30/20 rule is a widely used budgeting strategy that divides your monthly post-tax income into three main categories: needs, wants, and savings.
The RBI has proposed stricter loan recovery rules, including mandatory certification for recovery agents, safeguards against harassment, grievance redressal mechanisms, and compensation for wrongful recovery actions. Lenders also cannot block mobile phones over unpaid loans.
SEBI proposes EPF-style investing in mutual funds Here's all you need to know
Sebi proposed allowing third-party payments in mutual funds for specific scenarios, with aim to ease investing while protecting against misuse, and includes provisions for social cause contributions. Here's what could change for investors
The 8th central pay commission has invited applications from eligible candidates to fill vacancies for full-time and part-time consultant roles on a contractual basis for fixed one-year in the commission.
Sebi proposes to permit third-party payment in mutual funds in certain scenarios
The current regulatory framework mandates that all payments for investments in mutual funds must originate directly from the investor's own bank account and be routed exclusively through RBI-authorised payment aggregators or Sebi-recognised clearing corporations.
EPFO: Is 24x7 support available for members? Can they contact via WhatsApp?
EPFO has chosen WhatsApp to enhance member services, leveraging its extensive user base in India. This initiative aims to streamline grievance resolution, reduce legal backlogs and facilitate real-time communication for services such as PF balance checks and claim tracking.
Dearness Allowance: The Maharashtra state government has approved payment of DA arrears for state employees under the 5th, 6th and 7th central pay commission. The total payout is 800 crore.
Can Sebis 50% overlap limit improve diversification in mutual fund schemes?
Sebis new mutual fund overlap rules aim to improve diversification by limiting duplicate stock holdings across schemes, encouraging investors and fund houses to reduce redundancy and maintain more efficient portfolios.
EPFO subscribers will soon withdraw provident funds via UPI, with direct transfers to bank accounts. The initiative aims to streamline service delivery and enhance member access to funds, facilitating quicker transactions for various needs.
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund removes subscription limit and resumes fresh SIP/STP in its Aqua FoF
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has removed the Rs 5 lakh daily cap on lump sum investments and resumed fresh SIP/STP registrations in its Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund from May 20. The move comes as overseas investment headroom improves, though subscriptions will remain subject to regulatory overseas investment limits.
NFO Update: Tata AIA Life Insurance launches dividend leaders index pension fund
Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Tata AIA Dividend Leaders Index Pension Fund to help investors build long-term retirement wealth through Indias leading dividend-paying companies. The NFO is open until May 27, with units priced at Rs 10. The passively managed fund tracks the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index and invests in 50 consistent dividend-paying firms, combining market-linked growth with life insurance protection for disciplined retirement planning.
Twelve equity mutual funds delivered over 10% returns in the past year, led by TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund with 19.24%. Midcap schemes from ICICI Prudential, HSBC and Mirae Asset also featured among the top performers. Overall, 284 schemes were analysed, with returns ranging from 11.51% to 9.86%.
NFO Alert: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund launches large & midcap fund
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, backed by Pantomath Group, has launched its 10th fund, The Wealth Company Large & Mid Cap Fund. This open-ended equity scheme, open from May 21 to June 4, aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in both established large-cap companies and growth-oriented mid-caps, employing a unique research framework.
Looking to invest via SIP for 5 years? Here are the top 10 mutual funds to consider
Top-performing mutual funds delivered strong five-year SIP returns, led by gold, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and smallcap categories, though investors should prioritize risk appetite, goals, and investment horizon over past performance alone.
Gold and silver import duty hike: here is what it means for prices and ETF premiums
A 9% import duty hike and tighter silver import rules may disrupt local supply and ETF premiums, even as experts remain structurally bullish on gold and silver.
A 53-year-old investor aims for a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus in seven years without a pension. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs to Rs 1.2 lakh with annual 24% step-ups and shifting to an 80:20 equity-debt allocation. A bucket-based SWP strategy is recommended for post-retirement income, potentially generating Rs 1.67-2.5 lakh monthly.
A weaker rupee and tougher job markets are reshaping the economics of foreign education
With the rupee at 96/$ and education loans at 12%, the cost-to-salary math of studying abroad is under stress. Rising fees, tight visas and weak job markets are stretching repayment timelines.
Inside Mutual Fund Portfolios: The role of cash holdings
Fund managers hold cash in equity schemes for various reasons, including market overvaluation, difficulty finding quality stocks, and to meet daily redemption requests. While cash offers a downside buffer, high levels can lead to underperformance if markets rally, potentially causing investor outflows.
Have multiple EPF accounts? Here's how you can merge them Stepwise guide
Employee Provident Fund account: You may have multiple EPF accounts with the retirement body but can request online transfers through the official EPFO portal. Here's a stepwise guide how
The Income-Tax Department has released ITR 1-7 forms for FY26/AY27, including Excel utilities for forms 1 and 4 for offline preparation. Here's why experts advise salaried taxpayers to wait till June 15 to file their income tax returns
EPFO set to introduce WhatsApp support for provident fund members amid growing grievances: Report
The EPFO plans to launch a WhatsApp chatbot for user queries and account requests, enhancing outreach and member services. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced this initiative to streamline communication.
What is the new West Bengal government's Annapurna scheme? We explain who the beneficiaries are, how much monthly financial support they can expect, how to apply, check eligibility and all you need to know.
Karnataka bus workers' strike: What are their demands? Salary hike, arrears, DA increase, explained
Karnataka bus workers' unions have called for a strike tomorrow, on 20 May. Here's a look at what their demands are From salary hike, arrears, and dearness allowance (DA) increase.
The government has extended the free online Aadhaar document update service until June 14, 2027, allowing users to upload and verify identity documents without fees. Details here.
What is a will in India? Legal definition, importance and eligibility under Succession Act 1925
A guide to what a will is in India, explaining the legal meaning under the Indian Succession Act 1925, eligibility, key rules, and the importance of writing a valid will.
Women investors drive 35% of mutual fund inflows in FY26 with 11 trillion AUM, says CAMS report
Women investors manage 11.3 trillion in AUM across mutual funds. This accounts for 35% of total inflows, indicating a shift towards long-term investing and diversified strategies in India's mutual fund industry. Details are here.
8th central pay commission: What are the pension reform demands by the three big employee groups?
8th Central Pay Commission: Here are the pension reform-related demands made by big employee groups the NC-JCM, the AIDEF and the Maharashtra Old Pension Organisation to the 8th CPC in their memorandums.
The West Bengal government has approved the formation of its 7th pay commission to address compensation for state employees. The decision was made on 18 May. There was, however, no word on the DA hike. Here's all we know.
EPF withdrawals before 5 years are not tax-free: What salaried employees should know
EPF is a retirement savings scheme with contributions from both employers and employees. Withdrawals before five years of service may incur tax, but exceptions apply. Details here.
Raymond Realty among top 7 unique stocks with over Rs 1 crore market value. Check details
Do mutual fund and fixed deposit investors need to file ITR if interest income is below Rs 2 lakh?
Homemakers earning under Rs 2 lakh from fixed deposits and mutual funds may not need to file ITR legally, but voluntary nil return filing helps maintain records and claim TDS refunds.
Looking for best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in May? Here are top 7 to consider
From green dream to cost shield: How to make your EV truly value for money
With fuel prices up and fiscal pressures rising, EVs are shifting from eco-choice to economic hedge. But extracting full value depends on battery size, charging strategy and resale discipline.
Smart emergency fund planning strengthens financial stability as experts explain emergency fund in FD or savings account strategy balancing liquidity, returns, tax efficiency, FDs, savings accounts and arbitrage options.
Women are significantly boosting India's mutual fund landscape, managing Rs 11.3 lakh crore in assets and contributing Rs 3 lakh crore in new investments during FY26. Their participation grew 13%, outpacing men's 11% growth. This surge highlights a shift towards disciplined, goal-oriented investing, with a rising number of women embracing diversified and long-term wealth creation strategies.
Govt debunks rumours on temple gold monetisation, rejects gold bond claims
The Government of India has dismissed rumours about monetising temple gold, stating that no such proposals exist. A press release highlighted the importance of relying on verified information to prevent confusion and misinformation in the public sphere.
HSBC Midcap Fund delivered exceptional returns, transforming a Rs 10,000 monthly investment into Rs 2.33 crore over two decades. The fund also showed strong three-year trailing returns, ranking second in its category. Experts highlight the fund manager's strategy of focused stock selection in quality mid-sized companies across growth sectors. This approach has consistently benefited from India's economic expansion.
AI-powered early warning systems are changing credit risk management
AI-powered early warning systems are transforming credit risk management by analyzing real-time data to identify financial stress. These systems enable lenders to act proactively, offering tailored interventions to borrowers and improving portfolio monitoring amidst global uncertainties.
Gold prices today moved higher as softer crude oil prices and a weaker dollar lifted bullion demand, while investors tracked MCX gold futures and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investors are closely watching developments around the Iran conflict and global market trends.
NFO Alert: ICICI Prudential MFs iSIF launches active asset allocator and long-short funds
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company has launched two new strategies under its Specialised Investment Funds (SIF) segment: iSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund and iSIF Equity Long-Short Fund. The NFOs are open for subscription till June 2. The strategies aim to offer adaptive portfolio construction through long-short positioning, dynamic asset allocation and derivatives-based risk management.
How alumni health plans differ from individual insurance policies
Alumni or affinity health plans are a supplement, not a substitute, for your primary cover.
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.
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.
Zero balance savings accounts for kids: Top five banks where you can save your childs pocket money
Parents can teach children the value of saving with zero balance savings accounts from various banks in India. These accounts offer features like parental controls, debit cards, and mobile banking, helping children manage their finances and develop saving habits early on. Details here.
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.
