32 C 
ITR filing 2026: Why 31 July is not the deadline for all salaried taxpayers and who gets more time
The 31 July ITR filing deadline may not apply to all salaried taxpayers. The applicable due date depends on the taxpayers overall income profile, ITR form, and audit requirements. Those with business or professional income may get additional time.
Large & mid-cap funds have historically delivered a balance between returns and volatility. Over the past 5 years, the benchmark index gave 14% returns, compared with 10% for large-caps and 18% for mid-caps.
Despite varying investment strategies, some small-cap stocks are common across mutual fund portfolios. The latest analysis reveals the 10 most widely held small-cap stocks, with PNB Housing Finance featuring in 146 schemes, followed by Crompton Greaves and RBL Bank.
Taxpayers who filed their ITR in May or June should revisit their return before the 31 July deadline. Checking e-verification status, AIS, TIS, Form 26AS, TDS credits, bank details and reported income can help avoid errors and refund delays.
The CPC first verifies that you've used the correct ITR form, filled in all mandatory schedules, and that there are no calculation errors. If it finds major issues, you may receive a defective return notice.
Hidden risks of UPI Autopay: Nykaa AVPs LinkedIn post sparks debate about free trials
Lokesh Ahuja from Nykaa shared a cautionary tale about hidden AutoPay mandates after teaching his mother how to make UPI payments. He emphasises the importance of digital literacy.
Would your family know how to access your wealth in an emergency?
A single, regularly updated financial master sheet can organize scattered accounts, key legal documents, and vital contacts before a crisis hits.
An ET analysis of 546 equity mutual funds reveals that Pharma & Healthcare funds delivered the highest 5-year SIP returns at 18.2%. While sectoral funds led performance, flexicap and largecap funds offered steady returns, making them ideal core portfolio options for long-term investors.
SIPs help reduce entry-timing risk through rupee-cost averaging but cannot shield investors from valuation, liquidity, concentration or fund-selection risks. Investors should not mistake SIPs for a complete risk-management strategy.
ITR filing deadline: After 4 extensions in last 5 years, why AY 2026-27 may not get extra time
As the 31 July deadline for filing ITR approaches, taxpayers hope for an extension like in previous years. Here's why AY 2026-27 is different for tax filing.
Expecting an income tax refund this year? Filing your ITR is only half the job. Simple mistakes like an unvalidated bank account, TDS mismatch or pending tax demand can delay your refund even after the return is processed.
FD rates in July 2026: Small finance banks offer up to 8.10%; compare returns from 7 leading lenders
July 2026 FD rates show small finance banks offering up to 8.10% interest, ahead of leading private and public sector banks. Compare FD rates, tenures and key investment factors across seven major lenders before booking a fixed deposit to secure better returns.
With the July 31 ITR filing deadline nearing, experts warn that waiting until the last day could cost taxpayers far more than just a late filing fee. From losing tax benefits to delayed refunds and portal glitches, here's why filing early is the smarter choice.
These 5 smallcap mutual funds rewarded investors with over 27% returns in 3 years. Check details
Five smallcap mutual funds delivered annualized returns of 20.6%-26% over three years, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund, while investors should prioritize risk appetite, goals, and investment horizon over past performance.
How to make the most of flexible health benefits in employer plans
Healthcare needs aren't staticthey change with age, family responsibilities and personal circumstances. A 28-year-old navigating burnout, a 32-year-old planning a family, and a 45-year-old supporting ageing parents all need very different forms of care.
EPS 2026: EPS 1995 and EFPS 1971 beneficiaries will keep receiving pension under new scheme
Government clarified that EPS 1995 and EFPS 1971 beneficiaries will continue to receive pensions under EPS 2026. Pension calculation, contribution rates and eligibility remain unchanged, while the new scheme introduces faster digital claim processing and electronic pension disbursement.
Inherited shares, mutual funds or bonds? NRIs should follow these steps to claim them in India
NRIs inheriting financial assets in India often face delays due to missing documents, KYC issues and nomination gaps. Experts explain the steps, paperwork and common mistakes that can help ensure a smoother transmission process.
Can a Rs 31,000 monthly SIP help you build a Rs 10 crore corpus? Expert explains
Building a 10 crore corpus over 20 years requires more than regular SIP investments. Financial planners suggest reviewing portfolios periodically, increasing SIP contributions with income growth, and maintaining the right asset allocation to maximise compounding benefits.
Sebi reopens the PMS rulebook: what it changes for investors and investment industry
Sebi's proposed MF-only PMS lowers the investment threshold to 25 lakh, opening customized mutual fund portfolios to more investors.
Cash, property, or gifts over 50,000 from non-relatives are taxable, but relief options also exist for residents, which can reduce tax liability significantly or to zero. Details here.
Wrongly reported foreign salary in ITR? ITAT grants relief with one catch
A Delhi ITAT ruling clarifies that taxpayers can correct an ITR if overseas salary was wrongly reported as taxable in India. But if the income is exempt under the DTAA, foreign tax credit cannot be claimed.
Income tax filing deadline 2026 LIVE Updates: Who needs to submit their returns by 31 July?
Income tax filing deadline 2026 LIVE Updates: The due date to file ITR is around the corner, and more than 4.3 crore ITRs have already been filed so far. Here's everything you need to know about the filing process, deadline information, e-filing portal status and other such developments.
Best gilt mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Gilt funds are recommended for aggressive debt investors expecting RBI rate cuts. These funds offer potential double-digit returns when interest rates begin to fall. Gilt funds invest in government securities, carrying no credit risk but high interest rate sensitivity. Investors should possess a long-term horizon and understand interest rate cycles before investing. Nippon India Gilt Fund and Bandhan Gilt Fund are among the recommended schemes.
ULIP income in ITR for AY 2026-27: Exemption rules, capital gains reporting, correct form choice and filing tips ahead of 31 July deadline.
Banks collected over 26,170 crore from customers as minimum balance penalties between FY23 and FY26, according to a Rajya Sabha reply. While most public sector banks have now scrapped such charges on savings accounts, private lenders continue to collect thousands of crores annually.
ITR filing 2026: Where to file return online other than the tax portal; know the charges
As the ITR filing deadline approaches, taxpayers can use various fintech platforms for online submissions. These services aim to simplify the process, with expert assistance available. Details here.
Will using ethanol-blended petrol affect your car insurance? Here's what experts say
The government's push for E20 petrol has left many car owners wondering whether using ethanol-blended fuel could affect their motor insurance. Here's what insurance experts say about claim validity, engine damage and common misconceptions.
ITR filing deadline in 2 days: Tax experts explain how you can file returns in just 10 minutes
The income tax return filing deadline is approaching, with only two days left. Tax experts explain how taxpayers can complete ITR filing quickly using the correct forms and documents, pre-filled data and e-verification before 31 July.
With the July 31 deadline for income tax return filing nearing, the tax department urges taxpayers to file early to avoid last-minute stress and errors. Details here.
The Finance Ministry has clarified in Parliament that the 8th Pay Commission is not required to share regular progress updates with the Centre. The Commission has autonomy, may determine its own procedures under the ToR, and will submit its final recommendations after 18 months, the minister said.
Sebi proposes simplified rules, lower investment floor for mutual fund PMS
Sebi has proposed lowering the minimum investment for mutual fund-only portfolio management services. The regulator suggests reducing this threshold from Rs 50 lakh down to Rs 25 lakh. This move aims to make these services more accessible to a wider investor base. Additionally, Sebi is simplifying other requirements for these portfolio managers. These proposed changes are expected to impact the investment landscape significantly.
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.
Delhi HC orders Paytm Payments Bank to be wound up: What happens to your Paytm wallet, UPI now?
The Delhi High Court ordered the winding up of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd due to non-compliance with regulations.
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.
Best mid-cap mutual funds: 12 funds delivered over 18% 10-year SIP returns
Mid-cap funds have rewarded long-term SIP investors, with 12 schemes generating annualised returns of more than 18% over the past decade. A comparison of three-, five- and 10-year returns also shows that recent winners are not always the best long-term wealth creators.
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.
Paytm launches 11 ITR filing with ClearTax: What's included and should you use it?
Paytm has partnered with ClearTax to offer income tax return filing starting at 11 through its app. Here's what the plan includes, who can benefit, and the precautions taxpayers should take before filing.
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.
Mid- and small-caps often face criticism during market corrections, but 20 years of data show they have consistently outperformed large-caps in strong market years. Investors bullish on India's growth story should not ignore these segments despite their volatility.
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.
Up to 25% returns in 10 years! These 5 equity mutual funds stood out for SIP investors
Five equity mutual funds have delivered annualised SIP returns of up to 24.4% over the past 10 years, according to ET Wealth. The list is dominated by small-cap and mid-cap funds, highlighting their strong long-term wealth creation potential despite higher market volatility.
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.
EPFO annual report: bigger corpus, faster claims, but challenges persist
EPFO's corpus has swelled to 28.4 trillion and claim settlements hit a record in FY25, but rising pension payouts, persistent grievances and thinner investment yields pose fresh challenges.
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.
EPFO auto refund: 1.18 lakh dormant PF accounts verified; no claim needed for balances up to 1,000
The Labour Ministry has completed bank verification for 1.18 lakh dormant EPFO accounts under its auto-refund pilot. The system is expected to be ready by August-end, allowing eligible subscribers to receive their PF money without filing a claim.
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.
