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ITR filing 2026: 5 mistakes that could cost salaried taxpayers dearly
Tax filing mistakes often come to light only after a return is submitted, leading to refund delays, tax demands or compliance hassles. From unreported income to Form 26AS mismatches, here are five errors taxpayers should avoid while filing their ITR.
ITR filing 2026: Can presumptive taxpayers switch between old and new tax regimes every year?
The new tax regime is now default for taxpayers, allowing salaried individuals to choose annually between old and new options. Business income earners face restrictions. Here are the rules that apply to presumptive taxpayers.
Understanding arbitrage funds: Strategy, returns, benefits, risks and key considerations
Arbitrage funds are a type of hybrid mutual fund that aims to generate returns by taking advantage of price differences in the cash and futures markets. These funds must invest at least 65% of their assets in equities and equity-related instruments while following an arbitrage strategy.
EPF withdrawal limits 2026: Marriage, education, home purchase explained
EPFO allows members to withdraw a portion of their provident fund savings for education, marriage, housing and home-loan repayment, subject to specified conditions. Here is a breakdown of the eligibility criteria and maximum withdrawal limits under the latest EPFO guidelines.
An expat in New Zealand underestimated living costs in India, believing 60,000 would suffice for a family of four. A financial advisor revealed that modern expenses in cities like Bengaluru exceed 2.5-3.5 lakh monthly, urging NRIs to reassess their relocation assumptions carefully.
Health insurance portability is the process of moving from your existing insurance policy from one provider to another. It allows you to shift with better benefits without losing most of the accumulated renewal benefits.
Traditional Indian fathers' financial advice often prioritised caution and family protection. I asked ChatGPT to rank those pieces of advice in today's economy.
ITR filing AY 2026-27: Why thousands of early ITR filers may need to revise their returns
According to Mrinal Mehta, Joint Secretary at the Bombay Chartered Accountants' Society (BCAS), the growing number of revised returns is largely driven by the continuous updating of taxpayer information in the reporting systems.
ITR filing 2026: What to do if TDS in Form 16 doesn't match Form 26AS
A mismatch between Form 16 and Form 26AS can lead to lower TDS credit, tax demands and refund delays. Here's why taxpayers should reconcile both documents before filing their ITR.
Lenskart Solutions among top 5 midcap stocks with highest mutual fund buying in May
Mutual funds showed significant interest in midcap stocks during May, with Lenskart Solution leading the pack in net buying. JSW Energy, Billionbrains, Yes Bank, and Premier Energies also saw substantial inflows. This trend highlights a strategic shift by fund managers towards these growing companies, indicating potential investment opportunities for the broader market.
Fathers can build financial independence and generational wealth through strategic mutual fund investments, experts advise. Starting early, ideally in the late 20s or early 30s, leverages compounding for a robust retirement corpus. For legacy wealth, a higher equity allocation is recommended, focusing on long-term growth. Avoiding common mistakes like delaying retirement planning and keeping too much in low-yield fixed deposits is crucial.
NFO Watch: 3 mutual funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
Three new mutual funds are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors fresh options across passive and active strategies. The launches include Tata Multi Sector Passive FoF, HDFC Nifty Auto Index Fund and JM Multi Asset Allocation Fund. Investors should align fund selection with financial goals.
Equity mutual funds fell upto 6% last week. Check top 5 laggards
Equity mutual funds experienced a downturn last week, with some correcting up to 6%. International funds were particularly hard hit, with the DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF leading the decline at nearly 5.81%.
The Income-Tax Department has introduced key changes in how taxpayers report income using the ITR-4 form this tax year and two of these updates are related to income generated from rent. We answer your top FAQs
EPFO 3.0 allows 75% PF withdrawal instantly. But can you still withdraw 100% | Here's how
EPFO 3.0 allows members to withdraw 75% of their PF instantly, while 100% withdrawal remains possible under special circumstances like unemployment or natural disasters. New rules eliminate the need for justifying claims, simplifying the process for subscribers.
Fathers Day lesson in financial planning: Why an emergency fund is every familys first safety net
Prepared families recover faster from financial shocks. An emergency fund provides a vital financial safety net, helping households manage medical costs, job loss and unexpected expenses while protecting long-term goals and strengthening financial security during uncertain times.
Critical illness cover: Who needs it and what to watch for
Regular health insurance pays for treatment. Critical illness plans provide a lump-sum payout that can help replace income and cover expenses that arise beyond hospital bills.
AI may change the world. That doesnt make it a good investment
Whether AI is a bubble will be known only after the fact. For investors, the more important question is how much risk they take while waiting for the answer.
Private and public sector banks in India will be closed for four days next week from 25 to 28 June 2026 due to regional holidays, including Muharrum and weekends. Customers should check the RBI holiday calendar for specific bank closures across different states.
Non-salaried individuals, including freelancers and business owners, cannot claim HRA, which are exclusive to salaried employees. But there's another way to do it.
Using ChatGPT or Claude AI to file ITR? Experts warn it may not be as reliable as you think
As tax season begins, professionals are using AI tools like ChatGPT to simplify tax filing despite concerns over reliability. Experts warn that these tools struggle with complex tax situations and lack accuracy, leading to security risks and errors. Details here.
Indias crypto boom is moving beyond men in metros: How women and small-towns are driving the shift?
India's crypto market is experiencing a shift as women and non-metro investors gain influence, focusing on long-term strategies. This trend fosters a more stable ecosystem, with women showing patience and discipline, while Tier 2 and 3 cities broaden the digital asset landscape.
Income tax scrutiny: Who could get a tax notice by June 30 and how to respond?
Taxpayers should note that June 30 is the deadline for scrutiny notices under Section 143(2) for ITRs filed during FY 2025-26. Here are cases when you may receive a notice and what to do next.
ChatGPT's 1.4 lakh Maldives trip for two on a bare-minimum budget really caught me by surprise.
Can a 29-year-old achieve FIRE by 40 with a 1 lakh monthly home loan EMI? I asked ChatGPT
For a 29-year-old techie with exactly half of their take-home pay wiped out by home loan EMI, I asked ChatGPT if an 11-year window is enough for early retirement.
Pensioners can file income tax returns even after retirement and are eligible for several tax deductions. Options for filing ITR depend on income sources. Full list of available deductions here.
Seeking a better work-life balance, the Pon family turned to the FIRE movement. They moved from high-cost Canada to Thailand and then Japan, focusing on family time and financial flexibility.
Sebi has introduced a framework to expedite the transmission of securities to legal heirs, introducing Quick Transmission Processing (QTP) for small-value claims. Details here.
Bank FDs offer senior citizens a secure investment option for managing expenses like medical and living costs. Here is a comparison of fixed deposits from various public, private and small finance lenders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 23rd installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana on 20 June 2026. Each beneficiary will get 2,000 tranche payment. Let's find out when, where and how to check payment status.
Tata Technologies among top 5 smallcap stocks that saw highest mutual fund buying in May
HDFC Mutual Fund: SBI, RIL, and Eternal among top 10 stocks holdings in May
Employees provident fund: The Centre has ratified 8.25% interest rate for EPF deposits this financial year. Looking ahead, here's a look at the rules under EPFO 3.0, which allow withdrawal of funds through ATM and UPI.
Mutual funds are effective for wealth creation, but regular portfolio reviews are essential. Investors should conduct light checks periodically and a detailed review annually to ensure alignment with financial goals, prevent allocation drift, and avoid common pitfalls during evaluations.
Parag Parikh Large Cap Fund: RIL, ITC, and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in May
Top 7 flexi cap mutual funds to invest in June 2026
Retirement savings gap after a career break? Expert shares how to recover without taking big risks
Career breaks, common for women, can impact retirement savings. Experts advise accepting the situation and implementing a catch-up plan by temporarily increasing investments. Utilizing bonuses and reviewing portfolios for better returns are key. While aiming for higher gains, avoid excessive risk. Disciplined investing and strategic cash-flow management can help bridge the gap and secure financial independence.
Chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai with members Pankaj Jain and Pulak Ghosh, the 8th Pay Commission will decide on salary and pension hikes of central government employees and pensioners, with recommendations expected next year following stakeholder consultations.
Financial security starts with protection. Life insurance remains a crucial pillar of financial planning, helping families manage uncertainties, safeguard future goals, build financial resilience and create long-term security through adequate coverage, and thoughtful financial preparation.
Dearness Allowance: DA is the component of the basic salary that is periodically adjusted for inflation. Here's all we know about the Punjab, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh state governments' discussions on respective DA hikes.
Determining retirement needs requires calculating future monthly expenses, factoring in inflation, and estimating the necessary corpus. For example, a current expense of 70,000 may grow to 3 lakh in 30 years, necessitating a corpus of about 5.2 crore for adequate retirement funding.
How are dark patterns causing 25,000 crore loss to consumers annually?
The CCPA issued guidelines in 2023 to prevent and regulate dark patterns. The authority has listed 13 specific dark patterns. It has issued an advisory to strengthen compliance with guidelines and even penalised some platforms. However, the compliance still needs to improve.
Bank holiday today: Are banks closed on Saturday, 20 June for the weekend? Check RBI calendar here
Bank holiday today: Are banks closed today for the weekend holiday on Saturday, 20 June? Check the RBI calendar here
PhonePe to charge 100 quarterly fee on wallets inactive for a year: Here's how users can avoid it
PhonePe has introduced a 100 quarterly inactivity fee for wallets not used in 365 days. Users must complete a transaction to avoid charges. Details here.
PM Kisan 23rd instalment 2026: Payment date announced for 2,000; eligibility, eKYC details
Under the flagship income-support programme, eligible farmers receive 2,000 every four months, amounting to 6,000 annually in three equal instalments.
ITR-3 excel utility for AY 2026-27 goes live: Who can file and key details for taxpayers
The I-T department has released the Excel Utility for ITR-3 for Assessment Year 2026-27 on the e-filing portal. Here's who must file this form what changed this assessment year.
Bandhan Bank hikes FCNR deposit rates up to 7.1% for maturities of 3-5 years after RBI swap move
The move follows the Reserve Bank of Indias recent decision to introduce a USD-INR foreign exchange swap facility for banks on newly mobilised FCNR(B) deposits with tenures of at least three years and up to five years.
Many EPF members are unaware of the free insurance benefits under the EDLI scheme, which provides up to 7 lakh for nominees or legal heirs upon the employee's death during service. Here are the features and how to claim it.
Why investing in India equities may be a bad idea for NRIs and how GIFT City can fix it?
Despite NRIs investing about 1.4-1.5 lakh crore in India's stock market for long-term wealth, they face challenges like hidden taxes and currency depreciation.
Sunil Singhania-backed Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund increases stake in HDFC Bank, RIL and 29 others in May
Sunil Singhania-backed Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund significantly increased its holdings in HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries during May. The fund also added substantial stakes in Edelweiss Financial Services, The Federal Bank, Tata Steel, and Urban Company, among 29 other stocks. No stocks were reduced or exited, maintaining a portfolio of 49 scrips across 23 sectors.
Zerodha Capital's net profit rises 20% to 14.7 crore as lending business scales up
Zerodha Capital reported a 44.2% increase in total income to 53.5 crore in FY26, with net profit rising 20.5% to 14.7 crore, driven by growth in its loan-against-securities business.
'Japan is 100% doable on a real salary': Mumbai influencers share detailed 2.4 lakh budget guide
Japan is often considered one of the world's most expensive travel destinations. However, an Instagram post by travel page Planned Time Off is challenging that perception with a detailed cost breakdown of a 15-day trip covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima.
Fast access to funds comes at a cost. Compare personal loan interest rates, processing fees and key borrowing factors across leading private banks in June 2026 to find a cost-effective loan that suits your repayment capacity and financial goals.
I asked ChatGPT to plan perfect monsoon family getaway near Mumbai Here's what AI recommended
I asked ChatGPT to plan the perfect monsoon family vacation near Mumbai in the last week of June. Here's what the artificial intelligence chatbot when comparing three hill-station destinations: Lonavala, Matheran, and Mahabaleshwar
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund: RIL, Infosys and SBI among top 10 stock holdings in May
Mirae Asset Mutual Funds May 2026 portfolio shows HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, RIL, SBI and Infosys among its top holdings. While allocations remained largely stable, select stocks saw marginal changes in weight. The fund house managed Rs 2.31 lakh crore in assets across 96 schemes during the month.
The income tax return (ITR)-3 is meant for individuals and HUFs who have income from business or profession. Interestingly, the last date of filing tax return via ITR-3 is 31 August and not 31 July.
Big changes ahead for Gold ETFs as SEBI introduces a new trading framework from September 1. Dynamic price bands, pre-open auctions and revised pricing rules aim to improve price discovery, transparency and investor protection in Gold and Silver ETFs.
Artificial intelligence has accelerated women's rise in the technology space, according to the India AI Workforce Report by Scaler. They reported 145% salary increase after transitioning into AI-enabled careers, it added.
HDFC Mutual Fund: RIL, Tata Motors and TCS among stocks bought and sold in May
HDFC Mutual Fund increased exposure to Tata Motors, HDFC Bank and Eternal while trimming holdings in Infosys, ITC and Adani Ports, with Garware Technical Fibres emerging as its sole new portfolio addition in May.
Overdraft facility can help in emergencies, but can it damage your credit score? Key facts explained
Smart borrowing builds stronger finances. This article explains overdraft impact on credit score, covering responsible usage, repayment habits, credit utilisation, and ways to manage overdrafts effectively for a healthy credit profile.
EPF members can use their Aadhaar or Aadhaar-generated Virtual ID to successfully add a nominee and complete the e-sign process for their provident fund account. Here's how to generate the 16-digit VID
Income-tax returns: Attention taxpayers! Excel utility for ITR-3 enabled Here's all you need to know
Attention taxpayers! The tax department has today enabled excel utility for income-tax returns for AY2026-27 (FY25-26) for online form ITR-3 on its official e-filing portal. Here's all you need to know
I asked ChatGPT to audit my 1.78 lakh monthly budget; it found 20,500 in savings
A 35-year-old Bengaluru professional seeks to reduce his monthly spending by 20,000 from a 1.8 lakh salary. Strategies include meal planning, setting a monthly food budget of 18,000, and limiting dining out, while automating savings for financial stability.
NFO Alert: Zerodha Fund House launches 2 target-date Life Cycle funds
Zerodha Fund House has launched Indias first target-date Life Cycle Fund series, offering two schemes: 2036 and 2041 maturities. The NFO is open till July 7, with continuous subscription to follow. Built on a rule-based approach, the funds dynamically adjust asset allocation over time and aim to serve investors across different life stages and long-term goals.
8th Pay Commission: Employee unions seek 5 assured financial upgradations at 6-year intervals
Under the 8th Pay Commission, employee unions have proposed five assured financial upgradations at six-year intervals to improve promotions, career growth and pay progression for central government employees.
Nippon India Small Cap Fund has topped all equity funds over a decade, delivering a 20.94% CAGR. Despite recent underperformance, its long-term stock-picking prowess and diversification have driven superior risk-adjusted returns. Experts advise caution on lump-sum investments due to elevated valuations, favoring SIPs for long-term wealth compounding.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in June 2026
Banking and PSU debt funds offer a relatively safe investment avenue for investors looking for a few years. These schemes primarily invest in debt instruments of banks and public sector undertakings, which are largely government-backed, minimizing credit risk. While interest rate fluctuations can impact returns, these funds are generally better positioned due to shorter duration investments.
US-Iran agreement positive for equities, but markets may recover gradually: Tata MF's Rahul Singh
As markets grapple with AI disruption, global capital shifts and geopolitical risks, Tata Mutual Fund CIO Rahul Singh explains where investors should look for opportunities now.
8th pay commission: Here's how much salary hike Railway employees can expect from the 2.92, 3.50 and 3.80 fitment factors demanded by the Indian Railways Technical Supervisors Association across pay levels.
The price of gold in India dropped to 149,660 per 10 grams, tracking losses internationally due to a stronger dollar. Check 24K, 22K, 18K gold and silver rates in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities 19 June.
EPFO retains 8.25% interest rate for FY26; UPI-based withdrawals to launch soon
Big relief for EPFO subscribers as the EPF interest rate remains at 8.25% for FY26. The upcoming EPFO 2.0 platform will introduce UPI-based withdrawals, making provident fund access faster, easier and more convenient for millions of workers.
Govt approves EPF rate of 8.25% for FY26: When will subscribers receive the interest amount?
The EPFO can officially credit interest to subscribers' accounts only after the rate recommended by its governing body receives the Finance Ministry's approval.
Claude ran like a CA: Professionals are leaning towards AI to file income tax Check viral prompt
Working professionals took to social media to share how they used AI to file their income tax returns From decoding dense tax terminologies to automatically accounting for mid-year employer switches, and more
Invest in mutual funds daily with just 10: Axis Mutual Fund launches Rozana SIP
Axis Mutual Fund has launched the Rozana SIP facility, which enables investing with just 10 per scheme per day through its website. This initiative offers a low-ticket-size approach and helps build an everyday investing habit through daily contributions.
Nifty 50 vs Nifty Next 50: Which index rewarded investors more? What 10-year rolling returns reveal
Often viewed as a secondary large-cap benchmark, the Nifty Next 50 has outperformed the Nifty 50 across 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year rolling periods. The data also shows it occupies a distinct position between traditional large-caps and mid-caps on the risk-return spectrum.
The RBIs inflation target remains 4% with a 2%6% band. Medical inflation has recently run far above headline inflation, and Indias life expectancy at birth is about 72 yearsall of which argue for a cautious plan, said ChatGPT
The most contentious issue before the 8th Pay Commission centres on how minimum wages are calculated.
Ramit Sethi believes that if you automate your savings targets first, you don't need to track minor purchases
Choosing health insurance in 2026? Look beyond premium and check these factors
Secure your future with the best health insurance in 2026 by understanding key features, coverage options, claim support, and mistakes to avoid for smarter financial and medical protection. If in doubt consult certified financial experts before locking in on any health insurance policy.
India has learned how to trade but it still needs to learn how to invest
Access has surged across Indias markets, but investor behaviour has not kept pace with participation.
Equities can be the preferred asset class as geopolitical tensions ease. Gold will continue to serve as a portfolio hedge and wealth-preservation tool, while silver may benefit from improving industrial demand but remains a relatively volatile asset.
ITR 2026: Invested in Bitcoin or crypto? Heres whether to file ITR-2 or ITR-3
Income earned from the sale of cryptocurrencies needs to be declared in the Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) schedule. In the income tax return (ITR) parlance, cryptocurrencies are known as VDAs
Quant Mid Cap Fund: Adani Energy and Paytm among stocks bought and sold in May
Quant Mid Cap Funds AUM rose to Rs 8,109 crore in May. The fund added Adani Energy, Indus Towers, Lenskart Solutions, Persistent Systems and Torrent Pharmaceuticals, exited select holdings, raised exposure to Nippon Life India Asset Management and adjusted sector allocations across telecom, power and financial services.
Is credit card overlimit worth it? Benefits, risks, credit score impact and smart usage tips
Unexpected expenses can strain finances, and the credit card overlimit facility offers short-term spending flexibility. But understanding charges, repayment obligations, and the impact on credit scores is essential for responsible use.
A Delhi graphic designer earning 80,000 a month asked ChatGPT whether he should quit his job to start a food caf. The AI warned of significant risks but said the business could potentially earn up to 3 lakh a month.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund: RIL, Infosys and HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in May
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund remained Indias second-largest AMC with an AUM of Rs 11.78 lakh crore in May 2026. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank were its top holdings, while allocations also remained significant in RIL, Axis Bank, Infosys, L&T, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, Maruti Suzuki and NTPC.
New tax regime: 5 tax-saving benefits salaried employees should not miss
The new tax regime has eliminated many popular deductions, but a few important tax-saving provisions remain for salaried employees. From the higher standard deduction to employer NPS contributions, here's what taxpayers can still use to reduce their tax liability.
Can your stock losses be denied? ITAT ruling in Dolly Khannas 54 crore tax case offers clarity
The ITAT has ruled that transaction volume alone cannot determine whether a taxpayer is an investor or a trader. The decision came in a dispute over Dolly Khanna's claim for a 54.23 crore stock market loss.
Mutual funds added these 4 new stocks to their portfolios in May. Check details
Mutual funds introduced four new stocks into their portfolios in May, according to Prime Database disclosures. Afcom Holdings saw the highest inflows, followed by Q-Line Biotech, Ratnaveer Precision Engineering and Paramount Communications. These additions reflect ongoing portfolio reshuffling by fund houses to capture emerging opportunities across segments.
Income-tax returns: Filing ITR-4 form? Here's what proof you need to claim deductions
Income-tax returns: Taxpayers filing their returns with the ITR-4 or Sahaj online form need to submit the following documents as proof in order to claim deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, 80U, 80E, and 80GG, among others.
