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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.
DA hike: Here are the key Dearness Allowance-related demands made by employee groups from demand for an inflation-linked wage model to calls for implementation of DA merger and a new calculation formula for the component.
EPFO has delayed the launch of its UPI-linked claim settlement facility to August as it focuses on resolving glitches in the upgraded CITES 2.01 portal. The new system aims to enable faster credit of eligible PF claims through UPI once the platform stabilises.
The 8th pay commission panel is scheduled to hold state and union territory visits and meetings in Delhi, Chennai, and Puducherry in August and September this year as part of its consultation process. Check the full list of cities, dates and other details here
Different fund categories, same stocks? These equity mutual funds have up to 79.4% portfolio overlap
A study found that the BOI Large & Mid Cap Fund and BOI Multi Cap Fund from the same AMC have a portfolio overlap of 79.4%, despite belonging to different categories. This highlights that investing in multiple equity mutual funds across categories may not always lead to better diversification.
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.
ITR filing issue, refund delay or TDS mismatch? Here's how to raise a complaint through e-Nivaran
The e-Nivaran facility allows taxpayers to raise and track income tax grievances online through a structured process. Both registered and unregistered users can raise complaints, which are routed to the concerned department, and can be tracked using a unique acknowledgement number.
Can increasing your SIP every year help you reach your goals faster? Here is what calculations show
Increasing your mutual fund SIP contribution every year can significantly accelerate wealth creation. For a Rs 1 crore target with a Rs 20,000 monthly SIP at 10% return, a 10% annual step-up cuts the timeline by nearly four years, leveraging the dual power of higher savings and compounding.
EPF Calculator: 25,000 basic pay can build corpus of over 1.12 crore in 30 years Here's how
An employee earning a basic salary of 25,000 can accumulate an estimated EPF corpus of 1.12 crore over 30 years. Monthly contributions, annual salary hikes and the power of compounding together build long-term retirement wealth through the Employees' Provident Fund.
Supreme Court rules vehicle's mere presence is not enough for motor accident compensation
SC says compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act cannot be awarded merely because a vehicle was part of the sequence of events. Claimants must establish a credible causal link between the use of the vehicle and the death or injury.
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.
Funding your spouse's PPF account? Tax expert explains how Section 80C rules apply
Funding your spouses PPF account can help you claim a Section 80C deduction of up to 1.5 lakh, provided the contribution comes from your own income. Tax treatment, ownership rules, clubbing provisions and practical points every taxpayer should know before investing.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund's upcoming REIT-oriented index fund has sparked investor interest as India's first such passive offering. Explaining why the scheme excludes InvITs, MD & CEO Radhika Gupta said current SEBI regulations do not allow passive funds to combine equity-classified REITs with hybrid-classified InvITs.
Nippon India Mutual Fund surpasses 4 crore investor folios, marks historic milestone
Nippon Life India Asset Management has become the first mutual fund house in India to cross 4 crore investor folios. Reaching 40.2 million folios as of June 30, 2026, the AMC holds a dominant 39% share of the country's unique investor base, driven by deep retail penetration beyond metros.
Will my FCNR deposit stay tax-free after I return to India?
Experts explain whether FCNR deposit interest remains tax-free after returning to India and whether a five-month stay in India triggers tax residency under current rules.
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.
SEBI's MF-only PMS push broadens retail access to wealth products
Sebi proposes a new Mutual Fund-only Portfolio Management Services category. This new category will invest exclusively in direct plans of mutual funds. The regulator is lowering entry thresholds and permitting global diversification for investors. This move aims to increase transparency and promote a fee-based wealth management model. Affluent retail investors may gain access to products previously for high networth individuals.
Looking for better SIP returns? This mutual fund category has outperformed
Systematic investment plans build wealth, but returns differ across mutual fund types. Sectoral funds, particularly pharma and healthcare, showed superior recent performance. Diversified funds like flexi caps offered moderate and stable long-term returns. An analysis covered 546 equity mutual funds and their market cycle performance. This data highlights varied outcomes based on fund category selection.
Property inheritance: How this one document can prevent family disputes later
A missing property document can lead to legal disputes over inheritance. Estate planning is essential for ensuring asset distribution aligns with one's wishes and minimises conflict among heirs after the owner's death. Here are the key components of estate planning.
In August 2026, RBI has marked 14 holidays for banks, during which in-branch services will not be available. UPI, ATM and other such essential services remain functional on holidays. Check full RBI's bank holiday calendar for next month here.
EPFO mandates PF, pension claim settlement within 20 days What to do if it's delayed?
EPFO employees will experience faster settlements for provident fund, pension, and insurance claims, with a 20-day processing rule. Delays incur a 12% penal interest. Here's how employees can submit their complaints.
EPF interest credit delayed? What it means for your savings
EPFO members have begun receiving the annual interest of 8.25% for FY2025-26 in their provident fund accounts, starting July 15. Interest is credited annually, and updates may take time to display, but any delays do not affect the amount earned.
Gifting money to your spouse? Here's when tax applies and who pays it
Transferring money to a low-income spouse to reduce tax liability can backfire, as income may be taxed in your hands under clubbing provisions if invested. Details here.
EPF withdrawals are tax-free if an employee completes five years of continuous service. Withdrawals before five years may be taxable, except in certain cases such as ill health or employer closure. TDS rules depend on the withdrawal amount.
ITR filing deadline nears: Why the 31 July deadline is more important than you think
Missing the ITR due date can have consequences beyond a late filing fee. Delayed filing may lead to interest on unpaid taxes and the loss of key tax benefits, such as carrying forward capital losses. Knowing the applicable deadline can help taxpayers avoid unnecessary costs.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
Five new mutual fund NFOs, primarily passive in nature, will open for subscription this week. The lineup includes four ETFs and one fund of funds across midcap, banking and dividend themes. Invesco, SBI, DSP and Edelweiss are launching these schemes, with minimum investment starting at Rs 5,000.
Equity mutual funds delivered up to 7% returns in the week of July 20 to July 24, led by international funds. Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund topped the chart, followed by global and commodity-focused funds. Most schemes posted moderate gains, while a few saw marginal declines, according to ACE MF data.
Should you break an FD or take a loan against it when you urgently need money? Experts explain
Need urgent cash? Check whether breaking a fixed deposit or taking a loan against an FD is the better option. Compare costs, penalties, interest rates and repayment factors to make a smarter financial decision while protecting your long-term savings.
Small cap mutual funds have delivered strong three-year returns, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund at over 27%. Other funds such as ITI, Invesco India and Bank of India Small Cap also posted healthy gains. Investors with a three-year horizon may consider these funds based on performance, AUM and expense ratios.
Social security: Over 31.78 crore unorganised workers are registered on e-Shram porta till July 2026. Today, we take a look at how you can apply, the eligibility criteria and most frequently asked questions
Wider acceptance of UPI abroad benefits Indian tourists, students and business travelers by allowing use familiar mobile apps for payments instead of reliance on international debit or credit cards.
Asset allocation across equities, debt and gold helps investors balance growth, stability and risk. Learn how diversification, age-based investing and regular portfolio rebalancing can improve long-term returns and protect wealth during market volatility.
Credit cards offer convenience, rewards and credit-building opportunities, but only when used responsibly. Experts explain how timely repayments and disciplined spending can help individuals avoid debt, improve credit scores and maximise financial benefits while reducing borrowing risks.
US market at record highs, China still cheap: Where should Indian investors invest?
Indian investors are reevaluating portfolio strategies amid market volatility. The US offers growth but is expensive, whereas China is cheaper yet carries risks. Experts suggest global diversification, with a recommended allocation of 15-25% for beginners and up to 50% for aggressive profiles.
Bank holidays this week: Banks in India will be closed for upto eleven days in the next month, but digital platforms like UPI and banking apps will remain operational. Customers should note that in-branch services are suspended on Sundays and specific regional holidays.
How do active momentum funds work, and are they worth buying?
A new crop of funds claims to fix momentum investing's biggest flaw, but investors should wait for the funds to build a longer track-record.
In praise of inefficient money
The pouch system that economists call primitive is the discipline that stops you from robbing yourself.
Investors should update their nominee details after the nominee's death. The assets remain valid, but failing to appoint a new nominee can lead to delays and additional paperwork for beneficiaries in claiming investments later. Details here.
When making your financial plan, you can use systematic investment plan to build an emergency fund. Here's how to calculate how much to invest monthly using the 3-6-9 rule. We explain
A slowdown in demat account openings indicates a shift from speculative trading to long-term investing, says ClearTax CEO Archit Gupta. Here's why.
ITR deadline: While the overall e-filing process has become quicker, the process can be daunting for first-time filers. Here are five key things taxpayers should know to prepare before filing ITR.
EPFO underpaid EPS pension by 1,350; consumer commission orders refund with interest
A consumer commission ordered EPFO to refund 1,350 plus interest after miscalculating an employee's EPS withdrawal benefit. The commission ruled that EPFO used the wrong factor for calculations, leading to a shortfall in the payout. Details here.
Financial freedom at 32, but at what cost? The 4.5 crore health warning
A 32-year-old struggled with health due to long work hours and poor self-care, leading to a diabetes and hypertension diagnosis. His story highlights the relationship between health and financial risk, emphasizing the need for professionals to prioritize well-being alongside career goals.
Women awaiting payments from the Annapurna Bhandar scheme are checking the status of their funds. The scheme replaces the Lakshmi Bhandar and offers helpline numbers for assistance. Possible reasons for delayed payments include banking issues and incorrect application information.
Did not file your ITR yet? Why waiting for a deadline extension could hurt your wallet
Missing the ITR deadline leads to penalties and interest on the unpaid taxes where applicable. Here's why a due date extension is unlikely this year and hence taxpayers should consider filing their tax returns on time.
EPFO: Today, look at how EPF subscribers can check their claim status for provident fund withdrawal, transfer, or pension fund in real-time using the official portal, Umang mobile app, SMS and missed call options.
ITR filing 2026: Can professionals and business owners change their tax regime every year?
The new tax regime is the default for taxpayers, with salaried individuals able to choose annually. Business income taxpayers face restrictive rules, allowing a one-time switch between regimes.
Fixed deposits offer senior citizens stable returns, protecting their savings from market volatility. Leading small finance banks provide competitive rates for different tenures.
8th pay commission: From pension revision to various leaves and increment schedule Here's the full list of demands for allowances and benefits made by the NC-JMC for government employees and pensioners.
India's first REIT mutual fund launched: Edelweiss NFO opens August 5; key details
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched India's first REIT-oriented mutual fund, with the NFO opening on August 5. The passive fund will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index, offering exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a single investment.
DA hike: State government employees and pensioners in West Bengal expect the new 7th pay commission to address the dearness allowance gap with central government staff and retirees. Here's why the issue matters
Property bought using NRI husband's funds? ITAT deletes 80 lakh tax addition
Mumbai ITAT ruled that a taxpayer cannot be taxed for unexplained investment merely because one remittance document is unavailable if the entire transaction is otherwise backed by credible evidence.
Income Tax Department launches foreign assets report on e-Filing portal, here's how to check
The Income Tax Department has launched a new Foreign Assets Information report on the e-Filing portal, allowing taxpayers to view overseas financial data received from foreign jurisdictions.
Old Bridge, ITI, Navi, Samco, and Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Funds held the highest mid and smallcap exposure in June 2026, reflecting aggressive positioning toward higher-risk, growth-oriented segments.
Up to 25% CAGR in 3 years! Invesco India Mid Cap, 4 others delivered stellar returns
HSBC Midcap, Invesco India Mid Cap, ICICI Prudential Midcap, WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap, and Edelweiss Mid Cap led midcap mutual fund returns over three years, delivering gains of up to 25.2%.
ITAT has ruled that administrative controls such as attendance, fixed timings and leave approval do not, by themselves, create an employer-employee relationship. The tribunal quashed a 9.48 lakh tax demand, holding that contractual teachers were independent professionals.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund introduces India's first REITs-oriented index fund. This new fund offers investors easier access to the listed real estate sector. It will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index effectively. The fund opens for subscription on August fifth, providing diversified exposure. Investors can benefit from potential tax efficiencies and long-term growth trends.
Many investors do not know the exact monthly SIP needed for their financial goals. Excel's PMT function helps calculate the required investment amount for future targets. Investors must first determine their target corpus and the desired time frame for accumulation. Accounting for inflation is crucial to adjust the financial goal's future value. This calculation ensures investors can effectively reach their desired corpus through systematic investments.
8th Pay Commission schedules Delhi meetings on Aug 7 and 10; July 31 deadline for employee bodies
The 8th Central Pay Commission has fixed August 7 and 10 for the next round of stakeholder consultations in Delhi. Employee associations that have already submitted memorandums can seek appointments until July 31, while more state-wise consultations are planned.
Minimum pension scheme for all? Government clarifies there is no such proposal
The Centre has clarified that it is not considering a universal minimum pension scheme for all citizens. According to an ET Online report, the government instead highlighted existing social security provisions under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Metal ETFs shine in uncertain market: Should you invest now?
The performance of metal ETFs depends on the state of the economy, as they invest in industrial metals. While they are expected to grow during economic expansion, they carry more risk than gold and silver ETFs.
Planning to invest in a bond SIP? Why it doesn't work like your regular equity SIP
Running a SIP in fixed income works on a fundamentally different principle than running one in stocks
FM Sitharaman asks I-T dept to crack down on tax evaders, ease compliance for honest taxpayers
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for firm actions against tax evaders while prioritising convenience of honest taxpayers. Details here.
EPFO: Want to claim provident fund after EPF member's death? Here's how Stepwise guide for families
Today, we take a look at how the family (nominees or legal heirs) of an EPF subscriber can claim the provident fund savings amount after the member's death. Here's a stepwise guide
9,330 crore lies unclaimed in inoperative EPF accounts: Here's how to check and claim your money
The sizeable amount locked in such accounts indicates that many workers have either not withdrawn or transferred their EPF balances.
The government penalised the MSP of the income tax e-filing portal due to an extension of the ITR filing deadline caused by technical issues in FY 2025-26. Here's why an extension this year is unlikely.
Fixed Deposits: Should you park 10 lakh in one FD or split it? Pros and cons explained
The better option depends on your financial objectives, liquidity needs, investment horizon and comfort with risk.
The West Bengal government has officially constituted its 7th central pay commission. The finance department's resolution states that the panel will review allowances, salaries and service conditions for state government employees and pensioners.
Gifts received during the financial year may be taxable and need to be reported in the income tax return. Taxpayers should be aware of exemptions and the new reporting field for non-taxable gifts to maintain compliance.
The Odisha government has approved a 5% increase in dearness allowance for state employees and pensioners, effective January 2026. Here's a look at who's eligible and how it works
Monsoon respiratory infections: What your health insurance covers and when claims may be denied
Seasonal respiratory infections can lead to expenses beyond a doctor's visit. Here's what your health insurance is likely to cover, where claims may be denied, and the policy features to check before the monsoon season.
Mutual fund NFOs: 8 new funds are open for subscription now. Check details
Eight new mutual fund NFOs are currently open for subscription, spanning ETFs, flexicap, large & midcap, midcap, sectoral, FoF and fixed maturity categories, offering investors diverse investment options.
Mid-cap funds beat all equity categories over 1, 3 and 5 years, here are the top-performing schemes
Mid-cap funds have outperformed every equity mutual fund category over the last one, three and five years. Here's how the category fared and the schemes that delivered the highest returns.
RIL and BSE among top 5 largecap stocks sold by mutual funds in June. Check details
Mutual funds were net sellers in several large-cap stocks in June, with Reliance Industries topping the list, followed by Hindalco Industries, NTPC, BSE and Tata Steel, according to Dolat Capital.
ITR filing guide: How to report NSC and Kisan Vikas Patra interest
The interest earned from National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is taxable, but only NSC offers a Section 80C benefit under the old tax regime. Here is how to report income correctly in your ITR before the 31 July deadline.
Bandhan Small Cap among 5 smallcap mutual funds that deliver up to 21% annualised returns in 3 years
Five smallcap mutual funds delivered annualised returns of up to 26.7% over the last three years, with Bandhan Small Cap Fund leading the pack, according to ETWealth data as of July 15, 2026.
