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ITR filing 2026: How to e-verify your return? 5 key points to know
As taxpayers prepare to file income tax returns, e-verification is essential for validity. Failure to e-verify may result in penalties or delayed refunds. Details here.
A small savings scheme provided by India Post, Kisan Vikas Patra is offering 7.50% interest this quarter. Over a full term, it promises to double your investment. Here's how investors can apply for KVP at your nearest post office
Freelancer tax guide: How to report overseas client income and pay taxes in India
Freelancers in India earning from foreign clients must report this income on their tax returns, as it is fully taxable. They can opt for presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA if conditions are met. Details here.
Employees Provident Fund: Here's how EPF subscribers can file a grievance or complaint with EPFO, the retirement fund body. We take you through the step-by-step process and social media alternatives.
Taxpayers can log into the official e-filing portal for assessment year 2026-27, and the tax department has issued clarifications. So, here are the precautions you should take while filing your income-tax returns (ITR):
Using credit card to buy property abroad? Heres why you may attract ED scrutiny
Individuals making overseas property payments via international credit cards should be aware of FEMA regulations. Such transactions may invite scrutiny, especially if not routed through authorised channels. Details here.
Can recovery agents threaten or harass you? Here's what the new RBI rules say no excessive calls
RBIs 2026 recovery rules aim to curb harassment and strengthen borrower protection, with strict action against intimidation by banks and NBFC agents. Recovery agents cannot harass borrowers, while borrowers must also understand and fulfil their financial responsibilities.
How to avoid TDS deduction on EPF withdrawal: Eligibility and rules explained
Withdrawing from your EPF before five years may incur TDS if the amount is over 50,000. Exemptions exist for those with nil tax liability who can submit Form 121. Details here.
20/4/10 rule explained: How this budgeting formula can prevent car loan stress
Hooked on a shiny car but worried about loan stress? Start with the 20/4/10 rule to protect your finances: 20% down payment, 4-year loan, and total car costs under 10% of your monthly income. Read on to understand the basic concepts before you lock in with a fresh car loan EMI.
Rupee near record low How it impacts your daily expenses, investments, travel, and EMIs
If you feel that weaker rupee is just a macroeconomic factor and staying behind the picture, here's a reality check. Here's how it could impact your daily life, from investments, travel, to your EMIs.
8th pay commission: Here's how central government employees, pensioners, representative groups, unions and stakeholders can submit their feedback to the 8th CPC online. Check the step-by-step guide here
Indians sending money abroad for various purposes must comply with new income tax forms 145 and 146, replacing Forms 15CA and 15CB. Details here.
Top 5 silver ETFs by lowest tracking error that closely mirror silver prices
Tracking error is one of the most important factors to check while choosing a silver ETF. It shows how closely an ETF follows the actual movement of silver prices. A lower tracking error means the ETF is doing a better job in mirroring silver prices.
As petrol and diesel prices have risen by 8 per litre in the last ten days crossing the 100 per litre mark in Delhi I asked ChatGPT, which would be a more affordable means to commute daily from Delhi to Gurugram.
8th Pay Commission updates: Delay in wage revision could increase govt's fiscal costs, says expert
Momentum around the 8th Pay Commission builds as consultations expand across states, with growing focus on salary revision, pensions, HRA and fiscal planning for government employees.
DA, DR hike: Difference between dearness allowance and dearness relief, explained
Dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) are salary components for central government employees and pensioners, revised biannually based on inflation both aimed at offsetting cost-of-living increases.
Paytms Pocket Money feature allows teenagers to pay without bank account
The 'Pocket Money' feature from Paytm enables teenagers to use UPI payments while parents maintain control over spending. With limits on transactions and monthly spending, it fosters responsible money management and provides real-time visibility into a teen's spending patterns via the Paytm app.
NPS vs NPS Sanchay: Key differences between the two retirement schemes explained
The National Pension System (NPS) is a popular retirement scheme in India. PFRDA introduced NPS Sanchay for informal sector workers, differing from regular NPS in eligibility and structure.
Sebi has uncovered a stock manipulation scam involving unregistered finfluencers who misled retail investors via social media, earning over 20 crore in illegal profits. The case highlights rising risks of social media stock fraud and the need for stronger investor awareness.
HDFC Flexi Cap among 7 mutual funds that multiplied investors money up to 17x in 20 years
The hidden cost of carrying your home loan
Equity investing will continue to create wealth into the future. But when the spread between borrowing costs and expected returns narrows, balance sheet strength is just as important as portfolio returns, if not more.
If you purchased gold, how did the import duty change affect your gold purchase locally? The import duty prices are included by the jeweller in the gold prices, which also fluctuate based on other conditions.
Mutual funds are cutting exit loads. What does this mean for your investments?
Fund houses across India are trimming or removing exit loads, the charges levied when you redeem your fund units before a specified holding period - usually one year - is up.
The rising costs of everyday goods are hitting households hard, with global shipping bottlenecks and increased fuel prices as key culprits. Experts warn that this inflationary pressure will soon affect everything from grocery bills to loan interest rates.
5 powerful ways to improve your SIP performance and build long-term wealth faster
One of the biggest mistakes people make while doing SIP is sticking to the same amount for years. When inflation is rising, lifestyle changes, and salary increases, then you should also consider increasing your SIP contribution.
SIP can help you build a 1 crore education corpus for your child through early compounding heres how
SIP investing for your childs education can build a 1 crore corpus through the power of early compounding. Starting an SIP early reduces the monthly burden and ensures longterm financial security for your child.
Top NPS equity funds offer up to 15% returns in 3 years. Heres the list
Can salary-linked SIPs transform mutual fund investing for salaried Indians? Experts weigh in
Sebi has proposed a framework allowing salaried employees to invest in mutual funds through salary deductions, similar to EPF and NPS. This initiative aims to simplify investing for first-time users, potentially reducing SIP stoppages and boosting monthly inflows by offering a disciplined, automated savings channel.
Gold and silver prices gained on 25 May, with gold reaching 160,060 per 10 grams and silver rising to 276,830 per kg. The rally was supported by a weaker dollar and lower crude oil prices amid growing optimism over a potential US-Iran peace deal.
Can NRIs get Indian credit cards? Heres what banks dont tell you
Premium Indian credit cards can offer NRIs strong rewards, travel perks and family supportbut forex fees, KYC norms and eligibility rules can complicate the math.
A 10-year SIP investor has zero chance of losing money, while a 4-year investor has an 80% probability of earning over 10%. The ET WealthCrisil SIP Study 2026 crunches the numbersand this year, puts them through a market crash.
Higher NPS returns: The PFRDA has sets up a panel to explore adding more asset classes to the national pension scheme to improve returns for pensioners, according to Chairman S Ramann. Here's all we know
How to move your PPF account between banks or post offices; Can it transferred to another person?
PPF account holders can transfer their accounts between banks and post offices without losing continuity. However, it cannot be transferred from one individual to another. Details here.
EPFO: What is scheme certificate, why do EPF members need it, and who is eligible? Top FAQs answered
EPFO: The Employee Provident Fund Organisation issues scheme certificate to EPF account holders. Here's why you may need it, when it is issued to members, who is eligible and other such FAQs answered
Buying a flat? Heres what no EMI till possession actually means
Real estate developers offer 'no EMI till possession' schemes to attract buyers, allowing them to defer home loan payments until property completion. Here's how it works.
PPF vs SIPs: Here's how much corpus an investment of 2,000 per month for 30 years give you?
PPF vs SIPs: Planning your long-term investments? Take a look at how much corpus is generated from an investment of 2,000 per month for 30 years with the public provident fund and in mutual funds through systematic investment plans.
What is tax residency certificate and how to receive it in India? Details here
Indian residents earning income abroad and non-residents earning in India may face double taxation. To avoid this, double taxation avoidance agreements exist. Tax residency certificates are required to prove residency and claim benefits.
How to update demat account details online? Complete guide for investors
Investors should keep their demat account information updated, especially KYC details. Changes in personal information must be promptly reported to avoid compliance issues. Here's how to update demat account details online.
How to redesign a 12 crore portfolio for clarity and long-term stability
A 42-year-old entrepreneur with 12 crore across equity, real estate and debt wants simplicity. Heres how to declutter holdings, align with goals, and structure surplus wealth smartly.
Dearness Allowance: Tripura has declared a 5% increase in the DA component of basic pay for state government employees, hiking salaries and pension payout of retirees from 1 April. Here's all we know
Switching brokers or gifting stock? Heres how to transfer shares to a new demat account
Investors may transfer shares between demat accounts for various reasons, such as switching brokers or gifting. Transfers can be done either through the online or offline method.
Gold ETF vs EGR vs digital gold: Whats the smarter way to invest in yellow metal?
There are several ways to invest in gold, including Gold ETFs, Electronic Gold Receipts, and Digital Gold. But which option is best for regularly investing your surplus monthly income? Lets explore.
Credit card fees and charges: Here are top things to watch for to manage credit effectively
Credit cards incur various fees such as joining, annual, transaction, cash advance, and late payment charges. Fees can vary widely and may be waived based on spending. Understanding these costs is essential for managing credit effectively.
Equity MFs gain over 5% last week with international funds leading. Check top 7 with over 3% return
Hard vs Soft credit inquiries: 5 important differences that can impact your credit score
Knowing the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries is important for maintaining good credit health. Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score, whereas multiple hard inquiries within a short period can reduce it. Responsible credit habits can help you build a strong credit profile.
These 5 largecap mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised returns in 3 years
5 equity mutual funds offer over 19% annualised return on SIP investments in 10 years. Check details
I gave ChatGPT a 10,000 budget for a summer trip Heres whether It chose Goa or Puducherry
Goa is ideal for energetic group vacations with nightlife and beach activities, while Puducherry offers affordability and relaxation. Goa's costs range 10,000- 12,000, whereas Puducherry can fit within 8,000- 10,000, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers seeking a peaceful experience.
On May 24, gold prices in India remained stable with 24-karat gold at 159,340 per 10 grams. Silver prices also showed limited movement. The MCX is closed on weekends, affecting live trading rates.
Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna Yojana offers 1,250 monthly to over 1.25 crore women. Government employees are ineligible, while salaried women in private jobs can apply if their family income is below 2.5 lakhs. The scheme promotes women's economic empowerment since its launch in June 2023.
Investing through SIPs, it's essential to prioritize consistency and cash flow over frequency. Monthly SIPs are preferred for their efficiency and discipline, offering similar long-term returns as daily SIPs, while quarterly SIPs may underperform due to longer idle periods before investment.
US-focused funds have outperformed Indian equities over the past decades, raising questions on allocation. Abhishek Kumar warns against excessive investment in US equities, advocating for a 5-15% allocation for diversification while noting the risks and tax implications for Indian investors.
The most honest market advice right now: I dont know
As markets grapple with war, oil shocks and uncertainty, the temptation to forecast grows. But the most valuable advice may still be the simplest: stay invested and admit what no one knows.
Bank holiday next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed on these days between 25 and 31 May; check here
India's banks will be closed for two days next week, including May 27 for Bakrid. The RBI has declared nine holidays this month. Online banking remains operational during these closures, allowing customers to conduct transactions anytime.
What happens if you file the wrong ITR form? Consequences and how to fix it
The Income Tax department has notified ITR forms for FY 2025-26. Taxpayers must select appropriate forms to avoid defects that delay processing and refunds. Here's what happens if a person files the wrong ITR form.
In Bengaluru, high living costs limit savings for professionals. A ChatGPT inquiry about spending 20,000 monthly on an iPhone or investing it reveals significant financial implications, with potential wealth loss of 1417 lakh over five years if not invested.
Short on capital to buy stocks? Heres how margin trading facility can help
Margin Trading Facility (MTF) allows investors to buy stocks by paying a portion upfront, with brokers funding the rest. While it offers opportunities, it carries risks as borrowed amounts incur interest. Details here.
ChatGPTs opening response was direct and reassuring: Your goal should be to double your savings from 25,000 to around 50,000 per month
No Will? The crucial need for succession planning among modern women
For a Hindu woman dying intestate (without a Will), the legal line of succession depends entirely on the asset's originspecifically distinguishing between self-acquired and inherited property
Can freelancers use presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA? Rules explained
Freelancers in India can simplify tax filings using Section 44ADA, allowing them to declare at least 50% of gross receipts as taxable income. Details here.
A Reddit post highlights a family's struggle to locate a deceased father's financial assets, sparking discussions on the importance of organizing financial information for families. Here's what experts recommend to avoid such a situation.
Bandhan Small Cap among top 5 smallcap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list of small cap schemes with the highest Sharpe ratio, indicating superior risk-adjusted returns over three years. ITI Small Cap Fund, Invesco India Smallcap Fund and two smallcap index funds also delivered strong performance with balanced risk metrics.
Can every EPF subscriber claim pension after retirement? Rules explained
The EPF scheme supports retirement savings with both employees and employers contributing 12% of basic salary. The EPS provides pensions for eligible employees after retirement. Details here.
PPFAS Mutual Fund introduces choti SIP in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, Large Cap and 3 other schemes
PPFAS Mutual Fund introduced the Rs 250 choti SIP facility across five schemes to encourage first-time investors and improve financial inclusion. The initiative allows eligible investors to start monthly SIPs with low-ticket investments under specific conditions prescribed by SEBI and AMFI.
Retirement planning: We asked experts how much corpus a 27-year-old freelancer, living in Chennai and planning to retire to Munnar, will require to support parents and slow work by 55 years of age. Here's what they said
Does debit card EMI affect your credit score? Everything you need to know
Debit card EMI influences credit score based on repayment behaviour, with timely payments improving credit profile while defaults or multiple loans may negatively affect borrowing capacity across financial institutions.
With a dedicated credit limit for business expenses, the card can be used across a wide range of expenses including office supplies, digital marketing spends, SaaS subscriptions, and business travel.
Thailand is ideal for nightlife and shopping, while Vietnam excels in affordability and culture, making it the best value. Sri Lanka offers a peaceful holiday. For 50,000, Vietnam provides a premium experience with quality accommodation and food.
Financial experts advise first-time SIP investors to focus on diversified equity mutual funds for long-term goals, avoid panic during volatility, limit exposure to sectoral funds, and rely on professional fund managers for balanced asset allocation and disciplined wealth creation over time.
Missed a home loan EMI? Here are smart steps to avoid credit damage and manage loan repayment stress
Missing a home loan EMI can hurt your credit score and weaken your financial stability. Timely communication with your lender, smart repayment planning and expert financial advice can help you manage the situation effectively.
Parents can build a 1 crore corpus for their child by age 18 through early investments, averaging 8,000 10,000 monthly via SIPs. Compounding plays a key role, and delaying investment increases monthly contributions significantly.
I asked ChatGPT which SIP date gives best returns? Here's what AI said based on historical data
There is no single best SIP date for maximizing long-term returns; historical trends show negligible differences between dates. Staggered SIPs on the 1st, 15th, and 25th offer a balanced approach. Factors like increasing SIPs and maintaining asset allocation are more important for wealth creation.
Paytm Pocket Money to FamApp: 8 apps helping teenagers make digital payments without bank accounts
Teen-focused fintech apps like Paytm Pocket Money and FamApp are helping young Indians make digital payments without bank accounts through prepaid cards, UPI access, parental controls and budgeting tools.
On 23 May, gold prices in India remained stable, with 24-karat gold priced at 159,320 per 10 grams. Silver prices also showed limited movement, with 999 Fine silver at 272,250 per kg. MCX trading is closed on weekends, limiting live updates.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the resumption of issuing new ration cards from May 15 after 13 years. The government has cancelled 7.72 lakh invalid cards and is inviting fresh online applications, with eligibility limits for annual family income raised from 1 lakh to 1.20 lakh.
National Pension System: PFRDA clarifies NPS charge structure what you need to know
The PFRDA has clarified that NPS Tier-II accounts will incur annual maintenance charges (AMCs) similar to Tier-I accounts. The AMC for dormant accounts will be 10% and PRAN opening charge shall apply only at the time of initial PRAN generation.
Bank holiday today: Are SBI, HDFC Bank, and other banks closed on Saturday, May 23?
All banks in India are closed on May 23, 2026, due to the scheduled bank holiday on the fourth Saturday. This closure is part of the RBI's holiday schedule, with banks also closed on specific Sundays and local holidays varying by state.
Can PPF investors open multiple accounts in different banks? Rules explained
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme in India, offering 7.1% interest with tax benefits. Individuals can only maintain one account to prevent misuse of tax benefits.
Why rushing to file your income tax return (AY 202627) could be a mistake
Modern tax compliance has transformed into an entirely data-driven process. Contemporary income tax returns are never evaluated independently
Taxpayers who earn capital gains are required to report them when filing their income tax returns using the appropriate ITR form.
ITR filing: How NRIs and foreigners are taxed in India and why residential status matters
Tax liability of individuals is influenced more by residential status than citizenship under Indian tax law. NRIs and foreign citizens may be taxed based on their days in India and income nature. Here's what you need to know.
Missed life insurance premium payments? Know when your policy may lapse and revival rules
Life insurance provides financial protection for policyholders' families upon their death. Premiums can be paid regularly or as a lump sum. Here's when your policy lapses and ways to revive it among other details.
8th Pay Commission: Key Lucknow meetings begin on 22 June all you need to know
8th Pay Commission Update: The commission's Lucknow visit is scheduled for 2223 June and appointment requests have to be submitted before 10 June. Check out the latest developments and how the fitment factor has risen from 1.86 to 2.57.
Income tax returns 2026-27: Should pensioners file ITR? Tax rules, forms and deductions explained
Many retirees may believe that ITR filing is optional. Pension income is taxable, requiring ITR submission based on total income. ax rules, forms and deductions explained here.
How multiple credit card applications impact your CIBIL score and approval chances explained
Requesting an additional credit card requires strategic planning to enhance approval chances and protect financial health. Frequent applications can negatively impact credit scores, so stagger requests to minimise adverse effects while considering your credit history.
Smart financial planning tips for parents: SIPs, insurance, savings & child investment plans
Financial planning for children includes SIP investments, term insurance, health cover, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, emergency savings and legal protection to secure a prosperous future for every family across the country.
EPFO to allow PF withdrawal via UPI soon: Heres how instant EPF withdrawals will work
EPFO will soon enable members to withdraw Provident Fund money via UPI, according to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Heres how instant EPF withdrawals will work.
How to achieve financial stability with smart budgeting on 1 lakh monthly salary
Smart budgeting on a monthly salary of 1 lakh depends on effectively managing in-hand income, controlling expenses, prioritising savings, and diversifying investments for long-term financial stability.
