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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.
How to pay income tax online? Step-by-step guide and payment modes available
The e-pay tax facility is a convenient option to pay taxes online as it allows payments via both pre-login and post-login options, and supports multiple payment methods. Details here.
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
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.
Explained: Sebi simplifies mutual fund transmission process. Here's what it means for investors
SEBI and AMFI have streamlined mutual fund transmission rules, simplifying claim procedures for nominees, joint holders, and legal heirs through standardized documentation, reducing delays and easing access to investments after an investor's death.
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.
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
EPF members can retrieve their forgotten UAN online via the EPFO portal or through SMS and missed call services. Details here.
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.
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.
Explained: Sebi proposes MF-PMS framework model with entry fee at Rs 25 lakh. Who stands to benefit?
SEBI has proposed a major revamp of the Portfolio Management Services (PMS) framework, including the launch of a new mutual fund-only PMS (MF-PMS) category. The proposal aims to widen investment options for portfolio managers, improve investor access to professionally managed portfolios, and create new business opportunities for PMS providers and mutual fund distributors.
Government warns against job scams; NCS registration, applications and interviews remain free
The Ministry of Labour has warned of rising online recruitment scams. It reminded job seekers that National Career Service (NCS) services are free. Fraud should be reported to helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Reporting Platform (NCRP).
MF Tracker: Should you invest in this only international mutual fund open for subscription now?
With 11 international mutual fund schemes suspending fresh SIP registrations due to regulatory overseas investment limits, Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund has emerged as the only international mutual fund currently accepting both fresh SIPs and lump sum investments. Experts, however, caution investors against investing solely because the fund remains open, highlighting its thematic nature and suitability only for specific portfolios.
Filed your ITR? Don't miss this final step or your income tax return may be treated as invalid
Filing your Income Tax Return is only half the job. Taxpayers must e-verify their ITR within the prescribed deadline, or the return may be treated as invalid.
TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund, the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past one year with a 21.98% return, added Dixon Technologies (India), Paras Defence and Space Technologies and 14 other stocks to its portfolio in June. The fund also exited 13 stocks while increasing exposure to several others, according to its latest monthly factsheet.
Switched jobs? Your EPF may not transfer automatically unless you meet these conditions
EPFO now automatically transfers EPF balances for eligible members after a job switch, removing the need to file a transfer claim in many cases. But the facility works only if specific conditions are met and missing records can still hold up the transfer.
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 and how they are affected by ongoing geopolitical developments.
Best conservative hybrid mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Mutual fund advisors anticipate 2026 will be a significant year for hybrid funds. Conservative hybrid schemes offer a balanced approach for new investors. These funds invest primarily in debt with a small equity allocation. Investors seeking capital preservation should prioritize withdrawal plans over dividends. Several conservative hybrid funds are recommended for July 2026 investments.
ITR filing: Section 143(1) tax demand explained; steps to avoid penalties and disputes
A Section 143(1) tax demand does not always mean your ITR is wrong. Here's why taxpayers receive this notice, how to verify mismatches, respond correctly through the Income Tax e-filing portal and avoid penalties.
ITR filing deadline 2026: 5 income tax penalties every taxpayer must know for AY 2026-27
Five income tax penalties applicable for AY 2026-27 include late Income Tax Return filing fees, revised return charges and misreporting penalties. Here's why filing your ITR before 31 helps avoid fines, delays and tax notices.
The 8th Pay Commission could significantly raise HRA for Level 15-18 Central government employees if a higher fitment factor is approved. Illustrative estimates indicate monthly HRA may reach 1.93 lakh in X-category cities, though final revisions await the government's decision.
SIFs are designed to improve risk-adjusted returns: Edelweiss' Bhavesh Jain
Instead of focusing only on headline returns, investors should start looking at risk-adjusted returns, says Edelweiss Mutual Fund's Bhavesh Jain
Today we explain how investors with unclaimed LIC insurance amounts or inoperative EPF accounts can check their dues and make claims online facilitated by the Centre's Your Money Your Right campaign.
Here's a comparison of NRE and NRO accounts, along with the latest interest rates offered by leading lenders such as State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank and Axis Bank on fixed deposits with tenures ranging from five to 10 years.
Provident Fund: Forgot your UAN? Here's how to instantly recover your PF number online
Assigned by the EPFO, the UAN is a permanent 12-digit code that stays with you throughout your professional career.
The West Bengal government has constituted the state's 7th central pay commission and appointed former IAS officer Atanu Chakraborty as Chairman of the panel. Here are the latest updates from the state...
The Karnataka High Court ruling clarifies that property received by a father from his own father does not automatically become ancestral. Children cannot claim a birthright in such assets if they remain the father's self-acquired property.
Consistent performers: 41 equity mutual funds deliver over 15% CAGR in 3 and 5 years
Around 41 equity mutual funds delivered more than 15% CAGR over both three- and five-year periods. Bandhan Small Cap Fund led three-year returns at 25.95%, while Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund topped the five-year chart at 21.64%.
Cash deposits below 10 lakh can still attract an Income Tax notice. Here's why
The 10 lakh threshold under Rule 114E only determines when banks must report cash deposits through the Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT). It does not prevent the Income Tax Department from seeking information about deposits below that limit where required under the Income-tax Act.
Section 44ADA allows eligible professionals to pay tax on 50% of their gross receipts as taxable income, treating the rest as a deemed expense deduction. The scheme applies to specified professionals with receipts up to 50 lakh, extendable to 75 lakh if cash receipts are within 5%.
Over 3 crore ITRs already filed: What happens if you miss 31 July deadline? Tax experts explain
With more than 3 crore Income Tax Returns already filed, taxpayers have a limited time before the 31 July 2026 deadline. Missing it can lead to late-filing fees, interest, refund delays, psychological stress, and loss of tax benefits, making timely filing essential.
Small-cap investing has historically delivered strong return potential but with frequent sharp corrections. Data from Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI show that staying invested through volatility and adopting disciplined approaches, such as SIPs, reduces the impact of market timing on long-term outcomes.
Forgot your UAN? Here's how to retrieve it online through the EPFO portal
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is essential for checking your PF balance, filing claims and accessing other EPFO services. Here's how members can recover a forgotten UAN online or through EPFO's offline facilities.
EPFO has urged salaried employees not to withdraw EPF savings for mutual funds, highlighting EPF's retirement, pension and insurance benefits. Here's how EPF differs from mutual funds, key features, tax benefits and practical investment takeaways for long-term financial planning.
ETF split FAQs: Why fund houses are splitting units and how investors benefit
A split reduces the per-unit price of an ETF and increases the number of units an investor owns, while the total value of the investment remains the same. It is not a taxable event and tax applies only when the investor sells the ETF units.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund among the top 7 flexi cap mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and five others feature among the top flexi cap mutual funds for July 2026, shortlisted on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk and outperformance.
Will a Rs 42,500 monthly SIP with a 10% annual step-up help you retire early?
A 35-year-old investor from Hyderabad, aiming to retire in the next 10 years, sought expert advice on whether his Rs 42,500 monthly SIP portfolio can help build a retirement corpus of Rs 1 crore. While the target appears achievable with disciplined investing, the expert recommended simplifying the 14-fund portfolio and reviewing retirement needs beyond just the corpus size.
Global diversification matters more than ever, says Marcellus' Saurabh Mukherjea
Marcellus Investment Managers' founder and CIO Saurabh Mukherjea argues that portfolios anchored solely to domestic markets may no longer be enough.
The Centre has introduced a paperless CGHS pensioner card application process through the Bhavishya Portal for retiring central government employees. The move enables auto-filled applications, PAN-based verification, online payment and faster access to CGHS healthcare benefits after retirement.
Revised ITR cannot take away capital loss carry-forward if original return was filed on time: ITAT
A Bengaluru taxpayer won relief after the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal held that filing a revised ITR does not extinguish the right to carry forward capital losses if the original return was filed within the prescribed due date.
The e-Pay Tax facility allows taxpayers to pay direct taxes online quickly and securely without visiting a tax office. It supports both pre-login and post-login payments through multiple payment modes, offering flexibility and easy access to challans and payment records.
Gold and silver prices today, 23 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 and how they are affected by ongoing geopolitical developments.
NPS rule change: Pension funds liable for third-party lapses under new PFRDA rules
PFRDA has amended NPS regulations to make pension funds accountable for lapses by third-party entities engaged to provide subscriber services. The regulator has also introduced a Regulatory Sandbox framework to encourage innovation while safeguarding investors.
First-time home buyers: 5 mistakes that can increase your EMI burden
First-time home buyers often make costly loan mistakes that increase EMIs and overall repayment burden. Experts explain how tenure, down payment, credit score, hidden costs and borrowing limits impact home loan affordability, helping buyers make smarter financial decisions.
Petrol, diesel prices today, 23 July: Petrol and diesel prices across India remained unchanged even as Brent crude climbed to $95.5 per barrel, its highest level in more than six weeks, amid mounting concerns that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global oil supplies.
8th Pay Commission is expected to submit its report by MayJune 2027. Here's how inflation, cost of living, economic conditions, pay parity and the fitment factor could influence salary hikes, pensions and allowances for over 1.1 crore central government employees.
Why share of passives still remains small in India's mutual fund industry
Passive funds still account for just 16% of India's mutual fund assets, a fraction of the US's 55%, with growth driven mainly by corporate investors.
SpaceX shorts are betting $25 billion against Elon Musk. Is it time to cover?
SpaceX's short positions surged to 206 million shares, accounting for 32% of its public shares, valued at $25 billion. Despite recent bearish sentiments, analysts remain optimistic, with over 80% recommending a buy and potential for significant growth ahead.
Unutilised CGAS funds: Don't let 3-year exemption deadline trigger tax notice
A widespread misconception exists that capital gains tax remains deferred until funds are physically withdrawn from the CGAS account.
Income-tax returns: Here's how to file ITR online without a CA? A step-by-step guide for FY26
Filing your income tax returns can be a tough task for first-time taxpayers and salaried individuals alike. Here's a stepwise guide to filing your ITR online yourself, without a CA or tax professional.
Today, we take a look at how EPF subscribers can transfer their old provident fund collection to a new account, how to merge their PF accounts and what to do if they have multiple Universal Account Numbers (UANs).
8th pay commission: Current house rent allowance rates were set in 2017 last, according to National Council Joint Consultative Machinery. Here's why the NC-JCM has demanded that HRA be revised
Dearness Allowance: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari says aim to implement 7th pay commission this fiscal and bridge the salary gap between its state and central government employees with DA hike.
Can my father sell ancestral property without my consent?
If your father inherited property from his father, can he sell or bequeath it without your consent? Here's what Hindu law says about ancestral property and coparcenary rights.
SOA vs demat account: Which option is better for mutual fund investors after SEBI's latest move?
SEBIs move to allow standing instructions for SWP and STP facilities on demat-held mutual fund units is a significant step towards improving investor convenience. While SOA may offer lower costs, demat provides consolidated portfolio management and a single nomination facility for investors.
Beneficiaries under Andhra Pradesh's Talliki Vandanam scheme 2026 have begun receiving their 13,000 deposit in their accounts from today, 22 July. We explain the eligibility criteria, how to apply, and how you can check payment status.
Digital lending in India: How Aadhaar, payments and account aggregators are changing credit
India's lending ecosystem has evolved through digital innovation and public-private partnerships, enhancing data sharing and analysis.
Buying or investing in silver: Here's how silver ETFs, FoFs, jewellery and utensils are taxed
The tax treatment of silver depends on the investment route and the holding period. While capital gains tax applies to ETFs, FoFs and physical silver, the purchase of physical silver also attracts GST.
No foreign equities: Why Bajaj AMC's Nimish Chandan swears by India
Home bias isn't a tactical call based on current market conditions but an investing philosophy Bajaj AMC's Nimish Chandan has followed for years.
Sold inherited property at a loss? Check how to report capital loss in ITR-2 and save future tax
Selling inherited property at a loss requires correct reporting in ITR-2. Understand capital loss calculation, carry-forward rules, documentation needs and tax filing steps to claim eligible benefits and stay compliant under the Income Tax Act.
Foreign assets from past years in AIS? Don't panic, use them as a compliance check.
The AIS now displays foreign assets and income for CY2022-24. But taxpayers should use it to verify past disclosuresnot report the same information again in this year's income tax return.
Multi-cap mutual funds continued to attract strong investor inflows in June 2026, even as returns varied widely across schemes. While most funds delivered positive one-year returns, only four ended in the red in the last one year period.
Crowdfunding and tax: why good intentions alone don't guarantee exemption
Crowdfunding may be driven by compassion, but that doesn't automatically make the money tax-free. Here's what the law says, why the rules remain unclear, and how to avoid future tax disputes.
Made a mistake in filing income tax return? Here's how to discard it before verification
The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to discard an Income Tax Return (ITR) and file a fresh one if they spot mistakes before verification. However, if the fresh return is filed after the due date, it will be treated as a belated return.
ITR verification deadline: 5 easy ways to e-verify before your income tax return becomes invalid
Income tax return filing is incomplete without e-verification. Here are five quick ways to verify your ITR within 30 days, avoid your return being treated as invalid and ensure faster processing and tax refunds before the filing deadline.
ITAT Mumbai allows Section 87A rebate on STCG: Heres what taxpayers need to know
ITAT Mumbai has allowed a taxpayer to claim the Section 87A rebate on tax payable on short-term capital gains for AY 2024-25. The ruling clarifies that the rebate cannot be denied for STCG when the law applicable for that year did not specifically restrict such benefit.
Gold and silver prices today, 22 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.
CKYC number explained: How this 14-digit ID eases opening bank and financial accounts
CKYC number is a 14-digit identifier that simplifies KYC verification for banks and financial institutions. Here's how CKYC works, its benefits, ways to find your number and why it helps make financial transactions faster and safer.
Ignoring a crypto tax notice can lead to reassessment, penalties or even prosecution in some cases. Timely reconciliation of records and responding within the prescribed deadline can help investors avoid unnecessary tax disputes.
NaBFID zero-coupon bonds explained: Investment size, returns, maturity, tax rules to know
NaBFIDs 20,000 crore zero-coupon bonds offer investors a 10-year fixed-income option with no regular interest payouts. Here are the issue price, maturity value, expected returns, taxation rules and key factors to consider before investing in these infrastructure-focused bonds.
