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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.
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.
Can the Income Tax Department issue a notice after a taxpayer's death? Allahabad HC answers
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that an income tax notice issued after a taxpayer's death is legally invalid. Here's what the judgment means for legal heirs and when the Income Tax Department can still recover dues.
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.
Health insurance claim rejected over hospitalisation? Court rules in policyholder's favour
A Delhi consumer commission has ruled that health insurers cannot reject claims merely by declaring hospitalisation medically unnecessary without evidence. The order reinforces that a treating doctor's clinical judgment cannot be replaced by an insurer's assessment.
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.
Got Rs 15 lakh to invest for 10 years? Here's what expert recommends
An expert recommends diversifying Rs 15 lakh across equity mutual funds, precious metals and international funds for a 10-year horizon. Investors should align allocations with their risk profile and goals, while staggering investments over 1520 weeks to manage volatility.
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.
Can an insurer reject your claim over a tax issue? Consumer panel answers
A Rajasthan consumer commission has reportedly ruled that insurers cannot reject an otherwise valid claim merely because of an unrelated tax irregularity. The decision underlines that the reason for claim repudiation must have a direct link with the insured loss.
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.
Best balanced advantage funds or dynamic asset allocation funds to invest in July 2026
Balanced advantage funds dynamically manage equity exposure based on market conditions. These hybrid schemes invest in stocks, debt, and arbitrage opportunities. While advisors recommend them, these funds are not entirely risk-free investments. Investors should tolerate stock market volatility and have a five-year horizon. Edelweiss and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Funds are recommended options.
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.
SpaceX has lost nearly $1 trillion in market value in five weeks, despite optimism from analysts. The stock rose to $225.64 before plunging 21%. Currently, over 80% of analysts recommend buying, viewing recent declines as potential opportunities despite concerns over high valuations.
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.
How account aggregators are making credit more inclusive in India
India's Account Aggregator framework enhances Open Finance by enabling secure, consent-based sharing of financial data.
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.
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.
Sebi simplifies certification rules for SIF distributors
Sebi has eased certification rules for Specialized Investment Fund distributors. A new certification allows selling both mutual funds and SIFs. This new NISM Series V-D certification is now required for SIF distributors. Those holding this certification can distribute both product types. Existing mutual fund-only distributors retain their NISM Series V-A requirement.
8th Pay Commission talks gain momentum as fitment factor hinges on fiscal realities
8th Pay Commission: Fitment factor remains the biggest concern for central government employees and pensioners. Final recommendations are expected by mid-2027, and fiscal sustainability will influence revisions to salaries and pensions.
Sebi unveils simpler rules for mutual fund transmission claims
Mutual fund unit transmission is now simpler for nominees and joint holders. Asset management companies will rely on the latest address with valid documents. A harmonised framework addresses name and signature mismatches effectively. Surviving joint holders or nominees submit a death certificate and bank details. The process is completed within five to fifteen working days.
Income-tax return: Here's a checklist of required documents for smooth ITR filing process
Filing your income tax returns (ITR) can be a tough task for first-time taxpayers and salaried individuals alike. Here's a checklist of essential documents you'll need to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
The Employees' Provident Fund offers a secure retirement savings option for Indian salaried individuals offering an 8.25% interest rate for FY26. Here's how EPF subscribers can retrieve their UAN via the EPFO portal or Umang app.
Only four of the 23 value mutual funds delivered double-digit returns over the past year, while nine schemes posted losses. Experts explain why the numbers don't tell the full story and what investors should look for instead.
The 8th Pay Commission is in discussion to recommend pay hikes and salary structure for central government employees and pensioners. Chaired by Ranjana Prakash Desai, it aims to benefit around 1 crore individuals and will submit recommendations by November 2025.
DA, DR hike: Dearness allowance for pensioners Dearness Relief calculation, eligibility explained
Dearness Allowance: A fixed percentage of pensioners' monthly pension payments is aimed at mitigating inflation. However, unlike DA in salaries for central government employees, the component is known as Dearness Relief or DR.
Newly married couples: 8 health insurance mistakes to avoid
Newly married couples should review health insurance plans, assess coverage needs and plan for maternity benefits. This guide highlights common mistakes, including relying only on employer cover and overlooking parents healthcare needs, to help couples make smarter financial decisions.
Retired PSU employee faces 2 lakh tax demand over Form 16 omission; ITAT Pune grants relief
A retired PSU employee successfully challenged a 2 lakh tax demand after ITAT Pune ruled that a leave encashment exemption cannot be denied because it was omitted from Form 16. The Tribunal held that statutory tax benefits are determined by law and not by how the employer reports them.
ITR Filing 2026: CBDT upgrades income tax portal before July 31 deadline, Key changes explained
The Finance Ministry has told Parliament that the Income Tax Department has strengthened the e-filing portal to handle peak traffic during the return filing season, with infrastructure capable of processing up to 1 crore ITRs a day.
Can cooperative insurance become Indias next financial inclusion story?
The proposed national cooperative life insurer is about more than adding another playerit could shift India's insurance journey from expanding access to building financial resilience.
Cable and DTH charges to rise 4-6 times? PIB Fact Check reveals the truth
PIB Fact Check has dismissed viral claims that the Centre's draft Telecom Rules, 2026 will shut down TVs or raise cable and DTH charges by four to six times. It clarified that the draft rules contain no fee hike provision and are currently open for public consultation.
SGB 2019-20 Series VIII redemption opens today: Check payout, eligibility and tax rules
RBI has opened premature redemption for SGB 2019-20 Series VIII at 14,170 per unit from July 21. Before opting for an early exit, investors should understand the eligibility conditions, redemption process and the capital gains tax rules under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
GIFT City investments and Schedule FA reporting: why taxpayers are seeking greater clarity
As GIFT City opens global investment opportunities for Indian residents, a key tax question remains unresolved: Do investments in IFSC funds qualify as foreign assets for Schedule FA reporting?
EPS-95 pension hike: Will Centre raise minimum pension from 1,000 to 7,500?
EPS-95 pensioners demand for a hike in the minimum pension from 1,000 to 7,500 per month remains unresolved. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment acknowledged that, though several stakeholders have sought a pension hike, no decision has been made on the matter yet.
New labour code: Salary must be paid by 7th of next month. What employees should know
The Code on Wages, 2019 prescribes when employers must pay salaries and settle final dues after an employee leaves a job. Here's what the law says about salary payment timelines, delayed wages and employee rights.
LTCG and STCG: Key tax rules for equity shares and mutual fund investors in FY 2025-26
The government has ruled out changes to equity LTCG tax for now. Investors should understand STCG and LTCG rules, holding periods, tax rates, SIP taxation and redemption strategies to manage equity investments better.
Old Pension Scheme: Centre allows select government employees to opt for OPS. Who is eligible?
The Centre has clarified that eligible compassionate ground appointees who applied before January 1, 2004, but joined service later, can opt for the Old Pension Scheme. The benefit is limited to a specific category of employees and does not extend to all NPS subscribers.
Fast approval, less paperwork: How AI is changing the loan game
Account Aggregators are giving lenders a richer picture of borrowersand potentially faster, cheaper loans. But the data trail can become harder to see once it reaches the lender.
FPIs not exempt: Centre clarifies 12.5% LTCG tax on equity is same as for domestic investors
Both FPIs and domestic investors continue to pay 12.5% LTCG tax on Indian equities. The exemption announced through the Income-tax Ordinance, 2026, applies only to FPIs investing in Government Securities (G-Secs).
NHAI has introduced Digital Local Pass and the MargMitra Help Centre on the RajmargYatra app. Commuters can now buy Local Passes online without visiting toll plazas, while MargMitra offers FASTag support, complaint tracking and other highway services in 22 Indian languages.
Gold and silver prices today, 21 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.
Reported VRS payment as salary in ITR? Pune ITAT grants tax relief in 65.21 lakh case
Pune ITAT has ruled that a 65.21 lakh payment received under a voluntary retirement scheme was a non-taxable capital receipt and not taxable salary or income from other sources. The tribunal also held that an incorrect claim in the ITR cannot override the true legal nature of the receipt.
