As the 31 August deadline nears, taxpayers can use the Income-Tax Departments Excel Utility for ITR-5 and ITR-7 on the e-filing portal for FY26. This allows offline preparation of returns before digital submission, ensuring timely processing.
Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Beneficiary women will get 2,500 per month under the scheme earlier known as Mahila Samriddhi Yojna. Check here for details on eligibility criteria, the monthly benefits and steps for how to apply.
EPFO has automated the PF transfer process for Aadhaar-linked UAN holders when switching jobs. Here's who stands to benefit from this feature and whether it will apply if you changed jobs months or years back but never transferred your balance.
8th pay commission: We take a look at the likely revision in house rent allowance (HRA) for central government employees across level 1 to 5 in X, Y and Z category cities based on suggested fitment factor.
Want to build 1 crore corpus in 10 years? Here is the monthly SIP you need
The size of your mutual fund investment depends on two key factors: the rate of return and the amount of SIP. The higher the rate of return, the bigger the corpus.
The income tax return due date for most taxpayers is July 31, 2026. Late filing incurs penalties and addition interest if you have unpaid taxes. Check all other consequences of missing ITR due date here.
DA hike: What are the types of Dearness Allowances, how they are calculated explained
Dearness Allowance is a percentage of employees' pay aimed at helping households manage the increased cost of living. For calculation purposes, it is separated into two categories: industrial and variable DA.
While direct plans make up 77.7% of institutional investors' mutual fund AUM, the corresponding share for individual investors is just 30%. Experts say the gap is driven by the need for professional advice and investor behaviour.
Changed jobs? Your PF won't be transferred immediately here's what triggers the automatic transfer
Your provident fund won't move instantly after you switch jobs. EPFO's new mechanism auto-triggers transfer after your new employer's first contribution. Details here.
BNPL impact on credit score: 5 key facts every borrower should know before using buy now, pay later
A buy now, pay later facility can help build a strong credit history when used responsibly. Timely repayments, controlled borrowing, and avoiding defaults are crucial. Learn how BNPL services affect credit scores, borrowing ability, and financial health with key tips for users.
Presumptive taxation: Who should opt for it & who should avoid it? Experts explain
The presumptive taxation scheme offers a simpler way to compute taxable income, but it may not suit every taxpayer. Here's what businesses and professionals should consider before choosing it.
How much EPF can you withdraw? Check it online with these simple steps.
The new rules compress a dozen complicated advance clauses into three broad categories while requiring a mandatory 25% retirement reserve.
Bought a car worth over 10 lakh? Here's how to claim your 1% TCS refund
If you have bought a car worth more than 10 lakh, you would have paid a TCS of 1% to the dealer. This is not an additional tax but a tax credit that can be adjusted against your total income tax liability or claimed as a refund while filing the ITR.
Filing ITR-1 this year? These new disclosure requirements could affect your return
From reporting income from two house properties to furnishing additional details for donations and rental income, the latest ITR-1 utility brings several changes. Here's what taxpayers need to know before filing.
Income Tax Act 2025 simplifies presumptive taxbut one change could hurt taxpayers
The new Income Tax Act largely simplifies presumptive taxation rules, but one change could restrict taxpayers from setting off certain losses against presumptive income.
RBI new ombudsman rules: Here's why you should act quickly
The new framework empowers the ombudsman to issue interim, non-binding advisories to the regulated entity, requiring it to take action for full or partial resolution to enable quicker settlement.
ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund portfolio: 3 new stocks added, GAIL among 4 exits in June
India's largest large cap mutual fund shuffled its portfolio in June by adding three stocks and exiting four. Tata Steel saw the biggest increase in holdings, while GAIL featured among the complete exits.
Income tax penalties explained: What happens if you under-report income or miss ITR filing
Taxpayers can face late filing fees, interest and penalties for different types of income tax defaults. Here's a simple guide to the key provisions under the Income Tax Act and what they could cost you.
India-UK social security pact: How EPF savings will benefit Indian professionals working in the UK
From 15 July, the India-UK Double Contribution Convention Agreement will allow eligible Indian professionals on temporary UK assignments to continue building EPF savings in India instead of paying towards UK social security contributions.
India Smallcap among top 5 smallcap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Bandhan Small Cap Fund leads with the highest Sharpe ratio of 1.05. Invesco India Smallcap Fund also shows strong risk-adjusted returns. Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund and Bank of India Small Cap Fund follow. These funds have delivered significant returns over the last three years. Investors can analyze these metrics for informed mutual fund decisions.
Sunil Singhania-backed Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund exited Vedanta, Vedanta Oil & Gas and Vedanta Iron & Steel following the group's demerger in June, while raising exposure to Vedanta Aluminium and Vedanta Power. The fund also increased stakes in 28 stocks, with its assets under management rising to Rs 5,300 crore.
EPF interest 2025-26: Why your PF earns interest every month but gets credited once a year
While EPFO calculates interest on your provident fund every month, it credits the accumulated amount only after the end of the financial year.
Annapurna Yojana: West Bengal may allow rejected applicants to edit forms instead of reapplying
West Bengal may soon allow corrections for 27.8 lakh rejected Annapurna Yojana applications. The proposed edit facility will help applicants fix Aadhaar, mobile and data errors, resubmit forms and improve chances of receiving welfare benefits under the state scheme.
The 8th Pay Commission is about much more than a salary hike. From allowances and pensions to performance incentives and gratuity, these five key Gazette provisions could reshape the pay and retirement benefits of Central government employees. Check the complete details, including FAQs.
Reporting capital gains on equity and debt MFs? Here's a step-by-step guide
While most of the changes to capital gains taxation were implemented in FY24-25 or AY25-26, taxpayers filing returns this year for AY26-27 still need to navigate a detailed reporting framework, particularly for equity transactions.
Active momentum mutual funds outperform Nifty, passive peers
Actively managed momentum funds have outperformed the Nifty and passive funds over the past year. Their algorithm-driven stock selection and shorter holding periods navigated a volatile market. Bigger bets on outperforming mid and small-cap stocks also contributed to these significant gains. This market-beating potential has prompted new active momentum fund launches recently. These funds use quantitative models to shuffle portfolios based on strengthening price trends.
Families can save on school fees through tax exemptions for education and hostel allowances from employers. Tuition fees may also also qualify for deductions under Section 80C. Here's everything you need to know about these tax benefits.
Income-tax returns: The I-T department has released excel utility of its ITR-1 (Sahaj), ITR-2, ITR-3, and ITR-4 (Sugam) forms for AY27. Today we lay out the numbers and key things to know for senior and super senior citizens looking to file their returns.
A Bengaluru homebuyer has been waiting over six years for promised amenities after paying 40 lakh for an apartment. He approached Karnataka RERA for relief and partly won the case. Here's what you can do if it happens to you.
8th CPC: The 8th pay commission has invited eligible candidates to fill vacancies for consultant roles. Here are details on job openings, qualifications required, salary and the deadline for applications.
DA hike: Amid expectations that the Indian government will announce dearness allowance increase in July 2026. we take a look at the trend of past DA hike announcements during the 7th central pay commission.
ITR filing 2026: If your income exceeds 1 crore, this disclosure is mandatory
Taxpayers earning over 1 crore must file additional disclosures about assets and liabilities under Schedule AL when submitting their income tax returns. Details here.
Pension rules: Orissa HC says government employees can't lose pension over leave alone
The Orissa High Court has ruled that unauthorised absence from work, by itself, is not grave misconduct that justifies compulsory retirement or denial of pension. The court restored a railway employee's retirement benefits after finding the punishment disproportionate.
The Nasdaq 100 emerged as the biggest long-term wealth creator over the last 20 years, with 21.3% returns. Among Indian equity benchmarks, the Nifty Midcap 150 TRI delivered the highest annualised return over the same period at 16.3%.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has this month migrated entire member database to the Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) project. The overhaul of its digital infrastructure aims to make services faster, transparent and more citizen centric.
Gifts from family can be tax-exempt, but not always. Tax treatment varies based on the giver, value, and occasion. Here's when a gift is tax-free when it becomes taxable.
Quant Small Cap Fund portfolio: Reliance Industries among 9 stock exits, 5 new additions in June
Quant Small Cap added five new stocks to its portfolio in June while making complete exits from nine companies, including Reliance Industries. The fund also sharply increased holdings in RBL Bank, Sona BLW Precision Forgings and Anand Rathi Wealth while trimming exposure to several existing stocks.
Living abroad does not automatically exempt NRIs from filing an ITR in India. Tax filing depends on residential status, income earned from Indian sources, and other conditions such as salary, rent, capital gains, business income, TDS refunds, and DTAA claims.
Only one international mutual fund remains open for fresh SIPs after 11 schemes shut doors
Fresh SIP registrations into international mutual funds have nearly come to a halt after PGIM, Franklin Templeton and Edelweiss suspended new inflows into 11 schemes. Existing SIPs, however, will continue uninterrupted.
Earning 13 lakhs? Old vs new tax regime comparison shows which saves more tax
The new tax regime may be a better choice for salaried employees earning around 13 lakh a year. Here's how much tax you pay under each regime and the savings you can make.
EPFO has introduced the Amnesty Scheme, 2026, giving employers operating exempted Provident Fund (PF) trusts a one-time opportunity to regularise their legal status.
Gaurik Shah, Senior Vice President Equity Investments at Mirae Asset Mutual Fund, discusses his journey from software engineering to quantitative investing, his process-driven investment philosophy, and the responsibility of managing investors' wealth.
A couple faced pressure to buy a house but learned that renting may be financially wiser. With the rent yielding only 2-3% annually on a 1.5 crore flat, they debated the benefits of down payments versus investments, concluding that homeownership should not be driven by social expectations.
4 mutual fund NFOs will open for subscription this week. Check key dates and details
Four new mutual fund schemes, including three actively managed funds and one ETF, are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors exposure to services, large and midcap, midcap and banking segments.
Equity mutual funds delivered strong returns last week, led by sectoral, thematic and international schemes. Mirae Asset Hang Seng TECH ETF FoF topped the list with a 6.38% gain, while technology-focused and business cycle funds dominated the top performers.
Seven mutual fund NFOs raised Rs 460 crore in June, with WhiteOak Capital Aggressive Hybrid Fund dominating collections. Index funds and ETFs saw relatively muted inflows, while the lone large and mid cap fund also contributed modestly. The data reflects selective investor participation in new fund launches amid evolving market conditions.
EPF Scheme 2026: Lost your job? Full PF withdrawal now allowed only after 12 months
The new EPF Scheme, 2026 replaces the decades-old 1952 scheme and changes how provident fund withdrawals work after unemployment. Members can now access only 75% of their PF balance immediately after losing a job.
Gold, silver prices today, 12 July: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 18K and 999 fine silver after recent escalation of fighting between the US and Iran.
More mutual funds dont always mean better diversification: How to avoid the portfolio overlap trap
According to the expert, investors should add a new mutual fund only if it reduces portfolio concentration, adds meaningful diversification, and fits your financial goals. A compact portfolio of 5 to 6 funds can often provide better diversification.
39.96 lakh BSNL VRS payout gets full tax exemption from ITAT; here's what the ruling means
A retired BSNL employee won full tax relief on a 39.96 lakh VRS payout after the ITAT ruled it was retrenchment compensation. The tribunal said the benefit under Section 10(10B) applies based on the specific facts of the BSNL VRS-2019 scheme.
How to read AIS and why is it key to filing ITR
AIS has become the default starting point for filing ITR, but experts warn it's riddled with gaps making independent reconciliation essential.
Recent AMFI data reveals retail investors exhibit strong participation that despite market volatility SIP contributions rose 7.5% to 32,087 crore in March. We asked experts what is driving optimism among small investors and confidence in SIPs. Here's what they said
REITs and InvITs AUM to double to 20 trillion by 2030: Should you invest in them?
The regulatory framework for REITs and InvITs has improved a lot. As a result, mutual funds have increased their exposure to them. Going ahead, with the listing of new REITs and InvITs in existing and new sectors, investors will have a wide variety of options to choose from.
Want to switch jobs and keep your current insurance plan? Here is what you can do to convert your employer group health policy into an individual or family coverage plan. Check eligibility, steps, rules
Home loan EMI: Why paying more than 30% of income could hurt your financial freedom
A high home loan EMI can strain monthly finances and delay wealth creation. Experts recommend keeping EMIs within 25-30% of monthly income to maintain savings, investments and financial security while managing homeownership comfortably and preparing for unexpected expenses.
Bank holiday next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed for 4 days between 13 to 19 July; check here
Private and public banks in India will be closed for four days from July 13 to 19, 2026, due to various holidays. Customers should check the RBI's holiday calendar and can still access online banking services during this period.
ITR Form 1 (Sahaj) is for small taxpayers with income up to 50 lakh. Over 1.7 crore ITRs were filed for 2025-26, urging timely submissions before the July 31 deadline to avoid penalties and delays in refunds.
With the new EPF rules and Labour Codes redefining contributions by employees and employers towards provident fund, we asked experts to explain how this impacts your monthly investment in the financial instrument. Here's what they said
Income Tax Return filing has become more than a tax obligation. A timely and accurate ITR strengthens your financial identity, improves loan eligibility, supports visa applications, speeds up refunds and builds long-term financial credibility with lenders, insurers and financial institutions.
Chose the new tax regime? Here are 5 ways to reduce your tax while filing ITR for AY 2026-27
The new tax regime features lower rates with fewer deductions, leading many salaried taxpayers to think they can't reduce tax liabilities. However, there are tax-saving provisions available. Here are five ways to lower your tax outgo.
NPS exit rules explained: How the Retirement Income Scheme and drawdown options work
The PFRDAs latest initiative aims to provide NPS subscribers with more flexible periodic payouts during the decumulation phase while continuing to support corpus appreciation through the RIS. While the subscriber gets periodic payments, the remaining corpus stays invested and continues to grow.
8th pay commission: Here's how union representatives, employees, pensioners, government departments and stakeholders can submit data to the 8th pay commission (CPC). Today, we take you through the full step-by-step process.
After SpaceX's IPO valuation surpassed $2 trillion, investors eye OpenAI as the next major IPO. CEO Sam Altman won't consider going public below $1 trillion, raising questions on whether OpenAI can match SpaceX's investment return despite their differing business models.
Term insurance serves as a fundamental part of financial planning, providing affordable life coverage. It's essential to determine how long coverage is needed based on financial responsibilities and existing assets before purchasing a policy.
Want Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu in your portfolio? 5 China ETFs Indian investors should know about
Diversifying equity portfolios geographically can be beneficial, especially with China-focused ETFs, which track Chinese companies. While easier for Indian investors through US-listed ETFs, risks such as geopolitical tensions remain.
Dearness Allowance: From DA hike to restoration of Old Pension Scheme, pension revision, gratuity, minimum wage and more Check the demands made by Joint Coordination Committee of Punjab Government Employees and Pensioners.
Capital gains tax on property sale: ITAT allows home loan interest as cost of acquisition
A Bengaluru ITAT ruling has clarified which expenses can be included in the cost of acquisition while computing capital gains tax on a property sale. The order allows home loan interest and maintenance deposits but requires verification of travel expenses.
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund portfolio: 4 new stocks added in June; see the biggest buys and sells
HDFC Flexi Cap Fund made a series of portfolio changes in June, introducing four new stocks, increasing holdings in 18 companies and trimming stakes in 25 others. It also made a complete exit from Ramco Cements during the month.
Think EPF is completely tax-free? Here's what employees should know
Job switches, career breaks and early withdrawals can all affect the tax treatment of your EPF corpus. Here's a breakdown of the key rules employees should know.
Retail investors pumped more money into mid-cap and small-cap funds than flexi-cap funds in June for the first time since Dec 2023. Experts say improving earnings visibility, stronger returns and attractive valuations drove the shift, while cautioning against reading too much into one month's data.
Income Tax Department releases ITR-7 Excel utility for AY 2026-27; check who can use it
The Income Tax Department has released the ITR-7 Excel utility for AY 2026-27, enabling eligible entities to prepare returns offline and upload them through the e-filing portal. Here's who can use the form, how the process works and the applicable deadlines.
These 9 equity mutual fund categories see inflows in June; midcap funds emerge on top
Equity mutual fund inflows climbed 26% in June to Rs 28,973 crore, led by strong investments in midcap, smallcap and flexicap funds, while ELSS and dividend yield funds continued witnessing net outflows.
Health insurance checklist: Key policy terms to watch out for before hospital admission
Many policyholders get nasty surprises during hospitalisation. This is mainly due to several limitations buried in the policy terms and conditions, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses.
Tata Asset Management elevates Anand Vardarajan as CEO and MD, Prathit Bhobe steps down
Anand Vardarajan will become Tata Asset Management's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He takes over from Prathit Bhobe, who steps down in July 2026. Vardarajan has been with the company since 2018, serving as Chief Business Officer. Hemant Kumar is appointed Chief Business Officer, overseeing various business functions. These appointments ensure a smooth leadership transition for future growth.
Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio slows to 91% in June as new SIP registrations outpace closures
The mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio eased in June, falling below 100% for the first time in months. More new SIPs were registered than those discontinued or completed their tenures. SIP contributions reached a record Rs 31,781 crore, showing investor confidence in long-term investing. Retail mutual fund assets and folios also saw an increase during the month. This trend reinforces disciplined investor participation in India's growth story.
Wealth management for new parents: Expert explains 5 money moves to secure your child's future
New parents can strengthen their child's financial future through term insurance, health cover, emergency savings and SIP investments. Early investing helps build a 1.2 crore education corpus while protecting the family from unexpected financial risks and rising education costs.
Lost track of an old PF account? EPFO's new Service History feature can help, here's how
EPFO's new Service History feature lets members view their complete employment and PF records in one place. The update can help subscribers identify missing service records and trace old PF accounts before filing claims.
Govts hub-and-spoke model for international travel: How will it help airline passengers?
The governments hub-and-spoke model will allow airline passengers to check in baggage and complete customs and immigration formalities at spoke city airport (Tier-II and -III cities), and take onward flight from the hub city airport (Delhi or other major cities) to international locations.
Mid & smallcaps turn the tide for equity mutual fund flows
Equity mutual fund inflows increased significantly in June, reaching 28,973 crore. Retail investors returned to mid- and small-cap segments, allocating substantial funds to these categories. Systematic investment plan collections also saw a modest rise during the month. The mutual fund industry's assets under management edged up slightly, aided by market gains. Sectoral and thematic funds also experienced renewed investor interest and recovered inflows.
Public and private banks across India will remain closed today, 11 July, for the second Saturday holiday. Bank operations will remain suspended nationwide, but online banking services will remain accessible for transactions.
The Karnataka High Court has requested the Union government to respond to a petition challenging tax exemptions for gifts between spouses, which currently excludes same-sex couples. Details here.
EPS 2026: New withdrawal rules and 20-day claim settlement explained
With EPS 2026, the pension system for organized sector employees is reformed for transparency and efficiency. It mandates a 36-month wait for withdrawal benefits, enforces a 20-day claim processing deadline, and supports higher pensions, while preserving existing benefits for current members.
If you invested like Trump, you'd be ahead of the S&P 500 here's what the US President is betting on
Trump's financial disclosures reveal he executed 21,285 stock trades in 2025, averaging one trade every five minutes. His portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500, with a 37.3% return since his inauguration. Here's a look at the US leader's portfolio .
The EPFO has restored its passbook portal after a two-week outage due to a database upgrade. Members can access their accounts again ahead of 8.25% interest credit.
Same salary, different loan amount? Here's why banks may treat borrowers differently
Lenders consider factors beyond income when approving loans, such as repayment history and financial habits. Two individuals with identical salaries may experience different loan outcomes based on their overall financial profiles.
Which ITR form should you file? A guide for salaried employees, pensioners and other taxpayers
The ITR forms have been revised for AY 2026-27, affecting ITR-1, ITR-4 and ITR-2. Taxpayers must ensure correct filing by reviewing income sources and changes to avoid complications. The filing deadline is 31 July 2026 for individuals and non-audited entities.
Taxpayers can reset their income tax e-filing portal password using various methods if they forget it, even if they don't have access to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Step-by-step guide here.
Sebi allows mutual funds to use intraday borrowing to manage liquidity mismatches
Starting September 1, 2026, SEBI allows mutual funds to use intraday borrowing to manage short-term liquidity mismatches for payouts. Asset management companies must cover all borrowing costs, ensuring no financial risk is passed on to the scheme investors.
AMFI Data: Gold ETF inflows rebound to 3,443 crore in June after May outflows, here's what changed
Gold ETF inflows rebounded sharply to 3,443 crore in June, reversing May's outflows as investors returned after profit booking. Experts say cooling gold prices and persistent global uncertainties revived demand for the safe-haven asset.
EPF vs PPF vs NPS: Which retirement scheme is meant for you?
Building a solid retirement corpus is crucial for financial planning. Popular schemes in India include EPF, PPF, and NPS, each differing in eligibility, contributions, and benefits. Details here.

35 C
