34 C 
Taxpayers who falsely claim deductions to reduce tax liabilities could face severe penalties, prosecution, or imprisonment. Here are the consequences if a taxpayer is found guilty.
EPFO automates PF transfer after job switch Does it benefit private or exempted PF trust members?
EPFO simplifies the provident fund transfer process for Aadhaar-linked and KYC-compliant UAN holders by automating it, reducing paperwork. Here's whether private trust-managed funds will benefit from this new feature or not.
Annapurna Yojana: Haven't you received your payment yet? 8 reasons why
The first funds of the Annapurna Yojana were credited to nearly 1.1 crore beneficiaries. West Bengal's Chief Minister reported 1.6 crore applications were received, with 26 lakh rejected for various reasons.
Same trip, same loss: why was one insurance claim rejected?
In situations where two insured individuals are affected by the same insured event but receive contradictory decisions, it is reasonable to seek clarification based on such differential treatment. An insurer should be able to explain why identical facts have resulted in different outcomes.
NFO Update: Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund launches a services fund
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has launched the Baroda BNP Paribas Services Fund, an open-ended thematic equity scheme that aims to capitalise on India's fast-growing services economy. The NFO is open until July 28.
NFO Alert: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund announces launch of midcap fund
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund has launched a new midcap equity scheme. This open-ended fund will invest predominantly in midcap stocks. The new fund offer opens for subscription on July fifteenth and closes on July 29. It aims to provide access to established businesses with growth potential. The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation for investors.
SBI Mutual Fund: SBI, RIL, and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in June
SBI Mutual Fund remained India's largest asset manager with Rs 12.94 lakh crore in AUM as of June 2026. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Reliance Industries were its top holdings, while the fund house increased exposure to HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finance.
UPI vs Credit Cards: Experts explain how to choose right payment method for everyday spending
UPI and credit cards each offer unique advantages for everyday payments. Here are the key differences, benefits, rewards, credit score impact, and practical tips for choosing the right payment method for daily spending, budgeting and long-term financial planning in India.
EPS Scheme 2026: 5 key pension benefits for a family every EPF subscriber should know
The Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) offers financial security to an employee's family through widow pension, child pension, nominee pension and dependent parent pension.
Only 1 international mutual fund remains open for fresh SIPs and lumpsum investments
Starting a new SIP in international mutual funds has become difficult, with Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua FoF now the only scheme accepting fresh registrations after 11 funds halted new SIPs. The restrictions stem from SEBIs overseas investment limits, which have constrained fund houses ability to accept fresh inflows. Existing SIPs continue as per original mandates, offering limited options for global diversification.
Got a salary hike? Here's what to check before raising your SIP amount
A salary hike is a good opportunity to increase SIP amount, but investors should first review their financial goals, emergency fund and asset allocation. A disciplined annual SIP step-up of 1015% can significantly boost long-term wealth creation.
Check how to apply for a Baal Aadhaar card in 2026, documents required, eligibility, mandatory biometric updates at ages five and 15, enrolment process, and key UIDAI rules.
The quiet edge: saving more trumps the exciting habit of investing better
Work out how much you can save, push that figure a little higher than is comfortable, and only then spend energy on choosing the funds. Simplicity is not a compromise but the whole point. Save a lot, keep the deployment sensible and dull, and let time do the rest, says Dhirendra Kumar.
Gold allocation rule: Divide your age by 2 to know how much gold to hold in your portfolio
A simple rule of thumb is to divide your age by two to determine the percentage of your portfolio that should be invested in gold. Under this rule, a 30-year-old investor would hold 15% in gold, while someone aged 50 would allocate roughly 25% to the precious metal.
Why investors are shifting to tier-II cities for higher commercial real estate returns
As soaring office rents and land prices push companies beyond India's biggest metros, investors are finding stronger yieldsand new risksin emerging commercial hubs such as Jaipur, Coimbatore and Ahmedabad.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that a new and improved IRCTC website will be launched by 15 July. The upgraded portal is expected to deliver faster ticket booking, smoother navigation and several new passenger-friendly features.
Debt mutual funds saw Rs 1.09 lakh crore in June outflows, driven largely by seasonal corporate treasury and advance tax-related redemptions, not weakening investor sentiment.
Quant Small Cap Fund achieved over 30% CAGR in seven years. This fund outperformed its benchmark and category averages consistently. Experts attribute its success to active management and timely sector shifts. Investors should align SIPs with long-term goals and asset allocation. Moderate SIPs are advised given current smallcap valuations.
Gold and silver prices today, 14 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.
Best focused mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Focused equity mutual funds invest in a maximum of thirty stocks for potentially higher returns. These concentrated portfolios require careful stock selection by fund managers. Investors should be prepared for increased risk and a longer investment horizon. SBI Focused Fund and Sundaram Focused Fund are among the recommended schemes. Investors can track these funds for potential future performance.
The Hyderabad Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled that a gift from a mother cannot be treated as an unexplained investment by the income tax department if the taxpayer proves the donor's identity, relationship and source of funds.
Taxpayers filing ITR for AY 2026-27 must correctly report Sovereign Gold Bond interest and capital gains. Check how SGB interest, maturity redemption and pre-maturity sales are taxed, which ITR schedules to use, and why the Budget 2026 changes will not apply this year.
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.
ITR filing 2026: Is it necessary to keep physical copies of digital tax documents? Expert explains
ITR filing is now becoming increasingly paperless, but taxpayers must securely retain key digital tax documents. A tax expert explains which records to preserve, why backups matter, and how organised digital files can help during tax verification, assessments and future income tax notices.
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.
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.
Retirement, child education or wealth creation: Does every SIP in your portfolio have a purpose?
Every SIP should be linked to a specific financial goal, such as retirement, a child's education, buying a house, or wealth creation. The expert suggested that the number of funds you own or their recent returns matter less than whether each SIP is aligned with a clear financial objective.
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.
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.
Gold and silver prices today, 13 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, along with other important geopolitical updates.
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.
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.
The EPFO member portal now allows salaried employees to transfer their EPF balance from previous employers to current ones more easily, aiming to reduce paperwork. Here's how the process works and what all you need to know.
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.
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.
The Income Tax e-filing portal helps taxpayers identify the correct ITR form through eligibility conditions and a guided questionnaire. Users can also determine applicable schedules, making the return filing process simpler.
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.
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.
SIF inflows: Hybrid long-short funds account for 67% of total SIF AUM at Rs 11,910 crore
SIF inflows surged in June, led by hybrid long-short funds, which dominated with over Rs 11,900 crore in AUM. Total inflows rose sharply month-on-month, with most strategies witnessing traction, while sector rotation funds remained negligible. Data highlights growing investor preference for hybrid long-short strategies within the evolving SIF landscape in India.
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.
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
Reporting errors, not evasion, spark most tax litigations, say experts
The most avoidable source of tax litigation between individual taxpayers and the department is disputes over classification and disclosurespecifically, mismatches between how taxpayers report income or investments and how the department interprets them.
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.
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.
SK Hynix shares surged 12.8% on Wall Street debut, raising $26.5 billion in the largest U.S. share sale by a foreign company. SK Hynix dominates the high bandwidth memory market and has partnered with Nvidia, capitalizing on the expanding AI sector.
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.
