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Budget 2026 to have marginal impact on bond markets
As the transition to a debt-to-GDP regime starts, the figure is 56.1 per cent for the current fiscal and is expected to go down further to 55.6% in FY27
Union Budget 2026: Several hits, few misses in budget for Gulf NRI businesses
Indian businesses in the UAE and Gulf region largely welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, commending initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the SME Growth Fund. While some praised the focus on manufacturing and digital transformation, others called for greater emphasis on welfare schemes. The budget signals India's commitment to becoming a stable, policy-forward digital economy.
Not reporting crypto transaction will lead to daily penalty of 200
The proposed amendment seeks to rationalise the penal consequences under these provisions
Viksit Bharat banking reforms: Committee to suggest consolidation, regulations
The committee will examine reforms, consolidation, regulatory changes, and ownership patterns to strengthen banks and NBFCs for the next growth phase
Budget proposes penalties for crypto reporting lapses from April 2026
While compliance and surveillance have tightened, true growth requires economic rationalization to keep Web3 innovation and talent within India
The move to incentivise issuance of municipal bonds of higher value by large cities comes in the wake of Reserve Bank of Indias own effort to breathe new life into these bonds
Higher government borrowing in FY27 may push up G-Sec yields
The Budget maintains a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP while increasing capital expenditure to 12.2 lakh crore.
Any mistake in the Income tax order will not nullify provided it contains DIN, says Budget 2026
Budget 2026 clarifies that assessment orders under the Income Tax Act will not be invalidated due to mistakes or omissions if a Document Identification Number (DIN) is lawfully generated and quoted.
The Union Budget proposes to restrict capital gains tax exemption on Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) to individuals who subscribe at original issue and hold until maturity. This change, impacting secondary market buyers, aims to align tax benefits with the initial investment scheme and incentivize long-term participation.
Marginal relief offers a tax benefit for resident individuals in the new regime with income just over Rs 12 lakh. This provision ensures their tax payable doesn't exceed the income earned above the Rs 12 lakh threshold, effectively capping their tax liability. For instance, an income of Rs 12.10 lakh results in a tax of only Rs 10,000.
Income tax budget 2026 highlights: From tax relief to tax reforms - how individuals will be impacted
The Budget adopts a measured approach to personal taxation, prioritising structural improvements over immediate tax relief. Through legislative overhaul, procedural simplification and enforcement rationalisation, the Budget lays the groundwork for a more predictable and citizen-friendly tax framework for individuals.
Budget 2026: Now save TDS by submitting single form 15G/H for these securities
Investors can now submit Form 15G/H directly to depositories to avoid excess TDS on dividend, interest from securities, and mutual fund income. This simplification, effective April 1, 2027, aims to reduce compliance burdens for eligible individuals and HUFs. The new rule allows a single submission for securities held in dematerialized form.
The Budget 2026 hike in Securities Transaction Tax is expected to reduce arbitrage fund returns by about 0.5% next year, according to Capitalminds Deepak Shenoy. While retail investors may see limited impact, arbitrage funds and foreign portfolio investors could face higher costs in futures trading.
Union Budget 2026: How experts decode this for mutual fund investors
The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget 2026 speech, announced to raise the STT on Futures to 0.05% from the present 0.02%. STT on options premium and exercise of options are both proposed to be raised to 0.15% from the present rate of 0.1% and 0.125%, respectively.
Budget 2026 has increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options trading to curb excessive retail speculation. Effective April 1, 2026, STT rates on options will rise by up to 50%, and on futures by 150%. This move, alongside SEBI's measures, aims to make high-frequency trading less viable for retail investors.
7 ways income tax filing will be impacted after Budget 2026
Budget 2026 introduces significant changes to income tax filing from April 1, 2026. Revised ITR forms will simplify compliance. The deadline for revised ITR filing moves to March 31. Share buybacks will be treated as capital gains for most shareholders. Updated returns for losses will be permitted. A new automated process for nil deduction certificates is coming.
Latest capital gains tax rate for equity, gold, mutual funds for FY2026-2027 after Budget 2026
While it was hoped that Budget 2026 clarifies the tax position for debt mutual funds by taxing them at a special rate instead of slab rate, this did not happen. So the capital gains tax rate as applicable last year is now applicable the same for FY 2026-27.
Section 440 of the new Income Tax Act, 2025, is being amended to extend immunity from penalties and prosecution to cases involving income misreporting. This change, effective April 1, 2026, requires taxpayers to pay an additional income-tax of 100% or 120% in lieu of penalties, aiming to reduce litigation and compliance burdens.
Budget 2026 introduces penalties for crypto exchanges failing to accurately report transactions. A Rs. 200 per day penalty will be levied for non-furnishing statements, while Rs. 50,000 will be charged for inaccurate information or failure to correct it. These provisions aim to ensure compliance and deter non-reporting, taking effect from April 1, 2026.
14 personal finance highlights impacting middle-class taxpayers in FY26-27 from Budget 2026
Budget 2026 introduces significant relief for salaried and middle-class taxpayers, including a new simplified Income Tax Act and automated NIL deduction certificates. Key changes also encompass tax exemptions on motor accident claims, rationalized TCS rates, and an extended deadline for revised ITR filings, aiming to ease compliance and financial burdens.
Budget 2026 brings key changes for taxpayers. The income tax return correction window extends to March 31. TDS and TCS rules are simplified, easing compliance and cash flow. Litigation and penalties are softened with reduced pre-deposits. Corporate tax sees MAT reduction and STT increases. A foreign asset disclosure window offers a compliance route for small taxpayers.
Taxpayers can now assess the break-even points for the old and new tax regimes. The Union Budget 2026 has confirmed both systems will continue. This analysis helps individuals decide which tax structure offers greater savings based on available deductions. Understanding these points is crucial for optimizing tax liability for Assessment Year 2027-28.
Union Budget 2026: Has government made any changes to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)? Check here
Budget 2026 did not make any new Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) announcements, though the scheme had received Rs 54,500 crore for its urban component (PMAY-U) in the Union Budget 2024-25. PMAY-U 2.0 continues to provide central assistance for affordable housing in urban areas to eligible families, with specific criteria for participation and beneficiary eligibility.
Most anticipated change in Budget 2026 was change in Section 87A tax rebate. Currently Section 87A tax rebate depends on the chosen tax regime. The new income tax regime offers Section 87A tax rebate of up to Rs 60,000 which makes zero tax for income up to Rs 12 lakh. Similary under old tax regime offers 87A tax rebate up to Rs 5 lakh income. This rebate is exclusively for resident individuals, excluding HUFs, NRIs, companies, and super senior citizens. Certain capital gains and incomes taxed at special rates are ineligible for this rebate.
Have capital gains tax exemption rules for debt mutual funds changed in Budget 2026?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 speech brought no changes to debt mutual fund taxation, maintaining taxation at slab rates. Recent amendments, particularly from Budget 2024, reduced the holding period for long-term capital gains from 36 months to 24 months for specified debt funds, impacting tax outgo for higher tax brackets.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 proposes a 50% reduction in import tariff rates for personal goods, from 20% to 10%. This change aims to rationalize customs duties, potentially saving consumers significant amounts on imported items. An example calculation shows a substantial decrease in total duties and taxes for an imported air conditioner.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 maintained existing taxation rules for gold and silver investments, with no changes announced for capital gains. The budget confirmed that GST and capital gains tax structures for physical, digital, ETFs, and mutual funds remain as previously established.
Did NPS subscriber get tax deduction on additional 20% contribution (from 60% to 80%)?
NPS subscribers hoping for an 80% tax-free lump sum withdrawal will have to wait. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 speech on February 1, 2026, did not announce an increase from the current 60% limit for non-government subscribers. This means 20% of the NPS corpus may still be taxable upon withdrawal.
Union Budget 2026: Share buybacks to be taxed as capital gains for all investors
Union Budget 2026: New tax rule changes how investors earn from buybacks.
Has government provided NPS tax benefit on self-contribution in new tax regime?
NPS subscribers hoping for more tax benefits from Budget 2026 were disappointed. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's speech on February 1, 2026, offered no new tax advantages. The new tax regime only allows tax benefits on employer contributions to NPS. Individual and self-contributions receive no tax relief under this regime.
Has government increased EPF wage ceiling limit of Rs 15,000 in Budget 2026?
The Union Budget 2026 has maintained the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) wage ceiling at Rs 15,000, a limit unchanged since 2014. Experts highlight that an increase would have significantly boosted retirement savings for employees, especially younger ones, through long-term compounding. While beneficial for workers, a higher ceiling could increase payroll costs for employers, particularly MSMEs.
Union Budget 2026: Has government made any changes to the Ayushman Bharat scheme? Check details here
All senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive continue to receive health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh annually. This benefit is available irrespective of income. Aadhaar is mandatory for enrollment. Eligible individuals can apply online or via the Ayushman App.
Budget 2026 maintains the PM Kisan beneficiary amount at Rs 6,000 annually. This financial aid is disbursed in three Rs 2,000 installments. Farmers can check their status online and complete mandatory eKYC. Several reasons can lead to rejection, including duplicate names and incomplete KYC. Certain categories like income tax payers are ineligible.
The Black Money Act, 2015, imposes penalties and prosecution for wilful non-disclosure of foreign income and assets. Amendments are proposed to sections 49 and 50 to exempt minor and inadvertent non-disclosures from prosecution, aligning them with the existing penalty framework.
UPI transactions hit record high of 28.33 lakh crore in January
On a month-on-month basis, the growth was 21% in value terms
Has Standard Deduction for FY 2026-27 for salaried employees changed in Budget 2026?
The Finance Minister maintained the standard deduction at Rs 75,000 for salaried individuals and pensioners under the new tax regime in Budget 2026. This deduction, available without proof, reduces taxable income, making individuals earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh tax-free due to the Section 87A rebate.
Union Budget 2026 proposes to tax buy-back for all types of shareholders as capital gains. However, to disincentivize this use of tax arbitrage, promoters will pay an additional buyback tax. As a result, this will make the effective tax 22% for corporate promoters. For non-corporate promoters, the effective tax will be 30%.
Union Budget 2026 highlights the new tax regime's advantage for salaried individuals. Lower tax rates under the new system offer significant savings compared to the old regime. While the old tax regime remains for specific cases like housing loan interest, the new regime is becoming the mainstream. This shift focuses on simplicity and reduced tax liability for most taxpayers.
Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced new tax benefits in Budget 2026. Inter cooperative society dividend income will be deductible if distributed to members.
Prepayment quantum is reduced to 10% on core tax demand to curb litigation. Taxpayers can now update returns even after reassessment begins, with an additional 10% tax. Assessing officers will solely use these updated returns, building on existing immunity frameworks for underreporting.
Big change for NRIs in Budget 2026: Simplification in property sale transactions
Tax Deducted At Source (TDS) process is being simplified for NRI property sellers.
Revised ITR deadline extended with a penalty in Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed extending the deadline for revising income tax returns from December 31 to March 31, allowing for a nominal fee. This change aims to address issues faced by taxpayers, particularly those with foreign income, by better aligning Indian tax timelines with global practices and reducing disputes.
Nil deduction certificate for small taxpayers, announced in Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a new scheme for small taxpayers. This initiative will allow them to get lower or nil tax deduction certificates through an automated process. The Income Tax Department will manage this rule-based system. This aims to ease the process for taxpayers holding securities in multiple companies.
Union Budget 2026 has proposed that any interest awarded by the Motor Accident ClaimsTribunal to a natural person will be exempt from income tax for the financial year 2026-2027.
One time undisclosed foreign income disclosure scheme announced in Budget 2026 for these taxpayers
A new scheme will allow small taxpayers to declare undeclared foreign assets. This one-time offer covers income or assets up to one crore rupees. Those eligible will pay 30% of the fair market value or undisclosed income. This payment includes tax and penalty. Participants will gain immunity from prosecution.
Lower TCS on overseas tour package, education and medical purposes
Significant tax relief is on the horizon for overseas travel, education, and medical expenses. The government plans to slash the TCS rate on tour packages to a flat 2%, removing existing thresholds. Furthermore, remittances for education and medical needs under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme will also see a reduction to 2%.
16 equity mutual funds deliver over 20% return since last budget. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Equity mutual funds have shown strong performance since the last budget on February 1, 2025. Approximately 16 funds delivered over 20% returns. Sectoral and thematic funds, including international, energy, and banking sectors, led the gains. Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund topped the list with a 61.40% return.
DA, DR hike for employees and pensioners: Central government employees and pensioners are set to receive a 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) hike each in January 2026, bringing the total to 60%. This adjustment is based on the December 2025 All India Consumer Price Index-Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) data. The government may announce this hike in March 2026.
A man who sold agricultural land for Rs 5 crore and reinvested the gains into a new plot in his wife's name was denied capital gains tax exemption under Section 54B. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi upheld this denial, citing a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that disallows deductions when the new land isn't purchased in the assessee's own name.
A man who sold agricultural land for Rs 5 crore and reinvested the gains into a new plot in his wife's name was denied capital gains tax exemption under Section 54B. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi upheld this denial, citing a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that disallows deductions when the new land isn't purchased in the assessee's own name.
Indias largest Bank has placed capital requirements for the eight identified sunrise sectors at about 100 lakh crore over the next five years
Level playing field needed between bank deposits and other financial instruments, says SBI Chief
As on January 26, 2026, the y-o-y deposit growth of all scheduled banks at 10.61% was 237 basis points lower than credit growth of 12.98%
ESAF Small Finance Bank posts 7 crore net profit in Q3 FY26
The total business stood at 44,686 crore as of December 31, 2025, registering a year-on-year growth of 10%
DA for central government employees is likely to rise to 60 per cent from January 2026, while attention now shifts to Union Budget signals on the 8th Pay Commission rollout. Over 1.1 crore employees and pensioners await clarity on future salary and pension revisions.
Gold & Silver ETFs fall sharply as dollar rises: What should investors do?
Gold and silver ETFs experienced a sharp decline following a significant selloff in precious metals, with spot gold falling 5.4% and silver dropping 10.7%. This correction was attributed to a strengthening US dollar and profit-booking after a strong January rally. Experts advise caution due to near-term volatility but maintain a bullish long-term outlook.
Top 5 smallcap mutual funds offer up to 27% annualised return in 3 years
Top smallcap mutual funds delivered strong three-year returns of up to 27%, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund. Passive small cap index funds and actively managed schemes dominated the top performers, while several established funds lagged with negative returns, highlighting wide divergence in small cap fund performance.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check key details
Five new mutual fund NFOs are opening for subscription this week across ETFs, index funds, sectoral funds, and funds of funds. Offerings include defence, consumption, services, and multi-asset strategies from Mirae Asset, HDFC, Kotak, and DSP, giving investors fresh options across themes and risk profiles.
UAE residents investing in Indian mutual funds can claim tax benefits. They must obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the UAE. Filing Form 10F is also crucial if the TRC lacks required details. This helps in claiming exemptions under the India-UAE DTAA. Excess tax deducted at source can be refunded. Following these rules avoids potential tax notices.
UAE residents investing in Indian mutual funds can claim tax benefits. They must obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the UAE. Filing Form 10F is also crucial if the TRC lacks required details. This helps in claiming exemptions under the India-UAE DTAA. Excess tax deducted at source can be refunded. Following these rules avoids potential tax notices.
INR Check: What history reveals about gold, silver and market crashes
Budget 2026: Mutual fund industry seeks debt indexation return, ELSS relief and MF pension schemes
Ahead of Budget 2026, the mutual fund industry has urged the government to restore debt fund indexation, offer ELSS tax relief under the new regime, and allow pension-oriented MF schemes. Experts also expect tax stability, fiscal discipline, and policy clarity to boost long-term investing and investor confidence.
FD rate up to 8% for senior citizens investing for five years; Know the full list of banks
Senior citizens can still secure fixed deposit (FD) interest rates up to 8% for a five-year term with select banks, including Suryoday Small Finance Bank. While TDS is deducted if FD interest exceeds Rs 1 lakh annually, senior citizens with zero tax liability can submit Form 15H to avoid this deduction.
A Bengaluru fruit dealer successfully challenged a tax notice for unexplained cash credit. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bangalore ruled in his favor, stating that tax authorities need more than just a claim of unexplained cash. The tribunal accepted the dealer's business as genuine, allowing his cash deposits to be treated as business receipts.
As the Indian Union Budget 2026 approaches, personal taxpayers anticipate significant reforms. The article highlights a growing tax base and a preference for simplified tax structures, with many opting for the concessional regime. Expectations include reducing the highest tax slab, increasing the Section 80C limit, and expanding deductions for savings account interest.
Builder skipped mandatory RERA insurance? Why homebuyers face big risks and what to do now
Builders are legally required to secure insurance for housing projects under RERA Section 16. This insurance covers land title and construction until possession is handed over. If builders neglect this mandate, homebuyers are left unprotected against potential losses. Karnataka RERA has ruled that builders cannot shift blame for uninsured losses to homeowners.
Saturday bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed today on January 31, 2026?
Banks in India will be closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and on national holidays like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti in 2026. While physical branches remain shut on these days, digital banking services will continue to be available to customers.
Average ticket size of policies increased 13% in Q3FY26, backed by GST exemption, says Niva Bupa CFO
On a like-to-like basis, total business grew 31 per cent, and retail business grew 43 per cent in Q3
World Bank and India announce new Country Partnership Framework
This was announced when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the World Bank group President Ajay Banga
Canara Bank leans on higher-yield retail, agri and MSME loans to cushion rate-cut impact
Pricing discipline, improved asset quality key to protecting margins in a softer rate cycle, says MD, CEO, and Executive Director, Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia
BoBs Q3FY26 net up 4.5% at 5,055 crore
The public sector bank profit growth came amid decent growth in total deposits (10.3 per cent y-o-y) and global gross advances (14.7 per cent)
Aim to achieve near 4% credit cost next quarter, says Satin Creditcare CMD
Cholamandalam Investment reports 19% YoY rise in net profit at 1,288 crore in Q3FY26
Aggregate disbursements in the quarter were at 29,962 crore, with an AUM of 2,27,770 crore
Bank employee unions, including AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI, will join a nationwide strike on February 12, 2026, protesting new labor codes and perceived attacks on workers. They oppose provisions allowing employers to terminate staff without authority approval and advocate for a five-day work week, citing unfair practices compared to other financial institutions.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 attributes record gold prices in 2025 to US tariff announcements, global policy uncertainty, and a weakening dollar. Despite a recent dip, the survey suggests precious metal prices may continue to rise due to sustained demand as safe-haven assets amid global uncertainties.
Intellect Design Arenas platform-led model boosts revenue growth in Q3FY26
Total income for Q3 FY26 stood at 753 crore, a 21% growth from the 621 crore in Q3FY25
India's direct tax strategy is shifting towards broader participation and better compliance, not rate hikes, according to the Economic Survey. Expect stability and fewer surprises for taxpayers in Budget 2026. The focus is on system clean-up and nudges over notices, encouraging voluntary compliance and simplifying tax administration for a growing taxpayer base.
Looking for gold and silver based ETFs with investment horizon of 3 years? Check 5 toppers
Gold and silver based ETFs have delivered strong returns over a three year period amid global uncertainty. Data from MF Screener highlights the top five fund of fund options across gold and silver categories for medium term investors.
Top 5 flexi-cap mutual funds offer over 20% CAGR in 3 years
Nilesh Shah says judging fund managers by old clips misleads investors. Market views evolve with facts. He cites gold and silver gains since 2020, driven by central bank buying, geopolitics and diversification, urging investors to judge actions and allocation instead.
JioBlackRock Sector Rotation Fund opens for subscription: 10 things to know
Citigroup India said to hire Khurana to head commercial banking
The position opened up after veteran banker Bhanu Vohra departed in July to join the Indian unit of global consulting firm BDO
Groww among bidders for Prudentials India asset management firm
Global asset managers are investing in India to take advantage of its ongoing equity boom
Buying a Plot? These legal checks can save you from years of court trouble
Every mutual fund has offered positive XIRR on SIP investments in the last five years, an analysis by ETMutualFunds showed. Nearly 208 equity funds have completed five years of existence in the industry, of which 177 gave double-digit XIRR, and three gave over 20% XIRR in the said time horizon.
Manappuram Finance posts 58% rise in gold loan AUM to 38,754 crore
The total AUM of the company rose 17.88% to 52,125.31 crore; Non-gold loan businesses accounted for 28.74%
HDFC Bank is revising its Infinia metal credit card reward point redemption policy from February 1, 2026, allowing a maximum of five redemptions per month. Previously, there were reports of a lower limit. The card offers five reward points per Rs 150 spent, with higher points for Smartbuy purchases.
Got a fancy job title but no raise? Thats title creepand its costing you
Top 10 AMCs gold ETF AUM crosses Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January. Check details here
Gold ETF boom: AUM of the top 10 AMCs crosses Rs 1.5 lakh crore in January as investors flock to safe-haven assets.
