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ITR filing 2026: Beyond Form 16 avoid these costly income tax compliance mistakes

Salaried workers who have switched employers, selected a suboptimal tax regime, claimed unsupported deductions, or omitted capital gains face heightened financial risks.

16 Jul 2026 4:55 pm
10,000 SIP to 30 lakh: These large & midcap mutual funds led 10-year returns

A 10,000 monthly SIP would have grown to over 30 lakh in these four large & midcap funds. Check the top-performing schemes and how they stack up over shorter investment horizons.

16 Jul 2026 4:54 pm
Foreign assets are coming soon in AIS: Compliance is about to become harder to ignore

Information on foreign assets will increasingly show up in taxpayers' AIS, but the absence of an asset from the statement does not erase the legal obligation to disclose it.

16 Jul 2026 4:36 pm
EPFO interest credit: Here's how to check your EPF balance, e-passbook using portal, Umang app, SMS Stepwise guide

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the EPFO has processed interest on provident funds of 34 crore members for FY26. Interest earned on EPF contributions is tax-exempt up to 1.5 lakh under Section 80C under the old tax regime.

16 Jul 2026 4:34 pm
RBI fixes SGB 2019-20 Series II redemption price at 14,199. Should investors redeem now?

The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond 2019-20 Series II at 14,199 per gram. Investors who bought the bonds in 2019 have earned more than 300% in capital appreciation, but tax implications should also be factored into the decision.

16 Jul 2026 2:36 pm
What is a home loan top-up and when should you consider it?

A home loan top-up can offer cheaper credit than a personal loanbut only if you understand the costs, eligibility rules and hidden pitfalls.

16 Jul 2026 1:28 pm
EPS 2026: Left your job before completing 10 years? Here's how your withdrawal benefit will be calculated

The new Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, retains the withdrawal benefit for members who leave service before completing 10 years. However, it introduces a new waiting period before the benefit can be claimed.

16 Jul 2026 1:25 pm
Early exit: why Indians are surrendering life insurance policies before maturity

Why do millions of policyholders who signed up for a long-term contract exit before maturity?

16 Jul 2026 12:15 pm
ITR Filing 2026: Income Tax Department Introduces New Secondary Address Field

Taxpayers filing returns for AY 2026-27 will now have to provide both a primary and a secondary address. The new disclosure has been introduced in all notified ITR forms.

16 Jul 2026 11:41 am
Mutual fund not performing? Here's how experts say you should review it

A fund that tops return charts today may not necessarily be the best fit for your portfolio. Experts say investors should look beyond recent performance and evaluate consistency, risk and investment strategy before making decisions.

16 Jul 2026 11:01 am
ITR filing: ITAT deletes 10 lakh Black Money Act penalty over foreign ESOP disclosure

Chennai ITAT held that a genuine failure to disclose foreign ESOPs in Schedule FA of the income tax return does not automatically warrant a penalty under the Black Money Act. 

16 Jul 2026 9:10 am
EPFO interest credit begins: How members can check if the amount is credited to their accounts

EPFO members can see their annual interest of 8.25% for FY2025-26 in their accounts starting July 15. Here's how you can check your PF balance online.

15 Jul 2026 11:00 pm
Property registry alone doesn't prove ownership: Here's what else homebuyers need to do

Purchasing and registering a property does not guarantee legal ownership. Validity relies on the entire title chain and documentation. Mutation, while important for records, does not affect ownership rights, experts said. 

15 Jul 2026 9:45 pm
Trump's accounts sold Micron, bought Nvidia: Expert warns, Don't mistake it for a strategy

Donald Trump's investment accounts, managed by third parties, have executed over 6,100 stock trades in 2023. Notably, they sold Micron shares while acquiring Nvidia stock, highlighting a contradiction between Trump's public praise for Micron and his accounts' trading decisions.

15 Jul 2026 9:38 pm
Warren Buffett says Alphabet bet was his call, admits I made a mistake | Why Berkshire is betting billions now?

Warren Buffett confirmed his decision to build Berkshire Hathaway's substantial stake in Alphabet, stating he acted independently of CEO Greg Abel. 

15 Jul 2026 8:04 pm
EPFO alert: Why updating your profile photo is crucial for e-nominations and PF claims

EPFO members are urged to upload a recent profile photo on the Unified Member Portal to complete e-nominations and online claims. Here's why it matters and how to do it.

15 Jul 2026 7:54 pm
Gifting stocks to your spouse, child or friend? Check how the tax rules differ in three scenarios

Gifting stocks can trigger tax implications depending on the relationship between the donor and recipient. Transfers to close relatives are often tax-exempt, while gifts to others exceeding 50,000 are taxable. 

15 Jul 2026 6:44 pm
How can families preserve art, jewellery and heirlooms for future generations?

A trust can help families preserve art, jewellery and heirlooms across generations by setting clear rules on ownership, access, conservation, display, monetization and succession.

15 Jul 2026 6:11 pm
Monsoon is here: Why you're paying out of pocket for sudden illnesses despite having health insurance

Health insurance covers major hospitalisation costs, but many medical expenses, such as doctor consultations and medicines, are often paid out of pocket. Experts say financial preparedness and understanding policy coverage can help families avoid unexpected healthcare costs.

15 Jul 2026 4:21 pm
SIP returns disappointing? Here's when to stay invested and when to switch funds

Negative or muted SIP returns in the initial years are not uncommon, especially for equity mutual funds. Experts say investors should judge a fund over a full market cycle and switch only if there are signs of structural issues.

15 Jul 2026 4:17 pm
NRI tax filing: Moved abroad? Here's when you still need to file an ITR in India

Moving abroad does not end your tax obligations in India. From excess TDS and capital losses to property sales and future tax planning, here's when NRIs should file an ITR.

15 Jul 2026 4:00 pm
PFRDA launches NPS PRIDE-Disha: How the new tool helps you choose the right pension fund

NPS PRIDE-Disha lets subscribers compare pension funds using XIRR based on regular contributions instead of only point-to-point returns. The platform uses historical NAV data since 2008 to help investors make more informed fund selection and switching decisions.

15 Jul 2026 3:49 pm
ITR filing 2026: How to access interest certificate from SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB and India Post

The ITR due date is near and taxpayers are urged to gather important documents, including interest certificates, to ensure accurate reporting of income. Here is a step-by-step guide to download interest certificate from SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB and India Post.

15 Jul 2026 3:26 pm
Automatic EPF transfer after job change? Avoid these 6 mistakes to prevent delays

EPFO has introduced automatic PF transfers for eligible members. However, the facility works only if certain conditions are met.

15 Jul 2026 3:05 pm
Sensex down 9.37% in 2026: Should investors wait or stay invested? Here's what history shows

The Sensex has fallen 9.37% so far in 2026, reviving concerns over whether investors should wait for markets to recover. Four decades of historical data offer insight into how Indian equities have behaved during major corrections.

15 Jul 2026 2:11 pm
No large-cap fund reached Sharpe ratio of 1; several mid and small caps delivered stronger risk-adjusted returns

After analysing the list of large-cap funds, no fund was found to have touched a Sharpe ratio of 1. Among the large-cap funds, WhiteOak Capital Large Cap Fund recorded the highest Sharpe ratio at 0.64. 

15 Jul 2026 1:46 pm
Can GST officers issue a fraud notice without proof? Madras HC explains

The Madras High Court has ruled that GST officers need not conclusively establish fraud before issuing a notice under Section 74 of the CGST Act. The judgment clarifies the legal threshold for invoking fraud proceedings under the GST law.

15 Jul 2026 11:54 am
AI and robots can replace coders, but not nurses, labourers or teachers: Report finds jobs costliest to automate

A June 2026 report by Planera found that replacing workers in professions such as nursing, construction and home care with AI and robots would cost employers several times as much as paying wages to human workers.

15 Jul 2026 11:47 am
Income Tax: Can a third-party document alone lead to a tax demand? ITAT says no

A Delhi ITAT ruling has clarified that the Income Tax Department cannot make tax additions solely on the basis of a loose sheet recovered during a search on another person. The department must back such claims with independent evidence proving the alleged transaction actually took place.

15 Jul 2026 10:32 am
Why disclosure alone cannot prevent the next corporate fraud

Corporate frauds continue to emerge despite tighter disclosure norms. The real challenge is not the quantity of information, but whether it reflects economic reality and is effectively verified.

15 Jul 2026 10:16 am
Filing ITR with crypto investments: Common reporting mistakes that could trigger tax scrutiny

Crypto investors should avoid common ITR filing mistakes such as assuming the 1% TDS is the final tax, skipping transaction reporting, using the wrong ITR schedule, incorrectly calculating gains and failing to reconcile TDS with Form 26AS and AIS. 

15 Jul 2026 9:52 am
EPFO VISHWAS 2026 explained: Who is eligible for lower PF penalties? All FAQs answered

EPFO's VISHWAS 2026 scheme allows eligible employers to settle pending PF damages disputes at concessional rates. Check who can apply, lower penalty rates, eligibility conditions and the six-month deadline.

15 Jul 2026 9:07 am
Paid taxes abroad? Here's how Form 67 helps claim foreign tax credit in India

Foreign Tax Credit allows Indian residents to reduce their tax liability in India by claiming credit for taxes already paid in another country. The Income Tax Department allows eligible resident taxpayers to claim a Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) by filing Form 67 along with the supporting documents.

15 Jul 2026 8:29 am
ITR filing 2026: Think twice before claiming fake tax deductions You could land in prison, face penalties

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.

14 Jul 2026 11:01 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 9:42 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 7:45 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 7:44 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 2:12 pm
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. 

14 Jul 2026 2:12 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 1:06 pm
Baal Aadhaar Card 2026: How to apply, required documents, mandatory biometric updates and key rules for parents

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. 

14 Jul 2026 12:24 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 12:23 pm
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.

14 Jul 2026 11:55 am
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.

14 Jul 2026 11:09 am
IRCTC website to get major upgrade from 15 July: Faster Tatkal bookings, fewer CAPTCHAs, fare calendar and more

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. 

14 Jul 2026 11:08 am
Gold, silver prices today, 14 July: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

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.

14 Jul 2026 9:36 am
Hyderabad ITAT rules gift from mother cannot be treated as unexplained investment if source is proved

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. 

14 Jul 2026 9:26 am
ITR filing AY 2026-27: How to report Sovereign Gold Bond income correctly and avoid tax filing mistakes

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.

14 Jul 2026 8:01 am
8th Pay Commission: Level 1 and Level 10 salaries compared under 2.1, 2.5 and 3.0 fitment factors

The 8th Pay Commission's fitment factor will determine future salary and pension revisions for government employees. Here's how different fitment factor scenarios could impact basic pay, allowances and overall earnings, while highlighting why the final government decision remains crucial.

14 Jul 2026 6:47 am
ITR: Attention taxpayers! Excel utility for ITR-5 and ITR-7 released Here's how to use, which forms to choose

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.

13 Jul 2026 10:36 pm