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Income-tax returns: Forms, disclosures, details and documentation Top 10 common mistakes to avoid while filing ITR

From using appropriate forms, to making proper income disclosures, filling correct details and attaching documentation for proof Here are the top 10 common mistakes to avoid while filing your returns.

4 May 2026 11:23 pm
Bank FDs earn up to 7.75% in May 2026! Check latest interest rate Compare SBI, HDFC, ICICI and Yes Bank fixed deposits

FD rates comparison: Here's a look at the latest bank fixed deposit rates offered by the biggest lenders State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank.

4 May 2026 10:26 pm
Aadhaar gearing for new look? IT Ministry says no such plan, speculation not correct Here's all we know

The IT Ministry clarifies that it has no plans for a new look for its Aadhaar cards, adding that such speculation is not correct. Here's what's new for the government's biometric ID so far in 2026.

4 May 2026 8:59 pm
6 essential emergency fund rules every Indian household should know to stay debt-free

Emergency fund rules help households build financial resilience. It is imperative to maintain 36 months' expenses, keeping funds separate, prioritising liquidity, starting small, refilling after use, and reviewing annually for stability. 

4 May 2026 8:40 pm
Struggling with a credit score below 650? 6 simple ways to improve it and boost loan approval chances

The strategy to improve a credit score below 650 focuses on timely EMI payments, reducing credit utilisation, limiting loan applications, clearing high-interest debts, maintaining old accounts, and regularly monitoring credit reports for accuracy.

4 May 2026 7:47 pm
Safe personal loan EMI on 30,000 salary: Simple budgeting tips explained

Understanding borrowing fundamentals is vital for personal loans. Keeping EMIs at 20-25% of income ensures financial stability. High EMIs risk missed payments, which negatively impact credit scores. Seek professional advice for sustainable financial planning.

4 May 2026 6:45 pm
Can cancelling a credit card hurt your score? Here's how to minimise the impact on your credit history

A strong credit score is necessary to show lenders that you are a reliable borrower, and first timers or young customers may wonder if closing your credit card could affect this number. Here's how you should manage card closures to protect your credit history

4 May 2026 6:37 pm
I-T returns: Want to verify if your Income-Tax notice is authentic? Here's a stepwise guide for how to do so

Filing income tax returns online has simplified the process but can confuse first-time taxpayers. Income Tax Notices inform taxpayers of issues like unreported income or discrepancies. Here's how you can verify a notice's authenticity

4 May 2026 5:17 pm
5 reasons strong savings rate matters more than market returns in building a secure and sustainable retirement plan

A disciplined savings rate drives retirement planning by boosting compounding, reducing risk, and ensuring financial security, helping individuals build a stable, sustainable long-term wealth corpus.

4 May 2026 5:13 pm
Salary 50,000? Heres how much PF corpus you can build in 20 years

EPF corpus from a 50,000 salary can grow substantially over 20 years through disciplined contributions, employer support and compounding, potentially reaching 4060 lakh with salary increments.

4 May 2026 4:14 pm
Section 80C: Here's how you can unlock up to 1.5 lakh tax deductions in Income-Tax return filings

Section 80C provides taxpayers with deduction benefit up to 1.5 lakh for investment in certain government saving schemes during a given financial or assessment year. Here's how you can claim the tax benefit

4 May 2026 3:55 pm
Lost or stolen credit card? Here are 6 steps to follow to avoid financial loss

A lost or stolen credit card requires immediate action, including blocking the card, checking transactions, reporting to the bank, disputing fraud, securing accounts, and requesting a replacement to prevent financial loss.

4 May 2026 2:42 pm
DA hike: IBA announces Dearness Allowance increase in bank employee salaries for May, June, July 2026 Details

The government revised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for bank employees for May, June, and July 2026, impacting salaries for workmen and officer employees. Here's how this impacts monthly pay for bank staff

4 May 2026 2:26 pm
How bureau and account aggregator data are redefining lending risk

The evolution of lending practices towards precision underwriting emphasizes using both historical and real-time data for improved risk management.

4 May 2026 1:06 pm
8th pay commission: State visits to Telangana, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir planned in May and June Check latest updates

8th central pay commission: The 8th CPC has planned state visits to Telangana, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in May and June 2026. Here's a look at the latest updates as the panel calls for consultations.

4 May 2026 1:04 pm
SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, and 4 other PSU banks offer personal loan rates starting at 7.10% in May 2026. See comparison

Public sector banks offer competitive personal loan interest rates starting at 7.10% in May 2026. Key factors that influence borrowing decisions include credit score, tenure, and processing charges.

4 May 2026 12:35 pm
I asked ChatGPT how to retire at 45 on 1.5 lakh a month: AI suggests mutual funds, gives detailed personal finance plan

I asked ChatGPT how to retire at 45 on 1.5 lakh a month. The AI tool suggested specific mutual funds while giving a detailed personal finance plan.

4 May 2026 12:29 pm
Dont chase returns, rebalance them amid cycles and noise: DSP's Kalpen Parekh

DSP MF CEO Kalpen Parekh trims gold after a sharp rally, raises equity via hybrid funds and sticks to disciplined asset allocationignoring noise, chasing value and respecting cycles.

4 May 2026 12:13 pm
The retail bond illusion: Are investors buying yield or risk?

Fintech platforms have made bonds look simple and safe. But behind curated yields and clean dashboards lie credit, liquidity and structural risks many retail investors may not fully grasp.

4 May 2026 12:08 pm
8th Pay Commission 6-month review: Key updates, consultation status and outlook

The 8th Pay Commission review highlights progress in consultations, stakeholder engagement, and the policy focus on salaries, pensions, and reforms shaping the future of government employees across the country.

4 May 2026 10:54 am
How the falling rupee still affects households with no direct dollar expenses

Economists and financial planners urge the public to rebudget for essentials, build larger emergency funds, and consider global investment diversification as a hedge against accelerating imported inflation.

4 May 2026 10:48 am
UPI hits record in FY26: 24,162 cr transactions worth 314 lakh crore 5 ways to stay safe while making UPI payments

Record UPI transactions in FY26 highlight rapid digital growth nationwide. UPI payments are best made through secure apps, with vigilant verification and protection of sensitive financial details.

4 May 2026 10:13 am
Section 80C income-tax relief: Here's how to maximise your 1.5 lakh deduction

Taxpayers can rely on Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act to reduce their tax liability through deductions of up to 1.5 lakh in a financial year. Here's what steps you can take to maximise your investment options

3 May 2026 11:15 pm
Income-Tax Returns: Here are some common reasons you may receive a tax notice from I-T dept Top FAQs answered

The online income-tax return process has simplified tax filing, yet first-time taxpayers face challenges. Here's a look at what income-tax notices mean and why you may get one from the tax department

3 May 2026 10:15 pm
Considering credit card? Here are some key things to keep in mind before you apply

Applying for a credit card involves careful consideration of your needs, spending habits, and comparing various options. Choose a card that aligns with your lifestyle to avoid future financial issues.

3 May 2026 8:50 pm
How does a Ulip compare to buying a term plan and investing in MFs separately?

Unit-linked insurance plans or Ulips bundle life insurance and investment into a single product. Ulips also carry a tax advantage

3 May 2026 7:16 pm
DA hike: Next Dearness Allowance increase to be 3%? Here's what employees expect from 8th Pay Commission

The Finance Ministry raised the Dearness Allowance by 2% for central government employees and pensioners, increasing it from 58% to 60% of basic pay. Here's why some expect the next hike in July under 8th CPC to be 3%

3 May 2026 5:24 pm
8th Pay Commission: Is 6% increment likely? Meetings begin over minimum pay, NPS removal, more promotion opportunities

The 8th Central Pay Commission held its first meetings discussing demands for annual increments and pension scheme withdrawal. It is set to decide salary hikes for 50 lakh central employees and 65 lakh retirees, potentially raising pay significantly.

3 May 2026 4:02 pm
Withdrawing PF money? Fill these details correctly to avoid TDS deductions

The declarant, who is a resident, must ensure that their expected final tax liability for the year is NIL and duly fill all the rows in Part A of the Form No.121 and sign it.

3 May 2026 3:53 pm
Five smart investing rules for navigating Indias volatile equity markets in 2026

To turn market volatility into an instrument for wealth creation, retail investors should consider adopting a structured approach. Here are five fundamental rules that can help navigate the complexities of todays financial environment.

3 May 2026 3:52 pm
How mutual fund-based portfolio management services work

Mutual fund-based portfolio management services are becoming popular among high-net-worth individuals. Here is how these services work

3 May 2026 3:11 pm
Tax deadlines in May 2026: Key dates every taxpayer should know

May 2026 has crucial tax deadlines, including TDS payments and quarterly filings. Taxpayers must comply to avoid penalties. Full list of the deadlines here.

3 May 2026 2:01 pm
The hardest part of investing isnt picking, its holding

Legitimate capital, patiently held, is the only edge in this business that has worked reliably for a hundred years. It is not glamorous enough to go viral. But it is the only version of the story that ends with you still holding the asset.

3 May 2026 1:35 pm
Missed Subhadra Yojana? Here are alternative welfare schemes available in Odisha

Odisha has several welfare schemes aimed at empowering women through financial assistance and social support, including Lakhpati Didi Yojana and MAMATA. Details here.

3 May 2026 12:54 pm
Gold, silver prices today: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver on 3 May in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, others

On May 3, gold prices in India remained stable, silver prices also showed limited movement. Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in your city.

3 May 2026 10:52 am
I asked ChatGPT: SIPs, stocks, or fixed deposits where to invest for maximum return? Answer was shocking

As a 22-year-old salaried person with a student, here's how you can build wealth by investing smartly. AI recommends this when asked about investing in SIPs, stocks, or fixed deposits for the best returns with minimum risk.

3 May 2026 10:42 am
Smart spending: Here's how you can save money without sacrificing fun

Effective money management involves budgeting, debt management, tracking expenses, and distinguishing needs from wants. Here's a few steps you can adopt to ensure financial security and future savings.

3 May 2026 8:50 am
Transactions where PAN is mandatory in India: Full list after form 97 replaces form 60

Starting April 1, 2026, the Income Tax Act mandates quoting a PAN for numerous financial transactions, replacing Form 60 with Form 97. Here's a list of transactions where PAN is mandatory.

3 May 2026 8:47 am
How your credit score impacts home loan approval and what score you need for the best deal Explained

Home loans require lenders to assess creditworthiness, with credit scores significantly influencing approval and interest rates. A score above 750 is ideal, while scores below 700 may lead to higher rates or even rejection. Details here.

3 May 2026 8:44 am
Bank holidays next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed on these days between 4 and 10 May; check RBI calendar

Private and public sector banks in India will be closed for two days between May 4 and 10, 2026. Customers can use online services for transactions during these periods. 

3 May 2026 7:07 am
Section 80C income-tax relief: From PPF to EPF and NPS Here's which investment options give you 1.5 lakh deduction

Taxpayers can rely on Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act to reduce their tax liability through deductions of up to 1.5 lakh in a financial year. Here are the investment options you can choose from:

2 May 2026 10:33 pm
2008 housing crash fears resurfaces but can buyers really follow Dave Ramseys 25% mortgage rule in 2026?

Concerns about a housing market crash are growing among Americans as mortgage rates rise and inflation increases. Financial experts recommend keeping housing costs below 25% of income, though this is becoming difficult with rising home prices. However, a major crash like in 2008 seems unlikely.

2 May 2026 9:02 pm
DA: Highest Dearness Allowance increase of 11% was in 2021 in the 7th CPC Here's how much hikes have been announced

DA hike: The highest hike for Dearness Allowance of central government employees came in 2021 with an 11% increase from the central pay commission. Here's a look at what increments have been announced over the past few years

2 May 2026 8:13 pm
8th CPC: What is the role of pay commissions in calculation of Dearness Allowance?

8th central pay commission: The government appointed panel determines Dearness Allowance hike, fitment factor and other allowances for central govt employees. Here's what role it plays in the decision process

2 May 2026 7:04 pm
Bank deposit risk explained: What happens to your money if a lender fails to return it?

Bank deposits are generally safe, but in case of bank failure, only 5 lakh per depositor is insured under the DICGC. This coverage applies to all accounts in a bank, with specific exclusions for certain deposits. Details here. 

2 May 2026 6:06 pm
Tax-saving FDs vs regular FDs: Interest rates, lock-in and tax benefits compared

Fixed deposits (FDs) are favored for stable returns, with banks in India offering rates up to 7%. Tax-saving FDs provide deductions under Section 80C but have a 5-year lock-in. Interest rates vary, with senior citizens receiving higher rates.

2 May 2026 5:05 pm
Sovereign Gold Bonds: RBI announces redemption price for 2018 series payable on 4 May; here's how much you gain

The RBI has set the final redemption price for its Sovereign Gold Bond 2018-19 Series-I at 14,901 per unit, payable on 4 May 2026. Investors could see gains of nearly 386% from the issue price of 3,114 per unit.

2 May 2026 3:51 pm
Income tax: How much cash can you deposit to prepay home loan principal without attracting I-T notice?

Income tax rules discourage cash transactions, limiting annual deposits to 10 lakh. Experts recommend using savings accounts for cash deposits

2 May 2026 3:07 pm
How to claim stuck NPS funds with interest? Step-by-step guide for subscribers

Unclaimed National Pension System contributions can be retrieved through a mechanism specified by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. Full details here.

2 May 2026 3:03 pm
Family floater vs separate policy: Whats best health insurance policy for your elderly parents?

Family floater health insurance premiums are primarily calculated based on the age of the eldest member covered. Other key factors are - sum insured, medical history of family members, and family size 

2 May 2026 1:54 pm