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Freelancers earning income from US IT companies: Key FAQs answered on tax calculation, TDS, GST and ITR filing

Indian freelancers earning from US IT companies need to correctly report income, convert dollar earnings, claim expenses, and comply with ITR, DTAA, GST, and foreign-income rules. 

17 Aug 2026 11:10 pm
Husband deposits his income in wife's bank account: Is she liable to pay tax? Here's what ITAT ruling says

A 71.56 lakh cash deposit in a wifes bank account came under the tax departments scrutiny after she said the money was received from her husband. The Pune ITAT has now ruled on whether the same amount could be treated as unexplained income. 

17 Aug 2026 10:28 pm
Reverse migration? Is cash finding its way back as currency with public surges to 41.8 lakh crore?

At present UPI has nil charges, similar to cash transactions. However, if this changes and MDR charges are passed to customers, the public could shift towards cash. Already the margin between cash and UPI transactions is narrowing, as per a report.

17 Aug 2026 9:25 pm
Foreign asset disclosure scheme 2026: How to calculate market value of different overseas holdings check rules

The Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme 2026 allows eligible taxpayers to declare certain foreign assets and income. Valuing these assets correctly is important, with different rules for shares, bank accounts, property, and other assets. 

17 Aug 2026 9:25 pm
8th pay commission: What's on the agenda for upcoming states visits and meetings? Check top updates

8th pay commission: What's on the agenda for the panel's upcoming states visits in August and September? Check top updates for the planned meetings in Jaipur, Chennai, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Mumbai.

17 Aug 2026 7:42 pm
Fact Check: Did PM Modi announce free 1-tola gold scheme on Independence Day? Here's what the PIB unit says

A viral video featuring PM Modi has been circulating on social media, claiming a free 1-tola gold for Aadhaar card holders. Here's what PIB Fact Check reveals about the alleged scheme and the authenticity of the viral video.

17 Aug 2026 7:35 pm
Govt to announce high-powered panel on banking reforms for Viksit Bharat

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says PSB Confluence deliberations will provide substantive inputs to the proposed panel as banks prepare for the next phase of growth.

17 Aug 2026 7:31 pm
DA hike: BMS stages protest at Jantar Mantar to push demands Minimum pension, OPS, labour codes on charter

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh protested in Delhi today, urging the government to address long-standing demands for employees, pensioners, and unorganised workers, including a minimum wage of 30,000 and job security for contract workers.

17 Aug 2026 6:23 pm
Are Income plus arbitrage funds a good investment choice? Returns explained

After attracting nearly 21,000 crore in 2025, income plus arbitrage funds saw investors withdraw around 2,000 crore during the first seven months of 2026 through 31 July, according to MFI360 Explorer.

17 Aug 2026 6:08 pm
Are NRIs taxed on money gifted to a Hindu Undivided Family?

The gift of money from your NRO bank account to your fathers HUF will not create any tax liability for you, as a gift of money is not taxable in the hands of the person making the gift.

17 Aug 2026 5:19 pm
Does becoming a loan guarantor affect your credit score? Key risks borrowers and guarantors should know

Becoming a loan guarantor can affect your credit score, borrowing capacity and financial stability if the borrower misses EMIs or defaults. Know the key risks, credit impact and precautions before signing a loan guarantee.

17 Aug 2026 5:19 pm
Gold and silver returns in 2026: Key growth drivers and right allocation strategy for long-term investors

Gold and silver have taken different paths in 2026, shaped by changing global conditions and demand trends. While both retain a longer-term investment case, Tata MFs latest view points to some important differences investors may want to consider before deciding how to allocate.

17 Aug 2026 4:32 pm
Prashant Kishor's 73 crore property portfolio: When does owning real estate become too much?

Prashant Kishors 73 crore property portfolio highlights why investors should balance real estate with equities, debt, gold and cash, while prioritising liquidity, diversification, risk management and long-term wealth creation.

17 Aug 2026 4:22 pm
Banking for Viksit Bharat: Govt to soon set up high-level panel as sector sees improved asset quality, says Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said the Centre will soon constitute a high-level panel on Banking for Viksit Bharat, which will submit its thoughts and recommendations to the government. 

17 Aug 2026 4:02 pm
Bandhan Small Cap Fund July portfolio: 15 stocks added, 9 exited; HDFC Bank, AWL Agri see higher holdings

Bandhan Small Cap Fund made significant portfolio changes in July, adding 15 new stocks and exiting nine. HDFC Bank, AWL Agri Business and Sterlite Technologies were among the key stocks where the fund raised its holdings.

17 Aug 2026 3:38 pm
Why feeling good is getting expensive

From concert tickets and weekend getaways to coffees, treats and office celebrations, funflation and treatflation are making small pleasures costlierand quietly reshaping how we spend and save.

17 Aug 2026 3:11 pm
Should you invest in income plus arbitrage funds?

Income-plus arbitrage funds, aimed at wealthier investors seeking tax benefits, have seen limited traction, with recent withdrawals offsetting initial inflows. Their complex structures and mixed short-term returns have also hindered adoption.

17 Aug 2026 2:56 pm
Invesco mutual fund: 3 international schemes resume existing SIPs from August 18, but new registrations remain shut

Invesco Mutual Fund is reopening select existing SIPs and STPs in three international fund-of-funds from 18 August. The reopening comes as overseas investment limits continue to restrict fresh investments in international mutual funds.

17 Aug 2026 1:57 pm
Sold ESOP shares after moving abroad? ITAT Mumbai says exercise-date FMV can be treated as cost of acquisition

A UK-based employee sold 1,540 ESOP shares for nearly 26 lakh but reported a 1 lakh short-term capital loss using the shares' FMV as cost. The Mumbai ITAT ruled that the FMV on the ESOP exercise date can be treated as the cost of acquisition, even when the ESOP benefit was not taxed in India. 

17 Aug 2026 1:00 pm
Credit card damaged or not working? Follow these 5 steps to get replacement quickly

Credit card damaged or not working?  Here are five steps to block, report, replace and activate your new credit card while avoiding payment disruptions and delays. Following these steps can help ensure that credit card transactions are restored quickly. 

17 Aug 2026 11:20 am
RBI loan rules 2026: Banks may need borrower consent to change loan benchmark; know what happens to your EMI

RBI has proposed new rules requiring lenders to obtain borrower consent before migrating existing benchmark-linked loans to a new framework. The draft also says the migration cannot increase the prevailing interest rate or attract any fee.

17 Aug 2026 10:54 am
AI has changed investing. Or has it changed investors?

In the age of AI, what additional value does a financial adviser really bring?

17 Aug 2026 10:49 am
Gold, silver prices today, 17 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 17 August: 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.

17 Aug 2026 9:29 am
RBI asks rating agencies to stop naming it as bank deposit regulator: What this means for depositors

RBI has asked credit rating agencies to stop identifying it as the regulator for bank deposit ratings, according to a vreport. The move could create a compliance issue for rating agencies and affect how depositors assess bank credit risk.

17 Aug 2026 8:20 am
8th Pay Commission: Pensioners seek inclusion of pension revision in Terms of Reference

Pensioner bodies BPS and AIDEF urge the government to amend the 8th Pay Commission's Terms of Reference, seeking explicit pension revision, family pension inclusion, and parity for central government pensioners retiring before 1 January 2026.

17 Aug 2026 8:09 am
SGB 2021-22 Series V premature redemption today: 4,740 investment becomes 15,295, giving investors 223% gain

SGB 2021-22 Series V investors can redeem their bonds prematurely on 17 August 2026 at 15,295 per unit, against an issue price of 4,740 for online investors. This translates into an absolute capital gain of about 223%.

17 Aug 2026 8:01 am
ITR defective notice for AY 2026-27: Why you may receive it, deadline to respond and what happens if you ignore it

A defective ITR notice under Section 139(9) can be issued when your tax return contains missing, inconsistent, or incorrect details. But how much time you have to respond and what could happen if you ignore it are important things taxpayers should know.

16 Aug 2026 11:12 pm
Only two dividend yield funds gave over 10% returns in the last 1 year: Find out who led the category and who lagged

Only two dividend yield funds delivered over 10% returns in the last one year, while some others lagged significantly. Differences in equity allocation, portfolio holdings and expenses contributed to the wide gap in returns across the category.

16 Aug 2026 10:42 pm
Should you keep a 100% equity portfolio? Here's what 20 years of data reveals about risk-adjusted returns

A 100% equity portfolio delivered better long-term gains, but the picture changes when volatility enters the equation. Data spanning 20 years show how a fixed-income instrument and a 50:50 mix compare in terms of risk-adjusted performance, revealing a different side of portfolio returns.

16 Aug 2026 9:17 pm
Ladli Behna Yojana August installment not received yet? Here's when MP govt could deposit 1500 in your bank account

Ladli Behna Yojana: Beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Yojana are set to receive their 39th direct benefit transfer installment of Madhya Pradesh's flagship financial assistance scheme for women this month. 

16 Aug 2026 8:25 pm
Unlocking Schedule NL-47: How to use annual public disclosures to pick the best health insurance policy

Before purchasing health cover, there are several straightforward questions you should ask. What does the policy cover and how much does it cost? How many claims does the insurer pay? Do customers frequently complain about the product? Is the buying process simple for first-time customers? 

16 Aug 2026 8:23 pm
From 1 lakh to 34 lakh in Nifty 100 over two decades: What the 2008 and Covid crashes teach investors

A 1 lakh investment in the Nifty 100 TRI went through some of the markets biggest shocks before reaching to 34.46 lakh today. The journey spans the 2008 crisis, Covid crash and other sharp corrections, highlighting the role of patience in long-term investing.

16 Aug 2026 7:57 pm
Motor Insurance: Why Own Damage cover matters during monsoon and the add-ons you should know

An Own Damage policy can cover exterior and structural damage, including dents and smashed body panels caused by uprooted trees, falling poles or other objects

16 Aug 2026 6:50 pm
Income tax email scams and fake websites: Key warning signs taxpayers should know and how to report them

Taxpayers are increasingly being targeted by emails and websites that appear to be linked to the Income Tax Department. From suspicious links to requests for sensitive details, here are the key warning signs to watch for and the steps taxpayers can take to stay safe.

16 Aug 2026 6:40 pm
8th pay commission: Here's how unions, stakeholders can apply for meetings in Chennai, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Jaipur

The 8th pay commission recently concluded its four-day session in Delhi between 7 and 10 August and has scheduled meetings in Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur, Mumbai and Puducherry in August and September.

16 Aug 2026 6:21 pm
Mutual fund distributors can act as a behavioural anchor: SEBI's Amarjeet Singh explains MFDs' role for investors

Mutual fund distributors are evolving beyond helping investors select schemes. SEBI's Amarjeet Singh highlights their role in guiding investors through market volatility, expanding mutual fund access and adapting to new opportunities

16 Aug 2026 5:39 pm
Health Insurance claims: 6 common reasons insurers deduct money from your settlement

Understanding these common reasonsand challenging deductions that lack clear justificationcan help consumers effectively dispute unfair cuts and secure a better outcome

16 Aug 2026 5:15 pm
DA hike: Sikkim increases dearness allowance by 2% for employees and pensioners, arrears to come before Dashain

Sikkim CM Tamang announced a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, applicable from January 1, 2026. Arrears will be paid before Dashain 2026. 

16 Aug 2026 4:40 pm
Two houses and a share sale: Can an HUF transfer help claim 54F exemption?

To claim Section 54F exemption while selling shares, one can potentially gift one property to an HUF. The property remains legally owned by the individual, with income categorized accordingly. 

16 Aug 2026 4:32 pm
Foreign assets disclosure scheme 2026: Key FAQs on who can apply, what you can declare and how to file

The Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme 2026 offers eligible taxpayers a one-time window to disclose foreign assets and income. Heres what you need to know about the specific eligibility rules, disclosure limits, deadlines, and payment conditions. 

16 Aug 2026 4:15 pm
Don't let your cash idle in savings account: How excess savings can quietly shrink your wealth

Salaries, performance bonuses, and extra earnings flow into an account month after month, causing the balance to swell quietly. Because investing feels intimidating or easy to postpone, several lakhs often end up sitting dormant over time

16 Aug 2026 3:35 pm
Ayushman Bharat: West Bengal launching scheme today Check hospitals, eligibility, benefits, documents, how to apply

West Bengal is launching the Ayushman Bharat scheme, covering 1.5 crore families today. Here's all you need to know about how many hospitals are participating, eligibility, benefits, documents needed and stepwise guide on how to apply.

16 Aug 2026 3:24 pm
Received a defective notice for filing the wrong ITR form? Here's the deadline to submit a response and the process

Taxpayers may receive defective return notice from the income tax department if they provided incomplete or inconsistent information in their ITR. Here's how to respond to such a notice and the applicable deadline. 

16 Aug 2026 3:15 pm
50 lakh to 2 crore FD: How much annual income can you earn at 6%, 7% and 8% in 2026?

A 50 lakh to 2 crore fixed deposit can generate substantial annual income in 2026. Compare FD returns at 6%, 7%, and 8%; Check and understand senior-citizen rates, taxation, deposit safety, and key factors before investing.

16 Aug 2026 3:08 pm
Pension payments of EPS subscribers can be stopped if you don't submit this document every year; details here

Over 85 lakh pensioners under EPS-95 rely on monthly pensions. However, the payments will only keep coming if you stay compliant with the rules and requirements. Here's what to do to avoid pension payment disruptions. 

16 Aug 2026 2:13 pm
SSY vs PPF in 2026: Compare interest rates, tax benefits, returns and key differences

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) v Public Provident Fund (PPF) in 2026: Compare interest rates, tax benefits, eligibility, maturity, withdrawals and returns to understand which government-backed savings scheme better suits your financial goals.

16 Aug 2026 1:18 pm
NRI buys 79 lakh Mumbai flat using NRE funds, gets unexplained cash tax notice; here's what happened next

An NRI living in the US faced a tax notice for unexplained funds used to buy a Mumbai flat using funds from his NRE account. Here's what happened next.

16 Aug 2026 12:53 pm
5 Health insurance traps to avoid: From cashless cover and room rent limits to hidden exclusions

Health insurance can protect savings from rising medical costs, but hidden exclusions, room-rent limits, sub-limits and incomplete disclosures can reduce claims. Check out these five common health insurance traps and learn how to choose coverage that offers meaningful financial protection.

16 Aug 2026 12:31 pm
EPFO eases partial withdrawal rules; here's how much PF balance members can access during emergencies

The EPFO has simplified withdrawal rules, allowing members to access a major chunk of their PF for emergencies like unemployment, medical needs, education etc. Full details here. 

16 Aug 2026 10:42 am
How to decode your health insurance claim settlement letter

From reasonable and customary charges to consumables and proportionate deductions, heres what policyholders need to know when insurers cut claim payouts.

16 Aug 2026 10:09 am