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Tax refunds jump 22% so far, claims Scott Bessent what should filers look for this season?

The average tax refund has increased by 22% this season, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The IRS has not released official data yet, and early figures can be misleading, says expert.

14 Feb 2026 7:46 pm
How to earn 20,000 per month using SCSS while getting tax benefits? Explained

SCSS is a government-backed small savings scheme designed for senior citizens to keep their finances steady after retirement. SCSS gives Indians over the age of 60 to have a secure and safe investment avenue.

14 Feb 2026 3:41 pm
Chinese firms to make cars in US? Ford CEO, Trump admin officials discuss US-China automaker JV: Report

The discussions are still preliminary and informal as no solid decision has been made on the matter, according to the report quoting people familiar with the matter.

14 Feb 2026 1:20 pm
Explained: Can you open more than one PPF account? Here's what government rules say

Individuals can invest a minimum of 500 and a maximum of 1.5 lakh per year for 15 years in their PPF accounts. This amount is locked in for 15 years, after which you can get your investment back with interests without having to pay any tax.

14 Feb 2026 10:57 am
UPI to withdraw PF? EPFO working on new app to make money transfer easy for you, reports claim How it will work

The labour ministry is working on a project under which a certain amount of PF money will be frozen, and members will be able to see a large chunk of their provident fund available for withdrawal through their bank using UPI.

14 Feb 2026 8:52 am
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on Saturday, 14 February? Check RBI calendar

Bank holiday today, 14 February: Bank holiday on Saturday is designated as a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act by the RBI. This bank holiday regulates the issuing of cheques and promissory notes.

14 Feb 2026 7:34 am
Need higher value-addition in electronics export, says Niti Aayog

India's electronics exports grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% between 2015 and 2024, far outpacing global electronics trade growth of 4.4%.

14 Feb 2026 5:50 am
Over with GST transition pain, FMCG cos now eye a long-term recovery

GST 2.0 was meant to spur spending, with expectations of a shift to premium and branded goods. Though big-ticket items have seen some traction, the wider consumption uptick remains elusive.

14 Feb 2026 5:36 am
Banks are showing interest in becoming pension fund managers: PFRDA chairperson S. Ramann

S. Ramann said the PFRDA has received enquiries from two banks. 

13 Feb 2026 8:26 pm
PSU banks eye infra bond issuances, await softer yields

Bankers say the timing hinges on expectations of further liquidity support from the central bank to bring rates down.

13 Feb 2026 6:42 pm
Mint Explainer | Why Niti Aayog recommends congestion pricing to discourage excess usage of private vehicles

Over half of road passenger movement in India is from personal vehicles. The study suggests that effective implementation could enhance public transport share and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas.

13 Feb 2026 6:00 pm
Late Adman Piyush Pandey's final foreword adds heft to Rajesh Kumar's new book on B2B marketing

In his book, marketing veteran Rajesh Kumar argues that structural shifts in purchasing behaviour are reshaping enterprise go-to-market strategies.

13 Feb 2026 4:42 pm
SC says spectrum of bankrupt telecom operators can't be sold to repay lenders

The Supreme Court has said that telecom spectrum is a material resource of the community and cannot be treated as a tradable asset to repay lenders.

13 Feb 2026 10:53 am
Indias top firms suffer a 12,000 crore labour code blow in Q3

The IT sector is the worst hit as the new labour laws increase social security payouts and retirement benefits. Consulting firms caution that wage bills are set to increase even as India Inc.s margins are under pressure amid macro and global uncertainties.

13 Feb 2026 5:30 am
AI phobia, US jobs data wipe out 4 trillion for IT shareholders in six weeks

A combination of higher-for-longer US interest rates and the rapid evolution of autonomous AI agents has triggered a massive sell-off in Indian IT, with TCS and Infosys bearing the brunt.

12 Feb 2026 9:13 pm
RBI proposes ban on intimidation, abusive calls by loan recovery agents

RBI said neither the banks employee, nor the recovery agent should engage in any harsh methods to recover dues. Use of abusive language, sending inappropriate messages either on mobile or through social media, or excessively calling or calling outside the prescribed hours would be considered harsh.

12 Feb 2026 9:00 pm
5 lakh DICGC bank deposit insurance: Is it enough or should the govt increase it?

DICGC insurance covers 97.6% of the total bank accounts, but only 41.5% of the value (amount) of deposits. The cover was last increased from 1 lakh to 5 lakh in 2020. In 2025, a proposal to increase it was considered.

12 Feb 2026 8:39 pm
India backs carbon capture push to shield steel exports from EU carbon tax

Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy says subsidies and a domestic carbon market could help secure EU recognition under CBAM, though analysts warn the allocation may offer limited near-term relief.

12 Feb 2026 1:14 pm
Post-pandemic change: Hindi film viewers now seek diverse content, not just action and spectacle

The 2025 box office report shows a significant change in audience preferences when it comes to Hindi films, with multiple genres scoring big hits and signalling a healthier, more resilient industry.

12 Feb 2026 12:56 pm
New income-tax rules may revive interest in old regime for high-income salaried taxpayers

The recent proposals in the Income Tax Rules enhance education and college hostel allowances and reclassify cities for HRA purposes. These changes may entice salaried individuals to reconsider the old tax regime, especially in high-rent urban areas. 

12 Feb 2026 11:46 am
Indian market is 18 months ahead of its fair value: DSP Mutual Fund's Kalpen Parekh

Despite consolidating over the past year, the market remains expensive and investors should therefore moderate their return expectations, Parekh told Mint in an interview.

12 Feb 2026 11:26 am
Beyond the comfort of groups: Why individual health insurance still matters

Group and affinity health insurance expand coverage, but their short-term nature, hidden risks and lack of continuity make them an unreliable substitute for individual health policies.

12 Feb 2026 10:50 am
US 2025 tax returns: What is the deadline to file taxes? What happens if you miss it during the 2026 tax filing season?

As the 2026 tax filing season comes, it is important to know the deadline for filing 2025 tax returns. Taxpayers who delay filing their taxes often have to face penalties, late fees and other issues.

12 Feb 2026 8:25 am
Bond yields are rising. How should you reposition your debt fund portfolio?

With bond yields firming up, fund managers say debt fund investors need to strike a careful balance in their portfolios to guard against further upside risks. Heres how they are positioning debt strategies in the current environment.

12 Feb 2026 7:00 am
How to ensure your retirement corpus does not run out early

With proper planning, a little bit of caution and effort, you can have a smooth retirement. 

11 Feb 2026 5:19 pm
US Social Security Payments Schedule: Check beneficiaries, eligibility criteria here's who will be paid on 11 February

Social Security payments in the United States for February 2026 will be distributed based on beneficiaries birth dates. Those born between the 1st and 10th will receive payments on 11 February, while others will be paid later in the month. 

11 Feb 2026 2:27 pm
Why Indian households are rich in property and poor in security

Indias housing and pension markets are failing households. Fixing mortgages and retirement savings could do more for financial security than any new scheme or subsidy.

11 Feb 2026 1:22 pm
Why doing nothing is sometimes the hardestand smartestinvestment decision

From finfluencer hype to F&O losses, the urge to constantly act is quietly eroding retail investor returns. In many cases, patience, not activity, delivers better outcomes.

11 Feb 2026 8:00 am
Erratic winter puts clothing retailers on thin ice for a second straight year

While early signs of a La Nia triggered some early buying in the September quarter, winter remained unusually mild, leading to the second straight year of muted sales for apparel retailers. Is climate change upending the industry?

11 Feb 2026 6:00 am
What you should know about RBI's liberalized remittance scheme

Through RBIs liberalised remittance scheme one can invest in listed foreign shares, and use it for expenses related to foreign travel and business trips, overseas education, medical treatment, etc.

10 Feb 2026 2:38 pm
AMFI January 2026 data: Gold ETF pulls in 2x more inflows, at par with equities for the first time

Gold ETF alone saw inflows worth 24,050 crore, which is nearly double of December's 11,647 crore. Meanwhile, silver ETFs recorded a 9,463 crore inflow, highlighting the rising interest of investors in exchange-traded products that are not equities.

10 Feb 2026 12:23 pm
Draft income tax rules: PAN no more compulsory for hotel bills below 1 lakh, cash withdrawals & deposits below 10 lakh

Days after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 announcement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has brought forward the draft rules and forms for public comments pertaining to the new Income Tax Act, 2025.

10 Feb 2026 11:28 am
Indias new tax law simplifies compliance but complicates salaried tax choices

Indias new Income-tax rules promise simpler compliance through fewer forms and pre-filled returns. But by reviving Old Regime exemptions, they risk making tax choices harder for salaried taxpayers.

10 Feb 2026 10:38 am
8th Pay Commission: Govt seeks suggestions; who can submit? How to send your feedback on www.mygov.in?

The government has recently introduced the 8th Pay Commission website as the 8th CPC has already been constituted. Launching the website formally, the 8th Pay Commission now seeks feedback and inputs from ministries, departments, central government employees and pensioners.

10 Feb 2026 9:06 am
The Ulip paradox: Its tax perks come with unexpected long-term trade-offs.

Ulips come with tax advantages, but from a structural standpoint, the product has limitations.

10 Feb 2026 7:00 am
New Income Tax Act: I-T Dept issues draft rules, seeks feedback from stakeholders - What taxpayers should know

The Income Tax Department has released draft rules under the new Income Tax Act, 2025, to simplify provisions and reduce compliance burdens. Feedback from stakeholders is invited for 15 days until February 22, 2026, on the draft rules.

9 Feb 2026 6:21 pm
Should you invest directly in bonds or a bond mutual fund? Here's all you need to know

Investing in bonds directly is for seasoned investors who want complete control over their investments. New investors and busy professionals can invest through bond funds run by professional fund managers. Bond funds provide the SIP option for regular investments.

9 Feb 2026 6:19 pm
Draft Income tax rules and forms out: Taxpayers can submit comments till this date Here's how to share feedback

Draft Income tax rules and forms out: As CBDT released its new draft income tax rules and forms, now taxpayers will also be eligible for putting forward their comments before the deadline Here's how taxpayers can share their feedback on the new norms. 

9 Feb 2026 5:57 pm
India's investor numbers are soaring, but advisers cant keep up

Millions of new investors are entering the market, but a shortage of qualified advisers threatens long-term wealth creation.

9 Feb 2026 3:40 pm
Why this NRI couple in Norway doesn't mind paying half their income in taxes

Nearly nine years into their move, the familys finances have taken on a distinctly Scandinavian flavour high costs and high taxes offset by strong job security, predictable work hours, and a social safety that covers their long-term financial goals.

9 Feb 2026 2:33 pm
Metros to get big HRA tax relief soon? Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad on govt's 50% exemption list proposal

The Centre plans to expand the list of cities eligible for a 50% House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption under the old tax regime, adding cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, while others remain at 40%. This aims to address rising rental prices in economic hubs.

9 Feb 2026 12:03 pm
How bank auctions can help you buy a 3BHK at a 2BHK price

Even as home prices surge across India, bank auction properties offer patient buyers a chance to buy larger homes at discounted pricesif they are willing to navigate the risks and process.

9 Feb 2026 11:44 am
The personal finance system is rigged for you to fail

A new book confirms what sensible investors have long suspected about finance.

8 Feb 2026 10:47 am