The Economic Times

The Income Tax Department has flagged 15,000-20,000 cases of individuals using a 'swapped provisions' trick to unfairly reduce their tax liability. This involves manipulating claims like House Rent Allowance (HRA) for undue benefits. Taxpayers who engaged in this practice are advised to voluntarily pay the correct tax and interest, or seek condonation from the department to avoid penalties and potential legal action.

Indias asset and wealth management industry is projected to reach US$1.7 trillion in AUM by 2030, driven by rising retail participation, growing institutional pools and expanding digital financial infrastructure, according to a PwC report.

Ionic Asset has launched the Global Asset Allocation Fund, a GIFT City-based, privately placed offering aimed at sophisticated investors, HNIs and UHNIs. The fund seeks to provide geography-agnostic multi-asset exposure through a mix of global equities, commodities and REITs, with allocations designed to capture long-term structural opportunities across markets and themes.

Binance is revolutionizing investing by consolidating crypto, stocks, and commodities into a single platform, mirroring Asia's 'super app' model. This move, particularly impactful in emerging markets, offers unprecedented access to global equities and pre-IPO opportunities. Fractional ownership and stablecoin settlements are breaking down traditional barriers, making diversified portfolios accessible via smartphones and promising to channel trillions into equity markets.

Taxpayers can breathe easy as the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for AY 2026-27 is unlikely to be extended. Unlike last year's technical glitches and delayed form releases, this year's process has been smooth, with utilities available on time. Experts advise against banking on an extension and urge prompt filing within the stipulated dates. Various deadlines exist for different taxpayer categories.

The Department of Posts has introduced Aadhaar-based e-KYC at Branch Post Offices, enabling eligible Post Office Savings Account, RD and SSY customers to make paperless deposits up to Rs 50,000 and savings account withdrawals up to Rs 20,000. Aadhaar-authenticated transactions can now be done at any branch, while mobile-linked accounts become mandatory from September 1, 2026.

Salaried individuals awaiting Form 16 for ITR filing can still proceed without it. Employers must issue this TDS certificate by June 15th. If delayed, taxpayers can use salary slips, bank statements, and crucial documents like AIS and Form 26AS to verify income and tax details. These online statements, accessible via the Income Tax portal, are vital for accurate filing and ensuring TDS credit.

Nuvama Institutional Equities expects AMFIs H2 CY26 semi-annual rejig to trigger changes in market-cap classifications, with around nine stocks potentially moving from large-cap to midcap status. Rising cut-off thresholds could affect names across real estate, hospitality, healthcare, industrials and consumer sectors.

Retirees often face a dilemma investing their corpus, balancing safety with growth. Expert Abhijit Chokshi advises a diversified approach for a Rs 1 crore investment, suggesting balanced advantage funds, quality debt funds for emergencies, and a cautious entry into equity via Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs). This strategy aims to manage risk and ensure peace of mind during market volatility, emphasizing a long-term perspective.

Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Tata AIA Multifactor Index Fund, a ULIP-based offering designed to combine equity market participation with life insurance protection. Built on a low-volatility multifactor strategy, the fund aims to provide diversified exposure and steadier long-term wealth creation through a rules-based investment approach.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched a unique technology fund, blending Indian IT stocks with global tech giants. This fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by taking a contrarian view on Indian IT while investing in innovative global companies. It offers investors a single avenue to tap into both domestic and international technology growth opportunities, differentiating itself from single-focus funds.

Gold prices saw a mixed trend on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with Tanishq holding steady while other major jewellers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas lowered their 22K gold rates. This comes as IBJA's Tuesday evening rates indicated a slight dip. Consumers can check specific rates across various purities and brands for informed decisions.

HDFC Mutual Fund has launched the HDFC Nifty Auto Index Fund, an open-ended scheme offering passive exposure to Indias automobile and auto ancillary sector. The NFO is open for subscription and will close on July 3. The scheme will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase within five working days after allotment of units under the NFO.

JM Financial Mutual Fund has launched the JM Multi Asset Allocation Fund, aiming to provide long-term capital appreciation and income by investing across equity, debt, and commodities. The fund employs a structured, model-guided approach to dynamically allocate assets, seeking to navigate market cycles and offer risk-adjusted growth. Experts suggest such funds can offer diversification and stability, potentially outperforming pure equity funds in uncertain times, and may suit first-time investor

Investment advisors are increasingly recommending medium duration funds, anticipating superior returns as interest rates decline. These debt funds, mandated by SEBI to hold instruments with a Macaulay duration of three to four years, suit investors with similar horizons. While sensitive to rate hikes, they offer potential for those willing to accept some volatility for longer-term parking of funds.

Facing vehicle repossession in India? Understand your rights: lenders can't seize your vehicle after just one or two missed EMIs without due process. Recovery agents must not use force or intimidation. You're entitled to notices and can reclaim your vehicle before sale if you regularize your loan. Any surplus from a sale after clearing dues belongs to you. Know the rules to protect your asset.

Investment options for senior citizens: Senior citizens seeking steady retirement income can choose between Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), Fixed Deposits (FDs), and RBI Floating Rate Bonds.

A man will receive Rs 4,000 in compensation after an e-commerce company failed to deliver his grandmother's birthday cake, despite charging extra for delivery. The consumer commission found the company guilty of deficiency in service, ordering a refund of the cake and delivery charges with interest, plus compensation for harassment and litigation costs. The company's claim that the recipient refused the order was disproven by audio evidence.

Indian professionals holding US ESOPs and RSUs face a significant risk of up to 40% US estate tax on assets exceeding $60,000 after their death. This applies even if they are non-residents. Experts suggest strategies like routing shares through GIFT City, investing in UCITS ETFs, or lifetime gifting to mitigate this substantial tax burden for legal heirs.

Understanding mutual fund performance goes beyond just returns. A benchmark, like Nifty 50 or Sensex, acts as a crucial yardstick to gauge a fund's success. Investors should look for funds consistently outperforming their benchmark, even by a small margin, over extended periods and across market cycles. This comparison is vital for making informed investment decisions.

Passive largecap funds led three-year performance, with BHARAT 22 and Nifty Next 50 ETFs delivering 18.9%22.1% annualised returns, while several Sensex and Shariah index funds posted modest gains.

Market downturns often tempt investors to pause their SIPs, but historical data suggests staying invested may be the better strategy. A WhiteOak Capital study found that SIPs with weak initial returns frequently delivered stronger long-term outcomes, reinforcing the importance of discipline, consistency and time in the market.

Central government employees appointed on compassionate grounds before 2004, but joining after, can now opt for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). This decision extends the benefit previously granted to regular appointees who applied before the January 1, 2004, cutoff. The move follows inter-ministerial consultations and addresses demands from employee unions, offering a significant relief for affected families.

Confusion surrounding the new Income Tax Act, 2025, and its transition from Assessment Year (AY) to Tax Year (TY) is clarified by the Income Tax Department. Taxpayers will not need to file two returns for income earned between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

8th pay commission proposals: Central government employees are urging the 8th Pay Commission to significantly hike House Rent Allowance (HRA) rates, citing soaring urban rents. Employee bodies are proposing increases to 36%, 40%, and even higher for different city categories, with some suggesting HRA be linked to Dearness Allowance (DA) and extended to pensioners. These demands aim to better align payouts with the cost of living, particularly for lower-level staff in major metropolitan areas.

Six equity mutual funds have delivered over 20% CAGR in both three- and five-year horizons, an ETMutualFunds analysis showed. The list includes mid cap and small cap schemes from HDFC, Nippon India, Quant, Bandhan and Invesco, highlighting consistent long-term performance across categories despite market volatility.

JM Financial Mutual Fund has launched its new JM Multi Asset Allocation Fund, an open-ended scheme designed for long-term wealth creation. Subscriptions open June 24 and close July 8, 2026. This fund offers a diversified portfolio across equity, debt, gold/silver, and commodity derivatives, aiming for growth with a structured, actively managed approach to navigate various market cycles and economic conditions.

Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a welcome dip today, offering relief to eager buyers. Major brands like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas have reduced their 22k gold rates across key Indian cities.

Mutual funds heavily sold midcap stocks in May, including SAIL, Oracle Financial Services, National Aluminium, and Patanjali Foods, reflecting shifting allocations, valuation concerns, and sector rotation in Indian equity markets.

Indian taxpayers with US 401(k) accounts must now report withdrawals and maturity details in ITR schedules FSI and FA. Failure to disclose can lead to tax issues. Filing Form 40 is crucial for deferring Indian tax until withdrawal, aligning with US taxation and potentially enabling Foreign Tax Credit benefits. New ITR forms require filing ITR-2 or ITR-3 for these disclosures.

ETMutualFunds has shortlisted four top smallcap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk and asset size. Nippon India leads with the highest returns, while others show mixed quartile performance. These funds suit aggressive investors with a high risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon.

The Nature of Employment field in the ITR is more than a routine disclosure. An incorrect selection can affect certain tax benefits, including exemptions on gratuity, commuted pension and leave encashment, as well as deductions for employer contributions to NPS, potentially leading to incorrect tax computation and compliance issues.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: In 2025, I sold a residential property, which was purchased in 2008 in the joint names of my wife and I. However, my wife did not contribute financially to the purchase. I would like to know if both of us can claim long-term capital gains tax benefits.

Eight midcap stocks, including BSE, Vodafone Idea, Hitachi Energy India, Jindal Steel, Indian Bank, Indus Towers, BHEL and Vedanta Aluminium, may be upgraded to largecap status in AMFIs H2 CY26 rejig, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi has ruled that even if a non-resident salaried individual has received any per-diem payments from his Indian employer due to his overseas work, then this payment is not taxable under Article 16 of India-UK Double Tax Avoidance Treaty (DTAA).

A 10% annual SIP step-up could boost a Rs 26,000 monthly investment towards Rs 1 crore in a decade, according to an expert. The analysis highlights portfolio overlap and suggests reallocating from large-cap and mid-cap funds to small-cap ones. Investors are advised to exit thematic and hybrid funds for better diversification and long-term wealth creation.

Gilt funds are being recommended by advisors for 'aggressive' debt investors anticipating interest rate cuts by the RBI, with potential for double-digit returns. These funds, investing in government securities, carry no credit risk but are highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Investors should have a long-term horizon and understand rate cycles to benefit from potential gains when rates fall.

Indians now have easier access to global markets through direct overseas investing or GIFT City. Direct investing offers wider choices and lower entry barriers, ideal for hands-on investors with smaller sums. GIFT City provides a structured, convenient route with higher initial investment, suitable for those seeking a managed approach to international diversification. Read the article to know how the two routes compare in terms of taxation, costs and more.

PFRDA has launched Pension Sahayak, an AI-powered platform simplifying pension grievance redressal. This upgrade from the old CGMS offers web, mobile, and WhatsApp access in 22 languages, including voice commands.