The Economic Times

Tax professionals are struggling to file GSTR-3B for March 2026. The GST portal is experiencing significant slowdowns, preventing logins and filings. This is causing concern as missed deadlines can lead to severe consequences, including the suspension of GST numbers. An interim fix was previously suggested for a similar issue in February 2026.

Checking your CIBIL score is now easier. The BHIM App, developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited, has integrated TransUnion CIBIL's consumer CIBIL Score and Credit Information Report. Users can now access and track their credit information directly within the app. This facility operates on customer consent. The article also outlines how to check your score and raise disputes for inaccuracies.

Chartered accountants and tax professionals are demanding an extension for the GSTR-3B filing deadline, citing persistent issues with the GST portal. Many reported being unable to log in, save returns, or make payments, leading to significant frustration on the last day to file for March 2026. Urgent resolution is requested.

As per the prices quoted by leading jewellery retailers in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was over Rs 15,500 per gram, down from Rs 15,400 per gram levels on Friday. 22 karat gold was largely priced between Rs 13,980 to Rs 14,235 per gram.

Nuvama Institutional Equities expects a reshuffle in AMFIs H2 CY26 categorisation, with several stocks at risk of moving between segments. Changes in market capitalisation thresholds could push select largecap names into midcap and midcaps into smallcap, reflecting shifting valuations and evolving market dynamics across Indias equity landscape.

Gold rate today: Gold and silver prices are seeing movement ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. Geopolitical events are influencing market trends. Consumers can check rates from Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. IBJA also provides indicative retail selling rates. These prices are for April 20, 2026.

Building long-term wealth through mutual funds requires a prudent mix of asset allocation, disciplined investing, and regular portfolio reviews.

The Income Tax Department has introduced a new Form 97, replacing Form 60, for individuals without a PAN card undertaking specific transactions. This includes buying property above the specified value, opening bank accounts, and making certain cash payments. The revamped forms aim to simplify compliance, with reduced reporting expected for these declarations.

Shriram Finance Limited has revised its fixed deposit interest rates effective May 6, 2026, with reductions across various tenures for deposits up to Rs. 10 crore. This follows the company's upgrade to a AAA (Stable) credit rating by major agencies, signifying the highest degree of safety for investors and depositors.

Five mutual funds added eight midcap stocks to their portfolios in March, signaling selective accumulation as valuations turned attractive after the recent correction.

The introduction of Form 157 and Form 159 under the Income-Tax Rules, 2026 has sparked confusion over whether tax clearance is now mandatory for all Indians travelling abroad. However, a closer reading of Section 420 of the Income-Tax Act, 2025read with Section 536 and CBDT Instruction No. 1/2004makes it clear that no such blanket requirement exists.

Nippon India Mutual Fund demonstrated strong performance in Gold and Silver ETFs during Akshaya Tritiya 2026. The fund house secured a significant market share in combined volumes and investor base. This leadership highlights its consistent performance and superior liquidity, making it a preferred choice for Gold and Silver ETF investments in India.

Social media claims about the Reserve Bank of India allowing exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes are false. The official website of the RBI remains the most reliable place to check for any announcements related to currency, banking regulations or exchange facilities. People are advised to rely only on official sources for such updates.

Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF has delivered exceptional returns, outperforming equity mutual funds over seven years, driven by US tech giants and a weakening rupee. However, experts caution against chasing sector-specific rallies, advocating for diversified domestic equity exposure for long-term wealth creation.

Homebuyers often face parking disputes after taking possession of their homes. Experts advise checking parking space dimensions, legal terms, and local bylaws before buying. Developers may squeeze parking areas due to utility spaces. Verify actual basement parking size and contractual agreements to prevent future conflicts. Parking is a legal and technical due diligence matter.

Bank holiday today for Basava Jayanti/Akshaya Tritiya: Banks across India will observe several holidays in April 2026, with closures varying by state due to regional festivals and observances.

Indian wealth is increasingly seeking global anchors, with GIFT City, Dubai's DIFC, and Singapore emerging as key contenders. Each hub offers distinct advantages in access, tax efficiency, and regulatory comfort, catering to different investor profiles from first-generation entrepreneurs to established family offices.

Small-cap funds, which previously gated inflows due to stretched valuations and excessive liquidity, are now reopening. While some funds have lifted restrictions, others, particularly larger ones, maintain them, citing capacity constraints and liquidity risks. Investors should view these actions as risk management, not market timing signals.

Over the past five years, the sector has delivered strong growth, with revenues rising about 15.5% annually between FY2019-20 and FY2024-25, while EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) grew faster at around 25%. This was driven by higher insurance-led payments ensuring steadier revenues, strong demand for profitable inpatient care, and aggressive expansion in beds and facilities.

Rate cuts are off the table, inflation is creeping up, and the Strait of Hormuz remains a wildcard. In a candid interview with ET Wealths Kayezad E. Adajania, Rahul Goswami of Franklin Templeton, sees a clear opportunity in long-dated bonds for investors who can stomach near-term volatility.

A health plan consists of a base plan and riders or add-ons. Earlier, the base plan comprised fixed features that could not be changed, and one could add only 2-3 ridersusually critical illness, personal accident, co-pay/ deductibleat the time of purchasing the policy.

In situations of financial distress, parents may themselves need help and support. Many of us that live the good life can look out to help and support such families among our friends and relatives. Providing the children the hope that things will get better, and helping their parents clamber back on to their feet, without the blame-game might help immensely.

The National Pension System's exit rule eased, allowing more flexibility with annuity purchases. Retirees must carefully decide how much to allocate to annuities, balancing essential expense coverage with potential market returns. While annuities offer stable income, Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) provide tax advantages and flexibility, though they require discipline.

The good thing is that you would be earning well in your 40s and 50s. Combine this with the fact that many of your other goals would have been by now largely (if not fully) managed. So you can invest more as the surplus is there.

The annual returns are ranked for 6 key NSE factor indices, with a broad-based index, Nifty 500, thrown in for comparison. This map shows that no single-factor strategy consistently outperforms, making a strong case for diversification. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 99th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the two types of taxes.

Salaried employees face uncertainty as new labor codes and tax rules loom. Companies are preparing for changes, but widespread implementation is delayed pending final government notifications. The shift towards a fixed-heavy salary structure, with higher basic pay, may reduce take-home salaries while boosting long-term retirement savings.

Akshaya Tritiya, April 19, 2026, is here. This auspicious day is ideal for gold purchases and new beginnings. Families traditionally invest in gold and start ventures. Check the latest gold rates from Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The Bureau of Indian Standards app helps verify gold authenticity.

Five mutual funds added 11 smallcap stocks to their portfolios in March, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. SBI Mutual Fund and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund led additions, while Axis, Nippon India and Quant Mutual Fund also picked select names, reflecting active portfolio management in the smallcap segment.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund, a new entrant, reported an AUM of Rs 15,258 crore in March, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as its top holdings. The portfolio also includes Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, Infosys and ITC, based on data from Prime Database.

Nine midcap stocks, including Physicswallah and Jubilant Foodworks, may be downgraded to smallcap in AMFIs H2 CY26 rejig, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. Revised market capitalisation thresholds could trigger reclassification, impacting mutual fund portfolios and stock positioning across categories.

Gold ETFs have delivered significant returns, with some offering up to 59% since the last Akshaya Tritiya. Tata Gold ETF led with a 59.42% return. Experts suggest digital gold via ETFs or funds of funds is preferable for investment. Gold remains a crucial asset for portfolio diversification and hedging against inflation and economic uncertainty.

A Supreme Court ruling in 2025 favored a land buyer who was defrauded by a seller concealing an existing mortgage. The court affirmed that buyers are entitled to a full refund of their deposit when sellers fraudulently hide property encumbrances. This case underscores the importance of thorough due diligence for property buyers.

Akshaya Tritiya, a day for prosperity, now embraces digital gold. This modern investment allows easy online gold purchases, offering convenience and flexibility. Investors can start small, ensuring consistent savings. Digital gold blends tradition with smart financial planning for a secure future. It provides a safe and accessible way to honor this timeless gold tradition.

Gold prices in Dubai remained a key focus on Saturday, April 18, 2026, influenced by global market trends. Major jewelers like Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Dubai Jewellery Group, and iGold updated their 18k, 22k, and 24k rates. Consumers can now check the latest prices for 24k gold around AED 582.25 per gram.

DA hike for central government employees: A 2% hike in DA will take it from its current rate of 58% to 60%. With this hike, dearness relief (DR) for pensioners has also been increased to 60%. The announcement is for January 2026 and central government employees and pensioners will get arrears from the back date.

Gold's strong appeal continues for Akshaya Tritiya 2026. Investors are showing interest in coins and small bars. Global economic concerns and geopolitical tensions are driving gold price volatility. Experts suggest this volatility is an opportunity to gradually build gold positions. Consumers are also exploring diamonds and silver alongside gold.

Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a rise on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as Akshaya Tritiya approaches on April 19, 2026. Consumers are closely watching these daily fluctuations to make informed purchase decisions for the auspicious occasion. IBJA rates for April 17, 2026, are also provided.

Gold continues its role as a trusted asset for Indian households, blending tradition with financial security. Investors are showing increased interest in flexible gold options alongside traditional purchases. Global factors like geopolitical tensions and economic growth concerns support gold's appeal. The outlook for gold remains constructive for medium to long-term investors, with a 'buy on dips' strategy recommended.

Gold ETFs and Gold Funds offer different advantages for investors. Gold ETFs are more cost-effective and tax-efficient. Gold Funds provide easier access for those without a demat account. Experts suggest Gold ETFs for first-time investors seeking direct exposure. Gold's outlook remains constructive, though near-term volatility is expected. Investors should view gold as a hedge, not a core portfolio allocation.

Sovereign Gold Bond: The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond SGB 2020-21 Series-VII. Investors can redeem these bonds from April 20, 2026. The redemption price is fixed at Rs 15,254 per unit.

Investors selling property face a choice: reinvest for tax savings or maximize long-term wealth. Financial expert Shweta Jain advises a balanced approach for a 10-year horizon, suggesting a mix of high-growth equities and stable instruments. While reinvesting in property offers tax benefits, it limits liquidity. Diversification is key for optimal returns and financial flexibility.