The Economic Times

NRE and NRO accounts offer investment avenues for Non-Resident Indians in India. NRO accounts accept Indian earnings, while NRE accounts hold international funds. Interest on NRO deposits faces tax, unlike NRE accounts which are tax-free. NRE funds are fully repatriable, and NRO funds have a yearly repatriation limit. Major banks offer similar interest rates on both NRE and NRO fixed deposits.

Individuals with business income must file ITR-3 for AY 2026-2027. This form captures various income sources, including salary and capital gains. Taxpayers can file ITR-3 online through the e-filing portal. The process involves filling general information and specific schedules. E-verification must be completed within thirty days of submission.

An expert recommends diversifying Rs 15 lakh across equity mutual funds, precious metals and international funds for a 10-year horizon. Investors should align allocations with their risk profile and goals, while staggering investments over 1520 weeks to manage volatility.

Around 41 equity mutual funds delivered more than 15% CAGR over both three- and five-year periods. Bandhan Small Cap Fund led three-year returns at 25.95%, while Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund topped the five-year chart at 21.64%.

NRI son gifted Rs 30 lakh shares to his father through an off-market transfer. Should it be reported in ITR? Although a genuine gift of shares from a son to his father is not regarded as a transfer for capital gains purposes in the hands of the donor, the reporting of such off-market transactions in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) often creates uncertainty. Experts explain AIS, tax rules and how to avoid notices.

Individuals can compare income tax return filing charges across several platforms. The deadline for filing is July 31, 2026, for many taxpayers. AI-assisted self-filing options are available at lower costs. Expert-assisted plans offer comprehensive support for complex income situations. These services cater to students, salaried individuals, pensioners, and NRIs.

FCNR(B) vs NRE currency risk: FCNR(B) and NRE deposits offer distinct investment avenues for non-resident Indians. FCNR(B) deposits provide currency protection, while NRE deposits carry exchange rate risk. Calculations show NRE deposits can yield higher returns if the rupee strengthens. However, the rupee has historically depreciated against the US dollar. Choosing between them depends on individual risk appetite and future fund utilization.

Can merchants legally charge customers extra for credit card payments? The Reserve Bank of India regulates these payment systems and card acceptance rules. Consumers should check final amounts and report unauthorized transactions immediately.

EPS pension : The central government has implemented the Employees' Pension Scheme 2026. This new scheme replaces the Employees' Family Pension Scheme 1971 and EPS 1995. Pension calculation formula remains unchanged while new rules address fund investment and claim delays.

Taxpayers must respond to Section 143(1) intimations with tax demands promptly. Failure to respond within thirty days can lead to penalties. Interest accrues on unpaid demands after the stipulated period expires. Ignoring these notices may result in being classified as an assessee in default. This classification empowers the tax department to initiate recovery proceedings.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and five others feature among the top flexi cap mutual funds for July 2026, shortlisted on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk and outperformance.

A 35-year-old investor from Hyderabad, aiming to retire in the next 10 years, sought expert advice on whether his Rs 42,500 monthly SIP portfolio can help build a retirement corpus of Rs 1 crore. While the target appears achievable with disciplined investing, the expert recommended simplifying the 14-fund portfolio and reviewing retirement needs beyond just the corpus size.

Gold rate: Gold prices saw an increase at major jewellery retailers today. Tanishq's 22k gold jewellery is priced at Rs 13,475 per gram. Other brands like Malabar Gold & Diamonds also show a price rise. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association provided indicative rates. These rates may vary based on location and taxes.

Section 80CCD(2) provides a tax deduction for employer contributions to NPS. This benefit remains available under the new tax regime for salaried individuals. Private sector employees switching to the new regime find this deduction particularly attractive. Employer contributions lower taxable income and build retirement savings simultaneously.

The Ministry of Finance has announced the GPF interest rate for the upcoming quarter. General Provident Fund and similar government funds will earn 7.1 percent interest. This rate remains unchanged for the July to September 2026 period. Public Provident Fund and small savings schemes also retain their current rates. Employees Provident Fund interest rate stands at 8.25 percent for the fiscal year.

Balanced advantage funds dynamically manage equity exposure based on market conditions. These hybrid schemes invest in stocks, debt, and arbitrage opportunities. While advisors recommend them, these funds are not entirely risk-free investments. Investors should tolerate stock market volatility and have a five-year horizon. Edelweiss and ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Funds are recommended options.

Legacy planning helps Indian families transfer wealth smoothly across generations. Unit Linked Insurance Plans offer life cover and market-linked growth potential. Life insurance provides immediate financial security after an unexpected earning member's demise. ULIPs build a long-term corpus and offer liquidity after a lock-in period. Bajaj Life Supreme can support wealth creation and family protection goals.

Taxpayers can now e-verify their Income Tax Returns using multiple online options. Aadhaar OTP and Electronic Verification Code (EVC) are convenient methods available. Net banking and Demat accounts also facilitate this essential tax process. The Income Tax Department provides clear steps for each verification method. Completing this verification ensures your tax return is officially processed.

Central government employees retiring soon will find CGHS pensioner card applications simpler. Pension details from the Bhavishya portal will now pre-fill CGHS applications automatically. This integration reduces paperwork and manual data entry for all retiring employees. PAN card will serve as the unique identifier for data exchange between systems. Approved CGHS pensioner cards can be downloaded from both the CGHS and Bhavishya portals.

The Aadhaar app has surpassed four crore downloads, becoming a key digital service platform. Users can now update addresses and personal details conveniently from home. The biometric lock feature allows users to control fingerprint and face authentication access.

Filed revised ITR but lost Rs 2.99 lakh capital loss carry forward benefit claimed in original ITR; Know how a man challenged tax dept's decision and won case in ITAT Bangalore. Know how the taxpayer won the case in ITAT Bangalore.

Employee unions demand a higher minimum Employees Pension Scheme pension. The government has not announced any increase to the current Rs 1,000. The Employees Pension Scheme 2026 has now replaced the previous EPS 1995. This new scheme introduces faster pension claim settlements and higher interest. Pension calculation formulas under the new scheme remain unchanged.

Choosing the right income tax return form for AY 2026-27 depends on income sources. Individuals can now report two house properties using ITR-1 under specific conditions. Salary, house property, and other sources may qualify for ITR-1 if income is below fifty lakh. Business or professional income typically requires ITR-3 or ITR-4 for presumptive taxation. Capital gains and complex income often necessitate ITR-2 or ITR-3 forms.

Many taxpayers wrongly believe that capital gains deposited in the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) become taxable only on withdrawal. This article explains the overlooked three-year rule under Sections 54 and 54F, why it leads to income tax notices and the key compliance checks taxpayers should undertake while filing their ITR for AY 2026-27

Purple Finance plans to acquire Saksham Gram Credit for rural market expansion. The company also secured equity funding of Rs 108 crore for growth. This acquisition will mark Purple Finance's entry into rural and semi-urban lending. Combined Assets Under Management are expected to reach approximately Rs 850 crore. The deal strengthens distribution networks and supports small finance bank aspirations.

Gold rates today: Gold rates saw a significant increase across leading Indian jewellery brands today. Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas reported higher prices for 22k gold. Consumers planning purchases should compare prices to secure the best available deals.

Foreign currency deposits have seen significant inflows after a new RBI scheme. Canara Bank offers the highest 3-year FCNR(B) USD fixed deposit rate. HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank offer a 6% interest rate. These deposits are available in various foreign currencies and offer tax exemptions.

Indian taxpayers earning global income face potential double taxation concerns. India's tax treaties offer relief through credits or exclusive taxing rights. Taxpayers must accurately report foreign income and overseas assets to authorities. Claiming foreign tax relief prevents unnecessary tax burdens and compliance issues. Understanding treaties and documentation is key for cross-border tax matters.

Sebi has eased certification rules for Specialized Investment Fund distributors. A new certification allows selling both mutual funds and SIFs. This new NISM Series V-D certification is now required for SIF distributors. Those holding this certification can distribute both product types. Existing mutual fund-only distributors retain their NISM Series V-A requirement.

Mutual fund unit transmission is now simpler for nominees and joint holders. Asset management companies will rely on the latest address with valid documents. A harmonised framework addresses name and signature mismatches effectively. Surviving joint holders or nominees submit a death certificate and bank details. The process is completed within five to fifteen working days.

Sebi has launched a unified certification for mutual fund and Specialised Investment Fund distributors, known as the NISM Series V-D certification. This new credential streamlines the eligibility criteria for selling these products.

Indian taxpayers must report foreign assets in their Income Tax Returns for AY 2026-27. Foreign currency amounts require conversion to Indian Rupees using SBI's TTBR exchange rate. This specific rate is mandated by the Income-tax Rules for accurate reporting. Taxpayers should use the TTBR rate applicable on the relevant date of acquisition or closing year. Retaining records of the adopted exchange rate is crucial for compliance and avoiding reporting errors.

8th Pay Commission salary: Central government employees anticipate the 8th Pay Commission's fitment factor recommendations. A higher fitment factor could significantly increase employee payouts and basic salaries. Past pay commissions show varied gross salary hikes despite differing fitment factors. The prevailing Dearness Allowance rate influences the actual gross salary increase. Projections suggest potential gross salary increases ranging from 31% to 68%.

After filing your Income Tax Return, you may receive a Section 143(1) intimation notice. This notice confirms the tax department's preliminary processing of your filed return. It details any adjustments made to your income, deductions, and tax liability. Taxpayers must review this intimation carefully for any discrepancies or demands. Responding within thirty days is crucial to avoid penalties and interest.

ITR filing 2026: The government has addressed concerns regarding the income tax e-filing portal's performance. While usage has increased, the portal has largely remained stable, according to officials. The managed service provider, Infosys, has faced contractual penalties for project delays and outages.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 45, and want to buy a holiday home, or what may be called a second home. I do not have any major financial commitments apart from my two daughters education. I have also been investing through Systematic Investment plans (SIPs) for the past two years. Should I liquidate my gold investments to buy the second home, or would it be better to pledge the gold instead?

Choosing health insurance requires careful consideration of several important factors. Opting for a policy simply because it has a low premium can leave you underinsured and cost you more when you actually need to file a claim. Adequate coverage is crucial, especially as medical inflation is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. Read on to learn about five key factors every policyholder should assess before buying a policy.

Gold rate: Gold prices saw an increase across major Indian cities on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association also noted an upward trend in gold rates. Consumers planning purchases should verify current rates before buying.

Sovereign gold bonds: The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price for SGB 2019-20 Series-VIII. This offers investors a significant absolute return of nearly 257 percent. Tax rules apply to capital gains on premature redemption of these bonds.