Zee Biz

Tax harvesting involves strategically selling investments to realise capital gains or losses and then reinvesting the money. The goal is to use tax exemptions and set-off rules to lower future tax liability without changing long-term investment plans.

With the Union Budget 2026 approaching, capital gains taxation has emerged as a key area of focus for investors. Tax experts say that while major structural changes may be limited, the Budget could address simplification of holding period rules, rationalisation of exemptions and removal of procedural anomalies affecting mutual fund and retail investors.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proposed allowing married couples to file a joint income tax return in India, a move that could significantly reduce the tax burden for single-earner households and simplify compliance, while remaining optional for others.

Public and private sector banks across all states and Union Territories of India remained closed on Monday, January 26, on account of the 77th Republic Day of India, which is a national holiday.