Wealth
These ITR filers can face compulsory scrutiny
Withdrawn entire EPF? Do this to save EPS pension- Mutual Fund PMS: More costs, less returns?
- A SIP portfolio no one is watching? Few simple fixes
- What happens when investors stop SIPs during crises
- International funds soar, but access stays limited
- Can you withdraw Rs 1 L/month from Rs 1.5 cr fund?
- New tax, labour rules reshape 2026 salary hikes
- UAE Landlords can check tenant’s credit score
Metro to small town: Pros, cons and costs
Many are trading metro life for tier 2 cities, seeking better quality of life, cleaner environments, and reduced stress. While income may fall, lower expenses and proximity to family are significant draws. However, career growth, job opportunities, and infrastructure quality remain crucial considerations for this evolving relocation trend.
Fuel price hike: How your car fuel expenses will rise
Recent petrol price hikes across metropolitan cities and increased CNG costs in Delhi and Mumbai are impacting car owners. For those commuting 1,000 km monthly, the additional fuel expenses can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees. Despite the price adjustments, CNG cars continue to offer significant savings compared to petrol vehicles.
Gold vs silver: Where to invest Rs 1 lakh now?
An ideal allocation between gold and silver should depend on an individual’s risk appetite, financial goals and investment goals, Guha underlines. “Gold can be part of the core investment portfolio. Silver can be allocated for a diversified profile and a tactical allocation to benefit from industrial demands and short-term higher returns.”
What homeowners can do about small parking spaces
Homeowners facing inadequate parking spaces from builders have recourse beyond RERA, which doesn't mandate specific parking dimensions. While the National Building Code isn't always legally binding, it serves as a benchmark. Buyers can pursue claims under the Consumer Protection Act for deficiency in service or unfair trade practices if parking is unusable or misrepresented.
How to get Rs 2.46L/year interest income from SCSS
The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers a high 8.2% interest rate for the April-June 2026 quarter, with a five-year tenure extendable by three years. Deposits up to Rs 30 lakh are permitted, and while interest is taxable, a deduction of up to Rs 50,000 is available under Section 80TTB.
₹2cr for degree abroad? How parents can fund smartly
The escalating cost of foreign education, often underestimated by Indian parents, necessitates early financial planning. Beyond tuition, accommodation, insurance, and currency fluctuations significantly increase expenses. Experts advise long-term investing through SIPs, considering education inflation and currency depreciation, to fund overseas studies effectively.
From Rs 10K step up SIP to Rs 1.05 lakh/month income
The combination of SIP and SWP can help you get a Rs 1.05 lakh monthly income for 20 years. While planning for it, experts advise disciplined investing, realistic return expectations, diversification, and sustainable withdrawal rates. The also suggest avoiding common mistakes like stopping SIPs early or withdrawing excessively.
HC rules to release seized demo car taken at discount
A Bengaluru RTO officer unlawfully seized Mr. Rama's demo car, leading to a zero FIR and charges of fraud. The Karnataka High Court quashed the FIR, criticizing the officer's illegal actions and ordering a departmental inquiry. The court emphasized due process, stating seizure is a last resort after proper notice and determination of tax evasion.
0 tax on ₹15L with these benefits under new regime
Salaried individuals can significantly reduce their tax liability under the new tax regime by strategically utilizing allowances and perquisites. The new rules for Tax Year 2026-27 allow for tax-free benefits on items like meal coupons and gadget reimbursements, potentially bringing a Rs 15 lakh CTC to zero tax.
What to do with gold investments after Modi’s appeal
Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to postpone gold purchases to curb India's import bill amidst West Asia tensions. While the intention is welcomed, the industry fears business and job impacts. Experts advise existing investors to hold, suggesting digital gold for new buyers, and propose solutions like domestic gold recycling and tax law amendments to address import concerns.
Missed claim deadline? Reimbursement still possible
A Bombay High Court ruling favored policyholders, stating insurers cannot reject claims solely for delayed document submission beyond the 90-day deadline. The court invoked Section 28 of the Contract Act, deeming such clauses void. This judgment emphasizes that genuine claims should be assessed on merits, not technical procedural delays, aligning with IRDAI's fair claims philosophy.
How to rebalance portfolio in current environment?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: How to rebalance portfolios in the current environment—between equity, debt, gold, and global assets—to manage both risk and return?
How can you make Rs 1 crore from PPF investment?
The PPF maturity period is 15 years, after which, you can continue your PPF account with or without contributions. PPF provides a 7.1% interest rate, which is reviewed quarterly. But if we assume that the interest rate won’t change, your PPF investment can help you build a Rs 1.03 crore corpus in 25 years.
Protecting your household budget with EVs, solar
Fuel prices are volatile, electricity tariffs are rising, and your LPG cylinder is at the mercy of global events. Here’s how switching to an EV, rooftop solar, or an induction cooktop can protect your household budget. And what it will actually cost you.
₹1cr home or ₹6cr corpus? How renting can beat buying
Buying a home in Indian metros is an emotional decision, but financial realities are shifting. Renting and investing the difference between rent and EMI can build substantial wealth over two decades. Equities offer higher long-term returns than property appreciation. The choice hinges on prioritizing financial optimization or personal stability.
Can NRI use Indian mobile number abroad for banking?
NRIs managing finances abroad often face OTP issues with their Indian mobile numbers. While banks are increasingly supporting international numbers and app-based authentication, maintaining an active Indian SIM remains crucial for many transactions. Read the article to know how NRIs can keep their Indian mobile number active, handle OTP issues overseas and avoid common banking access problems
Why no change in salary under new labour code yet?
Salaried employees are yet to see benefits from the new labour codes due to delayed state-level implementation. While some aspects like ESI coverage are changing, the full impact on in-hand salary, particularly PF contributions, is pending. Employers are strategizing transitions, with changes often linked to annual reviews rather than immediate pay slips.
Maharashtra allows will registration for Rs 100
A Will has always been optionally registrable under Section 18 of the Registration Act, 1908, and registration is not mandatory for validity. What Maharashtra has now done, by extending its ‘One District One Registration’ framework to testamentary instruments, is two-fold: it has decoupled the act of registration from territorial jurisdiction, and reaffirmed the nominal Rs 100 fee with no statutory deadline for presenting the will.
SBI employees’ 2-day nationwide strike on May 25, 26
SBI employees' nationwide strike May 25, 26: The demands raised by the federation include recruitment of messengers and armed guards, adequate staffing, and stopping outsourcing of permanent roles. AISBISF has also underlined issues like pension related concerns under the National Pension System, lack of inter circle transfers for employees recruited after 2019.
Want to study abroad? How to get max scholarship
Securing prestigious scholarships for studying abroad requires more than just academic merit; it demands years of dedicated groundwork and a compelling narrative. Indian students aiming for international education must strategically build impactful profiles, focusing on deep engagement with specific issues and clearly articulating their intent and need.
Can NPS Swasthya replace your health insurance?
Can the NPS Swasthya scheme be an effective substitute for a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers hospitalisation and related expenses? Participating companies say that is not its objective. The scheme allows you to dip into your NPS corpus to fund healthcare needs, but several conditions apply.
NRI son gets tax notice for depositing parents’ cash
A US-based son, Mr. Bussi, successfully challenged an Indian income tax notice after depositing Rs 11 lakh cash into his parents' account during demonetisation. The ITAT Delhi cancelled the notice, acknowledging the funds were genuine remittances from earlier years, ruling in favor of the NRI after a six-year legal battle.
New online gaming rules: What's changing for you?
An online game is any game played on a phone, laptop, or digital device, operated through software using the internet or any form of electronic communication. This definition ensures that almost every form of digital gaming falls within its scope. The real difference, and the real tax impact, begins when we look at how these games are classified.
Income tax implications of Wipro share buyback
Wipro's share buy-back offers Rs 250 per share, a premium over market price. New tax rules effective April 1, 2026, treat buy-back proceeds as capital gains. This makes tendering shares more tax-efficient for both promoters and non-promoters compared to selling on the open market.
Int’l travel insurance: Focus on coverage, not cost
Medical coverage, duration and geography, add-ons, and claims experience are some aspects one must keep in mind before selecting the international travel insurance provider. Selecting a policy from India is less about finding the cheapest option and more about finding the right balance between cost and meaningful coverage.
How insurance dark patterns can raise your premium
Deloitte India’s Aakash Sharma & Suchintan Chatterjee talk to Yasmin Hussain on insurance dark patterns.
Child enrichment can cost Rs 1 L/year: How to budget
From phonics to piano, music to drama, activity classes for pre-schoolers are growing fast—and so is the cost of raising a well-rounded child.
AIF returns: High alpha on paper, not in cash
Alternative Investment Funds have delivered an average alpha of 9% over the Sensex, but most of that exists only in valuations, not in cash returned to investors. Here’s what to look out for before you commit a crore.
No nomination in MFs or demat? Guide for legal heirs
Not having a nominee in mutual funds or demat accounts doesn’t mean your investments are lost—but it can make access difficult for your family. In the absence of a nominee, legal heirs must navigate a detailed transmission process involving documentation, legal proof, and, in some cases, court procedures.
Key tax deadlines for FY25-26 you shouldn’t miss
Navigating income tax deadlines for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) is crucial to avoid penalties. The Income Tax Department has set specific due dates based on taxpayer categories, with options for belated, revised, and updated returns to ensure compliance and correct any oversights.
Do you need tax clearance for foreign travel?
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, 2025—read with Section 536 and CBDT Instruction No. 1/2004—makes it clear that no such blanket requirement exists.
Investing in 40s–50s? How to catch up on lost years
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.
GIFT City, Dubai or Singapore? Tax costs & benefits guide
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.
Hospital stocks stay healthy despite market fall
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.
India Inc salary reset may cut take-home pay
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.
Direct vs indirect taxes: What’s the difference
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s 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.
