2026 TAX BRACKETS
IRS releases 2027 tax brackets: How new income tax rates and standard deductions for single, married and senior filers could affect your tax bill
Tax brackets 2027: The IRS has raised all seven federal income tax bracket thresholds for 2027 and increased the standard deduction for single, married and head-of-household filers. The changes also include higher capital gains limits, a larger Child Tax Credit and additional tax breaks for eligible seniors.
Indians turn to side hustles, freelancing as non-salary income rises: ClearTax
Indians are increasingly earning from non-salary sources like trading and freelancing as reported by ClearTax. The percentage of self-filers reporting such income grew significantly from previous years. Data shows that young individuals are entering investment opportunities earlier than ever before. Additionally, women's participation in capital gains and higher income brackets has increased noticeably. This reflects a significant change in financial habits and diversification of income sources among taxpayers.
ETMarkets Smart Talk| A ₹25,000 monthly SIP can grow to ₹2.17 crore in 15 years—with a 10% annual step-up: Jeet Marwadi
In an interview with Kshitij Anand of ETMarkets, Jeet Marwadi, Founder and Managing Director of 1 Finance, explains why reviewing loans, insurance, expenses and savings decisions can be just as important as investment selection—and why investors should seek financial advice early in their wealth journey.
Retired bank employee claims tax exemption on Rs 9.53 lakh leave encashment, faces income tax notice and wins full relief at ITAT Jaipur
After retiring from the State Bank of India, Chhaju found himself facing a tax exemption cap of Rs 3 lakh on his leave encashment totaling Rs 9.53 lakh. Determined to secure his rightful benefits, he appealed to the ITAT Jaipur, which sided with him and extended full tax exemption. The tribunal admired prior cases that upheld similar claims from fellow retirees, proving advantageous for Chhaju.
Commuting to work? A $340-a-month pre-tax benefit could reduce your 2026 taxes, and your employer may already offer it to you right now
Getting to work just got a little cheaper. The IRS raised the monthly pre-tax transit cap to $340 for 2026. That lets workers set aside $4,080 a year before income taxes kick in. In the 22% bracket, that saves around $898 annually. Check with payroll to see if your office offers it.
Why a raise may not push you into a higher bracket in 2026: The IRS inflation adjustment trick that many taxpayers still overlook today
When you get a raise, it is easy to worry that a bigger paycheck will push you into a higher tax bracket and leave you with less money. Fortunately, that usually does not happen. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updates tax brackets and deductions every year to account for inflation. These annual adjustments help protect your income from a problem known as "bracket creep."

Married couples, take note: The $32,200 standard deduction in 2026 could shrink your taxable income before you even start itemizing now
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax adjustments for 2026, incorporating annual inflation updates alongside changes made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Married couples filing jointly will see their standard deduction rise to $32,200 in tax year 2026. Single taxpayers will see their standard deduction increase to $16,100.

Give without paying gift tax: The $19,000 annual exclusion is unchanged for 2026, and it lets you move money without gift tax this year
The IRS announced major tax changes for 2026. Standard deductions increase to $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for couples. The gift tax limit stays at $19,000. Estate tax limits and income brackets also shifted.

Who pays 0% capital gains tax in 2026? Check the IRS income limits
Some investors may pay 0% federal capital gains tax in 2026 if their taxable income stays within IRS limits. Single filers can qualify with taxable income of up to $49,450, while married couples filing jointly have a $98,900 threshold. Here’s who qualifies and how long-term gains are taxed.

Paying off student loans? Deduct up to $2,500 in interest on your 2026 return, but watch the income limits that could cut it off early
Student loan borrowers may get a valuable tax break in 2026. The IRS still allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest from income. But the full benefit is not available to everyone. As income rises, the deduction gradually shrinks and can disappear once certain limits are reached.

Digital nomads take note: The $132,900 foreign earned income exclusion for 2026 could wipe out tax on overseas income, here's the catch
For Americans earning money while living and working abroad, one of the biggest 2026 tax changes is the higher foreign earned income exclusion. The IRS has raised the limit to $132,900, up from $130,000 in 2025. That means eligible taxpayers may be able to exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income from U.S. federal income tax.

Before you itemize, check this: 2026’s $16,100 standard deduction could beat your write-offs
The IRS has raised the 2026 standard deduction to $16,100 for single taxpayers, with higher amounts for married couples and heads of household. Here’s a look at the new deduction, tax brackets and other changes taxpayers should know before filing.

Social Security COLA 2027: Latest forecast, likely increase, and why it may be a bad news for retirees?
Anticipation surrounds the October 2026 announcement by the Social Security Administration regarding the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). With estimates suggesting a rise of approximately 3.5% to 3.6% driven by inflation, retirees may find solace in the increase. However, rising Medicare costs could counteract these benefits, particularly for higher earners who might face extra surcharges, complicating their financial strategies.

Ashok Leyland's best year in its history, and what the annual report says about holding on to it
Ashok Leyland sold more commercial vehicles in FY26 than in any year since it was founded, earned its highest-ever profit, and closed with Rs. 5,899 crore of net cash. Where does the company go from here? What strategies will it adopt? A close reading of the 340-page annual report, along with the company's year-end call and the June-quarter filing, provides the answers.

Hybrid funds are booming: Why some advisers prefer them while others remain cautious
Tax efficiency and stability win some advisers over, but others fear giving up returns and control.

₹25,000 EPF wage ceiling: What employees need to know about EPF, EPS and EDLI
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has introduced a new wage ceiling of Rs 25,000, which will directly influence the contributions made by both employees and employers to the provident fund. Furthermore, subscribers of the Employees Pension Scheme can expect an increase in their monthly pension benefits.

Rs 1.17 crore interest income of minor child: Father faces Rs 12.83 lakh penalty; ITAT Delhi cancels it
Satbeer Singh Godara, judicial member and Amitabh Shukla, accountant member of ITAT Delhi, in a recent judgement ruled that a father can’t be slapped with Rs 12.83 lakh penalty under Section 270A if his ITR-reported income matches the assessed income and the only point of contention is the tax benefit from the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) DTAA treaty.

Woman retired at 64 with $380,000 in her 401(k). Nine years later, her first RMD faced a 22% tax rate
During the gap years, retirees often overlook essential tax planning opportunities. This crucial time allows them to manage their taxable income before mandatory withdrawals kick in. One retiree found herself facing significantly higher tax bills in the future because she didn’t convert her savings. As her untouched 401(k) grew, required distributions increased. Engaging in proactive Roth conversions during periods of low income can enhance tax efficiency considerably.

IRS drops 2026 tax brackets — here’s what top earners must know now
IRS tax brackets 2026: The IRS has released 2026 tax brackets with adjusted income thresholds for inflation, though marginal tax rates remain unchanged. The standard deduction also sees an increase for both single filers and married couples. These adjustments offer modest tax relief, particularly for high earners, by shifting more income into lower tax brackets.
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