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Showing posts from August, 2026

Senior citizen misses income tax appeal deadline by 191 days after wife’s death; ITAT Pune gives another chance

A Pune-based senior citizen missed the income-tax appeal deadline by 191 days after his wife’s death. The ITAT Pune, in ITA No. 1586/PUN/2026, directed the appellate authority to condone the delay and hear his tax appeal on merits. from mint - money

Insurance scam: Ahmedabad police inspector loses ₹5.4 lakh after fraudsters promise ₹19.5 lakh policy payout

An Ahmedabad police inspector lost ₹5.4 lakh after fraudsters allegedly posed as insurance officials and promised a ₹19.5 lakh payout. The case highlights key red flags in insurance refund scams, including upfront fees, QR-code payments and repeated demands for money. from mint - money

ITR filing deadline August 31 today: What happens if you miss the deadline? Know belated return and late fee rules

August 31 is the ITR filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers for AY 2026-27. Here’s what happens if you miss the deadline, including belated ITR filing, late fees, interest and loss carry-forward rules. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: Big fitment factor gives an instant boost, but higher increments may win over time

The 8th Pay Commission may consider higher annual increments alongside a revised fitment factor. While a higher fitment factor could boost basic pay immediately, 5% or 7% increments may deliver stronger salary growth over time. from mint - money

Should young investors avoid debt mutual funds? Experts explain why debt can still matter in your 20s and 30s

Young investors do not necessarily need to avoid debt mutual funds, even if they can take higher equity risk. Experts explain how debt can provide stability, liquidity and diversification based on financial goals and investment horizons. from mint - money

Senior citizens can earn up to 8.5% on 5-year FDs: Check banks offering the highest rates

For those investing substantial sums, even a marginal variation in FD rates can have a significant impact on the total interest earned. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission latest updates: 5 key developments central government employees and pensioners should know

The 8th Pay Commission is stepping up consultations across India. Here are the five latest official updates on regional meetings, submissions, consultants, fitment factor, salary revision and the expected timeline. from mint - money

₹50,000 monthly income from FD: Corpus, interest rate and tax explained

To earn ₹50,000 a month in 2026, retirees need an FD corpus ranging from roughly ₹70.6 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on the interest rate (6-8.5%), while factoring in TDS, senior citizen tax deductions under the Income-tax Act 2025, and post-tax income for retirement planning. from mint - money

Gold, silver prices today, 28 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 28 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates. from mint - money

VRS payout tax: Is severance pay taxable? Pune ITAT rules ₹65.21 lakh Pfizer retirement payout was not taxable

Pune ITAT has ruled that a ₹65.21 lakh payout received by a Pfizer employee under a voluntary retirement scheme was a capital receipt and not taxable. The tribunal said Section 56(2)(xi) did not apply because the employee had voluntarily resigned under the scheme, rather than being terminated. from mint - money

Gold and silver price today, 27 Aug: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai, other cities

On August 27, MCX gold prices rose in India as uncertainty in Middle East continued to support safe-haven demand. Check retail rates of both gold and silver in your city here. from mint - money

Gold and silver price today, 26 Aug: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai, other cities

On August 26, MCX gold prices rose in India as crude oil prices fell and the US dollar weakened. Check retail rates of both gold and silver in your city. from mint - money

Share trading profits aren't always reported as capital gains; check when they qualify as business income

Profits from stock trading can be classified as capital gains or business income for tax purposes, impacting ITR filing deadlines. Here's when they are classified as business income. from mint - money

Moving abroad for work? Check these EPF rules before you leave India

Employees moving abroad and foreign nationals working in India may fall under EPFO’s International Worker rules, which can affect PF contributions, withdrawals, pension eligibility and social-security coverage. from mint - money

Breaking your FD before maturity? Check these 5 things before withdrawing your fixed deposit

Planning to break your fixed deposit before maturity? Check premature withdrawal penalties, revised interest rates, tax implications and FD-backed loan options to understand the real cost and make a financially informed withdrawal decision. from mint - money

Gold, silver prices today, 25 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 25 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates. from mint - money

SCSS: How much should a senior citizen invest to earn ₹25,000 every quarter at 8.2%?

SCSS can help generate a predictable retirement income. At the current 8.2% interest rate, an investment of around ₹12.20 lakh can earn nearly ₹25,000 every quarter before tax. Understanding its key features is essential for planning a steady income. from mint - money

NRI PAN-Aadhaar linking: PAN showing inoperative? Check if you are exempt before paying the ₹1,000 fee

NRIs may be exempt from mandatory PAN-Aadhaar linking if they qualify as non-residents under income-tax law. Here is what to do if an NRI’s PAN still shows as inoperative and how to update the status. from mint - money

Gold, silver prices today, 24 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 24 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates. from mint - money

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: ₹5,000 monthly investment could grow to ₹27–28 lakh - here is how

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana calculator: See how investing ₹5,000 monthly could grow to around ₹27–28 lakh at maturity, based on an assumed 8.2% interest rate. Having a clear understanding of the scheme's salient features is essential for planning future investments.  from mint - money

PPF vs NSC: ₹5 lakh investment—where will you earn more in 5 years? Check calculations

PPF vs NSC: Compare the returns on ₹5 lakh over five years, along with 2026 interest rates, tax treatment, maturity and investment limits. Find out which government-backed savings scheme may better suit your short-term or long-term financial goals. from mint - money

What happens to your EPF balance when you switch jobs, become self-employed or move to an exempted PF trust? Explained

Switching jobs does not halt your EPF savings as your balance and  future contributions depends on your employment type. Here's what happens if you switch jobs, start a business or move to an exempted PF trust.  from mint - money

HSBC opens 3 international mutual funds to fresh SIPs, what investors need to know before investing

HSBC has reopened three international mutual funds to fresh SIPs and lump-sum investments, with a ₹2 lakh monthly limit. The funds offer exposure to emerging markets, Asia-Pacific and Brazil, with one-year returns ranging from 28.9% to 53.6%. from mint - money

What does unlimited sum insured mean in health insurance? Here’s what it covers and what policyholders should know

Unlimited sum insured removes the fixed monetary ceiling on eligible hospitalisation claims, but it does not mean every medical expense is covered. Here’s what ‘unlimited’ health insurance mean, its benefits against rising medical costs, and the exclusions policyholders should know. from mint - money

₹30 lakh salary, no ITR filed, ₹3.74 lakh penalty: Why this employee won against the income tax department?

ITAT Delhi overturned a ₹3.74 lakh penalty on a salaried employee who earned ₹30 lakh salary , as the delay in ITR filing was due to procedural lapses, not intent to under-report. Details here. from mint - money

F&O losses hit young traders hardest: 89% of investors under 30 lost money in FY26, most were from low-income groups

A recent Sebi study reveals that young traders, aged under 30, now represent 43% of individual traders but face high losses, with 89% incurring losses in FY26. Details here. from mint - money

EPF inoperative accounts: When does your balance stop earning interest? EPFO explains 4 key cases

EPFO has clarified when an EPF account becomes inoperative and stops earning interest. Here are four retirement‑age examples, key rules and practical steps members should know to manage old balances. from mint - money

Selling your old phone, furniture or jewellery? Know when you have to pay tax and what counts as ‘personal effects’

Profits from selling an asset is generally subject to income tax, but there are certain exceptions which are categorised as ‘personal effects’ by the income tax department. Here's when you have to pay tax and when the sale of an item is exempt from tax. from mint - money

Gold, silver prices today, 21 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 21 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates. from mint - money

Income Tax Dept flags ₹2.33 crore cash deposit; why taxpayers need a clear trail for large cash withdrawals

The ITAT deleted a ₹2.33 crore tax addition after finding that Bhupendra Flour Mills had recorded earlier cash withdrawals of ₹2.325 crore and the Income Tax Department could not prove the money was used elsewhere.  from mint - money

₹51 lakh gone in a ‘digital arrest’ scam: How fraudsters targeted a retired income tax officer

A retired income tax officer was defrauded of ₹51 lakh by fraudsters impersonating police from Lucknow, who claimed he was under investigation for money laundering. Here's what happened. from mint - money

Focused mutual funds: Only 4 schemes delivered 15%+ SIP returns in 5 years; Invesco India topped at 18.33%

Only four focused mutual funds delivered more than 15% SIP returns over five years, led by Invesco India Focused Fund at 18.33%. SBI Focused Fund, the category's largest scheme by AUM, delivered 15.27%, while returns across funds ranged from 7.92% to 18.33%. from mint - money

Business income above ₹1 crore? You must make this disclosure in your ITR before August 31 deadline

Taxpayers with business income over ₹1 crore must report assets and liabilities in Schedule AL when filing ITR. Details here. from mint - money

Forgot to claim TCS credit while filing ITR before 31 July deadline? You can still claim refund — here's how

Taxpayers who missed claiming TCS credits due to mismatches in Form 26AS and AIS still have options to correct the omission and even errors if they report the wrong tax information. Details here. from mint - money

AI can answer your money questions. But should you trust it with your finances?

AI is making financial advice more accessible, but confident answers can mask flawed assumptions, unsuitable recommendations and a lack of accountability. Here’s where investors should draw the line. from mint - money

Best multi-asset allocation funds: Only 4 crossed 15% SIP returns in 3 years; Quant, Nippon India led the category

Only four multi-asset allocation funds delivered more than 15% SIP returns over three years, led by Quant at 18.51%. But the five-year data tells a different story, with ICICI Prudential, SBI and UTI also crossing the 15% mark. from mint - money

NRI’s Dubai life insurance payout triggered ₹40 lakh tax dispute, why ITAT ruled in his favour

An NRI who bought a life insurance policy in Dubai while working there won a ₹40 lakh tax dispute after the ITAT ruled that the policy was not an undisclosed foreign asset.  from mint - money

Six listed REITs distribute ₹3,136 crore to nearly 5 lakh unitholders in Q1 FY27 amid strong rental income

India’s six listed REITs distributed ₹3,136 crore to nearly 5 lakh unitholders in Q1 FY27, as the sector expanded its asset base. The six trusts together manage over ₹3.17 lakh crore in gross AUM and more than 214 million sq ft of Grade A office and retail assets. from mint - money

Sold ESOP shares after moving abroad? ITAT Mumbai says exercise-date FMV can be treated as cost of acquisition

A UK-based employee sold 1,540 ESOP shares for nearly ₹26 lakh but reported a ₹1 lakh short-term capital loss using the shares' FMV as cost. The Mumbai ITAT ruled that the FMV on the ESOP exercise date can be treated as the cost of acquisition, even when the ESOP benefit was not taxed in India.  from mint - money

AI has changed investing. Or has it changed investors?

In the age of AI, what additional value does a financial adviser really bring? from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: From ₹55 to ₹18,000, how minimum basic pay changed across 7 Pay Commissions

The 8th Pay Commission could reshape Central government salaries, with employees seeking higher basic pay and fitment factors. Here is how minimum basic pay rose from ₹55 under the 1st Pay Commission to ₹18,000 under the 7th. from mint - money

21 lakh EPF accounts with ₹8,500 crore balance are inactive: How is the govt fixing it?

The government reported over 21 lakh inoperative EPF accounts with ₹8,505 crore in 2023-24, primarily due to members not filing claims after leaving service. Here's how it aims to fix the issue. from mint - money

SCSS account close to maturity date? Here's what retirees need to know about extending their account

SCSS offers retirees a fixed-income investment with government backing, quarterly payouts, and an attractive interest rate. Here's what retirees need to know about extending their account.  from mint - money

5 financial mistakes that can quietly erode your wealth: Experts share simple ways to avoid them

Some common financial mistakes can weaken long-term wealth creation, from inadequate emergency savings and insurance to frequent fund switching and poor asset allocation. Experts explain practical ways Indian investors can protect savings and invest more effectively. from mint - money

How much cash can you deposit in a savings account in a year? Here's what happens if you cross the limit

Large cash deposits in savings accounts can attract scrutiny from banks and tax authorities. Deposits exceeding ₹10 lakh in a financial year must be reported, requiring depositors to disclose their sources to avoid potential tax implications. from mint - money

PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, SCSS transfer: How to move Post Office accounts to banks without losing continuity

Check how to transfer PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi and SCSS accounts from a Post Office to a bank. Here's the information on the transfer process, the ₹100 plus GST fee, required documents, interest rates and key checks investors should complete. from mint - money

Can an NRI invest in Indian stocks and mutual funds through an NRE account? Here's what you need to know

NRIs are allowed to invest in Indian equities and mutual funds but require NRE or NRO accounts, demat accounts, and specific permissions for stock market access. Details here. from mint - money

Do you have pension-related doubts? EPFO to hold live session on 18 August to answer queries: Here's how to join

EPFO will hold a live pension session on 18 August, allowing members to raise EPS queries and grievances. Know the timing, platforms, key pension topics and practical tips before participating in the EPFO live session. from mint - money

SGB 2019-20 Series III redemption today: ₹1 lakh investment turns ₹4.44 lakh as RBI fixes price at ₹15,310

SGB 2019-20 Series III investors can opt for premature redemption from August 14, 2026, with RBI fixing the redemption price at ₹15,310 per unit. At the ₹3,449 issue price, the gold bond has delivered an absolute gain of about 344%. from mint - money

Loan recovery gets a rulebook: What RBI now bars lenders from doing

RBI’s new recovery framework bars lenders and agents from harassment, threats and surprise visits, while setting rules for call timings, field visits, agent conduct and borrower grievances. from mint - money

Taxpayer failed to disclose UAE bank account and foreign shares in ITR: ITAT Delhi upholds ₹1.86 lakh penalty

An ITAT Delhi ruling has upheld a ₹1.86 lakh penalty against a taxpayer for failing to disclose his UAE bank account and foreign shareholding in his ITR. The tribunal rejected his explanations and held that the undisclosed foreign assets could be assessed under the Black Money Act for AY 2020-21. from mint - money

EPFO showing wrong service history? What employees should check immediately and do next to rectify the error

EPF members face issues like overlapping records and incorrect dates on the EPFO portal post-IT migration. Here's what to check and steps you should take to avoid any hassle. from mint - money

Unclaimed bank deposits near ₹1 lakh crore: How to find forgotten money and claim it through RBI’s UDGAM portal

Nearly ₹1 lakh crore in bank deposits has been transferred to the RBI’s DEA Fund as customers and legal heirs fail to claim forgotten money. Here’s how to check for unclaimed bank deposits through the RBI’s UDGAM portal and what families need to do to recover the funds. from mint - money

India’s top family businesses now worth more than Saudi Arabia's GDP; Ambanis remain richest family

Mukesh Ambani's family remains India's richest. The nation's top family businesses are valued at $1.46 trillion, surpassing the GDP of several economies. Details here.  from mint - money

Longer third-party cover, upfront costs: are compliant customers paying the price?

For a new vehicle buyer, the immediate impact of the order to extend the upfront tenure of mandatory third-party motor insurance could be a higher upfront payment. Consumer choice could also be affected. from mint - money

Rising healthcare costs overtake job security as biggest financial worry for corporate employees, survey finds

Rising healthcare costs have become the biggest financial concern for corporate employees, with 94% saying unexpected medical bills cause financial stress. Despite this, 45% have no personal health insurance beyond employer-provided cover. from mint - money

Lower or nil TDS certificate: Govt plans online application route to reduce compliance burden

The government is preparing rules to enable online applications for nil- or lower-TDS certificates under the Income Tax Act, 2025. The move could simplify compliance, reduce excess TDS deductions and help eligible taxpayers avoid refund delays. from mint - money

Why stopping a SIP early can make you lose out on its real benefit

Data suggests do-it-yourself investors may be quitting SIPs without giving them enough time. Rolling returns since 2005 show how the odds of losing money shrink the longer you stay. from mint - money

Ayushman Bharat hospitals face major crackdown as govt de-empanels 2,359 and suspends 1,200 hospitals

The government has de-empanelled 2,359 hospitals and suspended 1,200 others under Ayushman Bharat for violating scheme norms, with penalties of ₹328.49 crore imposed on violators. The NHA is using AI and machine learning to flag suspicious claims. from mint - money

Gold, silver prices today, 10 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 10 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates. from mint - money

Razorpay CEO joins PhonePe chief in backing free UPI payments for consumers amid doubts over MDR

PhonePe CEO Sameer Nigam and Razorpay's Harshil Mathur advocate keeping UPI payments free for consumers after the MDR Bill raised concerns about potential charges. Details here. from mint - money

₹1.33 crore cash deposit, no ITR filing: How a retired teacher won his income tax case at ITAT Bangalore

A retired Mysore teacher who deposited ₹1.33 crore in cash won his tax appeal after ITAT Bangalore found the reassessment notice was issued beyond the permissible limitation period.  from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: Central govt teachers seek OPS, 65-year retirement age and more leave benefits

Central government teachers have sought major changes from the 8th Pay Commission, including restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and a higher retirement age. Their demands also include more leave, higher promotion quotas, better grade pay and expanded healthcare benefits. from mint - money

PPF vs SCSS vs SSY: Which government savings scheme suits your financial goals best in 2026?

Compare PPF, SCSS and SSY to understand their interest rates, eligibility, tax benefits, and investment features. Learn which government-backed savings scheme best matches your retirement, long-term wealth creation or girl child financial planning goals. from mint - money

Section 44AD ITR filing: Which income you must disclose — and which need not be reported under the presumptive scheme

Section 44AD allows eligible small business owners to declare income on a presumptive basis without maintaining detailed books. However, taxpayers must still disclose turnover and other taxable income sources while filing ITR.  from mint - money

Bull markets can hide portfolio risks. This six-digit framework can help you prepare for what comes next

Every investor should have a portfolio strategy beyond just tracking assets. A structured approach involving Asset Allocation, Bubble Plan, and Crisis Plan helps guide decision-making during market fluctuations, ensuring preparedness rather than reaction to unforeseen events. from mint - money

SC extends mandatory insurance for new cars, bikes: Third-party vs comprehensive motor cover, can you upgrade?

The Supreme Court has extended mandatory third-party motor insurance for new vehicles: four years for cars and six years for two-wheelers. Here's the difference between third-party and comprehensive motor cover and whether you can upgrade. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: Key Delhi meetings to start today; 5 updates for central government employees

The 8th Pay Commission will hold crucial stakeholder meetings in Delhi to discuss pay revision, pensions, allowances and employee welfare. Here are the latest official updates, upcoming consultation schedules and what central government employees and pensioners can expect before the final report. from mint - money

Can you pay income tax using a credit card? All you need to know about the charges and payment process

Taxpayers can pay income taxes online using credit cards through the e-filing portal. While convenient, they should be aware of potential convenience fees and interest charges if debts aren't cleared on time. Details here.  from mint - money

Your next movie outing could cost a lot less. All you need to know about PVR INOX's new strategy

PVR INOX launched a new format designed to deliver an affordable yet premium movie-viewing experience in Tier III cities across India. The first Smart Cinemas will be unveiled in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. from mint - money

Gold, silver prices today, 6 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 6 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates. from mint - money

'No recruitment, minimal resources': EPFO officers body urges govt to hire experts to improve service delivery

The EPF officers body has asked the Labour Ministry to hire more experts for better service delivery, citing delays in claim settlements. With inadequate technical support and staffing, they stress the need for timely intervention.  from mint - money

EPF wage ceiling may rise to ₹25,000, here's how it could boost your EPS pension and affect PF contributions

The Centre is considering raising the EPF wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, subject to Cabinet approval. If notified, the move could bring more employees under EPF and increase future EPS pension payouts. from mint - money

RBI’s new FD rules from October: 5 changes small finance bank depositors must know

RBI’s new fixed deposit rules for small finance banks will apply from October. The guidelines introduce advance-rate disclosures, uniform pricing, bulk-deposit rules and greater transparency. from mint - money

Worked before UAN? Here's how EPFO's new portal helps you find and link old PF accounts

The upgraded EPFO portal lets members view their complete service history and identify older PF accounts that may not be linked to their UAN. Here's how employees who started working before UAN or Aadhaar can trace and consolidate their old EPF accounts. from mint - money

Can ESOP buyback payouts be taxed as capital gains? ITAT order offers hope for startup employees

The Bengaluru ITAT has asked tax authorities to reconsider the tax treatment of ESOP buyback payouts by applying the Karnataka High Court's ruling. The order could strengthen the case for taxing payouts from vested but unexercised ESOPs as capital gains instead of salary. from mint - money

Debit card blocked without notice? Consumer court orders ₹1.25 lakh compensation, says banks must inform customers

A Kerala consumer court ordered Federal Bank to pay ₹1.25 lakh after blocking a customer's international debit card without prior notice. The ruling reinforces that banks must communicate card blocks promptly, especially when customers are travelling abroad. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: How 3%, 5%, 6% annual increments could raise central government employees' salaries over 5 years

8th Pay Commission: Employee unions are seeking annual increments of up to 7%. Illustrative projections show how 3%, 5% and 6% annual increments could significantly increase central government employees' basic pay over five years through compounding. from mint - money

Why fixed income remains a portfolio stabiliser during uncertain times

Investors face geopolitical risks and inflation pressures, leading to increased focus on fixed-income securities. Experts advise on building diversified bond portfolios across ratings and maturities to limit volatility, sustain income, and achieve financial goals effectively. from mint - money

What happens to your EPF account when you take a career break for 1–2 years? Explained

Taking a career break allows your EPF account to remain active, continuing to earn interest until you turn 58. You can withdraw up to 75% after unemployment, but tax applies unless you've completed five years of continuous service before withdrawal. from mint - money

SCSS gives 8.2% returns, but are Small Finance Bank FDs a better choice for senior citizens? Check out now

SCSS provides government-backed safety and regular quarterly income, while Small Finance Bank FDs offer flexibility and competitive rates. Explore a detailed comparison of returns, risk, liquidity and tax advantages before choosing the right retirement investment strategy. from mint - money

Planning retirement? Check how just ₹100 a day invested for 25 years can potentially grow to over ₹1 crore

₹100 invested daily through a mutual fund SIP can potentially grow to over ₹1 crore in 25 years. Check how compounding, disciplined investing and starting early can help build long-term retirement wealth while understanding the risks of market-linked investments. from mint - money