Is EPF’s exempt-exempt-exempt tax status applicable under the new tax regime?

Is EPF’s exempt-exempt-exempt tax status applicable under the new tax regime?

I plan to opt for the new tax regime when filing my ITR for AY 2025-26. Currently, I am on the old tax regime, so the 12% of my salary to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) will continue through the rest of the financial year. Is it correct that I cannot claim a tax exemption … Read more

Income Tax: Over 9.54 lakh crorepati taxpayers filed returns until October 31

Income Tax: Over 9.54 lakh crorepati taxpayers filed returns until October 31

More than 9.54 lakh people with income of ₹1 crore and above filed their income tax (I-T) returns until October 31, the data on the Income Tax portal revealed. The latest data for the financial year 2024-25 shows that a total of 2.76 lakh individuals in the ₹1-crore club filed their tax returns in October. … Read more

Received an expensive gift this Diwali? You may be liable to pay income tax on it—check details

Received an expensive gift this Diwali? You may be liable to pay income tax on it—check details

Have you received an expensive gift from someone this Diwali? It could be an expensive watch, a rare painting, a piece of jewellery, or even a pair of branded shoes. Although a gift is typically considered tax-free, when its value is more than ₹50,000, it is liable to income tax in the hands of the … Read more

From Trusts to Gifts: How can grandparents effectively leave assets to grandchildren?

From Trusts to Gifts: How can grandparents effectively leave assets to grandchildren?

In India, where family ties are deeply rooted, it’s common for grandparents to think about the future financial well-being of their grandchildren. This cultural tradition stems from a sense of legacy, love, and responsibility. Grandparents, having lived through various financial ups and downs, often want to secure a stable foundation for the next generation. Beyond … Read more

Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024: CBDT addresses common queries of taxpayers; check details here

Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024: CBDT addresses common queries of taxpayers; check details here

Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024, was enacted to resolve disputes regarding pending income tax litigation. The scheme aims to give taxpayers peace of mind by settling legal disputes. This scheme was notified on October 1, 2024. After this, several queries were received from the stakeholders seeking guidance in respect of various provisions. Following … Read more

Sovereign Gold Bonds: Understanding income tax exemption on early redemption of SGBs

Sovereign Gold Bonds: Understanding income tax exemption on early redemption of SGBs

I had invested in Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB). I opted for early redemption after the completion of five years. Are the profits made on such early redemption also tax-exempt, like redemption on maturity? Am I required to declare long-term capital gains on these bonds in my ITR2? A Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) is the best … Read more

RBI Policy: Should you lock your money in an FD since the rate cut cycle to begin soon?

RBI Policy: Should you lock your money in an FD since the rate cut cycle to begin soon?

After the US Fed lowered policy rate by 50 bps from its 23-year high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to follow suit and cut the benchmark policy rate, perhaps later this year. And with interest rate cut cycle set to commence in December, investors are recommended to lock their money in fixed deposits (FDs) … Read more

Income Tax: How to check whether employer is depositing TDS with the tax department?

Income Tax: How to check whether employer is depositing TDS with the tax department?

The Bombay High Court has recently held that employees cannot be penalised for employer’s failure to deposit tax deducted (TDS) from salary. “The object and purpose behind the provision is to the effect that when an obligation to deposit the tax as in the present case, is on the employer and if the employer has defaulted, … Read more

Do I need to pay taxes in India on US social security benefits?

Do I need to pay taxes in India on US social security benefits?

I am a US citizen and have stayed there for more than 25 years. I have now retired and returned to India in May 2024. I will start receiving social security benefits from the next calendar year. Do I need to include this income in my Indian income tax return?—Name withheld on request Once you … Read more