Everything we&#x27;ve written

Critical illness insurance vs health insurance: do you need both?

Health insurance reimburses hospital bills. Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum on diagnosis — for anything. A cancer diagnosis costs far more than hospital bills: lost income, continuing EMIs, caregiver costs. Health insurance covers the ₹8 lakh hospital bill; critical illness cover handles the ₹21 lakh of everything else. Here's why you likely need both.

25 Jun 2026·7 min read

Health insurance portability: how to switch insurers without losing your waiting period benefits

Unhappy with your health insurer? IRDAI rules let you port to a new one while keeping your pre-existing disease waiting period credits — so you don't restart from scratch. The catch: you must apply 45–60 days before renewal, and acceptance isn't guaranteed. Never cancel the old policy until the new one is confirmed.

25 Jun 2026·6 min read

Atal Pension Yojana: who should consider it, the contribution chart, and the ₹5,000 pension cap

APY guarantees a fixed pension of ₹1,000–₹5,000/month after 60, backed by the government. Joining at 18 costs ~₹210/month for the full ₹5,000 pension. But income-tax payers generally can't newly join — it's designed for the unorganised sector. Here's who it suits, the contribution chart, and why ₹5,000 is a floor, not a full plan.

24 Jun 2026·6 min read

RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds: 8.05% guaranteed, sovereign-backed — and the two trade-offs

The RBI Floating Rate Savings Bond pays 8.05% (Jan–Jun 2026) with sovereign safety and no upper limit. But there are two catches: a 7-year lock-in and fully taxable interest. For a 30% bracket taxpayer, the post-tax return is ~5.6% — lower than tax-free PPF or VPF. Here's when it makes sense and when it doesn't.

24 Jun 2026·6 min read

What is tax-loss harvesting and is it legal in India?

Tax-loss harvesting means deliberately selling losing investments to book losses that offset your capital gains — reducing your tax. It's fully legal in India. Short-term losses offset both STCG and LTCG; long-term losses offset only LTCG. Unused losses carry forward 8 years if you file on time. Here's the full strategy with a worked example.

23 Jun 2026·7 min read

What is an HUF and how much income tax can it actually save?

A Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) is a separate tax entity with its own PAN, exemption limit, 80C, and slabs — effectively a second taxpayer in the family. It saves tax on genuine family income like ancestral property rent. But you cannot route your salary through it, and funding it with your own assets triggers clubbing. Here's how it really works.

23 Jun 2026·7 min read

Nominee vs legal heir: who actually inherits your money, and why you need both nomination and a will

A nominee receives your assets on death; a legal heir is entitled to own them — they are not the same. For most assets, the nominee is just a custodian who must distribute to legal heirs per succession law. Without a will, the law decides ownership. The fix: nominate on every asset AND write a will, aligning the two.

22 Jun 2026·6 min read

How to check if a financial advisor or finfluencer is SEBI-registered

Only SEBI-registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) can legally give personalised investment advice for a fee. Verify any advisor's registration number (format 'INA...') on sebi.gov.in before paying or acting. Red flags: guaranteed returns, paid tip groups, urgency pressure, no registration number. Here's how to protect yourself.

22 Jun 2026·6 min read

Does BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) affect your CIBIL score in India?

BNPL is credit, despite the 'pay later' branding — and many providers report it to CIBIL. On-time payments build history; missed payments damage your score like any default. BNPL limits count toward credit utilisation too. The biggest risk: losing track of small instalments across multiple apps. Here's how to use it safely.

21 Jun 2026·6 min read

What is a safe EMI-to-income ratio in India — and what happens when you cross it?

Your EMI-to-income ratio determines how much loan you can safely service. Keep total EMIs below 40% of net income; home loan alone below 30%. Above 50%, you're financially fragile — one income shock from missed payments. Lenders use a similar ratio (FOIR) to cap your borrowing. Here's how to calculate and use it.

21 Jun 2026·6 min read

What is goal-based investing and how to assign a timeline to every rupee you save

Most people invest without a destination. Goal-based investing assigns every rupee to a specific goal, timeline, and target — then matches the instrument to the horizon: liquid funds for short-term goals, equity for long-term. It surfaces shortfalls early and tells you exactly when to de-risk before each goal. Here's the four-step framework.

20 Jun 2026·7 min read

Is a fixed deposit's post-tax return positive after inflation in India?

A 7% FD sounds safe, but for a 30% bracket taxpayer, after tax (4.9%) and 5% inflation, the real return is about −0.1% — your purchasing power slightly shrinks despite the 'guaranteed' return. FDs preserve nominal capital but rarely build real wealth. Here's the full maths and when FDs still make sense.

20 Jun 2026·6 min read

How lifestyle inflation quietly stops your salary growth from building wealth

Lifestyle inflation is when spending rises to match every raise, keeping your savings rate flat. Two employees with identical salaries and raises can end up ₹95 lakh+ apart over 15 years — purely from how they handled increments. The fix is structural: automate a step-up SIP and save 50% of every raise before lifestyle adjusts.

19 Jun 2026·6 min read

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: 8.2% tax-free interest, rules, and how to open an account for your daughter

SSY offers 8.2% (Q1 FY 2026-27) — among the highest guaranteed rates in India — fully tax-free (EEE). Open for a girl child below 10, deposit ₹250 to ₹1.5L per year for 15 years, and ₹1.5L/year builds approximately ₹70 lakh by maturity. Here's how it works, the withdrawal rules, and how it compares to PPF.

19 Jun 2026·7 min read

How is NPS taxed at retirement: the 60% lump sum and 40% annuity rule explained

NPS gives great deductions while you contribute — but at 60, you can only withdraw 60% as a tax-free lump sum. The other 40% must buy an annuity, and that monthly pension is taxable. On a ₹1 crore corpus, ₹40 lakh is locked into a taxable pension. Here's the full 60/40 rule and how it compares to EPF.

18 Jun 2026·6 min read

NPS Tier 1 vs Tier 2: what is the difference and which should you use?

NPS has two accounts using the same funds but completely different rules. Tier 1 is the retirement account — tax benefits, locked until 60, 40% mandatory annuity. Tier 2 is flexible with no lock-in but no tax deduction for most. Here's which to use for tax savings vs flexible investing.

18 Jun 2026·6 min read

Do I need to file an ITR if my employer already deducts TDS from my salary?

TDS and ITR are not the same thing. TDS is tax paid on your behalf; the ITR reconciles your total income and tax. Filing is mandatory if your income exceeds the basic exemption limit (₹4L new regime) — regardless of TDS. And it's the only way to claim refunds of excess TDS or carry forward losses.

17 Jun 2026·6 min read

What happens if you miss the July 31 ITR deadline: belated returns, penalties, and what you lose

Miss the July 31 deadline and you can still file a belated return until December 31 — but it costs a ₹5,000 late fee (even if you owe no tax), interest on unpaid tax, and the right to carry forward capital and F&O losses. Here's exactly what missing the deadline costs and your options after.

17 Jun 2026·7 min read

How to e-verify your ITR and what happens if you don't within 30 days

Filing your ITR is incomplete until you verify it — and you have only 30 days. An unverified return is treated as never filed, risking penalties and lost refunds. Aadhaar OTP verifies in under two minutes. Here are all five e-verification methods and what happens after.

16 Jun 2026·6 min read

Which ITR form should you file for AY 2026-27: ITR-1 vs ITR-2 vs ITR-3 vs ITR-4

Filing the wrong ITR form triggers a defective return notice. ITR-1 works for salary + interest up to ₹50L with LTCG under ₹1.25L. Sold equity above ₹1.25L? You need ITR-2. Traded F&O or freelance? ITR-3 is mandatory even for one trade. Here's the full decision table for salaried employees.

16 Jun 2026·7 min read

F&O trading losses: how they are taxed, whether you can set them off against salary, and what June 15 means for traders

F&O income is business income — not capital gains. You file ITR-3, pay tax at slab rate, and cannot set off F&O losses against salary income. SEBI data shows 93% of F&O traders lost money. Losses carry forward 8 years. And if you trade F&O profitably, today (June 15) is your advance tax instalment deadline.

15 Jun 2026·8 min read

What is the cost of starting your SIP 5 years late — in exact rupees

A 5-year delay in starting ₹10,000/month at 12% CAGR costs ₹2.10 crore by age 60 — illustration only. To make up that delay starting at 30, you'd need to invest ₹17,900/month instead of ₹10,000 — 79% more, every month, for 30 years. The early years cannot be recovered by investing more later.

14 Jun 2026·7 min read

This week: 12 new articles on home loans, VPF, SIP maths, and tax — plus the June 15 advance tax deadline

A heavy week: home loan EMI maths, rent vs buy, VPF vs PPF, the cost of starting a SIP late, step-up SIPs, FD interest tax, LTCG harvesting, and the completion of Zero to One Chapter 2 on the old vs new tax regime. Plus: advance tax first instalment is due June 15.

14 Jun 2026·4 min read

How much should a 25-year-old invest monthly to reach ₹1 crore — and what it actually means after inflation

At 12% CAGR, a 25-year-old needs ₹2,100/month to reach ₹1 crore by 60 — investing just ₹8.82 lakh total, the rest is compounding. But ₹1 crore in 35 years is only ₹13 lakh in today's purchasing power. The inflation-adjusted target of ₹1 crore in today's money requires ₹16,000/month. All figures are illustrations.

14 Jun 2026·7 min read

Should I buy a house or keep renting and invest the difference? The P/R ratio framework

Mumbai's P/R ratio is 30–45, Bengaluru's is 24–35 — meaning you pay 30–45 years of rent to own the property. Arjun's comparison: renting at ₹30K and investing ₹61,300/month builds ~₹5.8 crore in 20 years vs buying a ₹1.2 crore property appreciating at 6% → ~₹3.85 crore. The math favours renting — if you actually invest the difference.

13 Jun 2026·9 min read

What is VPF and why it beats PPF for salaried employees: the 8.25% vs 7.1% comparison

VPF lets salaried EPF members contribute extra into their EPF account at the same 8.25% interest — no contribution cap, same EEE treatment. On ₹10,000/month over 20 years, VPF builds ₹62L vs PPF's ₹49L. It's set up through HR as a payroll deduction and automates the entire savings process.

13 Jun 2026·7 min read

Can I switch between the old and new tax regime every year?

Yes — salaried employees can switch between old and new regime every financial year. Tell your employer in April for TDS; choose your final regime at ITR time in July. You can switch to old regime even after the employer deducted TDS for new regime — you'll get a refund. Employees with business income have one-time exit rules.

12 Jun 2026·6 min read

Section 87A rebate: when it applies, the ₹12L cliff in the new regime, and what it does NOT cover

The Section 87A rebate makes income up to ₹12L taxable (₹12.75L gross) completely tax-free under the new regime. But at ₹12.25L taxable, your tax suddenly jumps to ₹66,300 — a cliff effect where a ₹25,000 raise costs you ₹41,300 in net income. And the rebate doesn't apply to equity STCG or LTCG at all.

12 Jun 2026·6 min read

Step-up SIP: how increasing your monthly SIP by 10% each year changes your final corpus

A flat ₹10,000/month SIP at 12% CAGR for 20 years gives ₹99.9 lakh. The same SIP with a 10% annual step-up gives ₹2.07 crore — a ₹1.07 crore difference. The step-up directs salary increments into investment before lifestyle adjusts. Here's the corpus comparison, how to set it up, and what step-up % to choose.

11 Jun 2026·7 min read

Health insurance in India: how to compare room rent limits, co-payment, and no-claim bonus before you buy

Two ₹10L health insurance policies can give very different payouts in a real claim. A room rent limit of 1% of sum insured can reduce your entire ₹3.2L hospital bill reimbursement to ₹1.92L through proportionate deduction. This guide explains room rent limits, co-payment, NCB, and PED waiting periods — the four clauses that determine what you actually get.

11 Jun 2026·8 min read

The extra ₹50,000 NPS deduction under Section 80CCD(1B): who should use it and how

Section 80CCD(1B) lets you deduct ₹50,000 in NPS contributions over and above the ₹1.5L Section 80C limit — but only under the old tax regime. At 30% bracket, that saves ₹15,600 in tax. This lesson explains when it's worth using, the lock-in trade-off, and who benefits most.

10 Jun 2026·6 min read

LTCG harvesting: how to use the ₹1.25 lakh annual exemption before March 31 and reset your cost basis

The ₹1.25L annual LTCG exemption on equity doesn't carry forward — if you don't use it, it lapses. LTCG harvesting means selling equity fund units to book exactly ₹1.25L of gains (tax-free), then buying back immediately to reset your cost basis. Each year of harvesting saves ₹15,625 in future tax.

10 Jun 2026·8 min read

How to read your salary slip: what every component means and what to check each month

Basic, HRA, special allowance, LTA, EPF, TDS, professional tax — your payslip has 10+ components and the gap between CTC and in-hand can be ₹20,000 or more. This guide decodes every line with a worked example for Rahul at ₹83,200 gross, and shows five things worth verifying every month.

9 Jun 2026·7 min read

Is health insurance premium deductible in the new tax regime?

No — Section 80D (health insurance premium deduction) is not available under the new tax regime. But whether you get a tax benefit should not determine whether you buy health insurance. This lesson explains what 80D covers under the old regime, the maximum ₹75,000 deduction with senior citizen parents, and why under-insuring to save premium is the wrong trade-off.

9 Jun 2026·5 min read

FD interest: how it is taxed, TDS rules, and the accrual trap that catches most ITR filers

FD interest is fully taxable at your slab rate — TDS at 10% is not the final tax. For a ₹80,000 FD interest in the 20% bracket, you owe ₹8,000 more after TDS. Cumulative FDs accrue interest each year and must be declared annually, not at maturity. Your AIS will show more than your TDS certificate.

8 Jun 2026·8 min read

Home loan EMI: how it is calculated, how much is interest, and whether to prepay

At ₹50 lakh, 8.5%, 20 years — your EMI is ₹43,391/month and you pay ₹54 lakh in total interest on top of the loan. In Year 1, 84% of your EMI is interest. A ₹5 lakh prepayment in Year 3 saves ₹6–7 lakh in future interest. Here's the full EMI formula, prepayment math, and home loan tax deductions.

8 Jun 2026·8 min read

Can I claim 80C deductions in the new tax regime?

No — Section 80C deductions (EPF, PPF, ELSS, life insurance, home loan principal) are not available under the new tax regime. Your investments still happen and still grow; you just don't get the upfront deduction. Only standard deduction (₹75,000) and employer NPS contribution (80CCD(2)) survive in the new regime.

7 Jun 2026·6 min read

Direct vs regular mutual fund plan: what the 1% expense ratio difference actually costs you over 20 years

Direct and Regular Plans hold identical portfolios. The only difference is 1% per year — which on a ₹10,000/month SIP over 20 years compounds to ₹10 lakh less in your corpus. Here's why most people are in Regular Plans, the tax implications of switching, and where to invest in Direct.

7 Jun 2026·8 min read

This week: 8 new articles on gratuity, PF transfer, ELSS lock-in, emergency fund, and SGB — plus June 15 advance tax deadline

Eight new articles: gratuity formula, PF withdrawal tax trap, ELSS 3-year SIP lock-in, PPF rules, emergency fund framework, SGB tax after Budget 2026, personal loan vs credit card, and Z2O Ch2 begins. Plus: advance tax instalment due June 15 — 8 days away.

7 Jun 2026·4 min read

Which tax regime is better for salaried employees in FY 2025-26?

The new regime gives you a zero-tax outcome up to ₹12.75L gross salary. For Deepika on ₹12L with ₹1L in 80C, HRA exemption, and health insurance — new regime tax: ₹0, old regime tax: ₹1.08L. But at higher salaries with a home loan and maximum deductions, the old regime can win. Here's how to calculate yours.

4 Jun 2026·6 min read

Personal loan vs credit card for emergency borrowing: which is cheaper and when

Credit card beats a personal loan if you repay within 30 days — zero interest in the grace period. But for 3+ months, the gap flips: 14% p.a. personal loan vs 42% p.a. credit card saves ₹6,000+ on ₹1 lakh. Here's the exact cost at three time horizons and when neither is the right answer.

4 Jun 2026·7 min read

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB): interest rate, tax at maturity after Budget 2026, and how to buy

SGBs give you gold price appreciation plus 2.5% annual interest — and original subscribers pay zero capital gains tax at 8-year maturity. But Budget 2026 changed the rules: secondary market buyers no longer get the exemption. No new tranches are available in FY 2026-27. Here's what to do now.

3 Jun 2026·8 min read

How is gratuity taxed: the ₹20 lakh lifetime exemption, when it becomes taxable, and TDS

Gratuity is tax-free up to ₹20 lakh — but that is a lifetime limit across all employers. If you received ₹5 lakh gratuity 10 years ago and get ₹18 lakh now, only ₹15 lakh of the new gratuity is exempt, and ₹3 lakh is taxable. Here's how the Section 10(10) exemption is calculated for covered and uncovered employers.

3 Jun 2026·7 min read

Should I withdraw or transfer my PF when I change jobs — and what is the tax if I withdraw?

Withdrawing your EPF when you change jobs costs far more than most people realise: TDS at 10%, slab-rate tax on the full amount, and broken continuous service that makes your next withdrawal taxable too. Rohan's 3-year EPF of ₹2.8L becomes ₹2.24L after tax if withdrawn — vs ₹4.99L if transferred and left to compound.

2 Jun 2026·8 min read

ELSS mutual funds: how the 3-year lock-in works for SIP investments, and the tax at redemption

ELSS is the only mutual fund that qualifies for 80C. The 3-year lock-in is per unit, not per SIP — a 24-month SIP started in January 2024 won't be fully redeemable until December 2027. All ELSS gains are LTCG (taxed at 12.5% above ₹1.25L). Here's the complete guide with worked tax examples.

2 Jun 2026·8 min read

Emergency fund: how much to keep and where to park it in India

An emergency fund covers 3–6 months of monthly expenses — not income. For Meera with ₹44,300 in monthly expenses, that is ₹1.33–₹2.66 lakh. Keep 1–2 months in a savings account (instant access) and the rest in a liquid mutual fund (T+1). Here's the full framework and what not to do.

1 Jun 2026·7 min read

PPF account in India: interest rate, contribution rules, withdrawal, and how to open one

PPF earns 7.1% tax-free, is government-guaranteed, and gives you EEE treatment — contributions deductible under 80C, interest tax-free, maturity tax-free. ₹1.5L/year for 15 years grows to approximately ₹40.7 lakh. This guide covers how to open one, partial withdrawal rules, and what to do at maturity.

1 Jun 2026·8 min read

Section 80C deductions: complete list for FY 2025-26, what qualifies, and how to use the ₹1.5 lakh limit

Section 80C gives you ₹1.5 lakh in deductions — but EPF already uses part of it automatically. At ₹40,000 basic salary, EPF alone accounts for ₹57,600. This guide lists all 12 qualifying instruments, confirms what doesn't qualify (health insurance, employer PF), and shows how to fill the remaining limit efficiently.

31 May 2026·8 min read

Gratuity calculation in India: formula, eligibility, the 5-year rule, and what you will actually receive

Gratuity = (basic salary × 15 × years of service) ÷ 26. At ₹50,000 basic after 10 years that is ₹2.88 lakh. This guide shows the exact formula, how the 5-year rule is counted (and why 4 years 8 months often qualifies), what counts as basic salary, and four worked examples.

31 May 2026·7 min read

This week: TDS on salary explained, June 15 advance tax deadline, and ITR filing is open

New article on TDS under Section 192 — how your employer calculates the monthly deduction and the job-switcher trap. Plus: advance tax first instalment is due June 15, and ITR filing for FY 2025-26 is now open with a July 31 deadline.

31 May 2026·3 min read

TDS on salary: how your employer calculates it, why you might be overpaying, and how to fix it

Your employer deducts TDS under Section 192 based on a projection of your annual salary. If you haven't submitted investment declarations (Form 12BB), they assume no deductions — and deduct far more than you owe. This guide explains the exact formula, the job-switcher trap, and how to verify and recover excess TDS.

25 May 2026·9 min read

How SIP compounding actually works: the real maths, the inflection point, and why the last 5 years matter most

At ₹10,000/month for 25 years, the final 5 years add ₹90 lakh to your corpus — 3x more than all 25 years of contributions combined. This guide shows the actual SIP formula, the lifecycle table at 10%, 12% and 14% CAGR, and the inflection point where compounding overtakes your contributions.

24 May 2026·8 min read

What is EPF and EPS: where does your employer's 12% go and how does the split work?

Your employer's 12% PF contribution is not all going to your EPF account. ₹1,250 every month goes to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) for your retirement pension. This guide explains the exact split at five salary levels, what EPS pension you'll actually receive, and how EDLI insurance works.

24 May 2026·7 min read

Capital gains tax on mutual funds in India FY 2025-26: STCG, LTCG, and what changed after Budget 2024

Budget 2024 changed equity fund STCG from 15% to 20% and LTCG from 10% to 12.5%. Debt fund indexation is gone. This guide explains the rules for every fund type with worked examples, the SIP holding period trap most investors miss, and how to report it all in your ITR.

24 May 2026·9 min read

Term insurance vs endowment vs ULIP: what they cost and what you actually get

All three give you life cover. Beyond that, the maths diverge sharply. At the same ₹1 lakh annual premium, term insurance plus an equity SIP builds approximately ₹2.59 crore over 30 years. An endowment plan at the same premium builds approximately ₹64 lakh, with 6x less life cover throughout.

24 May 2026·9 min read

How credit card interest works in India: the minimum payment trap, APR, and what it costs you in rupees

At 42% APR, a ₹1 lakh credit card balance costs ₹3,500 every month — and if you only pay the minimum, you'll still owe ₹40,000 after 5 years having paid nearly ₹2 lakh. This guide shows the exact maths of the minimum payment trap and how to clear credit card debt efficiently.

24 May 2026·8 min read

Best credit cards in India 2026: cashback, travel, and fuel cards compared for salaried employees

Most credit card comparisons rank by headline reward rate. That number is misleading. This guide compares cashback, travel, and fuel card archetypes by effective annual benefit at three spend levels — the number that actually determines whether a card is worth it.

24 May 2026·9 min read

What is AIS (Annual Information Statement) and how to reconcile it before filing your ITR

AIS shows every rupee of income reported in your name by banks, employers, and brokers. An ITR that doesn't match AIS triggers an automated notice. This guide explains each AIS category, the FD interest accrual trap most salaried employees miss, and how to reconcile step by step.

24 May 2026·7 min read

What is Form 16 and how to use it to file your ITR: a complete guide for FY 2025-26

Form 16 is your employer's TDS certificate — the single document that maps to almost every field in your ITR. This guide explains Part A vs Part B, how to use each field when filing, common errors to catch, and what to do if your employer hasn't issued it by June 15.

24 May 2026·7 min read

How to file ITR for salaried employees FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27): a step-by-step guide

The July 31, 2026 deadline is three weeks away. This step-by-step guide covers which form to pick (ITR-1 vs ITR-2), how to reconcile your AIS, the new two-property ITR-1 rule, and how to e-verify so your filing is actually valid.

24 May 2026·10 min read

Advance tax for salaried employees FY 2025-26: who needs to pay, when, and how to calculate it

Your employer's TDS covers your salary — but not FD interest, rent, capital gains, or freelance income. If the tax on these crosses ₹10,000, advance tax is due. First instalment: 15 June 2026.

24 May 2026·8 min read

India Finance News: 18–24 May 2026

EPFO 3.0 UPI withdrawal is almost ready — here’s what to set up now. SEBI proposes salary-linked SIP deductions. ITR filing is open with a July 31 deadline. Plus: RBI holds rates, markets flat.

24 May 2026·6 min read

What is a mutual fund? A plain-English guide for Indian investors, with the structure that keeps your money safe

A mutual fund is a pool of investor money invested by a licensed AMC in a basket of stocks or bonds, while a separate SEBI-registered custodian holds the actual securities. This article explains what that means in plain English, why the four-party structure (sponsor, trustees, AMC, custodian) makes your money safer than most people realise, what NAV actually is (and isn't), the 3 PM cut-off rule, and what ₹500 to ₹10,000 monthly SIPs grow into over realistic horizons.

19 May 2026·10 min read

How HRA exemption is calculated: the new 8-metro rule, rent to parents, and what changed from April 2026

HRA exemption is the lowest of three calculated amounts, not the full HRA on your payslip. From 1 April 2026, the metro city list expanded from 4 to 8: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad now qualify for the 50% limit. This article shows the math for both FY 2025-26 returns and FY 2026-27 planning, with rent-to-parents documentation, the new Form 124 disclosure, mid-year city changes, and Section 80GG for those without HRA.

18 May 2026·9 min read

How to increase your in-hand salary without changing your CTC

Restructuring your salary components can legally increase your monthly take-home by ₹2,000–₹8,000 without your employer spending a rupee more. Here is how the math works.

18 May 2026·8 min read

India Finance News: 11–17 May 2026

SEBI's $7 billion overseas-investment cap is near exhaustion, sending Axis Mutual Fund (and earlier Kotak, Nippon) to halt fresh subscriptions in international funds. ITR-1 and ITR-4 filing opens for AY 2026-27 with a 31 July deadline. EPFO inches closer to UPI-based instant PF withdrawals. Three Must Know, four Good to Know, and links to all 17 articles published on ekcrore this week.

17 May 2026·5 min read

HRA Exemption in the New Tax Regime: What You Need to Know

HRA exemption is not available in the new tax regime. If you pay significant rent, this is one of the key reasons the old regime may save you more. Here is the full picture.

17 May 2026·7 min read

New Tax Regime Slabs and Rates for FY 2025-26

The complete new tax regime slab table for FY 2025-26 with the Budget 2025 revisions. Includes surcharge rates, education cess, and effective tax at each income level.

17 May 2026·6 min read

New labour codes India: how the 50% basic wage rule changes your in-hand salary, EPF, and gratuity

The new Labour Codes require basic salary to be at least 50% of CTC. They haven't been implemented yet — but when they are, your EPF, gratuity, and in-hand salary all change. Here's exactly how.

17 May 2026·7 min read

Can I pay rent to my parents and claim HRA exemption legally?

Yes — paying rent to parents and claiming HRA is legal under Indian tax law. But there are specific conditions, documentation requirements, and a catch around your parents' tax liability.

17 May 2026·7 min read

Why your employer's group health insurance is not enough: what it doesn't cover and what to buy instead

Your employer's group health cover has five critical gaps — no portability when you leave, room rent sub-limits that cut all your claims, and sum insured too low for a major illness. Here's what they are and what to buy alongside it.

16 May 2026·7 min read

How is CIBIL score calculated and how to improve it from 650 to 750+ in 6 months?

Your CIBIL score is calculated from payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), credit length (15%), credit mix (10%), and new inquiries (10%). Here's exactly how to move from 650 to 750+ in 6–12 months.

16 May 2026·6 min read

Section 87A Rebate: Zero Tax up to ₹12 Lakh in the New Regime

Section 87A gives you a 100% rebate on income tax if your taxable income is ₹12 lakh or less under the new regime. Here is exactly how it works, including marginal relief.

16 May 2026·7 min read

How HRA is calculated — the three-part formula and when HRA is fully taxable

HRA exemption is the minimum of three amounts — not whichever is largest. Understanding this formula tells you exactly how much of your HRA is tax-free and how much is not.

16 May 2026·8 min read

New Tax Regime for Salaried Employees: What You Actually Pay

For most salaried employees in India, the new tax regime results in lower or zero tax in FY 2025-26. Here is exactly what you pay at every income level and how to switch.

15 May 2026·8 min read

Standard Deduction in New Tax Regime: ₹75,000 for Salaried Employees

The ₹75,000 standard deduction is now available under the new tax regime too. Here is exactly how it works, who qualifies, and how it affects your take-home.

15 May 2026·6 min read

Index funds vs actively managed funds in India: which gives better returns over 10 years?

Over 10 years, 60-70% of large-cap active mutual funds in India underperform their benchmark index. The math behind why — and what it means for how you invest.

15 May 2026·7 min read

Why your basic salary percentage affects your EPF, HRA, and gratuity more than the number itself

A higher basic looks better on paper, but it means more EPF deduction, more gratuity obligation, and a bigger HRA calculation base. Here is the complete trade-off.

15 May 2026·8 min read

New Tax Regime Deductions You Can Still Claim

The new regime removes most deductions but not all. Here are the deductions you can still claim — including standard deduction, employer NPS, and family pension relief.

14 May 2026·7 min read

EPF vs PPF vs NPS: which retirement savings option is better for salaried Indians in FY 2025-26?

EPF is mandatory, PPF is safe and guaranteed, NPS gives the extra ₹50,000 deduction. Here's how all three work, what they return, and how a salaried Indian should think about using all three together.

14 May 2026·9 min read

New Tax Regime vs Old Tax Regime: Which Is Better for You?

A direct comparison of new and old tax regimes for FY 2025-26. The answer depends entirely on your deductions — here is how to find out which saves you more.

14 May 2026·10 min read

If my CTC is ₹20 LPA, how much will I get in hand?

A CTC of ₹20 LPA does not mean ₹1,66,667 a month. Here is the exact breakdown of what gets deducted — PF, gratuity, income tax — and what lands in your account.

14 May 2026·7 min read

New Tax Regime: How It Works

The new tax regime offers lower, simplified slabs but strips out most deductions. Here is exactly how it works, what changed in Budget 2025, and who it suits.

13 May 2026·9 min read

How much term life insurance do you need in India? A salary-based calculation guide

Term insurance gives pure life cover — no investment component. For a ₹15L salary, you need ₹1.5–2.25 Cr in cover. Here's the calculation, what affects premiums, and what to check before buying.

13 May 2026·7 min read

How does an SIP work? What ₹10,000/month actually grows to over 10, 15, and 20 years

An SIP invests a fixed amount monthly in a mutual fund. ₹10,000/month at 12% grows to ₹23L in 10 years, ₹50L in 15 years, and nearly ₹1 crore in 20 years.

12 May 2026·8 min read

Old vs new tax regime FY 2025-26: which is better for salaried employees?

Side-by-side tax comparison at ₹8L–₹25L salary, the exact deduction amount at which the old regime wins, and a worked example with HRA and home loan. Numbers-first guide for FY 2025–26.

10 May 2026·10 min read

New tax regime FY 2025-26: complete guide for salaried employees

Zero tax up to ₹12.75 lakh, new income tax slabs, what deductions you lose, and how to decide between old and new regime. A numbers-first guide for salaried Indians.

10 May 2026·10 min read

India Finance News: 4–10 May 2026

EPFO 3.0 lets you withdraw PF via UPI by end of May. ITR filing is open with a key change to ITR-1. The rupee hit ₹95.43 — what it means for your fuel bill and investments. Plus: SEBI regulates Nifty, 93% of F&O traders lose money.

10 May 2026·8 min read