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Showing posts from May, 2025

How to File Income Tax Returns (ITR) Online in India – Step-by-Step Guide [FY 2024–25, AY 2025–26]

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Introduction: Why Filing ITR Matters in 2025 Income tax is a tax charged on the annual income of an individual or business earned in a financial year. The Income Tax system in India is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961, which lays out the rules and regulations for income tax calculation, assessment, and collection. Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is more than a tax task — it’s a responsible financial habit. Whether you’re salaried, self-employed, or a freelancer, filing helps you: ·          Avoid penalties ·          Claim TDS refunds ·          Get loan approvals and visa clearances ·          Maintain financial transparency For FY 2024–25 (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025), returns must be filed in Assessment Year 2025–26 , before 31st July 2025 (non-audit cases).  Income Tax Slabs for ...

Old vs New Income Tax Regime in India (FY 2025–26): Which One Should You Choose?

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     Financial Year 2025–26 AY 2026–27 The income you earn from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 will be taxed in Assessment Year 2026–27 . With Budget 2025 updates, especially the increase in standard deduction under the new regime , choosing the right regime has become even more important. Union Budget 2025: Major Tax Reforms In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced significant changes to the income tax structure under the new tax regime , aiming to simplify taxation and provide relief to middle-class taxpayers. Key Highlights: No Income Tax for individuals earning up to 12 lakh annually under the new tax regime. Standard Deduction Increased to 75,000 for salaried individuals, effectively making income up to 12.75 lakh tax-free. Section 115BAC of the Income Tax Act governs the new tax regime, offering concessional tax rates with limited exemptions  Understanding Section 115BAC Se...

Emergency Fund in India: Why It’s a Must for Every Indian & How to Build in 2025

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What is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is a safety net — a dedicated amount of money kept aside to meet unexpected financial needs like: Hospitalization or medical emergencies Sudden job loss Car or home repairs Family emergencies Business slowdowns (for self-employed) Having this fund prevents debt , keeps you stress-free, and ensures you're always financially secure. Why Emergency Funds Are Especially Important in India India's rising cost of living, lack of universal healthcare, and growing job uncertainties make an emergency fund more crucial than ever . Most people still rely on loans or family, but it's time to be self-reliant. This fund gives you: Financial freedom Peace of mind Protection from debt traps Who Should Build an Emergency Fund & How Much? Whether you earn, study, or manage a household — you need one. 1.   Students Start with : 500/month Target : 5,000–10,000 For : Hostel fee hike, gadg...

Top 10 Tax Saving Tips for FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27)

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   Introduction With rising incomes and a revised tax system, effective tax planning is key to saving money. The government offers two tax regimes — Old and New — and choosing the right one can significantly impact your tax outgo. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan better.   Latest Income Tax Slabs – FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27)   New Tax Regime (Default Regime)   Income Range Tax Rate Up to 4,00,000 Nil 4,00,001 – 8,00,000 5% 8,00,001 – 12,00,000 10% 12,00,001 – 16,00,000 15% 16,00,001 – 20,00,000 20% 20,00,001 – 24,00,000 25% Above 24,00,000 30%   Section 87A Rebate : Available for income up to 7 lakh (Old Regime) Available for income up to 12 lakh (New Regime — FY 2025–26 onwards) Full rebate means no tax payable if income ≤ 12 ...