Sanjeev Sinha

FAST-DS: Pay fee and gain immunity from harsher Black Money Act

The scheme's key drawback is the low monetary thresholds of Rs 1 crore and Rs 5 crore, which limit participation

Budget 2026 extends immunity to misreporting, but with key trade-offs

The proposal extends relief from penalty and prosecution in misreporting cases, but taxpayers must forgo the right to appeal and carefully weigh the strength of their case

Budget 2026 softens penalty, prosecution norms for individual taxpayers

Budget 2026 signals a shift towards trust-based taxation by easing penalties, limiting prosecution for small and technical lapses

Updated return: Found omissions after Dec 31? File ITR-U to cut legal risk

Scrutiny may extend to other assessment years if disclosures suggest a pattern of non-compliance

Small-cap index at 8-month low: Take staggered, long-term fund exposure

Keep allocation measured and aligned to your risk appetite, given the segment's higher risk

Co-borrowers must be co-owners and contribute to EMIs to claim tax benefits

The deduction claimed must be in proportion to their ownership share and actual EMI contribution

Align tax saving with your financial goals, horizons, and liquidity needs

Begin making these investments now, based on informed choices, instead of waiting till the last moment when mistakes are more likely

Life insurance mis-selling: Review benefit illustration, premium table

Beware of comparisons with FDs, and demand that all promises be put down in writing

Stopping SIPs in downturns weakens long-term compounding, rupee-cost gains

Chasing past performance ignores the principle that returns of all assets are mean-reverting

Midcap funds outlook for 2026 hinges on earnings rebound, rate support

After a subdued 2025, midcap funds could recover in 2026 if earnings revive and rates stay supportive. Experts advise a calibrated 10-30 per cent allocation with a long-term horizon

Annual Health insurance review: Tackle medical inflation, upgrade coverage

A 13-14% medical inflation rate makes upward revision of sum insured essential

NPS withdrawal norms: Greater fund access comes with onus to manage risk

Systematic Unit Redemption offers market-linked returns and deferred tax payment, but does not guarantee pension for lifetime

Residential real estate price growth likely to moderate further in 2026

End users should look beyond prime locations to emerging corridors and peripheral micro-markets that offer better pricing without compromising long-term liveability

Belated return: Claim refunds, credits, carry forward house property loss

If you file an updated return later, you will have to pay interest and additional tax, and will not be able to claim refunds

Crypto tax notices: File revised return before assessment, update later

Once search or survey begins, even updated return may not be allowed

Travel insurance: If an airline cancels a flight, it pays, not the insurer

Policies typically reimburse cancellations for reasons such as medical emergencies, death of an immediate family member, or natural disasters

How to protect yourself from unsolicited cards, fraudulent transactions

Follow this complaint escalation path: Bank's grievance cell, ombudsman, consumer commission, and then civil or criminal court

Hiding foreign assets? Black Money Act provisions carry heavy penalties

Tax department warns of penalties, details how to revise returns by December 31 deadline

New labour codes set to restructure pay, which tax regime should you pick?

Take-home pay may dip temporarily, expect retirement savings to rise

Motor accident claims depend on prompt filing, proper documentation

Overstating income or injuries, false implication, or missing hearings and notices can result in rejection