How Indian parents can sponsor a Canada study permit application
Indian parents can financially support a Canada study permit application by documenting income, savings and their relationship to the student. The application should include a clear support letter, bank records, tax returns and a realistic plan for tuition and living costs. Parent funding is permitted Indian parents may fund a child’s Canadian education, but this is financial support rather t
How Indian parents can sponsor a Canada study permit application
Indian parents can financially support a Canada study permit application by documenting income, savings and their relationship to the student. The application should include a clear support letter, bank records, tax returns and a realistic plan for tuition and living costs. Parent funding is permitted Indian parents may fund a child’s Canadian education, but this is financial support rather t
ITR Filing Deadline Ends Today: Essential Checks Before You File
For taxpayers whose applicable due date is July 31, Friday is the final day to file the Income Tax Return for Financial Year 2025-26, corresponding to Assessment Year 2026-27. The deadline differs by taxpayer category, so filers should confirm the correct form and due date before submission. ITR Filing Form And Personal Details Need A Final Review Choosing the correct ITR form is the first essential check. Salaried individuals, investors,
ITR Filing Deadline Ends Today: Essential Checks Before You File
For taxpayers whose applicable due date is July 31, Friday is the final day to file the Income Tax Return for Financial Year 2025-26, corresponding to Assessment Year 2026-27. The deadline differs by taxpayer category, so filers should confirm the correct form and due date before submission. ITR Filing Form And Personal Details Need A Final Review Choosing the correct ITR form is the first essential check. Salaried individuals, investors,
ITR Filing Checklist: 7 Documents to Keep Ready
Taxpayers whose applicable ITR deadline is July 31, 2026, should organise their income, investment and tax records before starting the filing process. Keeping seven essential sets of documents ready can prevent incorrect disclosures, delayed refunds, missed deductions and possible tax notices. ITR Deadline Nears For Eligible Taxpayers With the July 31, 2026, income tax return deadline approaching for eligible taxpayers, individuals sh
ITR Filing Checklist: 7 Documents to Keep Ready
Taxpayers whose applicable ITR deadline is July 31, 2026, should organise their income, investment and tax records before starting the filing process. Keeping seven essential sets of documents ready can prevent incorrect disclosures, delayed refunds, missed deductions and possible tax notices. ITR Deadline Nears For Eligible Taxpayers With the July 31, 2026, income tax return deadline approaching for eligible taxpayers, individuals sh
Crypto ITR Checklist: 7 Checks Before July 31 Deadline
Crypto investors should review transaction records, TDS credits, AIS, Form 26AS and Schedule VDA details before the July 31, 2026, ITR deadline. Accurate reporting of every crypto trade can help avoid mismatches, missed tax credits, excess tax payments and possible income tax notices. Crypto Records Must Cover Every Exchange And Wallet Cryptocurrency investors preparing their income tax returns should first download their complete tra
Crypto ITR Checklist: 7 Checks Before July 31 Deadline
Crypto investors should review transaction records, TDS credits, AIS, Form 26AS and Schedule VDA details before the July 31, 2026, ITR deadline. Accurate reporting of every crypto trade can help avoid mismatches, missed tax credits, excess tax payments and possible income tax notices. Crypto Records Must Cover Every Exchange And Wallet Cryptocurrency investors preparing their income tax returns should first download their complete tra
Nirmala Sitharaman Warns Tax Officers: Don’t Make Citizens Run Around
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged Income Tax officials to stop making citizens chase departments for services they are legally entitled to receive. Sitharaman Tells Tax Officers to Serve Citizens Without Delay Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked Income Tax Department officials to ensure that taxpayers and ordinary citizens are not forced to move repeatedly between government offices for routine services and benefits that
Nirmala Sitharaman Warns Tax Officers: Don’t Make Citizens Run Around
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged Income Tax officials to stop making citizens chase departments for services they are legally entitled to receive. Sitharaman Tells Tax Officers to Serve Citizens Without Delay Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked Income Tax Department officials to ensure that taxpayers and ordinary citizens are not forced to move repeatedly between government offices for routine services and benefits that
ITR Portal Can Handle July 31 Filing Rush, Govt Says
The government says the Income Tax e-filing portal can manage the July 31 rush after infrastructure upgrades, although occasional delays may occur during peak traffic. ITR Filing Rush Intensifies Before July 31 The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal is seeing rapidly rising traffic as the July 31, 2026 deadline approaches for many salaried employees, pensioners and individuals filing ITR-1 or ITR-2 for Assessment Year 2026-27. The g
ITR Portal Can Handle July 31 Filing Rush, Govt Says
The government says the Income Tax e-filing portal can manage the July 31 rush after infrastructure upgrades, although occasional delays may occur during peak traffic. ITR Filing Rush Intensifies Before July 31 The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal is seeing rapidly rising traffic as the July 31, 2026 deadline approaches for many salaried employees, pensioners and individuals filing ITR-1 or ITR-2 for Assessment Year 2026-27. The g
Monsoon Session 2026: Five Bills Listed, Delimitation Unclear
The Centre has listed five new bills and two previously introduced measures for the Monsoon Session 2026 beginning Monday, July 20. However, the Delimitation Bill and Public Office Disqualification Bill are absent, fuelling speculation over whether they could be introduced later. Monsoon Session Bills Leave Delimitation Question Open The Union government has outlined its legislative agenda for the Monsoon Session 2026, listing five new bil
Monsoon Session 2026: Five Bills Listed, Delimitation Unclear
The Centre has listed five new bills and two previously introduced measures for the Monsoon Session 2026 beginning Monday, July 20. However, the Delimitation Bill and Public Office Disqualification Bill are absent, fuelling speculation over whether they could be introduced later. Monsoon Session Bills Leave Delimitation Question Open The Union government has outlined its legislative agenda for the Monsoon Session 2026, listing five new bil
US-Based NRI Wins ₹11.18 Lakh Cash Deposit Case at ITAT Delhi
A US-based NRI won relief in an NRI cash deposit tax case in India after the Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal accepted that ₹11.18 lakh deposited during demonetisation came from earlier overseas remittances intended to support his parents. In an order pronounced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Arun Bussi v. ACIT, the tribunal directed the deletion of the tax addition for assessment year 2017-18. The
US-Based NRI Wins ₹11.18 Lakh Cash Deposit Case at ITAT Delhi
A US-based NRI won relief in an NRI cash deposit tax case in India after the Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal accepted that ₹11.18 lakh deposited during demonetisation came from earlier overseas remittances intended to support his parents. In an order pronounced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Arun Bussi v. ACIT, the tribunal directed the deletion of the tax addition for assessment year 2017-18. The
MS Dhoni Tops Taxpayer List As Jharkhand-Bihar Income Tax Collection Hits ₹20,000 Crore
MS Dhoni Leads Taxpayer List In Jharkhand-Bihar MS Dhoni has emerged as the highest individual taxpayer from the Jharkhand-Bihar region as income tax collection touched around ₹20,000 crore in FY26, officials said. The Income Tax Department’s collection from Jharkhand and Bihar during the 2025–26 financial year marks a strong revenue signal from eastern India, a region often overshadowed by larger metro-driven tax zones. ₹20,00
MS Dhoni Tops Taxpayer List As Jharkhand-Bihar Income Tax Collection Hits ₹20,000 Crore
MS Dhoni Leads Taxpayer List In Jharkhand-Bihar MS Dhoni has emerged as the highest individual taxpayer from the Jharkhand-Bihar region as income tax collection touched around ₹20,000 crore in FY26, officials said. The Income Tax Department’s collection from Jharkhand and Bihar during the 2025–26 financial year marks a strong revenue signal from eastern India, a region often overshadowed by larger metro-driven tax zones. ₹20,00
Cash Seizure in Perambalur: ₹2.5 Crore Recovered During Routine Check
A major cash seizure was reported in Perambalur, where authorities recovered nearly ₹2.5 crore in unaccounted money during a late-night vehicle inspection. The operation was part of routine checks amid heightened vigilance in the region. Officials intercepted a car during the inspection and discovered a substantial amount of cash concealed inside. T
Cash Seizure in Perambalur: ₹2.5 Crore Recovered During Routine Check
A major cash seizure was reported in Perambalur, where authorities recovered nearly ₹2.5 crore in unaccounted money during a late-night vehicle inspection. The operation was part of routine checks amid heightened vigilance in the region. Officials intercepted a car during the inspection and discovered a substantial amount of cash concealed inside. T
Married filing jointly vs separately: what couples should know for 2025 taxes
Married couples across the United States face an important decision each tax season: whether to file taxes jointly or separately. That choice could have new implications for the 2025 tax year following recent policy changes introduced under former President Donald Trump’s legislation. In most cases, the tax system favors married filing jointly, which allows couples to combine income, deductions, and credits into a single return. This approach typically results in lower overall incom
Married filing jointly vs separately: what couples should know for 2025 taxes
Married couples across the United States face an important decision each tax season: whether to file taxes jointly or separately. That choice could have new implications for the 2025 tax year following recent policy changes introduced under former President Donald Trump’s legislation. In most cases, the tax system favors married filing jointly, which allows couples to combine income, deductions, and credits into a single return. This approach typically results in lower overall incom
Changes to HRA Claims for Rent Paid to Family: What You Need to Know
Salaried employees often claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) for rent paid to family members, such as parents or spouses, under the current tax regime. However, under the proposed draft Income-tax Rules, 2026, such arrangements may soon undergo closer scrutiny, especially if the rent exceeds Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. The new rules, if implemented, would require taxpayers to disclose their relationship with the landlord along with other details like the landlord’s name, address, and PAN nu
Changes to HRA Claims for Rent Paid to Family: What You Need to Know
Salaried employees often claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) for rent paid to family members, such as parents or spouses, under the current tax regime. However, under the proposed draft Income-tax Rules, 2026, such arrangements may soon undergo closer scrutiny, especially if the rent exceeds Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. The new rules, if implemented, would require taxpayers to disclose their relationship with the landlord along with other details like the landlord’s name, address, and PAN nu
Virginia bill proposes 10% tax on millionaires to fund schools and housing
A proposal to create a new income tax bracket for Virginia’s highest earners is advancing through the General Assembly, with supporters arguing that the measure could generate significant new revenue for public schools, child care programs and affordable housing initiatives across the state. House Bill 188, introduced by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, who represents Virginia Beach’s 96th House District, would establish a higher tax rate beginning in the 2026 tax year. Under the proposal, individuals earning more than $1 million annually would pay a 10 percent tax on income exceeding that threshold. Lawmakers backing the bill say the change would modernize Virginia’s tax structure and target additional contributions from the state’s wealthiest residents. Currently, Virginia uses a relatively flat income tax system in which all income above $17,000 is taxed at a rate of 5.75 percent. Advocates for the legislation contend that the structure places a proportionally heavier burden on middle-income families while allowing top earners to pay the same marginal rate. By creating a new bracket, they argue, the state can make its tax policy more progressive while securing funds for critical public needs. The bill specifies how revenue from the higher tax rate would be distributed. Half of the additional funds would go toward increased basic aid for public schools, a move intended to help districts address teacher shortages, classroom resources and rising operational costs. Thirty percent of the new revenue would be directed to the Child Care Subsidy Program, which assists working families with the cost of care and aims to expand access for low- and moderate-income households. The remaining 20 percent would be allocated to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing development and homelessness prevention efforts. Supporters say the targeted investments could strengthen education, improve workforce participation and address housing shortages that have affected communities statewide. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential impacts on business competitiveness and the possibility that higher-income residents could relocate, affecting overall tax collections. Those debates are expected to continue as the measure moves through committee review. In addition to the new tax bracket, HB 188 includes several technical amendments intended to align existing statutes with the proposed changes. The bill remains under consideration in committee, where lawmakers will determine whether it advances to a full vote in the House and Senate. If approved, the policy would mark one of the most significant adjustments to Virginia’s income tax system in decades and could reshape how the state funds key services tied to education, child care and housing.
Virginia bill proposes 10% tax on millionaires to fund schools and housing
A proposal to create a new income tax bracket for Virginia’s highest earners is advancing through the General Assembly, with supporters arguing that the measure could generate significant new revenue for public schools, child care programs and affordable housing initiatives across the state. House Bill 188, introduced by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, who represents Virginia Beach’s 96th House District, would establish a higher tax rate beginning in the 2026 tax year. Under the proposal, individuals earning more than $1 million annually would pay a 10 percent tax on income exceeding that threshold. Lawmakers backing the bill say the change would modernize Virginia’s tax structure and target additional contributions from the state’s wealthiest residents. Currently, Virginia uses a relatively flat income tax system in which all income above $17,000 is taxed at a rate of 5.75 percent. Advocates for the legislation contend that the structure places a proportionally heavier burden on middle-income families while allowing top earners to pay the same marginal rate. By creating a new bracket, they argue, the state can make its tax policy more progressive while securing funds for critical public needs. The bill specifies how revenue from the higher tax rate would be distributed. Half of the additional funds would go toward increased basic aid for public schools, a move intended to help districts address teacher shortages, classroom resources and rising operational costs. Thirty percent of the new revenue would be directed to the Child Care Subsidy Program, which assists working families with the cost of care and aims to expand access for low- and moderate-income households. The remaining 20 percent would be allocated to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing development and homelessness prevention efforts. Supporters say the targeted investments could strengthen education, improve workforce participation and address housing shortages that have affected communities statewide. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential impacts on business competitiveness and the possibility that higher-income residents could relocate, affecting overall tax collections. Those debates are expected to continue as the measure moves through committee review. In addition to the new tax bracket, HB 188 includes several technical amendments intended to align existing statutes with the proposed changes. The bill remains under consideration in committee, where lawmakers will determine whether it advances to a full vote in the House and Senate. If approved, the policy would mark one of the most significant adjustments to Virginia’s income tax system in decades and could reshape how the state funds key services tied to education, child care and housing.
No Tax Refund Even After 90 Days? Here's the Reason Behind the Delay
Many taxpayers are facing a frustrating wait for their tax refunds as nearly 24 lakh income tax returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year 2025–26 have been pending for more than 90 days. According to the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, as of February 4, 2026, out of 8.79 crore ITRs filed, approximately 24.64 lakh were yet to be processed, leaving millions of individuals waiting for their refunds. The large backlog has triggered concerns, especially for senior citizen
No Tax Refund Even After 90 Days? Here's the Reason Behind the Delay
Many taxpayers are facing a frustrating wait for their tax refunds as nearly 24 lakh income tax returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year 2025–26 have been pending for more than 90 days. According to the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, as of February 4, 2026, out of 8.79 crore ITRs filed, approximately 24.64 lakh were yet to be processed, leaving millions of individuals waiting for their refunds. The large backlog has triggered concerns, especially for senior citizen
Vijay Can't Avoid Rs 1.5 Crore Tax Penalty, Court Dismisses His Appeal
In a significant legal blow to actor Vijay, the Madras High Court has upheld a Rs 1.5 crore tax penalty imposed by the Income Tax Department and dismissed his appeal challenging the levy. The penalty is linked to the alleged non-disclosure of additional income derived from the 2015 film Puli. According to the Income Tax Department, during tax searches conducted in 2015, it was revealed that of Vijay’s total remuneration of around Rs 15 crore, nearly Rs 5 crore was paid in cash and
Vijay Can't Avoid Rs 1.5 Crore Tax Penalty, Court Dismisses His Appeal
In a significant legal blow to actor Vijay, the Madras High Court has upheld a Rs 1.5 crore tax penalty imposed by the Income Tax Department and dismissed his appeal challenging the levy. The penalty is linked to the alleged non-disclosure of additional income derived from the 2015 film Puli. According to the Income Tax Department, during tax searches conducted in 2015, it was revealed that of Vijay’s total remuneration of around Rs 15 crore, nearly Rs 5 crore was paid in cash and
PAN Aadhaar Link Deadline Near What Happens If You Miss December 31
With just days left before the December 31, 2025 deadline, taxpayers across India are being urged to check whether their PAN is linked with Aadhaar. The warning comes from the Income Tax Department, which has made it clear that failure to complete the linking process on time could lead to serious financial and tax-related disruptions. PAN Aadhaar linking is the process of connecting an ind
PAN Aadhaar Link Deadline Near What Happens If You Miss December 31
With just days left before the December 31, 2025 deadline, taxpayers across India are being urged to check whether their PAN is linked with Aadhaar. The warning comes from the Income Tax Department, which has made it clear that failure to complete the linking process on time could lead to serious financial and tax-related disruptions. PAN Aadhaar linking is the process of connecting an ind
Biggest Tax Mistakes Of 2025: AIS Mismatches And Capital Gains Errors Lead Filers Into Trouble
Tax filing in 2025 was far more complicated for Indians than previous years, largely because personal income streams are no longer limited to salary alone. A growing number of taxpayers now earn through freelancing, digital content creation, SIP withdrawals, RSU vesting, intraday trades and influencer payouts. This shift has made filing returns prone to errors, especially for individuals who fail to reconcile their reported income with official tax statements. Financial experts say that AIS a
Biggest Tax Mistakes Of 2025: AIS Mismatches And Capital Gains Errors Lead Filers Into Trouble
Tax filing in 2025 was far more complicated for Indians than previous years, largely because personal income streams are no longer limited to salary alone. A growing number of taxpayers now earn through freelancing, digital content creation, SIP withdrawals, RSU vesting, intraday trades and influencer payouts. This shift has made filing returns prone to errors, especially for individuals who fail to reconcile their reported income with official tax statements. Financial experts say that AIS a
Is Your Income Tax Refund Delayed? Here’s How The Interest Is Calculated In 2025
If you’ve filed your income tax return and are still waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers in India experience refund delays even months after filing. The good news is that under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the government must pay interest on delayed refunds provided the delay isn’t caused by the taxpayer. The interest rate is fixed at 0.5% per month or 6% per annum, calculated as simple interest on the refundable amount. Interest begins from
Is Your Income Tax Refund Delayed? Here’s How The Interest Is Calculated In 2025
If you’ve filed your income tax return and are still waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers in India experience refund delays even months after filing. The good news is that under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the government must pay interest on delayed refunds provided the delay isn’t caused by the taxpayer. The interest rate is fixed at 0.5% per month or 6% per annum, calculated as simple interest on the refundable amount. Interest begins from
Income Tax Audit 2025: Key Deadlines, Rules And Penalties For Businesses And Professionals
The clock is ticking for taxpayers who are required to file their income tax audit reports for the financial year 2024–25. The deadline has been set for September 30, 2025, and unlike in some past years, the Income Tax Department has not announced any extension. For companies, proprietorships, and firms whose accounts must be audited, filing the audit report on time is not just a compliance requirement—it is essential to avoid hefty penalties unde
Income Tax Audit 2025: Key Deadlines, Rules And Penalties For Businesses And Professionals
The clock is ticking for taxpayers who are required to file their income tax audit reports for the financial year 2024–25. The deadline has been set for September 30, 2025, and unlike in some past years, the Income Tax Department has not announced any extension. For companies, proprietorships, and firms whose accounts must be audited, filing the audit report on time is not just a compliance requirement—it is essential to avoid hefty penalties unde
Missed ITR Deadline? File Belated Return By December 31, 2025 With Penalty
The government extended the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025–26 by one day, from September 15 to September 16, 2025. However, many taxpayers still missed this revised cut-off. If you are among them, there is no need to panic, as the Income Tax Department allows belated returns to be filed until December 31, 2025. A belated return refers to an ITR filed after the due date. Accord
Missed ITR Deadline? File Belated Return By December 31, 2025 With Penalty
The government extended the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025–26 by one day, from September 15 to September 16, 2025. However, many taxpayers still missed this revised cut-off. If you are among them, there is no need to panic, as the Income Tax Department allows belated returns to be filed until December 31, 2025. A belated return refers to an ITR filed after the due date. Accord









