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

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

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

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

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

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

The Income Tax Department extended the ITR filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025–26 by one day, moving it from September 15 to September 16, 2025. The announcement came after the e-filing portal suffered major technical glitches, including login failures and frozen screens, leaving lakhs of taxpayers stranded. By the original deadline, 7.3 crore returns were filed, crossing last year’s record, but at least 1.5–2 crore taxpayers were still

 The Challenge of Parenting During Divorc Divorce is hard for everyone, especially kids. As a parent, you’re dealing with your own emotions while trying to protect and care for your child. It can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on open communication, establishing routines, and creating a supportive environment, you can help reduce stress for both you and your child. The goal is to keep things as stable and positive as possible during this challenging time

In recent years, mocktails have surged in popularity, with more people turning to non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy a fun, flavorful experience without the negative effects of alcohol. What was once a niche offering in bars and restaurants is now a mainstream choice for those who are health-conscious, designated drivers, or simply prefer to avoid alcohol for any reason. So, why are mocktails becoming the new cool, and how are they changing the way we socialize and entertain? We dive

The Income Tax (No 2) Bill, aimed at replacing the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961, has been passed in the Lok Sabha, introducing a ‘S.I.M.P.L.E’ framework Streamlined structure and language, Integrated and concise, Minimised litigation, Practical and transparent, Learn and adapt, and Efficient tax reforms. Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the bill has been reworked based on 285 recommendations from a select committee led by

Planning a trip across India can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially when juggling family needs, cultural destinations, transportation, and food preferences. Fortunately, free AI tools are changing the way Indians and NRIs plan their travel — making it faster, smarter, and more personalized. Whether you're planning a temple tour in Tamil Nadu, a family vacation to Himachal, or a food trail in Hyderabad, these tools can help you craft detailed itineraries with just a few cl

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) juggling financial commitments in both India and the United States, tax filing often becomes a yearly stress point. Each country has distinct regulations, reporting formats, and deadlines. The slightest oversight can lead to penalties or double taxation. That’s where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be a game-changer. Today, AI-powered tax tools are helping NRIs simplify,

In a significant legal ruling, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has dismissed the Congress party's appeal against an income tax demand of Rs 199 crore for the financial year 2018-19. The tax demand relates to party funds and stems from allegations of late filing of income tax returns and violations of cash donation limits. The ITAT ruled that the Congress party's return filed on February 2, 2019, was

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative in January 2015, is one of India's most popular government-backed savings schemes for daughters. The scheme is designed to provide parents with an excellent way to save for their daughter's higher education and marriage, ensuring a secure financial future. By making regular contributions, parents can accumulate a significant amount by th

Many errors occur when taxpayers fail to complete all parts of the Excel utility properly. According to Mihir Tanna, Associate Director at S.K Patodia LLP, a common mistake is forgetting to fill in the last row of the Capital Gains schedule row F. It’s essential to enter the quarter-wise details and click the ‘Validate’ button at the top of the sheet. Without this step, your tax details, including capital gains and taxes, may not show up cor

Paying income tax every year can be burdensome for many, but did you know that, under the new tax rules, you may qualify to pay zero tax? The latest updates in India’s tax policies provide an opportunity for taxpayers to reduce their tax liabilities, potentially to zero, with proper planning. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2025 Budget announcement revealed a significant change in the tax system that could benefit many taxpayers. Here’s

If you’re wondering whether filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) early will help you get your tax refund faster, the answer is generally yes as long as your return is correct, complete, and verified on time. Filing early ensures that your return is processed smoothly, especially during the less congested period before the September 15, 2025 deadline. Why Early Filing Increases Your Chances of a Quicker R

A Bay Area couple is facing stress and frustration after a costly mistake nearly caused them to overpay $30,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. The error, made while attempting to submit their estimated 2025 tax payment early, has led to bounced checks, a financial penalty, and weeks of confusion with no clear resolution in sight. Joy and Kenneth Hays, residents of Livermore, California, were trying to make an early payment on their taxes, expecting to pay $3,360. But a simple mi

If you're a tenant paying more than ₹50,000 in monthly rent, you could be sitting on a potential tax penalty without realizing it. As per Section 194-IB of the Income Tax Act, even salaried individuals not just business entities are required to deduct 2% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from the rent and deposit it with the government. This provision applies to anyone paying high-value rent and is often overlooked, leading to costly mistakes.

Filing your income tax return (ITR) for the first time is a milestone in financial responsibility, but it also comes with its share of confusion and potential pitfalls. From choosing the correct form to verifying the return, a few missteps can delay refunds or even invite scrutiny from the Income Tax Department. With the ITR filing season for Financial Year 2024–25 now open, new taxpayers must stay alert and informed.