Income Tax

Tax planning 2026: Claiming HRA without rent agreement? Here’s what proofs you need to stay tax compliant

Jan 13, 2026, 09:04 PM IST

Tax expert CA Ruchita Vaghani said contrary to popular belief, the Income Tax Act does not require a formal rent agreement for claiming HRA. What it does require is evidence of payment. This can include rent receipts, bank statements, UPI transfers, cheques or NEFT records.

Union Budget 2026: Crypto industry pushes for tax reset, clear regulatory roadmap for growth

Jan 13, 2026, 06:57 PM IST

Despite India consistently ranking among the world’s top markets for crypto adoption, stakeholders argue that the absence of clear rules continues to limit the sector’s full potential, pushing innovation and liquidity offshore.

Union Budget 2026: After Tax Cuts, What Next? Decoding Budget Expectations

Jan 13, 2026, 05:58 PM IST

With the Union Budget 2026 just weeks away, expectations are running high after last year’s big tax reforms. However, this time the government is unlikely to offer further tax cuts, instead shifting focus toward growth-driving sectors. Experts expect stronger policy support for logistics, infrastructure and power, especially as India signs new trade agreements and pushes manufacturing under the PLI scheme. The renewable energy push could also help bring down power costs over the next few years. Another key area to watch is India’s digital stack, including digital payments, cross-border UPI and digital currency initiatives. Semiconductor and data centre investments are also likely to get a boost. We break down what this Sunday Budget could mean for markets, businesses and investors.

Budget 2026: Will tax tweaks in FM Sitharaman's 9th Budget ease pressure on salaried middle class?

Jan 13, 2026, 03:08 PM IST

As India prepares for the Union Budget 2026, expectations are mounting around possible income tax relief for the middle class. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present her ninth consecutive Budget, taxpayers are watching closely for signs of slab rationalisation and higher deductions. From the new tax regime to standard deduction hikes, Budget 2026 could shape household finances in a year of rising incomes and costs.

LTCG, STCG, STT, tax on dividend income: What stock investors should watch in Budget 2026

Jan 13, 2026, 10:51 AM IST

LTCG tax: With effect from 2018, a rate of 10 per cent without indexation was introduced that was further increased to 12.5 per cent with effect from July 23, 2024,

Union Budget 2026: Will it provide clarity on future of old tax regime?

Jan 13, 2026, 01:56 PM IST

Budget expectations: The majority of taxpayers are in the new income tax regime, but the old regime is helpful for those with home loans, long-term investments

Budget 2026: Real estate players seek tax relief to boost mid-income housing

Jan 12, 2026, 03:29 PM IST

Union Budget 2026: Need policy support that encourages supply in the affordable and mid-market segments, as recent launches have been disproportionately skewed towards higher ticket sizes, says Square Yards CEO

Budget 2026: Funding urban infra, incentives for affordable housing among key demands of real estate sector

Jan 12, 2026, 03:50 PM IST

Union Budget 2026: There’s a compelling case for providing interest subsidies for first-time buyers who currently do not qualify for affordable housing benefits.

Corporate, individual taxes lift direct tax collection by 8.82% to ₹18.38 lakh crore

Jan 12, 2026, 07:43 PM IST

Collections from Securities Transaction Tax (STT) amounted to ₹44,867 crore between April 1 and January 11, reflecting steady activity in capital markets. Meanwhile, tax refunds issued during the period declined by 17 per cent year-on-year to ₹3.12 lakh crore.

Why your income tax refund isn’t credited even after 5 months. What you can do about it

Jan 12, 2026, 08:03 PM IST

The first thing to remember is there is no need to panic if your refund is delayed. Start by logging into the income tax e-filing portal and checking the “Pending Actions” section for any notices or communications from the department.

New Income Tax law from April 1: No rate change, less litigation, easier compliance

Jan 11, 2026, 04:15 PM IST

The rules to implement the new law are currently being drafted and are expected to be notified after the presentation of the FY27 Budget. Various forms, including those for advance tax and TDS payments, will be released thereafter.