Personal Finance

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

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.

Many companies allow HRA claims based on declarations during the year, but the Income Tax Department can still ask for proof later. This makes record-keeping essential.

Union Budget 2026: Crypto industry pushes for tax reset, clear regulatory roadmap for growth
Pension 2026: NPS assured payouts on cards as PFRDA sets up high-level advisory panel
Budget 2026: Will new tax and rental incentives revive affordable housing demand and boost market?

Investment

Gold, silver: Geopolitical risks are continuing to fuel the bullion rally in 2026, with gold futures for February touching Rs 1.42 lakh and silver surging to nearly Rs 2.7 lakh.

2026 fresh rally: Silver up 13% in the new year, gold up 85% year-on-year: What lies ahead from here

Geopolitical tensions have also intensified safe-haven demand.

Gold and Silver prices surge amid global volatility. What investors should know

Copper in 2026: How the red metal is drawing investors beyond gold, silver; here's how to invest

Under the new rules, guardians or subscribers may make up to two partial withdrawals before the subscriber turns 18.

NPS Vatsalya 2026: PFRDA sets new rules on withdrawals, exits and asset allocation

A HSBC report projects that silver prices are likely to trade in the $58–$88 range in 2026, supported by tight physical supply, strong investor demand and elevated gold prices.

Silver crash: White metal slides Rs 11,000 on MCX as global cues trigger sharp selloff in precious metal

silver news: In early 2026, MCX March futures touched a record Rs 2,59,692 per kg before easing on profit booking.

Silver outlook 2026: Why industrial demand and deficits may fuel the next leg of rally

A key area of concern is the taxation of Category III AIFs, which include long-only equity funds as well as quantitative and derivatives-based strategies.

Budget 2026 wishlist: AIF industry seeks level tax field for private credit, Category III funds

Precious metals closed 2025 on a strong note, with both gold and silver posting exceptional gains in India and overseas markets.

2026 investor playbook: Gold for safety, silver for upside, equities for returns - here's what to buy

DSP’s analysis shows that past winners, like gold, rarely stay on top, with 60–80% of top-quartile funds slipping into lower ranks over the next three years.

Can gold repeat its 2025 rally? DSP MF on investing myths on risk and returns

The shift toward financial freedom usually begins at a subtle moment — when spending decisions stop being influenced by comparison.

Looking rich vs Being secure: How these small habits matter before that big house, Rs 1 cr in expenses

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Retirement Planning

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Insurance

Union Budget 2026: Insurance industry calls for tax breaks, reforms to reach 'Insurance for All'

Bima Kavach and Protection Plus: LIC rolls out to offer enhanced cover and payment flexibility

Rising dengue and lifestyle diseases push Indians toward higher health insurance cover, shows report

Your daughter’s big day: Why wedding insurance deserves a look amid rising costs, risks

Health insurance: Do I really need a separate health cover at 18 if I’m covered under my parents’ policy?

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Tax

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

The Budget 2025 offered little relief to crypto investors, retaining the 30% tax on gains and the 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on transactions introduced in 2022.

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

While major slab changes look unlikely after Budget 2025’s threshold hikes, experts still see scope for targeted relief.

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

As per official data, of the 7.28 crore ITRs filed for AY 2024-25 till July 31, 2024, 5.27 crore or 72% had moved to the new tax regime.

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

Income tax refunds are typically delayed when returns are not fully processed or when the tax department detects mismatches or non-compliance in the filing.

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

The new law is designed to be leaner, clearer, and more reader-friendly, reducing litigation and helping taxpayers accurately understand their liabilities.

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

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Personal Finance

Investment

2026 fresh rally: Silver up 13% in the new year, gold up 85% year-on-year: What lies ahead from here

Gold and Silver prices surge amid global volatility. What investors should know

Copper in 2026: How the red metal is drawing investors beyond gold, silver; here's how to invest

NPS Vatsalya 2026: PFRDA sets new rules on withdrawals, exits and asset allocation

Silver crash: White metal slides Rs 11,000 on MCX as global cues trigger sharp selloff in precious metal

Silver outlook 2026: Why industrial demand and deficits may fuel the next leg of rally

Budget 2026 wishlist: AIF industry seeks level tax field for private credit, Category III funds

2026 investor playbook: Gold for safety, silver for upside, equities for returns - here's what to buy

Can gold repeat its 2025 rally? DSP MF on investing myths on risk and returns

Looking rich vs Being secure: How these small habits matter before that big house, Rs 1 cr in expenses

Retirement Planning

Pension 2026: NPS assured payouts on cards as PFRDA sets up high-level advisory panel

Guaranteed pension, mandatory contribution: Decoding Tamil Nadu’s Assured Pension Scheme

Union Budget 2026: After Budget 2025 tax relief, what can senior citizens expect from FM Sitharaman this year?

NPS reforms: PFRDA allows banks to set up pension funds, revises fee norms

PFRDA eases NPS exit rules for non-government subscribers, lowers mandatory annuity to 20%

NPS exit rules changed: Non-govt subscribers can now withdraw up to 80% of retirement corpus

Union Budget 2026: Insurance industry calls for tax breaks, reforms to reach 'Insurance for All'

Bima Kavach and Protection Plus: LIC rolls out to offer enhanced cover and payment flexibility

Rising dengue and lifestyle diseases push Indians toward higher health insurance cover, shows report

Your daughter’s big day: Why wedding insurance deserves a look amid rising costs, risks

Health insurance: Do I really need a separate health cover at 18 if I’m covered under my parents’ policy?

Tax

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Real Estate

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