The Rameshs currently are saving/investing only about 14% of their total income. This is way below the national average of 28%. They need to create a budget tracker and enter details on a regular basis to find where they are spending more. They need to start this immediately as they will face a severe cash… Read More »
India’s biggest bank SBI said it intends to recruit around 15,000 business correspondents this fiscal, who will assist rural people to open bank accounts. A top SBI official said, “In order to expand our presence in the unbanked areas, the bank intends to hire around 15,000 (business correspondents) in 2010-1”.
Now, with implementation of DTC, PPF will come under the EET (exempt, exempt, tax) regime. Under the EET model proposed by the DTC, contributions to PPF would be taxed at the time of withdrawal. However, balance accumulated or investments made till 31 March 2011 and the interest they earn will not be taxed. Hence only… Read More »
Tax incentives are given to encourage savings/ investments. Savings form part of your overall financial plan which in effect means tax planning is a subset of financial planning. Your financial plan will set objectives for you based on your aspirations, your life style, your age group, size of family etc. The question you need to… Read More »
Income from winning a lottery, crossword, horse race, gamble or bet is not exempt. Tax at the rate of 30% is applied. Further, no expense allowance is possible against such an income. E.g. cost of lottery tickets purchased during the year cannot be deducted from the lottery winnings. Also, no basic exemption limit and no… Read More »
It is good to have more than one policy as it gives you more options. However, remember that it’s important to choose a policy based on your age, income, need, saving pattern, dependents and lifestyle. Picking up a plan randomly is not a good idea. Moreover, it is not wise to spend all your savings… Read More »
With inflation running in 2 digits now and at an average of 7% over the past decade, the return of just above 7% from the bond, makes it a good hedge for inflation. This aspect of the bond along with the potential exit route by trading in BSE may be attractive for those who need… Read More »
This year there is an increase in the scope of Section 80E. Till 2008-2009, the interest paid on the education loan taken for graduate and post graduate (PG) programs in engineering, medicine and management, or for PG programs in applied pure sciences (including mathematics and statistics) could be deducted from your taxable income. But from… Read More »
To decide whether the gold is long or short term asset, find out how long have held it. If your holding period is over 36 months, it is considered as a long term asset, and accordingly long term capital gains (LTCG) tax rate is charged. If you have held it for less than 36 months,… Read More »
The gifts received in the names of one’s minor children will be clubbed with the parents’ income for taxation purpose. Also the taxman is very alert in saying that, in case of both parents having income, clubbing will be done with that parent who is earning more. So one cannot hide under the cover of… Read More »