Author: Shalini Bhardwaj
Shalini Bhardwaj is a seasoned content writer with over a decade of experience in the finance sector, specializing in insurance, taxation, and investment strategies. With a strong academic background in finance and a passion for simplifying complex financial concepts, Shalini has crafted engaging articles, guides, and reports for various publications and corporate clients. Her work is dedicated to empowering readers with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions.
Filing income tax returns has become easier for salaried individuals with the Sahaj ITR-1 form. This is the most used and simplest ITR form available for taxpayers whose income is mainly from salary or pension. For the financial year 2024-25, crores of Indian employees are expected to use this form to file their returns by the deadline. Sahaj ITR-1 Form: Best for Income up to ₹50 Lakh If your total income in the financial year is up to ₹50 lakh and you earn only from salary, pension, or one house property, then ITR-1 is for you. This form is easy…
As the income tax filing season begins, salaried employees need to collect one important document—Form 16. This certificate, issued by employers, gives a clear summary of your salary, deductions, and tax payments. In 2025, most companies are issuing digital Form 16, which helps employees file their ITR faster and without errors. Let’s understand how to download digital Form 16 and how you can use it while filing your income tax return (ITR). What is Form 16 and Why is it important for Salaried Employees? Form 16 is a certificate that your employer gives, which contains details of the salary paid…
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) every year is a necessary responsibility for all taxpayers in India. But even a small error while submitting your return can lead to serious trouble later, like getting a notice from the tax department, a delay in the refund, or even a penalty. This year, after Budget 2024, the tax rules have changed in many ways. The government has also extended the deadline for common taxpayers to 15 September 2025 instead of the usual 31 July, giving more time to file the return properly. But this extra time is only helpful if you use…
Income Tax Return (ITR) filing for Financial Year 2024-25 has officially started. The offline ITR filing process is now active, while the online mode is expected to begin soon. The last date to file ITR without penalty is 31 July 2025, and for offline forms without late fee, the deadline is 15 September 2025. If you are a salaried employee, self-employed, a pensioner or earning income from rent, investments or abroad, it is important to understand the step-by-step ITR filing process. Filing ITR correctly and on time avoids penalties and other legal troubles. This article explains both online and offline…
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is now faster and simpler, thanks to the Income Tax Department’s introduction of Digital Form 16. This new digital method, introduced for the convenience of salaried employees, removes many manual steps and reduces chances of errors. Salaried taxpayers can now file ITR in just a few minutes by uploading this auto-filled digital document. The government has been pushing for a smoother ITR filing process for some years. This time, with Digital Form 16 directly connected to the TRACES portal, taxpayers can experience a hassle-free, error-free, and quick ITR filing experience in 2025. What is…
Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season for the assessment year 2025–26 has started, and senior citizens need to file their returns correctly to enjoy the full benefits of exemptions and deductions. Many senior citizens are confused about which ITR form to use and how to go about the process without stress. To make it easier, here’s a complete step-by-step guide in simple language. Who is a Senior and Very Senior Citizen, According to Income Tax Rules? As per the Income Tax Department: These age groups get higher fundamental exemption limits under the old tax regime: Which ITR Form Should Senior…
Buying a house in India is a dream for many people. But in today’s property market, this dream can turn into a stressful journey if you are not careful. Many homebuyers think RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) will solve all their problems. While RERA is a powerful tool, it cannot help if you make careless mistakes when buying property. Whether buying a flat, villa, or an under-construction apartment, you must stay alert at every step. Builders often use tricky clauses, delay projects, or make fake promises. If you don’t stay informed, even RERA won’t be able to protect your rights.…
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings plan by the government, known for its safe returns and tax benefits. Many Indians invest in PPF for their future needs like retirement or children’s education. But life is unpredictable, and sometimes money is needed before the 15-year lock-in period is complete. If your savings are stuck in PPF and you urgently need funds, what should you do? There are two ways to get money from your PPF account before maturity: Both these options are different in rules, timing, interest, and their effect on your future savings. Let us understand each in…
When it comes to saving for the future, especially for retirement or long-term goals, Indian investors often find themselves stuck between two powerful options — NPS (National Pension System) and mutual funds. Both are designed to help you build wealth over time, but they work differently and offer unique advantages. The big question is — which one can give better returns, and which one suits your personal financial goals? In this article, we’ll break down both investment options, compare their features, returns, tax benefits, and risks to help you decide where your money can grow smarter. What is NPS (National…
Buying a flat is one of the biggest decisions in life — emotionally, financially, and legally. For most Indians, it’s not just a property purchase but a dream come true. Whether you’re buying a flat to live in or as an investment, chances are you’ll interact with a property broker or real estate agent during the process. But here’s the twist: in the excitement of finalizing a dream home, most people forget to ask some very basic but important questions. Later, these missed questions turn into legal, financial, or emotional stress. So, before you sign on that dotted line or…