
From health insurance and tax: 7 money-related myths decoded
Another myth discourages retirees from investing in equities. Yet as people live longer, relying only on fixed income means falling behind inflation. A strategy that uses equity for long-term growth, especially for money you will not need for at least five years, can help protect your retirement funds.Some people believe they do not need to file income tax returns if there is no tax liability. That is not always true. You may miss out on refunds, TDS credits, or the ability to carry forward losses. Filing returns remains important even when you owe no tax.Another belief is that you should not prepay a home loan because of the tax benefits. However, in the new tax regime, these benefits may be less attractive. Prepaying can bring peace of mind and reduce stress associated with debt, taking into account the new tax landscape.Many assume that only older people need to write a will. However, anyone with assets, inheritance, or digital presence should have one. A will ensures your wishes are followed and can be updated at any time.Some believe that having a financial planner means they can ignore monitoring investments. But it remains your money. You should stay aware of how your portfolio is structured and whether it is aligned with your goals.Lastly, many avoid sharing financial details with their partner. But hiding account numbers, passwords, or investments can leave your partner stranded if something happens to you. Transparency ensures both of you remain protected.By understanding and challenging these myths, you can make clearer, smarter financial choices and save money.(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)- Ends

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Lok Sabha approves updated I-T bill, to ease compliance burden
Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Monday approved the Income Tax Bill 2025 - a key reform aimed at revamping the decades old income tax law for individuals and companies, making it simple for taxpayers and easing the compliance burden. Earlier, FM Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the revised and updated version of the I-T bill in Parliament, incorporating recommendations of the Select committee of Parliament. On Aug 8, FM had withdrawn the earlier bill, which was introduced in the house on Feb 13. The Select committee of the Lok Sabha headed by BJP's Baijayant Panda had examined the I-T Bill 2025 and adopted the report on the draft legislation last month. The parliamentary panel had suggested 285 recommendations on the draft legislation, aimed at simplifying and modernising the country's tax laws. "Almost all of the recommendations of the Select Committee have been accepted by govt. In addition, suggestions have been received from stakeholders about changes that would convey the proposed legal meaning more accurately," according to the statement of Objects and Reasons of the Income Tax (No.2) Bill. " For TDS correction statements, the time period for filing statements has been reduced to two years from six years in the Income-tax Act, 1961. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like listen now on spotify samy Listen Now Undo I-T department sources said this is expected to reduce the grievances of deductees significantly. Flexibility has been provided in the new I-T bill for allowing refund claims in cases where the return is not filed on time, a move which is expected to come as a major relief for taxpayers. Tax experts said the reforms are expected to ease compliance for individuals, companies, MSMEs and promote a stable, predictable and transparent tax system, key for sustaining domestic consumption, attracting foreign investment and supporting growth. "The withdrawal of the earlier I-T bill and the introduction of a revised version demonstrates govt's responsiveness to stakeholder feedback and the Select Parliamentary committee's recommendations," said Gouri Puri, partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co. Puri said the original draft raised concerns about ambiguities, particularly regarding house property taxation, pension deductions, and the refund process for delayed filings. "The revised bill addresses these gaps to simplify interpretation, reduce disputes and promote fairness," said Puri. The new I-T Bill also aims to eliminate redundant and repetitive provisions for better navigation, reorganising sections logically to facilitate case of reference. It has opted for simplified language to make the law more accessible and has removed obsolete and redundant provisions for greater clarity. Mandatory investment and deposit of deemed accumulated income of 15% of regular income in specified modes has been done away with. The word "profession" has been added after "business" in clause 187 to enable professionals with total receipts exceeding Rs 50 crore in a year the facility of prescribed electronic modes of payment. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
New I-T Bill restores exemption for anonymous donations to trusts, TDS refund claim filing procedure
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The new Income Tax Bill, passed by Lok Sabha on Monday, has retained the provisions regarding ITR filing for TDS claims and tax exemptions for anonymous donations made to all religious-cum-charitable trusts, as in the existing tax original Income Tax Bill, which was brought in Parliament in February, had done away with this exemption and the ITR filing flexibility for claiming TDS Tax (No.2) Bill has added the word "profession" in clause 187 to enable professionals with total receipts exceeding Rs 50 crore in a year to have the facility of prescribed electronic modes of the provisions related to carrying forward and setting off of losses have been re-drafted for improved regards the TDS correction statements, the time period for filing statements has been reduced to two years from six years in the Income Tax Act, 1961."This is expected to reduce the grievances of deductees substantially," sources in the Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT ) Tax (No.2) Bill, which will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, incorporates almost all the recommendations of the Select Committee which submitted its report to Parliament on July 21. The original Income Tax Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in February and was referred to the Select Committee had suggested restoration of the provisions of Income Tax 1961 with regard to taxation of donations to non-profit organisation (NPOs) or charitable regard to NPOs, the government in the new bill has exempted from tax anonymous donations received by purely religious trusts. However, such donations received by a religious trust that may also have other charitable functions, like running hospitals and educational institutions, will be taxed as per 337 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, proposed a flat 30 per cent tax on anonymous donations received by all registered NPOs, with a narrow exemption extended only to those established wholly for religious purposes -- a "significant divergence" from the existing I-T Income-tax Act, 1961, provided a more comprehensive exemption: anonymous donations were not taxed if received by any trust or institution created or established wholly for religious and charitable purposes, unless such a donation was specifically-directed towards a university, educational institution, hospital, or medical institution run by that same trust or sources said, "Provisions relating to taxation of anonymous donation (in Income tax(No.2) bill) have been aligned with the existing provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and exemption has been made available to mixed object registered non-profits organisation also."Another point with regard to taxation of NPOs as flagged by the Committee was the proposal to tax 'receipts' of NPOs. The Committee opposed taxing 'receipts' as it contravenes the principle of real income taxation under the Income Tax Act. It recommended reintroducing the term 'income' to ensure only net income of NPOs is sources said, "The concept of receipt has been changed with the concept of income as was there in the Income-tax Act, 1961".With regard to the refund of TDS claims by individuals who are otherwise not required to file tax returns, the committee suggested the removal of the provision in the Income Tax Bill that makes it mandatory for an assessee to file I-T returns within the due Income Tax (No.2) Bill does away with the requirement and provides "flexibility" to individuals by allowing refund claims in cases where the return is not filed in due time with the omission of Clause 263(1)(ix).Also, the amendments made by the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, have also been made part of the new income tax the new income tax bill includes a provision related to tax exemptions for subscribers of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).It also incorporates changes in the scheme of block assessment with regard to Income Tax search cases, and provides for certain direct tax benefits to public investment funds of Saudi Arabia.


Mint
5 hours ago
- Mint
New I-T Bill restores exemption for anonymous donations to trusts, TDS refund claim filing procedure
New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) The new Income Tax Bill, passed by Lok Sabha on Monday, has retained the provisions regarding ITR filing for TDS claims and tax exemptions for anonymous donations made to all religious-cum-charitable trusts, as in the existing tax laws. The original Income Tax Bill, which was brought in Parliament in February, had done away with this exemption and the ITR filing flexibility for claiming TDS refunds. Income Tax (No.2) Bill has added the word "profession" in clause 187 to enable professionals with total receipts exceeding ₹ 50 crore in a year to have the facility of prescribed electronic modes of payment. Additionally, the provisions related to carrying forward and setting off of losses have been re-drafted for improved presentation. As regards the TDS correction statements, the time period for filing statements has been reduced to two years from six years in the Income Tax Act, 1961. "This is expected to reduce the grievances of deductees substantially," sources in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said. Income Tax (No.2) Bill, which will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, incorporates almost all the recommendations of the Select Committee which submitted its report to Parliament on July 21. The original Income Tax Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in February and was referred to the Committee. The Select Committee had suggested restoration of the provisions of Income Tax 1961 with regard to taxation of donations to non-profit organisation (NPOs) or charitable trusts. With regard to NPOs, the government in the new bill has exempted from tax anonymous donations received by purely religious trusts. However, such donations received by a religious trust that may also have other charitable functions, like running hospitals and educational institutions, will be taxed as per law. Clause 337 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, proposed a flat 30 per cent tax on anonymous donations received by all registered NPOs, with a narrow exemption extended only to those established wholly for religious purposes -- a "significant divergence" from the existing I-T Act. The Income-tax Act, 1961, provided a more comprehensive exemption: anonymous donations were not taxed if received by any trust or institution created or established wholly for religious and charitable purposes, unless such a donation was specifically-directed towards a university, educational institution, hospital, or medical institution run by that same trust or institution. CBDT sources said, "Provisions relating to taxation of anonymous donation (in Income tax(No.2) bill) have been aligned with the existing provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and exemption has been made available to mixed object registered non-profits organisation also." Another point with regard to taxation of NPOs as flagged by the Committee was the proposal to tax 'receipts' of NPOs. The Committee opposed taxing 'receipts' as it contravenes the principle of real income taxation under the Income Tax Act. It recommended reintroducing the term 'income' to ensure only net income of NPOs is taxed. CBDT sources said, "The concept of receipt has been changed with the concept of income as was there in the Income-tax Act, 1961". With regard to the refund of TDS claims by individuals who are otherwise not required to file tax returns, the committee suggested the removal of the provision in the Income Tax Bill that makes it mandatory for an assessee to file I-T returns within the due date. The Income Tax (No.2) Bill does away with the requirement and provides "flexibility" to individuals by allowing refund claims in cases where the return is not filed in due time with the omission of Clause 263(1)(ix). Also, the amendments made by the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, have also been made part of the new income tax Bill. Accordingly, the new income tax bill includes a provision related to tax exemptions for subscribers of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). It also incorporates changes in the scheme of block assessment with regard to Income Tax search cases, and provides for certain direct tax benefits to public investment funds of Saudi Arabia.