Guides
Plain-English explanations of the rules behind the calculators — what a section actually says, which regime suits which income, and where the thresholds fall. 21 guides, free, no signup.
Taxes
New Tax Regime Slabs for FY 2026-27: Complete Guide
For FY 2026-27, the New Tax Regime offers zero tax for income up to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75L for salaried individuals after standard deduction). Slabs start from 5% for income above ₹3L and go up to 30% for income above ₹15L.
Section 80C Deduction: Complete Guide for FY 2026-27
Under the Old Tax Regime, Section 80C allows a maximum deduction of ₹1.5 lakh per financial year on investments like ELSS, PPF, EPF, and LIC premiums. It is NOT available under the New Tax Regime.
How to Calculate HRA Exemption in India (FY 2026-27)
HRA exemption is the lowest of three: 1) Actual HRA received, 2) 50% of basic salary (metro) or 40% (non-metro), 3) Actual rent paid minus 10% of basic salary. This exemption is only available under the Old Tax Regime.
Advance Tax Due Dates & Penalties for FY 2026-27
If your estimated tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 in a year, you must pay advance tax in four installments: 15% by June 15, 45% by Sept 15, 75% by Dec 15, and 100% by March 15. Delaying payments incurs 1% monthly interest under Sections 234B and 234C.
Capital Gains Tax in India: Rates & Rules (2026)
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) on equity are typically taxed at 20%, while Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) above ₹1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Non-equity mutual funds are taxed at your applicable slab rate regardless of the holding period.
What is Form 16? Understanding Parts A and B
Form 16 is a TDS certificate issued by your employer detailing the salary paid and tax deducted at source. Part A contains the TDS summary deposited with the government, while Part B provides a detailed breakdown of your salary, allowances, and deductions.
NRI Income Tax Rules in India for FY 2026-27
NRIs are only taxed on income earned or accrued in India (like rent, capital gains, or interest from NRO accounts). Income earned outside India is entirely tax-free in India. NRIs are not eligible for the Section 87A rebate.
NPS Tax Benefits Explained: Section 80CCD(1), 80CCD(1B) & 80CCD(2)
You can claim up to ₹1.5L under 80CCD(1) and an exclusive extra ₹50,000 under 80CCD(1B) for Tier-1 NPS contributions under the Old Regime. Corporate NPS contributions under 80CCD(2) offer deductions up to 10% of basic salary in BOTH Old and New Tax Regimes.
Section 87A Tax Rebate for FY 2026-27 Explained
For FY 2026-27, the Section 87A rebate makes your income effectively tax-free if your net taxable income is up to ₹12 lakh under the New Tax Regime (maximum rebate of ₹1,00,000) or up to ₹5 lakh under the Old Tax Regime (maximum rebate of ₹12,500).
How to Calculate Gratuity & Its Tax Exemption Limit (2026)
Gratuity is payable after 5 years of continuous service. The formula is: (Last Drawn Basic Salary + DA) × 15/26 × Number of Years of Service. The maximum tax-exempt limit for gratuity is ₹20 lakh under Section 10(10).
Grow Wealth
Grow Wealth
SIP vs Lumpsum Investment: Which is Better in 2026?
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is better for volatile markets as it benefits from rupee-cost averaging. Lumpsum investing can generate higher overall returns if invested during a market dip or correction. For salaried individuals, SIPs are the most disciplined approach.
What is XIRR in Mutual Funds? Explained Simply
XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return) is the most accurate way to calculate returns on investments involving multiple transactions at different dates, like SIPs. Unlike CAGR, which measures point-to-point growth, XIRR accounts for the timing of every cash flow.
PPF vs ELSS: The Ultimate Comparison for Tax Saving
ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) offers higher historical returns and a shorter 3-year lock-in but carries market risk and LTCG tax. PPF (Public Provident Fund) offers guaranteed, tax-free returns but comes with a 15-year lock-in.
Loans & Borrowing
Home Loan Interest Rates & Trends in India (2026)
In 2026, home loan interest rates in India typically range from 8.35% to 9.5% depending on your CIBIL score and loan amount. Repo-rate linked loans (RLLR) are the standard, meaning your EMI will fluctuate based on RBI policy changes.
How to Prepay Your Home Loan Smartly and Save Lakhs
The smartest way to prepay a home loan is to pay one extra EMI every year or increase your EMI by 5-10% annually. Even small, regular prepayments in the first 5 years of a 20-year loan can save you millions in interest and reduce your tenure by years.
Tax Benefits on Home Loans: Section 24, 80C, and 80EEA
Under the Old Tax Regime, you can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh on the principal repayment under Section 80C and up to ₹2 lakh on the interest paid under Section 24(b). If renting out the property, the entire interest can be claimed as a deduction.
How to Improve Your CIBIL Score Fast in India
To improve your CIBIL score quickly: 1) Never miss an EMI or credit card payment, 2) Keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%, 3) Don’t close old credit cards as they provide a long credit history, and 4) Avoid making multiple hard inquiries for loans in a short period.
Buying vs Renting a House in India: The Math Explained
Mathematically, renting is often cheaper in Indian metro cities because rental yields are low (2-3%) while home loan rates are high (8-9%). However, buying provides emotional security and an inflation-hedged asset. The right choice depends on how long you plan to live in the same city.
NRE vs NRO Account: Which One Should an NRI Open?
Open an NRE account to park foreign earnings in India; both principal and interest are fully tax-free and freely repatriable. Open an NRO account to manage income earned within India (like rent or dividends); interest earned is subject to 30% TDS plus surcharge.