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How to Find PF Account Number: A Comprehensive Guide
The Employee's Provident Fund (EPF) was initially created by the Ministry of Labor and Employment in 1952. The ministry has actively overseen and managed the fund's execution because it helps working professionals in India save money. Employee social security is provided in part by the EPF scheme. In our nation, it serves as a mandatory contributory fund for all working professionals. An excellent plan to increase your savings over the course of your career is the Employees P

CA Pratik Bharda
May 227 min read


Section 139(9) Defective Return for Incorrect HRA Claims
House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a key tax exemption for salaried employees who live in rented accommodations. However, incorrect HRA claims in Income Tax Returns (ITR) can lead to a defective return notice under Section 139(9) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This occurs when the Income Tax Department detects discrepancies in the HRA claim, leading to scrutiny and requiring the taxpayer to correct the return within a specified time. Understanding the reasons behind a defective retu

Kanchan Bhatt
May 228 min read
Is HRA Different from Standard Deduction?
Taxpayers in India often seek ways to optimize their taxable income, and two common tax-saving tools for salaried individuals are House Rent Allowance (HRA) and standard deduction. While both reduce taxable income, they serve different purposes and apply under different conditions. Many taxpayers struggle to determine whether they can claim both or which option provides better savings. Understanding the distinction between HRA and standard deduction is crucial for effective t

Ankita Murkute
May 2213 min read
Landlord’s PAN Mandatory for HRA Exemption: Understanding the Rule
When submitting a claim for House Rent Allowance as a tax benefit, the Indian government has mandated that PAN card information be provided. A PAN card is now mandatory for these returns if the annual rent paid exceeds Rs. 1,00,000. Through the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the Income Tax Department published a circular outlining this new rule. In order to claim tax exemption, all renters now need to present their landlord's PAN card. Since a PAN card is required for HRA exe

Astha Bhatia
May 226 min read


Donations Eligible Under Section 80G and 80GGA
Contributing to charitable causes is an incredible way to give back to society in the form of donations. When individuals go the extra mile, the government also does its bit to recognise the charitable aspect of such actions. It extends strong support for charitable causes in the form of tax deductions on the amount contributed. Section 80G and Section 80GGA are the steps in this direction. Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act provides deductions in taxes on contribution

Kanchan Bhatt
May 2110 min read
HRA and LTA Tax Benefits Comparison for FY 2025-2026
House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) are two key components of a salaried individual’s compensation package that provide tax-saving benefits under the old tax regime. However, under the new tax regime, both exemptions have been removed, which has significant implications for taxpayers. This article compares the tax treatment of HRA and LTA, helping individuals make an informed choice about their tax-saving strategies. Table of Contents Understanding HRA

Kanchan Bhatt
May 217 min read
Belated Return and HRA Exemption Issues: How to Claim and Avoid Penalties
Filing income tax returns on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure that eligible deductions and exemptions, such as House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption, are properly claimed. However, many taxpayers either miss the due date or delay filing, leading to a belated return. A belated return can impact HRA exemption claims, restrict deductions, and result in penalties. In this article, we will discuss what a belated return is, how it affects HRA exemption, the challenges t

Kanchan Bhatt
May 215 min read
How to Avoid Defective Return Notices (Section 139(9)) by Paying Advance Tax Correctly
A defective notice under Section 139(9) is issued when the Income Tax Department identifies discrepancies or errors in the filed tax return. These errors often arise from unpaid taxes, mismatched financial details, or incomplete disclosures. A key factor that can trigger such notices is improper advance tax compliance. Properly paying advance tax ensures that your tax liability is correctly calculated and reflected in your return, minimizing the chances of errors or discrepan

Kanchan Bhatt
May 219 min read
Joint Development Agreement: What is Section 45(5A) Of Income Tax Act
A lot of landowners want to build a home on their property. Nevertheless, the landowner can lack the funds and other assets necessary to support a significant building project. In these situations, the landowners provide their property to a builder so that the latter can construct it and receive payment. A 'joint development agreement' is the term used for this arrangement. Section 45(5A) of the Income Tax Act describes how income resulting from this special arrangement is ta

Kanchan Bhatt
May 219 min read


Which ITR Filing Deadline Applies to Me: July 31, August 31, or October 31?
ITR filing deadlines for FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27) are no longer the same for every taxpayer. The due date depends on the type of income earned, the ITR form used, and whether the accounts require a tax audit. In simple terms, most salaried individuals must file by July 31, business owners without an audit get time until August 31, and audit cases move to October 31. Choosing the correct deadline is important because filing late can lead to penalties, interest, and even delays

Kanchan Bhatt
May 2112 min read
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