Income Tax Reforms
India is gearing up for significant changes in its income tax system, set to take effect from April 1, 2026. The new regulations aim to simplify provisions.
There's also speculation about potential joint tax filing for married couples. Furthermore, those seeking income tax refunds may experience delays, and this article provides insights into the reasons behind these delays and how to check the status. Updated returns saw 22.4 lakh filings, with 26 lakh revised returns submitted up to December 31.
Market & Investments
The stock market has displayed volatility, with the Sensex experiencing fluctuations and Nifty testing key levels. Despite this, midcap and smallcap inflows hit record highs in 2025. The article highlights the performance of specific stocks, like HCLTech which announced its Q3 earnings, and also provides a look into the ongoing Bharat Coking Coal IPO. Experts are also analyzing the potential end of the BSE-NSE duopoly, as the Metropolitan Stock Exchange is set to commence trading soon. The article also features insights into the real estate investment trusts (REIT) market, which is expected to reach $25 billion by 2030.
Banking & Finance
The financial sector is also seeing changes. ICICI Bank launched a Capital Gains Account Scheme to assist taxpayers in claiming exemptions and earning interest. IDFC First Bank reduced interest rates on savings accounts. Government data reveals that digital payments surged with a 41% CAGR, reaching Rs 22,831 crore in FY25, thanks to the DIGIDHAN Mission. Karur Vysya Bank also launched a Capital Gains Account. However, bank employees are planning a nationwide strike on January 27, advocating for a five-day work week.
Real Estate Trends
The real estate market in India is showing interesting trends. Homebuyers are increasingly opting for premium, branded homes. In Pune, a 3BHK unit valued at Rs 1.80 crore is projected to increase to Rs 2.15 crore next month, indicating potential price appreciation. Furthermore, Delhi-NCR experienced a 39% QoQ jump in housing launches in Q4 2025. There are also reports about significant real estate developments, such as the redevelopment of a 60-year-old Bandra society.
Government Initiatives
Several government initiatives and announcements are also influencing the financial landscape. India's fish production doubled over a decade, creating 74.66 lakh jobs under various government schemes. The 8th Pay Commission is a topic of discussion with people exploring how to estimate their new take-home pay using a salary calculator. Budget 2026 is scheduled for February 1, with the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, set to present it at 11 AM. The real estate industry is calling for tax relief and stable policies in the upcoming budget. The government also increased excise duty on cigarettes and pan masala, effective from February 1.
Investment Strategies
Investors are exploring various investment avenues. A wealth company launched a Gold ETF Fund of Fund for 2026 investors. Experts are also contemplating whether copper is the next promising investment option after gold and silver. There are discussions on how to gift mutual fund units to children without incurring capital gains tax. PFRDA is exploring a guaranteed payout model for NPS subscribers.
Other Financial Insights
The article offers a wide range of additional insights. It explores the reasons behind delays in income tax refunds, as well as the rules regarding interest earned during the delay. Freelancers are provided with information on how to secure personal loans even without salary slips. The article also looks into what gets tracked and what doesn't by the Income Tax Department regarding online spending and digital activity.
