Smart Money Journal: Your Guide to Smart Finance & Investing

Tax season can be stressful, but with the right strategies, you can make the most of your tax deductions and reduce your tax liability . Here's everything you need to know about the latest ITR returns and tax-saving methods to save more money in the financial year 2025-26. 1️⃣ Key Updates in ITR Forms for FY 2025-26 The government has introduced updated ITR forms for FY 2025-26, which include improvements to the process for both individuals and businesses. Here are the key highlights: ITR 1 (Sahaj) : Simplified for individuals earning up to ₹50 lakh from salary, pension, and other sources. No need to declare capital gains or business income. ITR 2 : For those with income from more than one house property, capital gains, or foreign income. It’s ideal for salaried individuals with multiple income sources . ITR 3 : For individuals and HUFs with business or profession income . ITR 4 (Sugam) : Simplified for small businesses or professionals opting for the presumptive...

Every year, salaried professionals and business owners look for ways to reduce their tax liability . The Indian government provides various tax-saving investment options and deductions to help taxpayers save money legally. In this guide, we’ll cover top tax-saving strategies , including Section 80C deductions, NPS benefits, HRA exemptions, and more . 1️⃣ Maximize Section 80C Deductions (Up to ₹1.5 Lakh) Section 80C is one of the most popular tax-saving provisions. You can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh in deductions by investing in: ✔ Public Provident Fund (PPF) – Long-term tax-free savings (Lock-in: 15 years) ✔ Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) – Salaried employees’ retirement savings ✔ National Savings Certificate (NSC) – Fixed return, safe investment ✔ 5-Year Tax-Saving Fixed Deposit – Offered by banks with fixed returns ✔ Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) – Market-linked mutual funds with highest returns (Lock-in: 3 years) ✔ Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) – For daughters...