Guides
Clear, detailed explainers behind the tools: what the rule is, how it works with real numbers, and what to do next. Updated for tax year 2026-27 and the Income-tax Act, 2025.
For tenants
Rent Agreements in India: What to Check Before You Sign
Stamp duty, registration, the 11-month rule, the clauses that matter, police verification and what to do after signing — a complete walkthrough for tenants and landlords.
Getting Your Security Deposit Back: Deductions, Timelines and Your Rights
What a landlord can and can’t deduct, how fast the refund should come, how to document move-out, and what to do if the deposit isn’t returned.
For salaried employees
HRA Exemption: The Complete Guide
How the HRA exemption is calculated, the eight cities that get 50% from 2026, rent receipts, landlord PAN, worked examples and the mistakes that cost people money.
Paying Rent to Parents, No Landlord PAN and Other Tricky HRA Cases
Can you claim HRA when you pay rent to your parents or spouse, own a house, live in a PG, or your landlord won’t share their PAN? Clear answers with what proof to keep.
Old vs New Tax Regime: How to Actually Decide
The tax year 2026-27 slabs for both regimes, the break-even deductions, worked examples at different salaries, and how and when you can switch.
CTC vs In-Hand Salary: Why Your Offer Letter Number Is Misleading
Every component that sits between your CTC and your take-home pay, how the 2025 labour codes changed salary structures, and what to check before you accept an offer.
Form 16, Form 124 and Investment Proofs: The Salaried Tax Year Explained
What to declare to your employer and when, how investment proofs work, what Form 16 (now Form 130) shows, and how to avoid a surprise tax bill in March.
EPF and Gratuity Explained: How They Grow and When You Can Withdraw
How PF contributions and interest work, the 2025 withdrawal rules, when gratuity is payable (including the new 1-year rule for fixed-term staff), and how both are taxed.
For freelancers
Income Tax for Freelancers in India: Presumptive Tax, Advance Tax and TDS
How freelancers and consultants are taxed under the Income-tax Act, 2025: the 50% presumptive scheme, choosing a regime, TDS on fees, advance tax and filing.
GST for Freelancers: When to Register, What to Charge and Foreign Clients
The ₹20 lakh registration threshold, 18% GST on most services, zero-rated exports and the LUT, invoices, and the monthly and yearly filings once you’re registered.
For employers & HR
Full & Final Settlement: What You're Owed When You Leave a Job
Everything in an FnF settlement — pending salary, notice pay, leave encashment, gratuity — how the labour codes changed the timeline, and how tax applies.
Offer, Appointment, Experience and Relieving Letters: What Each Must Include
The purpose of each HR letter, what the 2025 labour codes require, the details every letter needs, and the mistakes that cause problems for employers and employees.