Advocate Rajat

Rajat Punyani is a tax enthusiast and financial insights writer dedicated to helping businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of modern taxation. Known for breaking down complicated tax regulations into easy-to-understand guidance, he shares practical strategies, industry updates, and expert perspectives that empower readers to make informed financial decisions. His goal is to bridge the gap between tax compliance and business growth, turning complex information into valuable insights that readers can apply with confidence.

The Shift from Form 10E to Form 39 What’s Changed, Why It Matter and Benefits for Taxpayers

The Shift from Form 10E to Form 39: What’s Changed, Why It Matter and Benefits for Taxpayers

India’s move from Form 10E to Form 39 marks a significant transformation in how taxpayers claim relief on arrears under Section 89(1). While earlier the process was often seen as technical and time-consuming, the new system focuses on simplicity, automation, and accessibility. Understanding Arrears Relief Under Section 89(1 Arrears refer to income received in the […]

The Shift from Form 10E to Form 39: What’s Changed, Why It Matter and Benefits for Taxpayers Read More »

Good News for Renters 50% HRA Exemption Expands to 8 Cities from April 2026

Good News for Renters: 50% HRA Exemption Expands to 8 Cities from April 2026

The latest amendment in the Income Tax rules, 2026 brings a welcome relief for salaried individuals living in major cities. Starting 1st April 2026, the House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption has been extended to eight cities, offering taxpayers the opportunity to save more on taxes if they pay rent. Whether you’re a long-time renter in

Good News for Renters: 50% HRA Exemption Expands to 8 Cities from April 2026 Read More »

Why Form 12BB Was Replaced by Form 124 Key Updates You Must Know

Why Form 12BB Was Replaced by Form 124: Key Updates You Must Know

The Indian tax system is constantly evolving, and 2026 has brought a notable change for salaried employees and taxpayers: Form 12BB, which has been the standard for claiming tax exemptions on salary, has now been replaced by Form 124. This change is more than just a renaming—it comes with updated sections, new reporting requirements, and

Why Form 12BB Was Replaced by Form 124: Key Updates You Must Know Read More »

Form 16A Transformed Why Form 131 Matters in 2026

Form 16A Transformed: Why Form 131 Matters in 2026

Every tax season brings its share of updates, but the 2026 shift from Form 16A to Form 131 is particularly significant. For taxpayers, business owners, and financial professionals, understanding this change is essential to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and streamline TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) management. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to

Form 16A Transformed: Why Form 131 Matters in 2026 Read More »

Form 16 is Now Form 130 – How Employers and Employees Should Prepare

Form 16 is Now Form 130 – How Employers and Employees Should Prepare

In a major development in India’s tax system, Form 16, the annual certificate of tax deducted at source (TDS) on salary, has been replaced by Form 130. While the purpose of the form remains the same—to provide a summary of an employee’s income and tax deductions—Form 130 introduces a more structured format, greater clarity, and

Form 16 is Now Form 130 – How Employers and Employees Should Prepare Read More »

Tax Filing 2026 ITR-1, ITR-2, and Audit Deadlines Explained

Tax Filing 2026: ITR-1, ITR-2, and Audit Deadlines Explained

Tax season can be a stressful time for individuals, businesses, and professionals. However, understanding the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadlines and tax audit requirements can save you from hefty penalties, legal issues, and last-minute confusion. For Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, the government has kept the deadlines unchanged: ITR-1 and ITR-2 are due 31st July

Tax Filing 2026: ITR-1, ITR-2, and Audit Deadlines Explained Read More »

How the Extended ITR-3 & ITR-4 Deadline Impacts Your Tax Filing for AY 2026-27

How the Extended ITR-3 & ITR-4 Deadline Impacts Your Tax Filing for AY 2026-27

The Income Tax Department has introduced a welcome relief for non-audit taxpayers. Effective April 2026, the deadline to file ITR-3 and ITR-4 has been extended from the end of the financial year to 31st August. This new timeline is applicable retroactively for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) as well. This change is particularly important for small

How the Extended ITR-3 & ITR-4 Deadline Impacts Your Tax Filing for AY 2026-27 Read More »

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Does this change my tax rate or deductions? No. Income slabs, deductions, and other rules remain unchanged. Only the terminology is simplified. Q2: Will tax filing deadlines change? No. Filing and payment deadlines remain as before. Q3: Do old forms still work? Yes, but forms will gradually update to use Tax Year. Using old forms may cause minor confusion. Q4: How does this affect previous years? Previous years’ filings remain under FY and AY. The change applies only from 2025–26 onwards.

Income Tax Act 2025: Why ‘Tax Year’ Replaces Financial and Assessment Years

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has brought one of the most significant changes in the Indian tax system in recent years: replacing the terms Financial Year (FY) and Assessment Year (AY) with a single, simpler term called Tax Year. This change might seem small at first glance, but it has far-reaching implications for taxpayers, businesses,

Income Tax Act 2025: Why ‘Tax Year’ Replaces Financial and Assessment Years Read More »

How to Recover Your TDS Refund Even After Missing the Filing Deadline

How to Recover Your TDS Refund Even After Missing the Filing Deadline

Missing the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline can be stressful, especially when you’re expecting a TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) refund. Many taxpayers assume that missing the deadline means losing their refund forever. The good news is that recent tax provisions allow you to claim your TDS refund even after the deadline – provided

How to Recover Your TDS Refund Even After Missing the Filing Deadline Read More »

Form 15G and 15H Merged into Form 121 What It Means for Taxpayers

Form 15G and 15H Merged into Form 121: What It Means for Taxpayers

India’s tax system is steadily moving toward simplification and digitization. One of the most notable recent proposals is the merger of Form 15G and Form 15H into a single unified declaration – Form 121. This change is designed to eliminate confusion, reduce paperwork, and make compliance easier for both taxpayers and financial institutions. What Were

Form 15G and 15H Merged into Form 121: What It Means for Taxpayers Read More »