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Mihir

Mihir Tanna  |1054 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Sep 07, 2022

Mihir Ashok Tanna, who works with a well-known chartered accountancy firm in Mumbai, has more than 15 years of experience in direct taxation.
He handles various kinds of matters related to direct tax such as PAN/ TAN application; compliance including ITR, TDS return filing; issuance/ filing of statutory forms like Form 15CB, Form 61A, etc; application u/s 10(46); application for condonation of delay; application for lower/ nil TDS certificate; transfer pricing and study report; advisory/ opinion on direct tax matters; handling various income-tax notices; compounding application on show cause for TDS default; verification of books for TDS/ TCS/ equalisation levy compliance; application for pending income-tax demand and refund; charitable trust taxation and compliance; income-tax scrutiny and CIT(A) for all types of taxpayers including individuals, firms, LLPs, corporates, trusts, non-resident individuals and companies.
He regularly represents clients before the income tax authorities including the commissioner of income tax (appeal).... more
Indraneel Question by Indraneel on Sep 07, 2022Hindi
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I have a problem with regard to IT payment for myself as a salaried individual for assessment year 2021-22. I had delayed my payment, but was able to pay it within the designated time. I was further asked to pay an amount of around Rs 4,341 by 31st March. However I had some issues with the transaction password on my online bank account, and thus missed the deadline. The amount is still unpaid. What should I do?

Ans: I understand that you have filed your Income Tax return and demand is intimated to you via Intimation u/s 143(1) of Income Tax Act.

In case income tax demand is not paid within 30 days of its generation, interest of 1% p.m. will be levied u/s 220 of Income Tax Act. So pay tax online through e-filing website or directly from the bank website.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Mihir

Mihir Tanna  |1054 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Sep 29, 2022

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Dear Mr Tanna, Before soliciting your sincere opinion I must first congratulate and compliment you for the benevolent job being done to alleviate the problems being faced by the solo taxpayers from the pounce of the IT Office. I would request you to go through my problem which is very much exhaustive and moreover disheartening for the busy people like you. I am a retd employee from LIC in the FY 2020/21. In FY 2021/22 I had received arrears of salary along with commutation of pension and leave encashment. The employer while finalizing the IT for 2021/22 had deducted IT giving the exemption for comm pension, 80CC and 80D without the benefit under sec 89. While filing IT I could see the effect of AIS. Without any further deduction except under 80 TTB, I tried to confirm the Total Taxable Income as per 26AS/AIS. The self-assessed tax was to be paid on three dates because of the ATM limit etc. The last payment which was on 28th July, could not be successful and was debited on 29th as a result I could not add the CIN No etc., on the Add box of tax payment. Since the total amount of tax was paid before the last date i.e 31st I did submit a short paid ITR presuming it would be taken care of. On 1st Aug I received a message under sec 143 with a demand due for 4660/. The e-file status was showing the ITR is under process with O/S demand Nil (four Green tick was displayed). Till Aug 30th when I found the ITR is not accepted despite the grievances as cited above, again I paid the balance amount going thru the demand due option, there also I faced the same problem from bank. The amount could be debited on 31St Aug. I did pay the amount thinking the ITR and tax deposit are different Module. Moreover after filing ITR I made a query with the ITO regarding exemption of Transfer grant which should have been allowed at source. They denied it under pretext that no further exemption after filling. In order to see the last payment due appear under SAT head I had submitted a grievance which was not seen till I spoke to the help desk. One reply came with so many tags to file revised IT under section 131 (5). While I visited for re-file, I could see the interest amount along with an increased taxable income thus returned back. Now my questions are: 1. How the taxable income would vary when a letter under 143 is issued with a demand? 2. If I am to re-submit the ITR under Sec 131 (5) can I restrict the taxable income to the earlier one? 3. Can they alter the taxable income when Sec 143 is invoked? 4. Finally, should I conform to the query or wait till they make their earlier demand set right. Sir I had filled it by myself without the help of a professional. Your opinion would be mostly an antidote against the IT virus that has made me upset. Eagerly awaiting your reply.
Ans: Thank you so much for your compliment. Looking at your facts, I wish you could have got professional advice on 1st August itself. My views on your queries are as follows:

  1. I understand you are using online feature of filing Income Tax Return at www.incometax.gov.in wherein data is prefilled based on information reported by different persons (like employer for salary, bank for interest income, company for dividend income, TDS deductor for TDS deducted and amount of income credited, etc.). In your case, it might be possible that reportable entity has revised its data for reporting to income tax department and accordingly amount appearing in intimation issued u/s 143(1) differs from amount auto populated while filing income tax return u/s 139(5) of Income Tax Act using online feature.
  1. It is not advisable to restrict auto populated income unless income auto populated at e-filing portal is incorrect. Check AIS for income auto populated at e-filing portal. If income appearing in AIS is incorrect, you can file feedback for AIS and offer actual income to tax while filing return u/s 139(5) of the act which allow tax payer to revise return by rectifying mistakes.
  1. Yes, income tax provides updated figure at portal even if intimation is issued u/s 143(1) of the Act, as revised figures is provided by the payer of income or person authorised as reportable entity.  
  1. I understand you are talking about self-assessment tax paid by you and not auto populated in relevant schedule of ITR. Reason for the same can be wrong selection of year or code while making payment or while uploading challan details by the bank. Please check 26AS for self-assessment tax paid, if the same is not appearing in 26AS of AY 2022-23, you have to discuss said issue with Jurisdictional officer.

..Read more

Mihir

Mihir Tanna  |1054 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2022

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I have filed my ITR-1 for AY 21-22 in time. Demand was raised on 14 Jan for Rs 1,690 on processing of my ITR. a) I have paid the amount on 27 May, 2022 through net banking against challan no 10574. BSR code 0510308. I have erroneously paid Rs 1,690 in serial 300 (self-assessment) instead of SL 400. The amount remains to be shown outstanding in mine account and acceptance of return remains pending. I have tried to correct the SL 400 through my PAN account but I have not been successful in changing serial. In rectification icon this amount of Rs 1690 is not shown because only payments prior to submission of ITR are only shown. However, this Rs 1,690 is shown in it is shown in 26As. So I have not been able to change to SL 400 instead of SL 300. b) I requested for reprocess of ITR so that this amount may get reflected and ITR will be accepted. After reprocessing request amount has been reduced to Rs 1,230. But ITR has not been accepted. It is showing with additional interest of Rs 108 as on today. c) Additionally Rs.1690 + Rs 112 has been deducted from refund of next year return on 14 September 22. This is also reflected in 26AS d) Therefore I have paid Rs1690 through net banking challan plus Rs 1,690 through deduction from refund plus Rs 112 as interest. Total payment made 1,690+1,690+112 = Rs 3,492. Whereas I am required to pay only Rs 1,230. e) ITR still outstanding and not accepted till date and amount of Rs 1,230 is reflected unpaid. Sir my query is: a) Am I required to pay amount Rs 1,230 + interest? After the re- processing, despite having paid Rs 1,690 against initial demand by net banking plus there has been deduction from refunds. i.e. twice if I ask for re-processing? b) Now that amount has been paid. What action I need to take to complete the processing of ITR.
Ans: If tax demand is paid after 30 days, income tax charge interest @1%. I understand that Rs 112 is interest charged for late payment of tax demand and all other demands are not valid. Such demand can be deleted by filing application u/s 154 of the income tax act.

Check e-filing portal “outstanding demand” tab. If rectification rights are with CPC, you can request CPC Customer Care to transfer ITR to assessing officer.

Once the case is transferred, you can explain the issue to jurisdictional officer, request officer to pass rectification order as mistake is appearing from records and issue refund for wrongly adjustment of next year refund.

..Read more

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2025
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Sir we took a sbi global Ed-vantage education loan with collateral for 80lakh on May 2024. For 10.65.%for 15yrs. They said int rates are computerized pan India. So we trusted them. But after one year nd disbursement of 40lakh . But we got email saying interest is now 11.15% we checked. current rates it was 9.15 .%. we were shocked it made as to check what was the rate during our loan sanction time. It was same 9.15. we felt cheated . When we asked the bank they said they can't change that. Let's see what can be done for 0.5%increase . Trusting sbi nd not checking the rates was our fault. Now what's the remedy for us. Hope you can guide us. We will be grateful for your help.
Ans: You’ve done the right thing by revisiting and questioning the loan terms. It’s understandable to feel disappointed and betrayed. Many borrowers assume public banks will offer full transparency. But sadly, loan processes — even in SBI — are not always straightforward. Let’s explore your case from all angles and suggest clear remedies.



1. Understanding the Real Issue First


Your SBI education loan was sanctioned at 10.65% in May 2024.



Today, after disbursing Rs. 40 lakh, you’ve been told the new rate is 11.15%.



But the current advertised rate is only 9.15%.



This mismatch raises a key concern: Was your rate fixed or floating?



SBI Global Ed-Vantage loans are generally linked to EBLR (External Benchmark Lending Rate).



That means the interest rate must change as the RBI repo rate changes.



But the reality is, SBI often adds a “spread” or “premium” over the benchmark rate.



This spread is based on credit score, collateral, student profile, etc.



Even if repo goes down, SBI may increase spread, keeping final rate high.



And sadly, banks don’t disclose this clearly unless you ask.



2. What Might Have Happened in Your Case


SBI’s base rate (EBLR) may have been 9.15% during sanction.



But your rate was 10.65%, which means spread was 1.50%.



Now, repo may have dropped, but SBI raised the spread silently to 2.00%.



So your new rate is 9.15% + 2.00% = 11.15%.



This is how banks play with the spread behind the scenes.



It’s not illegal. But it is misleading if not explained upfront.



3. Your Mistake Was Only Trusting Without Verifying


It’s true — not checking the benchmark and spread is common.



Many assume SBI will give best possible rate.



But banks use “pan-India computerized” explanation to avoid individual discussions.



Now that you caught it, it’s time to take the right steps.



4. What You Can Do Immediately


First, send an official written complaint to SBI branch manager.



Ask for detailed loan sanction letter, annexure, and EBLR-linked rate calculation.



Request a written breakup: current repo rate + spread = your interest.



Ask for justification of why spread is 2.00% now.



Mention the advertised rate (9.15%) and ask why you didn’t get it.



Submit this via email and hard copy and ask for written reply.



5. If Bank Doesn’t Cooperate, Escalate in Stages


After 7 working days, if branch doesn’t reply, write to SBI Zonal Office.



You can get email and contact on SBI website under grievance redressal.



Still no help? Raise complaint to SBI Customer Care portal online.



Use this link: https://crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf/



Clearly mention the unfair spread hike, deviation from base rate, and lack of clarity.



Upload all documents, email chains, and screenshots.



You will get a complaint ID. Follow it regularly.



6. If Still No Resolution – Use RBI Ombudsman Route


Wait for 30 days from SBI complaint.



If no response or unsatisfactory reply, file online to RBI Banking Ombudsman.



Use this link: https://cms.rbi.org.in



Fill full complaint history, and attach copies.



You can highlight that loan was linked to repo rate but you were charged more.



RBI may take strict action if SBI is found wrong.



7. Optional But Powerful – RTI Filing


You can also file RTI to SBI Head Office.



Ask:



What was EBLR in May 2024?



What is the spread for Global Ed-Vantage loans for a profile like yours?



Why your loan is now at 11.15% while base rate is 9.15%?



File online here: https://rtionline.gov.in



Cost is Rs. 10. Takes 5 minutes. Use your name and bank account number.



SBI must reply in 30 days.



8. What to Avoid Now


Do not make fresh disbursement of the remaining Rs. 40 lakh unless clarified.



Don’t blindly continue EMI or interest payments without documents.



Don’t fall into trap of “switch to fixed rate” offers from bank.



That can trap you at high rates even when repo falls later.



And don’t assume you can’t fight – RBI is serious about customer complaints.



9. Is Loan Takeover Possible from Another Bank?


After first disbursement, loan takeover is hard.



Very few banks take over mid-way student loans.



But if issue continues, and rate remains high, you may explore NBFC options later.



They may allow takeover if collateral is strong.



But this should be Plan B, not immediate action.



10. What Can You Learn and Apply Ahead?


Always ask for base rate + spread breakdown during loan sanction.



Ask if rate is repo-linked or MCLR-linked or fixed.



Collect the signed loan agreement and annexure with these details.



Ask for email confirmation, not just verbal words.



And monitor repo and EBLR changes every quarter.



11. Financial Tip: Start Small SIP for Education Loan Buffer


Start a monthly SIP to build buffer for future EMIs.



In case interest rate continues rising, this corpus can help.



Use short-term debt fund or ultra short-term fund for this.



This will reduce dependence on fresh disbursement or bank help.



Finally


You’ve taken a bold and right step by verifying everything.



SBI has no right to quietly raise spreads without proper explanation.



You can fight this legally and fairly through written complaints and RTI.



Be persistent, polite, and professional.



Track everything and escalate stage by stage.



Your case can also become reference for many other parents and students.



Take this fight not just for you, but for every Indian borrower.


Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8474 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 39 Year old with in-hand salary 1.9L. I have an ongoing homeloan of 48L with an EMI of 37k per month. I am paying 50k to principal in every quarter. Also I have a cash in saving account (emergency fund) 10L, Gold 24L, MF around 7.5L and stocks around 4L. Pls suggest if this looks fine or what changes i should do for proper balancing my finances. Shall I focus on loan prepayment or more into investment.
Ans: You have made strong financial progress. You earn well, invest regularly, and maintain discipline. Let’s now do a deep evaluation and give a complete 360-degree plan. We will look at debt, investments, risk protection, asset mix, and your goals.

This will help you get better clarity and balance in your money life.



1. Emergency Fund – Good, but Rebalance a Bit


Rs. 10 lakh as emergency fund is quite healthy. You’re well-prepared for sudden needs.



Ideally, 6 to 9 months of expenses is enough. For you, Rs. 5–6 lakh is sufficient.



Keep part in a sweep-in FD linked savings account.



Move the extra amount to debt mutual funds for higher returns with some liquidity.


2. Home Loan Strategy – Continue Part Prepayments Smartly


Your Rs. 48 lakh home loan with Rs. 37,000 EMI is well within your income capacity.



Paying Rs. 50,000 principal every quarter is a smart move. It reduces interest load.



This gives you a good balance between investment and debt reduction.



Avoid lump sum full closure now. Use part-prepayment method.



This way, you retain liquidity and reduce loan burden over time.



Keep this strategy going for next 6–7 years.


3. Mutual Funds – Continue, But Review the Mix


Rs. 7.5 lakh in mutual funds is a good beginning.



Check asset allocation across large, mid, and small cap.



Avoid overexposure to mid and small cap funds. They are volatile.



Add more to diversified flexi-cap and large cap funds.



Choose actively managed funds only. Avoid index funds.



Index funds don’t adapt to market changes. Active funds are better in down cycles.



Direct funds look cheap, but not better for long-term investors.



Regular funds via a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP help you track and rebalance.



You get guidance, discipline, and human advice that apps don’t provide.


4. Equity Stocks – Don’t Over-Rely


Rs. 4 lakh in stocks is okay. Keep it under 10–15% of your portfolio.



Individual stocks carry high risk. Not suitable for core long-term goals.



Treat it as satellite allocation. Limit exposure.



Stay invested in quality businesses only.



Avoid over-trading or short-term speculation.


5. Gold – Need to Reduce Overweight


Rs. 24 lakh in gold is very high. It is around 60% of your financial assets.



Gold is for protection, not long-term growth.



Prices can stagnate for years. No income is generated.



Keep only 10–15% of your portfolio in gold.



Start gradually redeeming and shifting to mutual funds.



You can use gold to prepay part of the home loan or invest in flexi-cap funds.



Don’t exit all at once. Spread over next 12 to 24 months.


6. Income vs Expenses – Room to Save More


You earn Rs. 1.9 lakh per month in hand. EMI is only Rs. 37,000.



This gives you high saving potential. Use it well.



Target to invest at least Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month.



Break it into SIPs, debt funds, and some into equity.



Emergency fund and gold already give you base safety.



So now, focus more on compounding growth.


7. Retirement Planning – Need Structured Focus


At 39, you have 18–20 years for retirement.



Start a separate retirement SIP portfolio.



Use a mix of equity and hybrid mutual funds.



This should be at least Rs. 25,000–30,000 per month.



Rebalance yearly with a Certified Financial Planner.



Don’t depend on PF alone. It won’t be enough for modern lifestyle needs.


8. Child Education and Family Goals – Plan Now


If you have children, their future needs planning.



Start a dedicated SIP for higher education or marriage.



Keep it separate from retirement funds.



Education costs are rising fast. Early action helps.


9. Insurance – Must Protect What You Built


Term insurance is a must if you have dependents.



Cover should be at least 15 to 20 times of yearly income.



Avoid endowment or ULIP policies.



If you already have them, consider surrendering.



Reinvest proceeds in mutual funds through a qualified CFP.



Also ensure you have health insurance for all family members.



Check if coverage is minimum Rs. 10–15 lakh per person.



Use top-up plans if base cover is low.


10. Tax Planning – Optimise Smartly


Use full benefits under Section 80C with PPF, EPF, or ELSS.



Avoid locking money into tax-saving FDs with low returns.



Plan HRA, housing loan interest, and NPS for extra deductions.



Use new capital gains rules when you redeem mutual funds.



Equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.



Short-term equity fund gains taxed at 20%.



For debt funds, gains are taxed as per your slab.


11. Asset Allocation – Time to Restructure


Your current structure is skewed toward gold.



You need a mix of equity 50%, debt 30%, gold 10–15%.



This will give balance between growth, safety, and liquidity.



Do this realignment slowly over next 12–18 months.


12. Investment Tracking – Do Yearly Review


Review your portfolio once a year.



Rebalance if any one asset class moves too much.



Exit underperforming funds and move to better ones.



Take help of a CFP for regular review.



Avoid chasing returns or timing market.



Stick to plan with discipline.


13. Psychological Strength – Stay Patient and Calm


Don’t panic in market falls. Stay invested.



Avoid comparing with others. Your plan is unique.



Investing is a slow, steady journey.



Focus on consistency, not speed.



Celebrate small milestones. Stay motivated.


Finally


You’ve done many things right already. Strong salary, low EMI, good saving habits.



Just reduce gold holding and rebalance into growth assets.



Continue smart prepayment of loan, but don’t be in a rush to close.



Increase investments now, especially into mutual funds and SIPs.



Plan separately for retirement, education, and protection.



Follow a structured plan under guidance of a CFP.



Track yearly and adjust as life changes.



Your future can be safe, growing, and peaceful with this disciplined approach.


Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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