Should I choose the old or new tax regime? I'm a pharma employee earning ₹14 lakhs annually.

Ans: Hi Pranita
Apply for Central Format and upload the receipt. That will help.

Ans: Debt funds and equity mutual funds serve different purposes in an investor's portfolio. Debt funds offer stability and lower risk, while equity mutual funds focus on high growth with higher risk.

Below are the key reasons why debt funds provide lower returns than equity funds.

1. Nature of Underlying Investments
Debt funds invest in bonds, government securities, corporate debt, and fixed-income instruments.

These instruments provide fixed interest, leading to predictable but lower returns.

Equity mutual funds invest in company stocks, which have the potential for higher capital appreciation over time.

2. Risk-Return Tradeoff
Lower risk means lower return potential in debt funds.

Debt investments focus on preserving capital rather than aggressive growth.

Equities are volatile, but over the long term, they tend to generate higher returns.

3. Interest Rate Sensitivity
Debt fund returns depend on interest rate movements in the economy.

Rising interest rates reduce bond prices, lowering returns in debt funds.

Equity funds are less impacted by interest rate changes and benefit from economic growth.

4. Inflation-Adjusted Returns
Debt funds often fail to beat inflation in the long run.

Equity investments provide inflation-adjusted growth due to rising corporate earnings.

Holding equities for longer durations results in compounding benefits.

5. Growth Potential
Equities represent ownership in businesses that expand over time.

Business growth translates to higher share prices and higher returns.

Debt instruments provide fixed interest, which limits potential upside.

6. Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds enjoy lower long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax rates compared to debt funds.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab, reducing post-tax returns.

This tax treatment makes equities more attractive for long-term wealth creation.

7. Market Performance
During economic growth, companies generate higher profits, leading to higher equity returns.

Debt fund returns depend on interest rate cycles, making them less rewarding in growth periods.

Equities have historically outperformed debt over longer durations.

Finally
Debt funds provide safety and stability but offer lower returns.

Equity mutual funds outperform over time due to business expansion and compounding.

A well-balanced portfolio should include both debt and equity, based on financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: Hello Sabu
You have not mentioned your motivation to look for career change at this juncture of your life.
Is it out of passion, money or something else?
Idly, if one can afford, a parallel switch is most advisable & least disruptive. Means you should parallelly start small steps in new area & gradually switch over rather an abrupt one shot change.
As mentioned, deeper details of your thought process/circumstances will help a more precise revert.
All the Best !
Major Inderpaul
HR Expert, Career & Relationship Coach

Ans: Hello Mr. Heman,
Reestablishing your career in cost accounting and setting up a consulting firm in India requires careful planning. Start by updating your knowledge through ICAI’s continuing education programs, industry seminars, and professional courses to stay current with evolving regulations and industry practices. Reactivating your ICAI membership and obtaining a Certificate of Practice (CoP) is essential to offer consulting services legally. While still in Qatar, gaining practical exposure by offering freelance or part-time cost auditing or GST advisory services to Indian firms will help establish credibility.

Next, choose a suitable business structure - Sole Proprietorship, LLP, or Private Limited Company - based on your growth plans and compliance preferences. Register your firm with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and obtain the necessary licenses. Conduct thorough market research to identify your target clients, understand industry needs, and define your service offerings, such as cost audits, financial consulting, and management advisory. A well-structured business plan with clear financial projections will help ensure long-term sustainability.

Investing in technology and infrastructure is crucial. Setting up a professional office, adopting modern accounting software, and leveraging cloud-based financial solutions will enhance efficiency. Building a strong professional network is equally important - reconnect with former colleagues, join industry associations, attend networking events, and establish a digital presence through a website and social media to attract clients.

Lastly, focus on compliance and quality assurance. Adhering to ICAI regulations, tax laws, and ethical standards is critical for maintaining credibility and trust. By systematically following these steps, you can successfully transition back into cost accounting and establish a reputable consulting firm in India, ensuring a stable and rewarding career.

Ans: LTCG with Indexation may result in a Loss (LTCL - Long Term Capital Loss) & hence no tax payable. You may opt for the same. It is however subject to the F/Y 2024-25.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Hello;

Regarding plan migration feasibility you may check with your insurer/insurance agent.

If you want to inform the insurer about your later acquired illness you may furnish the details to them as per their requirement and check their feedback on the same.

Their feedback will decide your next course of action.

Best wishes;

Ans: You are correct. You cannot claim exemption u/s 54 in this case.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Kindly make sure, that you are talking about above details for F/Y 2025-26 only.
Broadly speaking, New Tax Regime may be more suitable in this case.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Hello;

For your monthly sip (10 K) you just need to invest in a multi asset allocation fund for your investment horizon.

My view is markets may be volatile in the short to medium term.

It is recommended with a view to have lower risk with decent returns.

Best wishes;