Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Mahesh

Mahesh Padmanabhan  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Apr 06, 2023

Mahesh Padmanabhan has specialised in payroll, personal and corporate taxation for more than two and a half decades, enabling him to provide practical, realistic and correct advice to his clients.
He is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and has a degree in cost accounting from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
He is also a qualified information systems auditor. ... more
Rajeev Question by Rajeev on Apr 05, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money

Sir I am in a temperory govt job and recieving a salary around 75k per month..since 5 months i didn't recieve salary due to some technical problem and now they are planning to pay me whole amount in financial year 2024..due to this my slab will change from 20%to 30% and i need to pay more tax without any salary hike..can you suggest some solution for that..

Ans: Hi Rajeev
Salary is taxable on receipt or due basis, whichever is earlier. Hence technically you are liable to be taxed for the salary in the year it was due to be received regardless of the fact that it was not actually paid to you.

In case you do not have any other source of income, this 5 months salary would not attract any tax under either of the tax regimes so you could go ahead disclose this income in the current year and not in 2024
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 14, 2024

Money
Good morning Anil sir, I am a salaried person having a gross salary of Rs. 11,15,652 per annum. I am to ask you for a better tax regime for the financial year 2024-25. How much am I supposed to pay tax? Also sir, my service period is only 6 years left. I have invested some money in LICs and FDs aggregating almost of Rs. 15,00,000. I am also running with a PO Recurring deposit of Rs. 8,500 per month for 5 years tenure. In case I want a regular income of Rs. 25,000 after my retirement, what additional amount am I supposed to invest and in what areas? Please suggest.
Ans: Your gross salary of Rs 11,15,652 per annum puts you in a comfortable financial position. With only six years left until retirement, planning for both tax efficiency and post-retirement income is crucial. You have already invested Rs 15 lakhs in LIC policies and FDs, along with a PO Recurring Deposit of Rs 8,500 per month. These are conservative investment options, which provide stability but may not be enough to meet your post-retirement income needs.

Evaluating Tax Regimes for 2024-25
Choosing between the old and new tax regimes depends on your existing deductions and exemptions. The old regime allows for deductions under Section 80C, 80D, and others, which can lower your taxable income. The new regime offers lower tax rates but eliminates most deductions.

Points to Consider:

Old Tax Regime: If you claim significant deductions like HRA, 80C (up to Rs 1.5 lakhs), and 80D (health insurance premiums), the old regime may be beneficial.

New Tax Regime: If you don’t have substantial deductions or prefer a simplified process, the new regime with lower rates could be advantageous.

Estimating Your Tax Liability
Without specific details on your deductions, a rough estimate of your tax liability under both regimes can be considered. Here's a basic idea:

Old Tax Regime:

Income after Standard Deduction: Rs 10,65,652 (assuming Rs 50,000 standard deduction)
Deductions: If you claim Rs 1.5 lakhs under 80C, your taxable income would be Rs 9,15,652.
New Tax Regime:

Taxable Income: Rs 10,65,652 without additional deductions.
Given these estimates, it’s essential to calculate the exact tax based on your actual deductions.

Post-Retirement Income Planning
You aim to have a regular income of Rs 25,000 per month after retirement. To achieve this, you need to consider both the amount required and the investment avenues that will help you reach your goal.

Current Investments:

LIC and FDs: These are safe but offer lower returns. While they provide security, they may not be sufficient to generate Rs 25,000 per month.
PO Recurring Deposit: A good disciplined saving habit, but again, the returns are limited.
Creating a Retirement Corpus
To generate Rs 25,000 per month, you’ll need a substantial corpus. Assuming a conservative withdrawal rate of 4% per annum, the required corpus would be approximately Rs 75 lakhs.

Steps to Take:

Increase Equity Exposure: Since your current investments are conservative, consider adding equity mutual funds to your portfolio. Equity can provide higher returns, which are crucial for building a larger retirement corpus.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Start SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds. This will allow you to benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding over the next six years.

Balanced Approach: Consider a mix of equity and debt funds. While equity will drive growth, debt funds will add stability to your portfolio.

Disadvantages of Direct and Index Funds
When considering mutual funds, it’s important to understand the drawbacks of direct and index funds.

Direct Funds:

No Professional Guidance: Investing directly without a Certified Financial Planner's guidance can be risky. Regular funds offer professional management and support.

Complex Decision Making: Selecting the right funds, rebalancing, and timely switches require expertise.

Index Funds:

Limited Growth Potential: Index funds simply replicate the market. They don’t offer the opportunity to outperform, which is vital for long-term growth.

No Active Management: In changing market conditions, index funds can’t adapt, leading to missed opportunities.

Investing for Regular Post-Retirement Income
To achieve your goal of Rs 25,000 per month, you need to strategically invest the additional amount required.

Options to Consider:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Invest in a balanced fund and opt for an SWP. This will allow you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly while the remaining investment continues to grow.

Dividend-Paying Funds: Consider funds that provide regular dividends. Though not guaranteed, they can be a source of regular income.

Debt Funds: Allocate a portion to debt funds for stability. These funds can provide steady returns, adding a cushion to your income stream.

Final Insights
With six years left before retirement, focusing on building a balanced and growth-oriented portfolio is key. Increase your equity exposure through SIPs, consider the advantages of regular mutual funds over direct and index funds, and strategically plan for a regular income stream post-retirement. By carefully choosing your tax regime and aligning your investments with your retirement goals, you can achieve financial security in your golden years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Listen
Money
I have 20 lakhs in my account and a house in my name. At present I am not earning. I have taken SBI Life smart wealth builder with installment of 1Lakh, for 12 years and premium payment term of 7 years. Applicable tax rate is 18%. I also invested in MF and taken a health insurance. I am thinking if it would be wise to continue with the SBI life. If I close SBI life and invest that in MF will it be beneficial for me? I have taken a break from my career due to health issues, and planning to continue with my job soon with an expected income of 40-50k. I am 50 years old. I need to take care of my son's (18 years) higher studies and plan for my retirement.
Ans: You are in a transitional phase with important financial goals. Let’s assess your options to make informed decisions.

Assessing SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder Policy
High Cost of Policy: The policy includes administration charges, fund management fees, and taxes of 18%.

Limited Returns: ULIPs often provide lower returns compared to actively managed mutual funds.

Lock-in Period: Your policy locks funds, restricting liquidity for immediate goals.

Surrender Value: Check the surrender value. Early surrender might lead to penalties and reduced returns.

Potential Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds
Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, often outperform ULIPs over time.

Flexibility: You can withdraw funds based on your needs, offering better liquidity.

Diversification: Mutual funds provide exposure to different asset classes, reducing risk.

Cost Efficiency: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner minimises hidden charges and optimises returns.

Managing Your Rs. 20 Lakh Corpus
Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 5-6 lakhs in liquid funds or fixed deposits for emergencies.

Education Planning: Allocate funds in short-term debt mutual funds or recurring deposits for your son’s higher studies.

Retirement Corpus: Invest the remaining amount in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for long-term growth.

Health Insurance Adequacy: Review your existing health insurance to ensure sufficient coverage.

Planning Your Income Resumption
Once you resume work, save at least 20-30% of your income.

Prioritise retirement contributions alongside education planning.

Use surplus income to reduce financial dependency on investments.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds provide tax benefits but watch for LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh (taxed at 12.5%).

Surrendering ULIP: Check tax implications on surrender proceeds. ULIPs offer tax exemption if premiums don't exceed 10% of the sum assured.

Health Insurance: Claim Section 80D deductions for premiums paid.

Strategic Steps Forward
Review the policy surrender value. If penalties are high, consider continuing till break-even.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for a detailed portfolio review.

Set realistic timelines for education and retirement goals.

Maintain separate funds for short-term needs and long-term growth.

Finally
Your proactive approach will create a strong financial foundation. By reallocating your resources wisely, you can secure your son’s education and your retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am going to retire soon with retirement fund of 2 Cr along with pension sufficient for me and my spouse. I have own builder flat in Delhi and health coverage. I have one married daughter who is well settled with 2 kids under 5 years. One flat in my building is on sale for 2 Cr. I need advice for investment for 2Cr retirement fund . Should I buy the flat in my building or should I invest 2 Cr in senior citizen saving scheme, post office MIS , fixed deposit in Bank. My spouse of same age is also earning equally.
Ans: Retirement is a significant phase of life, and your financial decisions now will shape your future security and lifestyle. Let’s analyse your situation and investment choices.

Assessing Your Current Position
You have a retirement fund of Rs. 2 crore, which is substantial.

Your pension adequately covers your and your spouse’s living expenses.

Your spouse’s earnings provide an additional safety net.

You own a flat in Delhi and have health insurance coverage.

You have no immediate financial dependency, as your daughter is well-settled.

Should You Invest in Real Estate?
Avoid investing Rs. 2 crore in another flat, even if it is in your building.

Real estate offers low liquidity, making it harder to access funds in emergencies.

Rental income might not justify the high capital investment, considering property management costs and potential downtime.

Real estate lacks diversification compared to other investments, increasing risk.

Alternative Investment Options
1. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
SCSS is a secure option offering fixed returns for retirees.

Invest up to the permissible limit for predictable and regular income.

It is a low-risk investment backed by the government.

2. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)
Post Office MIS provides guaranteed monthly income.

It is another safe choice for retirees with capital preservation as a priority.

Returns, though lower, are steady and reliable.

3. Bank Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits (FDs) offer fixed returns and flexible tenures.

Senior citizen FDs provide slightly higher interest rates.

Split the funds across different banks for better safety and liquidity.

4. Balanced Investment in Mutual Funds
Invest in a mix of debt and equity mutual funds for moderate growth and stability.

Actively managed funds through an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner can optimise returns.

Debt mutual funds provide stable returns while equity offers growth potential.

Avoid direct funds due to their complexity and the need for constant monitoring.

5. Liquid Funds and Emergency Reserve
Allocate a portion to liquid funds for quick access in emergencies.

These funds are more effective than savings accounts for parking surplus money.

Maintain an emergency reserve for at least 24 months of expenses.

6. Inflation-Protected Investments
Some funds and bonds are designed to protect against inflation erosion.

These investments ensure your purchasing power remains intact over time.

Tax Considerations
Plan investments to minimise tax liabilities under your income bracket.

Be aware of the latest tax rules on mutual funds and fixed deposits.

Capital gains from equity investments over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Fixed deposit interest is taxed as per your income slab. Plan withdrawals accordingly.

Succession Planning and Gifting
Consider creating a detailed estate plan to avoid future legal hassles.

Set up nominations and update wills to ensure smooth wealth transfer.

You may gift small amounts to your daughter or grandchildren under tax-free limits.

Final Insights
Investing your Rs. 2 crore retirement fund wisely ensures peace of mind and financial stability. Opt for a diversified approach balancing safety, liquidity, and moderate growth. Avoid locking all funds into real estate to keep your portfolio flexible. Thoughtful planning now will safeguard your golden years and your family’s financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |435 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Relationship
Whenever I argue with my partner, it quickly escalates into something bigger than it should be. I don't express how much I love them, but I feel like our communication is breaking down. How can I improve this situation?
Ans: It’s clear that you deeply care about your partner and the health of your relationship, but recurring arguments and a lack of expressed love are creating a disconnect. To nurture love and clarity in your communication, it’s essential to create an emotional space where both of you feel safe, valued, and understood—even during disagreements.

When arguments arise, they often escalate because emotions are heightened, and both people feel the need to defend their perspective. To shift this dynamic, start by focusing on emotional regulation in those moments. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re both on the same team, even if you see things differently. This small pause can prevent reactive words or actions that might escalate the conflict further.

Outside of conflicts, consider the daily emotional climate of your relationship. If love isn’t being expressed regularly, your partner may feel insecure or disconnected, which can intensify disagreements. Begin to nurture love by weaving simple but heartfelt expressions of care into your everyday interactions. This might be as simple as saying, “I appreciate you,” giving a warm hug, or acknowledging something they did, however small. These gestures build emotional reserves that make handling tough conversations easier because they remind both of you of the underlying bond.

When it comes to communication, try reframing the way you approach disagreements. Speak from your feelings rather than placing blame. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re not listening to me,” try, “I feel unheard, and it’s making me frustrated.” This subtle but powerful shift fosters understanding rather than defensiveness. Equally important is listening with an open mind. Practice reflecting back what your partner shares to show you’re truly hearing them. For example, “I hear that you’re upset because you feel I didn’t prioritize you—am I understanding that correctly?”

Love is nurtured in the moments between conflicts—through trust, small acts of kindness, and consistent emotional support. Reflect on what makes your partner feel loved and cherished, and intentionally incorporate those actions into your daily life. At the same time, share what you need emotionally so they understand how to nurture you too. This mutual exchange strengthens your connection and creates a deeper sense of partnership.

Finally, consider having a calm, heartfelt conversation about how you both want to handle conflicts and express love moving forward. Creating shared goals for your relationship can bring clarity and purpose, helping you both feel aligned. By approaching your relationship with patience, empathy, and intentional care, you can not only resolve current challenges but also nurture a love that feels steady, secure, and fulfilling.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 33. A mom to a 5 months old. I have been working since I was 24 in education industry. I have accumulated a corpus of 1.4 cr ( solely mine) and a house registered jointly in my name and my husband's name. Now if I choose to be a stay at home mom for next 3 yrs. How much will my finances be affected? Could you please let me know.
Ans: Taking a career break for three years will have financial implications. Let us assess it from multiple perspectives to provide insights.

Income Loss Impact
Your current income will cease for three years, reducing your cash flow.

This pause might impact your future earning potential, depending on re-entry challenges in your industry.

Evaluate if your husband's income and your savings can sustain your family needs during this break.

Corpus Utilisation and Growth
A Rs. 1.4 crore corpus is commendable. Assess its current allocation for better optimisation.

If untouched, this corpus can grow significantly over three years through strategic investment.

Avoid dipping into the corpus unless absolutely necessary, as it can reduce future compounding benefits.

Household Budget Planning
Ensure your household expenses are managed within your husband’s income.

Create a detailed budget, listing mandatory expenses like EMIs, child needs, and lifestyle costs.

Plan for inflation while allocating funds for fixed expenses over the next three years.

Emergency Fund Importance
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least 12 months' expenses.

Use a combination of fixed deposits and liquid funds for this purpose.

Avoid using your primary corpus as an emergency reserve.

Investment Portfolio Review
Review the current allocation of your Rs. 1.4 crore. Balance between equity and debt based on your goals.

Equity allocation can grow your wealth but keep debt for stability.

Invest in actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner to optimise returns.

Impact on Long-term Goals
Pausing your career may delay achieving some financial goals.

Align your current investments to meet goals like child education or retirement.

Regularly monitor the performance of your investments and adjust as required.

Tax Implications
Check the tax efficiency of your investments during the break.

Consider tax-saving instruments to reduce liability on your husband’s income.

Be aware of the latest tax rules on mutual fund capital gains.

Insurance and Contingency Planning
Review health and term insurance for adequate coverage for your family.

Ensure your husband is adequately covered with term insurance since he will be the sole earner.

Plan for additional medical expenses associated with child care during this time.

Re-Entry Considerations
Stay updated with industry trends to ensure a smooth return to work after three years.

Enhance skills during the break, if possible, to make re-entry easier and impactful.

Consider part-time or freelance work during the break to keep connected with the profession.

Finally
Taking a break to focus on motherhood is a beautiful choice. Planning carefully will ensure your finances remain stable during this period. With a structured approach, you can balance your family needs and long-term financial goals seamlessly.

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x