19 February, 2026

🏠 HRA CLAIMS: NEW DISCLOSURE RULE UNDER DRAFT INCOME-TAX RULE 205

 


⚠️ Major compliance tightening for salaried taxpayers claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA).

The Draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 introduce a critical new disclosure requirement that could significantly impact HRA claims—especially when rent is paid to relatives.


πŸ“‹ What is the New Requirement?

Under proposed Rule 205 & new Form 124, employees must now disclose:

✅ Landlord’s PAN (existing requirement)
Relationship with the landlord (NEW mandatory disclosure)

This applies particularly where rent is paid to:

• Parents πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘¦
• Spouse
• Relatives
• Related parties


πŸ” Why This Change is Important

The Income Tax Department will now use data analytics to verify:

πŸ“Š Whether landlord reported rental income in ITR
🏠 Whether landlord actually owns the property
πŸ’³ Whether rent is paid through proper banking channels

This shifts compliance from self-declaration → system-based verification


⚖️ Risk of Penalty for Incorrect Claims

If HRA claim is found to be artificial or misreported:

🚨 Penalty up to 200% of tax under Section 270A

Earlier, such arrangements were difficult to track. Now scrutiny will be automated.


✅ Action Points for Taxpayers Claiming HRA to Relatives

To ensure compliance and avoid disputes:

✔️ Execute proper rent agreement
✔️ Pay rent only via bank transfer
✔️ Ensure landlord reports rental income in ITR
✔️ Maintain complete documentation


🎯 Professional Insight

Genuine HRA claims remain fully valid. However, informal or tax-engineered arrangements will face higher scrutiny.



πŸ“ž For professional guidance on salary structuring and tax planning:
πŸ“ https://share.google/aOzL0ZYXlgKBzSjib
πŸ“± +91 77602 52581


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πŸ“Œ What is E-Invoicing?

 

🧾 E-Invoicing under GST – Applicability & Key Insights




E-Invoicing is a system where GST invoices are electronically authenticated by the Government’s Invoice Registration Portal (IRP).

Once uploaded, the IRP generates:

  • Invoice Reference Number (IRN)

  • QR Code

  • ✅ Auto-reporting to GST portal & E-Way Bill system

This ensures real-time reporting and transparency in GST compliance.


πŸ‘₯ Who is Required to Comply?

E-Invoicing is applicable based on aggregate turnover in any financial year since FY 2017-18:

TurnoverApplicability

Above ₹5 CrCurrently Applicable

πŸ“’ Therefore, businesses with turnover exceeding ₹5 Crore must issue E-Invoices for B2B transactions.


πŸ“„ Transactions Covered

✔ B2B Invoices
✔ Export Invoices
✔ Credit Notes & Debit Notes

❌ Not applicable for:

  • B2C invoices

  • Composition dealers

  • SEZ units (as notified exemption in specific cases)


⚠️ Important Compliance Risk

An invoice issued without IRN (when applicable):

🚫 Considered INVALID under GST
🚫 ITC may be denied to recipient
🚫 Penalty exposure and compliance risk


🎯 Business Impact

✔ Improves GST compliance
✔ Reduces reconciliation issues
✔ Faster ITC availability
✔ Enhances credibility and transparency


🀝 Professional Support

Need assistance in implementing E-Invoicing seamlessly?

πŸ“ https://share.google/aOzL0ZYXlgKBzSjib
πŸ“ž +91 77602 52581



🌍 Moving Abroad? Don’t Ignore Your EPF – It Can Cost You Money



If you are planning to settle abroad for work, your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) needs immediate attention. A strategic decision now can prevent loss of interest and future complications.

πŸ”Ž Key facts you must know:

EPF does NOT close automatically
Your account remains active, but no further contributions can be made once you stop working in India.

Interest stops after 3 years
EPF earns interest only for 3 years after last contribution. After that, it becomes inoperative and earns ZERO returns.

πŸ’° Withdrawal can be completely tax-free
If you have completed 5 years of continuous service, the entire withdrawal — contribution + employer share + interest — is fully exempt from tax in India.

🌐 Possible transfer to foreign social security
If India has a Social Security Agreement (SSA) with your destination country, your EPF period may help in foreign pension eligibility.

⚠️ Expert recommendation:
If you are settling abroad permanently, it is advisable to withdraw and close your EPF account early to avoid loss of interest and administrative challenges.

πŸ“Œ Strategic takeaway:
EPF is a powerful retirement asset — but only if managed proactively. Ignoring it after moving abroad can result in dead money earning no returns.


πŸ“ž Need assistance with EPF withdrawal, tax treatment, or NRI compliance?

7760252581
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🏭 HUL’s ₹2,000 Crore Expansion: What Smart Investors Should Know



Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) plans to invest ₹2,000 crore to expand manufacturing in Beauty, Personal Care & Home Care segments.


🎯 Why This Matters

πŸ“ˆ 1. Strong Growth Signal

➡️ Expansion = High confidence in future demand
➡️ Focus on premium products = Higher profit margins


⚙️ 2. Profitability Boost Expected

✅ Automation & digital factories
✅ Better efficiency
✅ Improved operating margins over time


πŸ›‘️ 3. Strengthens Market Leadership

HUL owns powerful brands like:
🧴 Dove | 🌸 Lakmé | 🧼 Surf Excel | 🧽 Vim

This investment helps protect and expand its dominance


πŸ’‘ Investor Impact Analysis

⏳ Time HorizonImpact
Short Term⚖️ Neutral
Long TermπŸ“ˆ Positive
Risk Level🟒 Low (Defensive Stock)

🧠 Strategic Insight

✔️ Shows long-term vision
✔️ Supports future earnings growth
✔️ Positive signal for long-term wealth creation


🏁 Bottom Line

πŸ‘‰ Expansion today = Growth tomorrow

HUL remains a strong long-term compounder for patient investors.


For educational purposes only. Investors should evaluate valuation before investing.

πŸ“„ GST Invoice Rules Every Business Must Follow – Avoid Costly Mistakes

A GST Invoice is more than a bill. It is the foundation for Input Tax Credit (ITC), GST compliance, and audit safety. Incorrect invoices can lead to ITC denial, penalties, and notices.

Here is a simple checklist every business owner should know:



Mandatory Details in GST Invoice

Every GST Invoice must contain:

• Supplier Name, Address & GSTIN
• Unique Invoice Number (Max 16 characters)
• Invoice Date
• Customer GSTIN (if registered)
• HSN / SAC Code
• Description and Value of Goods / Services
• GST Rate and Tax Amount
• Place of Supply (Required for Inter-State sales)
• Reverse Charge applicability (if any)
• Signature or Digital Signature


πŸ“¦ Different GST Documents for Different Situations

• Tax Invoice → For taxable sales
• Bill of Supply → For exempt or composition dealers
• Receipt Voucher → For advance received
• Credit Note / Debit Note → For price revisions or returns
• Payment Voucher → For reverse charge cases


⚠️ Why Proper GST Invoice is Critical

✔ Customer can claim ITC smoothly
✔ Avoid GST penalties and notices
✔ Improves GST compliance rating
✔ Ensures smooth GST return filing
✔ Protects business during GST audit


πŸ’‘ Professional Tip

Using a proper GST-compliant invoice format protects your business and improves credibility with customers.

If your current invoice format is outdated, it is time to review and upgrade.

πŸ“ž For GST compliance support and professional guidance
Contact: +91 77602 52581

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#GST #GSTInvoice #BusinessCompliance #GSTIndia #InputTaxCredit #CharteredAccountant #TaxCompliance

GST EXEMPT SERVICES IN INDIA – WHAT EVERY TAXPAYER SHOULD KNOW

 


GST is not applicable on several essential services to keep them affordable for the public. Understanding these exemptions helps businesses ensure proper compliance and avoid unnecessary tax costs.

Key GST Exempt Services:

🏠 Residential Rent
Renting a residential property for living purposes is fully exempt from GST. (Commercial rent is taxable)

πŸ₯ Healthcare Services
Hospital treatment, doctor consultation, and ambulance services are GST-free.

πŸŽ“ Education Services
School education up to higher secondary level, including admission and exam services, is exempt.

🌾 Agricultural Services
Farm labour, cultivation, warehousing, and storage of agricultural produce are exempt.

🏦 Financial Services
Interest on loans and deposits is exempt. However, processing fees are taxable.

🚌 Public Transport
Travel by metro, non-AC bus, auto-rickshaw, and non-AC train is GST exempt.

πŸ› Government Services
Passport, driving licence, and birth certificate services are GST-free.


Important Note for Businesses:
If you provide exempt services, GST is not charged—but Input Tax Credit (ITC) cannot be claimed.


Need clarity on GST applicability for your business?
Professional guidance can help optimise tax compliance and avoid errors.

πŸ“ž Contact: +91 77602 52581
πŸ“ Location: https://share.google/aOzL0ZYXlgKBzSjib

🏠 HRA CLAIMS: NEW DISCLOSURE RULE UNDER DRAFT INCOME-TAX RULE 205

  ⚠️ Major compliance tightening for salaried taxpayers claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA). The Draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 introduce a c...