Several important updates in financial and tax policies take effect today, impacting credit card reward programs, insurance, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes you should be aware of:
Credit Card Changes
- HDFC Bank: Updates to the Infinia and Infinia Metal cards include a limit of one Apple product redemption per calendar quarter via the SmartBuy portal. Additionally, Tanishq voucher redemptions are capped at 50,000 reward points per quarter.
Debit Card Changes
- ICICI Bank: Cardholders must now spend at least ₹10,000 in the preceding quarter to access complimentary airport lounges. This rule applies to the Coral, Rubyx, and Expressions series.
Income Tax Changes
- TDS on Government Bonds: A new 10% TDS will be deducted from interest on specified government bonds.
- Increased STT: The Securities Transaction Tax on futures and options trading will rise, increasing trading costs.
- Lower TDS on Life Insurance Payouts: TDS on life insurance payouts is reduced from 5% to 2%.
- Reduced TDS on Rent: For rent payments above ₹50,000, TDS will decrease from 5% to 2%.
- Withdrawal of 20% TDS on Mutual Fund Repurchases: This will ease the financial burden on investors redeeming mutual funds.
- Tax on Share Buybacks: Buybacks will now be taxed at the shareholder level, similar to dividends.
- Aadhaar Enrolment ID: No longer valid for PAN applications or filing ITR.
Small Savings Schemes Changes
- New guidelines state that NRIs with PPF accounts lacking residency details will see their interest rates drop to 0%. Interest rates on various small savings schemes remain unchanged for the third consecutive quarter.
Changes in PPF Accounts:
- Interest for minors’ PPF accounts will continue until they turn 18. Only the primary PPF account will earn scheme rates, merging balances from secondary accounts.
Impacts on Life Insurance Policies:
- New surrender value rules will increase payouts for premature exits from endowment policies, benefiting policyholders.
Stay informed about these changes to manage your finances effectively!