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What is SWP & How does SWP Work?

SWP stands for Systematic Withdrawal Plan, and as the name suggests, it refers to an individual’s plan to withdraw from their mutual fund scheme. The withdrawals can be made monthly, quarterly, or yearly from the investment date. You can choose the timing of their withdrawal, and this amount will be credited to your linked bank account by AMC. The only catch is that SWPs can be done only when you have units available in your account. An SWP plan is a good option if your main aim is to generate cash flow in your account. The difference between a SIP and an SWP plan is simple. In the case of an SWP, you channel your investments into your bank accounts, whereas in SIP, you channel your bank account money into mutual funds scheme. The best characteristic of SWP in mutual funds is that you can take out the whole amount in the form of a systematic plan, or you can choose to withdraw the capital gains on the primary amount. This will enable you to remain invested and generate cash flow in your account. [B-01] Types of SWP There are primarily two types of SWP in mutual funds. They are: Fixed withdrawal scheme In this scheme, you can choose the specified amount and period for the withdrawal. This scheme includes the total amount, i.e., primary investment and capital gains. You will have less flexibility in this scheme but higher cash flow. Appreciation withdrawal scheme In an appreciation withdrawal scheme, you can remain invested through your primary investment and only withdraw the required amount through appreciated value. It means the withdrawal of capital gains only. Benefits of the SWP Plan No TDS If you choose the dividend distribution scheme, then there will be TDS applicable. The Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) percentage is 15%. You don’t have to pay any tax when you receive the amount under this scheme. There is no tax deductible at source for the Systematic withdrawal plan. This means there won’t be any deduction for tax purposes at source when the amount is credited to your bank account. You will get the hundred per cent amount in your bank account. Flexible Systematic withdrawal plans are one of the most flexible ways of withdrawing your money from the mutual fund scheme. Here, you can choose the amount and frequency of the withdrawals that cater to your needs. Plus, you can stop the SWP plan as and when you choose. Additionally, you can add further investments in the scheme or withdraw an additional amount above the fixed systematic withdrawal plan amount. Regular source of income SWP plans allow investors to create a regular source of income. This sort of plan will enable investors to withdraw systematically. The withdrawals are made from the investments already made. This is very convenient for people who don’t have any source of regular income. This plan can also prove to be very beneficial for retired people. Capital appreciation One of the benefits of the systematic withdrawal plan is that when the withdrawal rate is lower than the fund return, the investors get some capital appreciation too in the long term because there is a system of withdrawal involved. This system allows the investors to cope with the dynamic and unpredictable market. This also balances out losses one may incur in low AMC during a bear period. Withstand inflation One of the perks of a systematic withdrawal plan is that you will have an adjusted income per the market’s inflation. This ensures that you won’t outlive your savings. Generally, there is a cap of 5% or 6% withdrawal at a time in SWP, so if the inflation is 8% to 9% every year, then the balance will be beneficial. This is a highly helpful inflation adjustment during the retirement period. Key Features of SWP Systematic investment plans help you create your pension. A systematic investment during your professional working period can help you make your pension in systematic withdrawals after retirement. This ensures a proper cash flow in your account that fulfils all your needs. You can protect your capital through SWPs through Arbitrage mutual fund schemes. If you are not accustomed to taking risks with your money, this is one of your safest investments. These schemes help in assured returns without any risk at all. Plus, they ensure you get back at least the amount you invested. [B-02] Conclusion One of the most complex mechanisms to understand is the money market. The ups and downs of the graphs, the changing money policies, and the ever-changing numbers are not everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, every individual must invest money in certain schemes to ensure their safe future. SWPs in mutual funds is one of those solutions. These plans are specially made for those who are not ready to take risks and are vulnerable to the inflation rate. Systematic withdrawal plans are made to sustain the growth rate of inflation and adjust the rupee cost ratio. All you need to do is look for a plan that fits your needs with Piramal. You can always visit Piramal Finance to learn more about the economy and the stock market and choose other investment plans to secure your future.

08-11-2023
Guide

List of Long Weekends in 2023: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Long Weekend Trip!

Weekends are often occupied running errands and catching up with friends and family. But people look forward to some special weekends of the year as they come with additional holidays. Yes, we’re referring to long weekends that help people take short vacations and unwind from stress. Here’s a list of long weekends in 2023 in India and weekend getaways worth exploring that will help you make the most of these holidays. [B-01] January 14th, Saturday: Makar Sankranti & LohriJanuary 15th, Sunday: PongalJanuary 16th, Monday (Take a leave) The long weekend of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal is quite a celebrated one. The festivities start with Makar Sankranti and Lohri on January 14th and end with Pongal on January 15th. In some states, the festivals are pro-longed and are celebrated with grandeur. Some of the best places to visit in India during this festival are: Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Attend the Ganga Aarti and take a dip in the holy river. Amritsar, Punjab: Enjoy the vibrant spirit of Amritsar. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Attend India’s largest kite flying festival. January 26th, Thursday: Republic DayJanuary 27th, Friday (Take a leave)January 28th, SaturdayJanuary 29th, Sunday January seems to be a month filled with long weekends. Another long weekend that comes with a four-day holiday is the Republic Day weekend. Enjoy this holiday by planning a relaxing trip with your friends or family and recharge yourself. The best places to visit in India during this period are: New Delhi: Witness the Republic Day parades. Wagah Border, Amritsar: Watch the retreat ceremony. Shimla: Visit Ridge Maidan and witness the state-level celebrations. March 08th, Wednesday: HoliMarch 09th, Thursday (Take a leave)March 10th, Friday (Take a leave)March 11th, SaturdayMarch 12th, Sunday Holi is a much-awaited festival in India. It marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated widely in every part of the country. Depending on the location, people celebrate it differently. For example, in some places, people visit temples and follow rituals associated with the festival; while in others, people play Holi in the wildest way possible. The best part of Holi in 2023 is that it falls on a Wednesday. This means you can take a Thursday and Friday off, club it with the weekend, and enjoy a five-day holiday. The best places to visit in India during this season are: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Attend the Holi events at Dwarkadheesh Temple. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Participate in the Phoolon wali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Attend the royal Holika Dahan at Shambhu Niwas Palace. April 04th, Tuesday: Mahavir JayantiApril 05th, Wednesday (Take a leave)April 06th, Thursday (Take a leave)April 07th, Friday: Good FridayApril 08th, SaturdayApril 09th, Sunday April marks the onset of the summer season and is a pleasant month to travel. With so many holidays in the first week of the month, we are excited to take an extended vacation. And if you want this six-day vacation to turn into a nine-day holiday, you must consider taking leaves from April 03rd, Monday, club it with April 01st and 02nd, i.e., Saturday and Sunday, and there you go! A nice nine-day long vacation. The best places to visit in India during this period are: Shimla, Kullu & Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Enjoy and explore the magnificent hills. Spiti: Soak in the natural beauty of the rugged mountains. McLeodganj: Relax and feel one with nature. May 05th, Friday: Buddha PurnimaMay 06th, SaturdayMay 07th, Sunday Another long weekend calls for another getaway. Make the most of this time by visiting some of the beautiful destinations in the country. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Kerala: Visit God’s own country, indulge in the Ayurvedic massage, take a tour on the houseboat and soak in nature’s marvels. Goa: Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in this picturesque state. Pondicherry: Visit the French Riviera of the East and explore its culture and heritage. June 29th, Thursday: Bakri EidJune 30th, Friday (Take a leave)July 01st, SaturdayJuly 02nd, Sunday Another long weekend awaits you in June and July. With the beginning of the monsoon season, it’s a perfect time to get away and soak in the beauty of nature. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Lonavala, Maharashtra: Enjoy the waterfalls, the Bushi Dam, and the beauty of nature all in one place! Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Enjoy river rafting and mindful yoga sessions. Bir Billing: Paraglide into nature! August 12th, SaturdayAugust 13th, SundayAugust 14th, Monday (Take a leave)August 15th, Tuesday: Independence DayAugust 16th, Wednesday: Parsi New Year Often a time for a short break for the people of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, the Independence Day break, calls for nearby getaways that help people take a break from their daily chores and prepare themselves for the upcoming festivities. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: Learn the history of the freedom struggle. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Take a tour of the Cellular Jail and learn about freedom strugglers. You can also indulge in water-sport activities. Red Fort, Delhi: Join in the celebrations of the country’s glorious day. August 26th, SaturdayAugust 27th, SundayAugust 28th, Monday (Take a leave)August 29th, Tuesday: OnamAugust 30th, Wednesday: Rakshabandhan This long weekend celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister. So, what’s better than planning a trip with your siblings and enjoying Rakshbandhan with them. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Rishikesh, Uttrakhand: A perfect vacay destination for adventure-minded siblings. Goa: Party with your siblings from sunset to sunrise at this party destination. Lahaul, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh: Explore the beauty of this wonderful paradise. September 07th, Thursday: JanmashtamiSeptember 08th, Friday (Take a leave)September 09th, SaturdaySeptember 10th, Sunday Celebrate the festival of Janmashtami in Lord Krishna’s famous temples in Dwarka, Puri, Vrindavan, and Mathura. An experience of a lifetime; you will indeed witness festivity and devotion. The best places to visit in India during this festival are: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Visit Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Attend the vibrant celebrations at the various temples. Dwarka: Visit the temples and take blessings from the Lord. September 16th, SaturdaySeptember 17th, SundaySeptember 18th, Monday (Take a leave)September 19th, Tuesday: Ganesh Chaturthi This long weekend coincides with one of India’s major festivals, i.e., Ganesh Chaturthi. The 10-day-long festival is celebrated each year widely, and many people also take this time to enjoy a long weekend. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Coorg, Karnataka: Catch a whiff of some fresh air. Nashik, Maharashtra: Indulge in some wine tasting and visit the famous temples and shrines in the city. Daman & Diu: Explore the rich Portuguese history and culture. September 30th, SaturdayOctober 01st, SundayOctober 02nd, Monday: Gandhi Jayanti Sometimes, an escape is all you need. Pamper yourself and get some quality time to unwind from the chaos. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Darjeeling, West Bengal: Explore the beautiful Queen of the Himalayas. Saputara, Gujarat: Explore the hidden gem of Gujarat. Coonoor: Get a glimpse of the mesmerizing views of the massive Nilgiris. October 21st, SaturdayOctober 22nd, SundayOctober 23rd, Monday (Take a leave)October 24th, Tuesday: Dussehra Mahanavami and Dussehra come this weekend and are both widely celebrated festivals in India. This year, the festivity will be even grander as they fall after the weekend, i.e., Monday and Tuesday, respectively. This also means an extended weekend off. If you’re planning a trip during this time, you should visit the below-listed places. Hampi, Karnataka: Explore the ruins of the bygone era. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Get romantic with your partner in the city of love. Kolkata: Soak in the rich culture that you will witness during this time. November 11th, SaturdayNovember 12th, Sunday: DiwaliNovember 13th, Monday: Govardhan Puja Make the most of your Diwali weekend. Enjoy this festival with your family and friends, and find solace from hectic everyday life. A few places to visit in India during this time are: Pushkar, Rajasthan: Visit this famous pilgrimage site in Rajasthan. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Soak in the beauty of the birthplace of Lord Rama. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. November 25th, SaturdayNovember 26th, SundayNovember 27th, Monday: Guru Nanak Jayanti Another long weekend in November 2023 awaits you. With a three-day long holiday, there are quite a few destinations that you can visit during this time of the year. The best places to visit in India during this time are: Gir, Gujarat: Visit the home to India’s Asiatic Lions Gokarna, Maharashtra: Relax and enjoy the beauty of the sun and the sea at the peaceful beaches of Gokarna. Tarkarli, Maharashtra: Enjoy the beach and some fun water-sport activities at Tarkarli. December 23rd, SaturdayDecember 24th, SundayDecember 25th, Monday: Christmas The last long weekend of the year falls around Christmas, which means it’s your last chance in 2023 to plan a trip without taking additional work leave. Some places to explore during this time are: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: Visit the ancient temples and marvel at the architectural brilliance. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: Discover the unique landscape of the white desert. Ranthambore: Experience wildlife at its best. [B-02] Make the most of these long weekends of 2023 by planning your holidays in advance. If you’re wondering how to make these trips possible, Piramal Finance is here to help you. Avail of a personal loan and make the most of early bird offers. Get the best deals with attractive rates on flights, hotels, buses, tour packages, and more. Most importantly, avail of our personal loan to ensure you have a promising holiday experience in 2023.

08-11-2023
Education

Factors For Converting Surface Area Units

Dealing with surface Area conversions is one of the most basic things in Mathematics that you should know. Conversions are the most useful when you are dealing with so many different surface measurement units. So, first of all, what exactly is the surface area of any object? What you must know is that the surface area of a three-dimensional object is the sum of all of its faces. The best way to understand surface area units is through real-life applications. Some situations where the concept of surface areas becomes relevant are wrapping, painting, and building things to achieve the best potential design. You have a situation. Is your car is going faster or slower 30 miles every hour compared to another car moving at 30 feet per second? So, what would you do to convert miles to kilometres? These questions bug everyone—not just students. However, if you know a little algebra, you can easily solve any doubts about surface measurement units. Any conversion can be completed quickly and accurately. [B-01] What Is Surface Area? An item’s surface area is a part of the entire area that the article’s exterior covers. In comparison to the meaning of the circular segment length of one-dimensional bends or the surface zone for polyhedra, for which the surface area is the entirety of the zones of its countenances, the scientific definition of the surface region within sight of bent surfaces is noticeably more necessary. Using their representation as parametric surfaces, smooth surfaces, like a circle, are consigned to surface space. Conversion Factors A conversion factor is a number that is used to multiply or divide one set of surface measurement units into another. If a conversion is required, it must be done using the correct conversion factor to get an identical value. For instance, 24 inches equals two feet when converting between inches and feet. The correct conversion factor to convert 1 hour to minutes is 1 hour = 60 minutes. In a sense, you need to multiply the original measurement by a carefully chosen form of the number 1 to convert all units. Explaining with proper briefing: Write the result as a fraction with the provided units opposite from the initial measurement after finding the given and desired units. That fraction has a value of 1 since the top and bottom are both equal. Next, increase the conversion fraction to the same power as the specified surface area units. Finally, simplify after multiplying the initial measurement by the conversion fraction. Conversion Factors Converting from Surface Area UnitsUnit SymbolMultiply by ( m^2 / Unit )square inchin^20.00064516square footft^20.09290304square yardyd^20.83612736square milesmi^22589988. 110336acreac4046. 8564224hectareha10000square centimetrecm^20.0001square kilometrekm^21000000 Pressure Measure 1 psi = 2.036 in Hg at 32°F 1 atm = 14.7 psi 1 psi = 2.304 ft of water Weight 1 gallon of water = 8.34 pounds 1 cubic foot of water = 62.4 pounds Volume Measure 1 pint = 2 cups 1 quart = 2 pints 4 quarts = 1 gallon 1 liter = 2.11 pints 1 liter = 0.2642 gallons 1 cubic foot = ft3 = 7.4805 gallons 1 gallon = 0.003485 cubic meters = m3 1 gallon = 0.13346 cubic feet = ft3 1 gallon = 231 cubic inches = in3 1 cubic foot = ft3 = 1,728 cubic inches = in3 Time Measure 1 minute = 60 seconds 1 hour = 60 minutes 1 day = 24 hours 1 week = 7 days 1 year = 12 months Linear Measure 1 foot = 12 inches 1 foot = 0.3048 meter 1 mile = 5,280 feet 1 chain = 66 feet 1 mile = 80 chains Area Measure 1 acre = 10 square chains = ch2 1 acre = 43,560 square feet = ft2 1 acre= 4,046 square meters = m2 1 square mile = 640 acres Force Measure 1 kilogram = 2.205 pounds 1 kg m/s2 = 0.2248 pounds 1 slug ft/ s2 = 1 pound Examples Example 1 How many pints are there in a 10-gallon pail? Also, find out How many cups are in a 10-gallon pail? Step 1. Find the right conversion factors. 1 gallon = 4 quarts, 1 quart = 2 pints, 1 pint = 2 cups Step 2. Make a cancellation table so all units will cancel, except the desired unit, pints. Gallons to Pints There are 80 pints in 5 gallons. Pints to Cups There are 160 cups in 5 gallons. Example 2 Akash fills a backpack pump with 5 gallons of water. How much weight in water has he added to his pack? 42 lbs 50 lbs 10 lbs 100 lbs Step 1. Find the suitable conversion factor. 1 gallon = 8.34 Ibs Step 2: Make a cancellation table so all units will cancel, except the desired unit, chains. Feet to Chains Akash has 42Ibs weight in water that he added to his backpack. [B-02] Conclusion The most important conversion factors and their related numbers have been given here. It’s important to have experience converting units no matter what you are studying. You can ensure you are keeping the units straight by writing your unit cancellation table on paper, the back of an envelope, or whatever else may be handy. Good planning requires the solution of issues in units you are familiar with. With units, errors can be a lot. Check your result using your knowledge of units.

08-11-2023
Guide

Union Budget 2023: What to Expect from New Income Tax Regime? Explained

As we begin a new year, we have lofty expectations and hopes for the government. We Indians are eager to find out what the government has in store for us in the upcoming Union Budget 2023. Whether you are a salaried employee or an industry shareholder, you will undoubtedly want to know how the new tax regime in Budget 2023 will benefit you. [B-01] About The New Tax Regime This year, Indian taxpayers can take advantage of the new tax regime slabs that will be implemented at the start of the financial year 2023. But there’s sad news: You won’t get to claim any exemptions or deductions. The latest tax regime features a unique set of new tax slabs for Indian citizens depending on factors like income, gender, age, etc. It is expected that, like the current scenario, the taxpayers will get to choose any of the tax regime slabs of their choice in the upcoming financial year. Overview of Union Budget 2023 The central government is expected to make some major modifications to the tax slabs of the old tax regime to introduce new regime tax slabs with increased threshold limits for people with high tax income (ranging between INR 10 lakh – INR 20 lakh). Source: Deloitte India. It is also anticipated that the Indian Government may lower the tax rate from 30% to introduce a new income tax slab rate of around 25%. In a report, Deloitte India said that the current threshold limit of INR 1,50,000 for investments under Section 80C is too low. Given the rising inflation and living expenses, it is fair enough for the government to consider increasing the limit. It will benefit the taxpayers in two ways. They will be inclined towards savings and will get the advantage of a much-reduced tax outgo. Thus, they can easily meet the surging price of multiple commodities with an increased disposable income. Now, let’s take an idea from a detailed report released by EY India to comprehend what we can exactly expect from the Union Budget 2022–23 in detail. Detailed Insight on What to Expect: As per the report from EY, the concessional new income tax regime slabs will be made more reasonable and attractive for taxpayers in the Union Budget 2023. EY says that our respected Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may achieve that in the following ways: EY predicts the Government will introduce a new tax regime with revised and new tax slabs that will go a maximum of INR 5 lakh without any tax. Furthermore, unlike before, when the 30% income tax slab rate was applicable for income above INR 15 lakh will now change. The tax slab will now be applicable for income above INR 20 lakh. Here is a table representing a better overview of the proposed changes: Expected Concessional Income Tax Regime 2023Income (In INR)Tax Slab RateUp to INR 5 LakhNilINR 5 Lakh – INR 7.5 Lakh7.5%INR 7.5 Lakh – INR 10 Lakh12.5%INR 10 Lakh – INR 12.5 Lakh17.5%INR 12.5 Lakh – INR 15 Lakh22.5%INR 15 Lakh – INR 20 Lakh27.5%More than INR 20 Lakh30.0% Source: Fortune India: Business News, Strategy, Finance and Corporate Insight The new tax regime in the Union Budget 2023 is expected to permit a standard deduction valued at INR 50,000. Section 80C/CCC/CCD/D benefit should be available for up to INR 2.5 Lakh. Nevertheless, this benefit should be limited to Mediclaim insurance (currently covered by section 80D), employees / self-contribution to new pension scheme {currently covered by section 80CCD(1)/(1B)}, pension policies (currently covered by Section 80CCC), interest on housing loans (currently covered by Section 80C), qualifying life insurance products, and provident funds (including PPF). Based on the EY report, you can say that Section 80 C’s scope is vast and extensive and comprises a range of expenditures, savings, insurance, etc. Under the concessional tax regime, it can be reduced on housing loan interest, qualifying life insurance products, and PPF/PF. [B-02] Final Thoughts Let’s conclude what needs to be done by considering the past budget. The removal of all deductions, including the standard deduction, made the new tax structure unpopular. When the tax deduction, provident fund contributions, and house rental allowance were removed from the new tax regime, which was intended to benefit regular employees, fewer people chose to opt for it. It is important to keep these three basic deductions in mind.

08-11-2023
Know More

Why Should You Care About Amortization?

Financial calculations can often be quite complex. Therefore, many financial professionals use different tools to overcome these complex processes. Amortization is a crucial concept. It will require the borrowers to dive their loans into uniform payments until they pay off the full loan. Amortization is a better loan payment method than traditional high-interest/low principal. It offers uniform payments. These can be calculated using a mortgage amortization calculator. Read on for more information. [B-01] What Is Amortization? Amortization is an accounting process. Through this, the monetary value of an intangible property will reduce over time. When amortizing a loan, there’s an option to repay debts in a consistent manner. The focus should be on the principal payment. It’s important to make the payments in full and on time. This ensures that the loan is fully paid off by the maturity date. A structured approach to loan repayment helps keep you on track towards achieving financial goals. This meets and surpasses performance and sales goals. With amortization, most interest is paid early. It decreases as the loan is paid off. It is fully paid by maturity. This applies to personal, home, and vehicle loans. What Are Amortization Schedules? When using a loan amortization calculator, you must be familiar with the schedule. The schedule plays an important role in determining the loan payment’s interest and principal. A table will be created in an amortization schedule. This will provide a complete loan breakdown. The table will contain the total amount to be paid, principal and interest. At the end of the table, you will find information on the total interest and principal amount you will be paying. How To Calculate The Amortization Of A Loan? An amortization calculator can play an important role in understanding the calculation process. Individuals must enter the interest rate, principal amount, duration and periodic payment to determine the calculation. When using a loan amortization calculator, there are other details that you will need for smoother and faster calculation. The other details you will need for the calculation include the following: The initial loan balance the company is borrowing. The accountant will use a simple formula for calculating the loan. Next, the monthly interest rate will be calculated. To understand how much interest is paid on a particular principal, subtract the interest amount from monthly payments. Calculate the remaining balance and pay off the balance. It will help to reduce the principal for the next payment. The above-mentioned steps will help you calculate the amortization schedule for the first month. For the calculation of further months, follow the steps above to understand the remaining amount to be paid for the rest of the time. If you’re finding it difficult to calculate the schedule manually, use the loan amortization calculator. Why Is It Important To Understand Amortization? Awareness of the benefits of amortization in our daily life is crucial. Using a mortgage amortization loan calculator will help to understand the real value of the loans and assets. Furthermore, it can also help you make better decisions regarding financial health. Numerous collaborative economy apps are coming up. When we tend to buy and sell on these apps, we get to understand the product’s actual price because of annual amortization. The loan amortization calculator will consider the time of use and its original cost. If you’re using technology devices, try understanding the amortization cost for the same. This will help to get an idea about the duration when it needs replacement. Based on the calculations, a budget can be a certain amount for payment to prevent the wallet. While taking a loan, being familiar with the amortization schedule will help to avoid any unnecessary debts. Moreover, it will prevent the purchase of any products that will lose their value by the time the loan amount is paid off. Importance of Amortization in Accounting The concept of amortization in accounting applies to businesses with intangible assets that take loans. Both types of assets- tangible and intangible ones tend to have a finite life. Amortization allocates a specific value to the intangible and tangible assets. This is because both tend to lose their value or wear out after some time. When a business purchases a fixed asset, the cost will be spread out for specific years. It is mostly because the asset might help produce some income over the years. Depending on the product’s lifetime, the amount can be amortized after a certain period. It helps to understand the cost of the property or asset for a specific time each year. As per the amortization concept, intangible assets can be written down or amortized after some time. It helps in understanding the cost of the asset for a longer period. Therefore, the companies will get to reflect upon the true cost of the business. The benefits will continue to flourish until a limited or initial cost is reported. Amortization Gives More Buying Power The mortgage amortization loan calculator can help in understanding complex processes easily. As a result, it will help in understanding the concepts and financing the dreams. Over time, amortization will play an important role in making the monthly payments smaller. This will be quite useful. This is because you will have more borrowing or buying power than when you paid off the loan or principal amount equally. If you wish to buy a bigger asset later on, you can switch to better borrowing without any limited amount. [B-02] Conclusion Amortization refers to the process of writing off the original cost of the asset. As a result, you will be able to pay off the loan within that time. The loan that you pay off will also include the interest payments on the principal amount. Amortization can also provide reduced interest payments and increased loan life. Amortization can be quite a complex process. This is why it is advisable to reach out to professionals at Piramal Finance. They are experts in their field. So they will understand the entire requirements. They will use the amortization calculator. You can then make the payments accordingly. You can schedule a meeting with the experts at Piramal Finance for further clarification.

08-11-2023
Stocks Markets

Why Indians Should Invest in US Stocks and Why?

Globally, many of the top wealth-creating companies are based in the US. During the years of their existence, these companies have made excellent hubs of investment. As such, there are not many links between the US and Indian equity markets. This is why investment in US firms is attractive for investors. This is true, especially for Indian citizens. At present, the US controls many of the stock markets globally. Among the largest stock exchanges in the world is the US stock market. They also include the NY stock exchange and NASDAQ. [B-01] Advantages Of A Developing US Economy Today, many leading blue-chip companies are listed on stock exchanges in the US. This has given access to investors worldwide to benefit from their profits. Interestingly, blue-chip companies of Indian origin are also listed on these exchanges. But, due to their smaller scale of business, they are not so attractive. Here are some reasons why Indians can benefit from investments in the US markets. Better capitalization Better capitalisation is the leading benefit of this prospect. Companies in the US are rich in their corpus. Notably, the NASDAQ and NY stock exchanges are the largest markets. Incidentally, the US stock indexes have a huge impact on the global markets. The free market forces also favour the markets in the US. This is a valid reason for any investor to put their money in the markets here. Profits due to the US Dollar’s appreciation In recent years, the Indian Rupee has weakened. Compared to the US dollar, the Rupee has shown only depreciation. It is predicted that this trend will continue. Due to this, any earnings from equity outside India are suffering. This happens due to the rupee-to-dollar exchange rates. But the depreciation of the Indian Rupee helps to enhance profitability. It will happen if the US equity gains. It will impact the assets governed in dollars. So, it is not a question of the global markets falling or remaining steady. If there is a decline in the Indian Rupee against the dollar, you will benefit. So, investing in US markets will preserve your wealth even if the Rupee falls. Portfolio diversification The US is a popular investment destination. Most companies worldwide have a presence on the US stock markets. So if you invest in these companies, you will be able to diversify your financial portfolio. You will also gain international exposure. But Indian companies mostly dominate the Indian indices. If any event occurs in the country, it will have an impact on each of those companies. In contrast, the markets in the US are very varied. Even during tough times, companies tend to show strength. Indian indices and companies are in stark contrast. Exposure to innovation India lacks the presence of influential firms. This is even though it is a fast-developing economy. Thus, it is hard to find opportunities to create wealth through investment in firms. In contrast, the US stock markets are marked by the presence of some of the leading companies. These include some of the best names in technology and consumer products. Investors can find many investment opportunities in the US. There is ample scope to invest in emerging industries. Some of them are biomedical, artificial learning, robotics and more. How to invest in the US Stock Market from India? There are two routes to investing in the US markets. You can do this from India. Direct Investment Investment Apps In recent years, there has been a heavy influx of apps in this segment. Now, many start-ups have introduced mobile apps. They allow Indian investors to put their money in US firms. But these apps follow the applicable regulatory limits. Due to this, you may not be able to perform intraday trading. So, you can buy stocks in the US from India for the long term. You can benefit by using fractional investing. So, you do not need bulk money to buy shares of prominent companies like Amazon, Apple, Netflix and more. For as low as $1, you can buy a fractional unit of the shares of these companies. These apps have made it possible to invest in many of these dream firms. US-related brokerage accounts You can open a trading account with a broker abroad or in India. Using this Demat account, you will be able to invest in equities in the US. Usually, this will be done via direct investing or LRS. As such, you do not require a US address or citizenship to open such an account. These days, many local brokers are collaborating with brokers in the US. They act as a link and help you perform the trading transaction. So, you will be opening an international trading account. It could be with any of the foreign brokers. All you need are a few documents. After furnishing them, you will be ready to operate the account. It is also possible to establish an offshore trading account. But be wary of the applicable fees for such accounts. ETF ETFs are expanded as Exchange Traded Funds. They give you instant access to multiple stocks in the US. An ETF allows you access to focused industries in the US markets. They track specific sectors and not individual firms. The expense ratio of an ETF is lower than mutual funds. Stacks Stacks are ETF baskets. You can invest using them in just one click. Stacks are created by financial experts and professionals. They do so after rigorous studies. Also, these ensure a regular rebalancing of the stack. It is done following the state of the markets. US-Focused-Indian Mutual Funds It is possible to invest in Indian mutual funds. Many of them consist of US stocks. There are many benefits of mutual funds. They give you several benefits like the diversity of portfolio. Moreover, you can get a geographical advantage this way as well. At the same time, they carry their risks and rewards. Overall, a fund such as this could be impacted by national events. At the same time, exchange sectors can also impact such funds. These funds also carry their fees and expenses. [B-02] These are several reasons Indians should also invest in the US stock market. You can learn more about such stocks and other financial concepts visit the Piramal Finance website. It is the premier destination for all financial knowledge and information about such funds. You can benefit immensely by spending your time on their website.

08-11-2023
Know More

How Your EPF Can Help You Buy Your Dream Property In India

Buying your own property is the dream of every person. Have you ever considered using your EPFO money to pay for the house of your dreams? The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in India is a government-backed retirement savings scheme for salaried individuals. It offers a convenient and tax-efficient way to save a portion of your income for the future. Along with providing financial security in old age, the EPF can also be used to purchase a dream property. By strategically using your EPF savings, you can turn your housing aspirations into a reality. However, it’s essential to keep in mind the guidelines and rules set by the EPFO regarding the use of EPF funds for property purchases. With careful planning and proper utilization of EPF savings, it’s possible to make your dream of owning a home a reality. [B-01] The lock-in period for the Provident Fund (PF) scheme is 15 years. It is a closed-ended investment. As a result, when you are encouraged to invest in PF, the image of money locked away in a closet hangs over your head. Nevertheless, there are some procedures in place for investors so they can take advantage of their provident fund savings before the 16-year period has run its course. Not many people are aware that provident fund savings can be utilised to acquire real estate. Let’s examine how this functions. One way to realise your desire for a home is to use your provident fund to buy a property. Firstly, let’s understand the various types of provident funds. When you first began working, you must have heard the word EPF. Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), based in India, manages the EPF account. A portion of the pay (now 12%) is contributed to this account by the employee, and the company also contributes the same amount. It is very different from PPF (Public Provident Fund). PPF, or public provident fund, is a savings account that may be opened at any State Bank of India branch. Here are some of the key distinctions between EPF and PPF: EPF is only intended for salaried employees, but a PPF account can be owned by a child. The tenure of your employment and the tenure of the EPF coincide. When you leave your company, you can request that the EPF money be withdrawn and the account closed. On the other hand, money held in a PPF cannot be withdrawn early. Based on the amount deposited in PPF, the depositor may request a loan from the bank (more about it in the next section). PPF interest is tax-free, however, employee provident fund profits in the form of interest constitute taxable income. Using the Public Provident Fund to Buy a Property Even though there is a 15-year lock-in term when investing in a public provident fund plan, you can still utilise the money by taking out a loan after five years of contributions. The money can be used to build the property or to purchase an already-built property. If you and your spouse jointly or alone own the plot, you may also borrow money from the provident fund. The amount of a loan you can obtain through the provident fund plan depends on its use. For instance, if a loan is used to purchase real estate, the maximum amount that can be borrowed is equal to the number of accumulated pension funds up to the maximum amount of two years’ worth of basic pay plus dearness allowance. The maximum amount of accumulated PF is the only limit on loans for the purchase of a built-in house or construction. The loan amount is equal to the salary for three years plus the cost of living. Home loans are provided up to the lesser of the property’s cost and the amount of accumulated PF. One can withdraw money from PF for upgrading an existing property in addition to building a new home or purchasing a property that has already been built. It is not required that this property match the one for which the loan for development or acquisition was obtained. The property that will be built may be owned jointly by the husband and wife or by either spouse. Provident fund scheme’s conditions for money withdrawal If house construction is to begin right away or within six months of the withdrawal, you may take money out of your provident fund. The completion must be completed within a year as well. Similar requirements apply for using the money for purchases: the property must be bought within a year following the money’s withdrawal. There should be a ten-year gap between any two provident fund withdrawals. As a result, after taking out a home loan from your provident fund to buy a property, you can only withdraw again for improvements ten years after the first time, provided there is still money in your PF account. If funds are to be withdrawn to enhance a built-in property, five years must have passed after the building was finished. The PF amount may also be applied to the repayment of a mortgage! You can certainly check your provident fund account if you have a home loan and need assistance paying it back. If you wish to use the money from your provident fund plan to pay off a home loan that you or your spouse took out jointly is also an option. The maximum amount that can be taken for the payment is the whole amount accrued in PF (less what is necessary to maintain the account), up to the equivalent of three years’ salary and dearness allowance. The entity does not have to be an individual to use this service. Publicly recognised organisations like municipal corporations, state and federal governments, registered non-cooperative societies, and any other development authority may also make withdrawals, but only for residential use. Key PPF withdrawal guidelines What amount can be taken out of a PPF account?The maximum withdrawal amount is, in fact, subject to several conditions. The PPF account cannot be tapped until five years of contributions have been made, as was previously stated. 50% of the closing sum at the beginning of the fifth year of contributions is available for withdrawal. By way of example, if the PPF balance is 1 lakh at the end of the fourth year, only 50,000 can be withdrawn at the end of the fifth year. The closing balance utilised for computation in years longer than five years will also be the total accumulated after the previous year. Only loans that are within the PPF account’s maximum withdrawal amount are permitted. In a given fiscal year, you are only permitted one withdrawal from your PPF account. Only once the initial loan has been fully repaid is a second loan from a PPF account authorised. Regulations regarding EPF account withdrawals If you work for a salary, you can join the EPF plan and put aside a portion of your pay as long as you continue to work for the same company. The employee provident fund organisation (EPFO) has policies in place to support its members who desire to buy real estate. The following regulations apply: * A home purchase may require a withdrawal of 90% of the EPF account‘s value. If the building cost turns out to be less than the amount taken or if the property is not allocated for any reason, there is a provision for re-depositing the withdrawn cash back into the account within a month. Additionally, the EPF money may be withheld for loan repayment. For this reason, a specific form called Annexure I is supplied, in which the loan applicant is required to fill out all pertinent information. *Following repayment, Annexure II is released with information on the balance of the EPF and the subsequent payments to be made into this account. To allow the EPF account manager to pay the home loan EMIs with the money that has accumulated in the account. *Annexure III must be completed. This Annexure must be completed in conjunction with Annexure I. Once a member leaves the company and closes the account, the EPFO is not responsible for paying any EMI or associated fees. Forms needed to take money out of your PPF account SBI offers Form C for submitting requests for partial withdrawals from PPF accounts. To withdraw the allowed amount, one must include their account number and PPF enrolment start date. In addition to SBI, 22 other banks also provide PPF account options. You can open a PPF account at any of their PPF branches and follow the necessary procedures to withdraw funds to purchase property following the conditions set forth. [B-02] Conclusion This programme is definitely for you if you are conscious of your monthly or daily expenses and have the financial means to purchase a home. However, the programme also has several provisions to build your value property if you are unable to pay a lump sum for your dream home. For more consultancy services visit Piramal Finance Website. In either case, the EPF housing programme is only offered to ensure that you can still purchase your ideal home even if you do not have sufficient cash flow.

08-11-2023
Guide

New Revised Income Tax Slabs: Rates for New Tax Regime Announced in Union Budget 2023

The Union Budget of 2023 has brought several changes to the Indian income tax norms. For the fiscal year of 2023-24, taxpayers can look forward to a beneficial tax regime with reduced income slabs from six down to five. In the recently revised tax slab, exempting average citizens from paying taxes has been made easier- with a raise in basic exemption limit to INR 3 lakh compared to previously at INR 2.5 lakh and an increase in rebate under Section 87A for those earning up to a taxable income of INR 7 lakh per annum! This new tax regime tries to strike a balance between taxpayers and the government, providing tax relief, while at the same time, contributing towards the country’s development. That is, those who select the revised income tax slab for FY 2023-24 and have a yearly salary of no more than INR 7 lakh will not be subjected to any taxes whatsoever! Moreover, this freshly designed tax system is set as the default choice, although citizens are given leeway to remain with their already planned payment procedure. In a major win for taxpayers, the government has slashed the highest rate surcharge from 37% to an impressive 25%, breathing life into the new tax regime. [B-01] What is an Income Tax Slab? The income tax slab is a set of income brackets for which income tax needs to be paid in India. Each income level within the bracket has its own income tax rate, which the taxpayer must pay based on their income in that financial year. This system ensures that those with a higher income are taxed at a higher rate. Individuals who fall into one income bracket are subject to paying only the amount applicable to them, while those who exceed it will have to pay more income tax according to the rates applicable to their respective income levels. The Income Tax Act determines these slabs every year. For FY 2023-24, five new income tax slabs were introduced with reduced rates and enhanced basic exemption limits, which will help taxpayers save on taxes! Revised Income Tax Slab FY 2023-24 Under New Tax Regime No matter what age you are, everyone is subject to the same tax slabs under this new income tax regime – no longer will individuals be distinguished from one another by their age. The old-fashioned system of taxation has been replaced with a more equitable and fairer alternative! SlabOld Income Tax Regime Slab Rates New Income Tax Regime Before Budget 2023 (Until 31st March 2023)New Income Tax Regime After Budget 2023 (From 1st April 2023 – March 2024)₹0-₹2,50,000NilNilNil₹2,50,000 -₹3,00,0005%5%–₹3,00,000-₹5,00,0005%5%5%₹5,00,000-₹6,00,00020%10%5%₹6,00,000-₹7,50,00020%10%10%₹7,50,000-₹9,00,00020%15%10%₹9,00,000-₹10,00,00020%15%15%₹10,00,000-₹12,00,00030%20%15%₹12,00,000-₹12,50,00030%20%20%₹12,50,000-₹15,00,00030%25%20%>₹15,00,00030%30%30% The revised income divisions have drastically reduced the total tax expenses for middle-income earners, providing much-needed financial relief. The income tax changes have been created to make life easier for everyone and encourage more people to come forward and pay taxes. As the new regime tax slab takes effect, taxpayers will be able to save money on their income tax bills with the help of these revised slabs. With the government’s initiative towards simplifying income taxation, India’s taxpayers can now look forward to a simpler and more efficient income tax system. Factors to Keep in Mind before Opting for New Income Tax Slab There are numerous factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to Indian income tax slabs. If you have income from sources other than salary income, then income from these sources needs to be considered while calculating the total income, based on which income tax slab can be decided. Taxpayers must determine whether they will gain more benefits by choosing the old regime or the new one before making a decision. Any deductions available under Chapter VI-A, such as HRA and Standard Deduction, should also be taken into account. Moreover, taxpayers should always review their income and taxes paid at the end of each financial year and pay any outstanding dues promptly to avoid any penalties and notices. If you, as an individual or a member of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), do not have any business income for the given year, then this option can be exercised on or before its due date. Finally, as a taxpayer, you have the choice to pick either of the two tax regimes. However, once you’ve chosen your preferred option and submitted it for processing, you cannot revert back or make any changes until the end of that financial year. If you choose to revoke your decision for the subsequent tax regime and revert back to the previous one, it is possible for you to select the new tax slab again during this financial year. How the Income Tax will be Calculated for FY 2023-24 Under the New Regime? To better understand the new income tax slab 2023 calculation, let’s take an example of an individual earning income of Rs.12 Lakhs, which falls in the income tax slab of Rs.9 lakh to Rs.12 lakh. The income tax payable by the individual will be calculated as follows: Total Income (Gross)Rs.12 Lakh Travel and Medical AllowanceNILHRANILDeductions (80C, 80CCD)NILIncome that is TaxableRs.12 lakhUp to Rs.3 lakhNILRs.3 lakh – Rs.6 lakhRs.15,000Rs.6 lakh – Rs.9 lakhRs.30,000Rs.9 lakh – Rs.12 lakhRs.45,000Rs.12 lakh – Rs.15 lakhNILTotal Tax to be PaidRs.90,000 Major Highlights of India’s Income Tax Announcement Introduce a state-of-the-art IT return form to ensure maximum efficiency. The presumptive taxation turnover limit has been raised to 75 lakhs for professionals, with a cash receipt limit of no more than 5 percent. Place precedence on technology-based tax governance for maximum efficiency and efficacy. The finance minister proudly announced that the amount of time taken to process returns has drastically decreased from 93 days down to a mere 16. 45% of filed returns are processed within 24 hours. For those earning 15 lakhs, their tax responsibility is a mere 1.5 lakhs – an incredible bargain! [B-02] Conclusion The new income tax slab announced in Union Budget 2023 has further simplified income tax deduction and improved the ease of filing income tax returns. Individuals can now save more on taxes thanks to this income tax new regime’s lower income tax rates, increased basic exemption limits, and a variety of other benefits. To ensure maximum efficiency and accuracy, taxpayers should thoroughly review their income sources before opting for a particular income tax slab for FY 2023-24.

08-11-2023