We had applied for a health insurance floater cover for my father-in-law and mother-in-law from a standalone insurer.

Readers' Corner: Rakesh Jain

Business Standard

As real estate prices in Gurgaon move steadily northwards, many companies and industrialists are looking for viable options beyond the national capital region (NCR). As a result, areas such as Dharuhera, Bawal and Jhajjar in Haryana have come up as alternative real estate destinations.To know the dynamics governing Jhajjar's realty market, we first need to understand the basic concept of uncontrolled zones. These are pockets with virtually no economic or commercial activity. The government strategically brings such areas into the purview of economic and infrastructural development, based on its mandate to uplift these comparatively lagging areas.Thanks to such initiatives, Jhajjar is gathering pace and emerging as a major freight and logistics hub. Many big companies are planning to have their warehousing facilities in this belt. A number of leading firms are also targeting the region for manufacturing facilities. The Jhajjar special economic zone (SEZ) alone is estimated to result in

NCR's emerging affordable housing investment hub

Strict anti-money-laundering regulations should be implemented, as these act as brakes on illegal trade

Cobrapost sting: Did bankers promise jumping AML rules?

Medium- and long-term debt funds are likely to perform better with each rate cut; returns from FDs will improve but may remain negative

Debt funds score over fixed deposits

Sometimes, a contrarian call can fetch better returns. But, have patience

Invest cautiously in outperforming assets

Use short-term funds for ensuring emergency liquidity

Match debt fund maturity to goals

The markets aren't expecting too much on the reforms front due to political instability

Opportunities for long-term investor

Every Monday, Business Standard analyses one family's finances and suggests a suitable way forward

Case study

Business Standard brings to you a snapshot of average current rates and unit sizes in localities that offer property in the price range of Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore. If you are looking at buying real estate and your budget falls within this range, an idea about prevailing rates would come in handy

Realty check

LIC's product gives lower maturity benefits and returns in the long run

Another insurance-cum-investment product

But returns from EPF and PPF are not very high. Have a diversified product mix

Mutual funds, insurance plans not tax-effective for retirement

If you don't use the two LTA exemptions by December 2013, one can be availed of in 2014-17

One travel allowance can be extended

Cut costs by booking tickets and hotel rooms in advance, opting for group packages, eating and shopping where the locals do

Travel without burning a hole in your pocket

Is it important to disclose exempted income when filing returns?It helps to disclose exempted income like dividend received on mutual funds, long-term capital gain on securities and interest from PPF at the time of filing returns. While nothing happens if you don't do so and the income continues to remain exempt, this helps in accurate computation of returns. Income tax return forms have a column for this, making it importantWhat other details should be included ?Interest earned on savings bank accounts is often omitted by many but that is a taxable component and should be disclosed. Bank account details like correct account number and MICR code should be given, so as to receive refunds without any hassles. In case of an error, you will have to give a cancelled cheque, showing correct particulars

Tipping point

I am a 24-year-old banking professional and  collect paintings as a hobby. I am thinking of selling a part of my collection (paintings). What will be the tax treatment on the proceeds?Archeological collection, drawings, paintings, sculptures or any work of art have been categorically classified as capital assets under the income tax laws. Hence, transfer of a painting will attract capital gains tax. If you have held a painting for 36 months or less before it is sold, the capital gains would be classified as 'short-term capital gains' and taxed at the regular rates applicable in your case. If you have held the painting for more than 36 months, the capital gains would be considered to be 'long-term capital gains' and taxed at 20.6 per cent, after giving the benefit of indexation of the cost of acquisition.I started freelancing from June 2012. Earlier, I was working for an IT company. How will my income be taxed? As a freelancer, do I come in the professionals' category under tax laws? Wh

Taxation:  Homi Mistry

Making a call on gold price trends through 2013 will be a toss-up

Gold perception needs to change

Even before you start earning, learn the art of saving from parents

Parents are best teachers

Returns may be lumpy and volatile. But longer the hold, higher the returns and lower the risks

Page 64 - Investment