'Get ready to file your income tax returns'

Well, the very first impression that comes after reading this line is that it has been picked straight out from an IT-dept advertisement. Quite rightly so, after all, Indian government has been instrumental in driving revenue levels to great heights with its focussed efforts. thanks to people. Time and again, IT department have come up with innovations that have made Income tax return filing, an extremely easy task. Be it establishing an army of income tax preparers or making filing tax via Online mandatory for corporate players, IT department has done it all for the sake of convenience of tax filers. That's not all, from time to time, it issues warnings and floats reminder on every possible media channel for people whose income feature under taxable head.

Recently, IT department issued an alert message to all tax-payers against sharing any personal detail on Internet, intended to be kept confidential. The department warned people not to spill beans about PAN and credit cards on Internet. The warning was issued in the wake of false emails being sent to people in the name of IT department. According to IT dept., such emails are absolutely fake and people coming with a request to address their queries citing such mails, will not be entertained at all. The matter got out-of-hand, when it was observed that several people have complained of receiving emails titled, 'tax refund', 'seeking refunds' and promising excellent Etax packages.

It is to be mentioned that IT department never asks for credit card details from tax payers unless it is required. In fact, it is in favour of such people that they don't react to such emails and develop false expectations. Moreover, it is in interest of taxpayers if they keep confidential information like ATM PIN, user name, password, bank account details etc. to themselves.

A word of advice to taxpayers: It would be extremely wise of taxpayers if they continue changing their passwords and usernames from time to time.

Interestingly, this issue has came into light at the time when more and more taxpayers are ditching the laborious method of standing in queues and preferring to file their returns Online. What more with emergence of several portals that facilitate Online filing or offering attractive Etax packages , this trend is fast catching pace.

A few tips for tax payers to know -

> If tax refund has got delayed, taxpayers can exercise their fundamental right of RTI (Right To Information) to know the reason of the same.

> Most people (who aren't aware of the Income Tax basics) often don't comprehend the basis of taxability. For their knowledge, taxability of income depends on residential status of the particular person.

> This one is for employers. Any contribution from employers in the direction of foreign social security will not be taxed.
> If a foreigner earns any income within the boundaries of Indian democracy, it will be taxable under rules established under Income Tax Act. However, he/she can claim relief as per Double Tax Avoidance Treaty. But that is subjected to a condition that states that both nations have signed it.

At last, a golden mantra to reiterate – Pay income tax and be the honest citizen of this country.

SBI Credit Cards join hands with Aditya Birla Group

Just last year in December 2009 SBI Card and the Aditya Birla Group have joined hands to bring on offer in the market a co branded card to all the customers of the Aditya Birla Group companies customers. The news was announced by the chief Executive of the Financial services of the Aditya Birla Group, Ajay Srinivasan and with him was the CEO if SBI Card Diwakar Gupta as well.

The Aditya Birla Group and SBI Card's Co-Branded credit cards will be on offer to 8-million customers of Aditya Birla Group companies which will include the customers from Aditya Birla Retail, Aditya Birla Financial Services Group (which includes Birla Sun Life Insurance and Birla Sun Life Mutual Funds), IDEA and Madura Garments.

The Economic Times has written a statement over one of Srinivasan's comments about the card, “The Aditya Birla Group has already established a presence in the financial services business market, through being a significant player in the non-banking space of the market. And we are committed to meet all the financial needs of our target customer whether they require it now or will need those needs to be fulfilled in the near future. Today, SBI Cards and Aditya Birla Group have taken yet another step in that direction, with the signing of a MoU between the two companies which will enable the two companies to put on offer a co-branded credit card to the customers of the Aditya Birla Group.”

The CEO of the SBI Credit Card business, Mr Diwakar Gupta had also mentioned that “We are pleased to partner with the Aditya Birla Group…bringing new products that offer greater value to our customers has been an ongoing endeavor for us at SBI Card.”

The Co-Branded credit cards of SBI Card and the Aditya Birla Group will be made available across more than 2000 retail outlets all of which would be of the Aditya Birla Group companies. The news has made some serious waves in the credit cards business with many other players in the market eying the move by both the companies with apprehension and timidity.

The interesting part of this new development in the market is that this is not the first co-branded card of SBI but the bank already has launched many co-branded credit cards before. In spite of that the new co-branded credit cards with Aditya Birla Group will surely and expected to increase the financial strength of State Bank of India's credit card division.

Achieve a complete peace of mind with Bajaj Allianz

Today, no-one can deny the element of uncertainty in life and the need for a finance-cushion to support in times of need. And it is the insurance plans, which are doing the same job. With so many insurance companies in the market, every company is coming out with a new and innovative range of policies to attract the potential customers and to make a bigger presence in the market. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited is among the leading private non-life insurance company, which offers a range of non-life insurance products to its customers at the best price and with loads of additional benefits.

A look at the various insurance plans being offered by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance:

Motor Insurance: Bajaj Allianz offers a comprehensive package for your car and also brings lots of savings for you. The company also claims to offer world-class claims service to its customers. With the facility of buying the plan online, it saves customers from unnecessary time-wastage.

Home Insurance: Home is something where we all feel safe and secure. With a home insurance plan in your pocket, you can have a complete peace of mind, and this is what this insurance company brings for you. With a single House-holders' insurance policy, you can provide safety to your home against various risks and contingencies such as fire, burglary, jewellery & precious items.

Health Insurance: Health insurance has become somewhat like a must for all. Health is something you never compromise upon, then why compromise on its insurance.

Travel Insurance: Future is uncertain and this is probably the beauty of life, but at times life also throws something which we never expect. Whether you are on a business trip or with your family, a travel insurance plan will be always with you as a friend, whenever you are on your overseas travel.

There are many more insurance policies, which Bajaj Allianz is offering to its customers. Besides Bajaj Allianz, there are many other providers of insurance plans such as ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd., Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. and The New India Assurance Co. Ltd., which keep on introducing attractive insurance plans to retain their existing customers and to attract the new ones.

Credit Cards making life simple

The credit cards are soon becoming the accepted way by which a compulsive shopper can do shopping without the un necessary hassle of carrying large sums of cash. The fact of the matter is that these cards play a very crucial role in todays modern lifestyle and have somewhat become a part of a professionals life.

In this fast paced electronically driven world, lots of citizens are taking the credit card route mostly because of the simple reason that these little pieces of plastic are considered as the most convenient and hassle free way through which an individual can instant make payments while shopping in markets and malls to online shopping. Credit Cards also . ABN Amro Credit Cards are always their for the customer be it night or day. Credit Cards have the biggest advantage for the compulsive shopper and those in need of cash in case of some emergency, the card also provides a string of credit lines which are very short term in nature but can prove to be very useful in times of needs.

With these pieces of plastic in their wallet, a user can avoid the stress of carrying big sums of money and fear for reasons such as theft and other possibilities. Credit Cards entail and completely different kind of threat to their user which the ABN Amro Card have effectively managed to diminish. In addition to that, one can have the facility of carrying their bank around with them . Apart from that, these small credit cards are very light and small being the size of a visiting card and so, a user can easily carry them in his pocket or their wallets.

Credit Cards are reall all that and then some but caution and caveats mentioned by the bank should always be paid special attention. Stick to the rules and you will do just fine. Happy Shopping !!

Experience the difference with credit cards

In the modern age, almost every thing is getting so revolutionized. The best example of such ultimate change in society is the credit cards. Nowadays, more and more people are preferring the plastic money. In fact, this is the most standard way through which you can get instant cash anytime and anywhere. These cards are really very portable in size and so, you can carry these in your pocket or purse. Furthermore, these cards are quite easy to use.

There are plenty of well known card providers including ICICI Bank, ABN Amro, HDFC Bank, SBI and many more. Let's talk about the SBI card which enjoys great reputation in the market. In fact, I personally trust on this organisation (SBI). The SBI credit card comes with lots of amazing benefits which can really thrill your mind with excitement. With this you are free to shop as much as you can without any tension of money.

These cards are classified into the different categories as per the paying capability of a person. Basically, the SBI cardranks as Silver (which means standard as well as lowest credit), Gold (which signifies higher credit) and Platinum (highest credit). There are certain factors which a person should keep in mind before buying any card. The most important thing which you should consider is the APR charged by the card provider. You should always opt for that card which comes with minimum interest rate. Another factor which a person should never forget is the grace period. In fact, the grace time period offered by the company plays a very crucial role. You should always go for those cards which come with longest grace period.

In order to survive in the cut-throat competitive arena, every company comes into the market with amazing schemes and guarantees you that the deals offered by them are best. Since, the present day market is flooded with great variety of credit cards and so, a person should choose his card carefully. In addition to that, one should never forget to make comparison between the various benefits offered by different card providers. There are many websites on internet through which you can get more information about these cards.

Have dreams to fly higher? Get a personal loan

Everyone on this earth have some dreams, to fulfill the dreams you need money and for money here comes the bank loans. Now a days, getting a loan has become very easy all over the world. You can pay back the money in easy installments. A loan is a convenient tool to finance one's personal and professional requirements. In the organized sector, these are provided by public and private sector banks. One can use the loan amount of a personal loan for various purposes such as home renovation, wedding expenses, payoff medical bills and long vacations.

This loan can be taken with or without offering collateral or guarantee against the loan amount. As the loan is available without any collateral, hence, the interest rate of this loan is a bit higher. Let's take the example of HDFC personal loan which offers a best deal with minimum paper work and hassle free loan approval. You can borrow up to Rs.15 lakh depending on your requirement. HDFC personal loan offers flexible repayment options as well, ranging from 12 to 60 months. Some efforts will ensure you in getting this loan at a better rate. Internet is a better option for searching out a best deal for the loan.

It is one of the most important requirements today that everyone should obtain quality education. Though it requires money and for this banks provide education loan. Basically, banks provide loan for the students who have secured admission in premier institutes and in premier institutes abroad. In India, for two years course in management institutes, usually banks provide unsecured lending up to 12 lakhs with no third party guarantee and the loan tenure upto 7 years including moratorium (a certain period after which repayments through EMI starts).

For further studies in abroad, one can get an education loan upto Rs.20 lakhs, including unsecured lending upto Rs.7.5 lakh with no third party guaranteer needed. Loan are available up to a tenure of 7 years including moratorium period. Repayment will start 1 year after course completion/ 6 months after obtaining employment (whichever is earlier). But for the best deal, meet various lenders personally, collect their loan quote, compare them and then opt for the best one.

Solve your financial crisis with personal loans

There is no denying the fact that life is just unpredictable and you can't imagine what lies ahead. Now suppose, you are faced with a cash crisis and don't see any help. What will you do? And you also don't have collateral or guarantor to pledge with the bank to avail a bank loan. And what will you do at a time, when you need urgent funds? The answer lies with personal loans.

You heard it right. For applying this bank loan, you don't need any collateral or guarantor. Banks even don't ask for the purpose for which the applicant wants the loan amount. Be it home repairs, wedding expenses or medical expenses, personal loans act as a pain-reliever. And since there is no need for any collateral, it saves you a lot of time. Let's take the case of HDFC personal loans which you can avail with complete ease and comfort. The bank also promises minimal documentation and hassle free loan process.

Not just a personal loan, banks in India also offer a wide range of other loan products such as home loan, car loan and education loan. Now-a-days, banks keep on introducing new and innovative banking products and services to retain their existing customers and also attract the new ones. Now, if you are a person who wishes his son/daughter to attend the Harvard business school or any other reputed university and the only obstacle is cash, then an education loan is sure to take your all worries away.

However, before you sign up for a bank loan, make a detailed plan as to how much amount you need from the bank and how you would pay back the amount on time. A little chat with close friends and relatives may also turn out to be an eye-opener for you.