FD Rules to Change from October 1, 2026: New Interest Rates, Daily Updates and Key Changes

by Jobuza Team | Aug 21, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced revised guidelines related to bank deposit interest rates and the disclosure of rates for bulk deposits. The new rules are scheduled to come into effect from October 1, 2026.

The updated framework aims to improve transparency in the way banks disclose deposit interest rates while also ensuring greater uniformity across branches. The changes mainly focus on bulk deposits, although they may also help bring more clarity to the overall deposit system.

What Do the New RBI Guidelines on FD Interest Rates Mean?

Under the revised guidelines, banks will have greater flexibility in deciding interest rates for certain categories of deposits. At the same time, they will be required to follow new disclosure requirements, particularly for bulk deposits.

A bulk deposit refers to a single-rupee term deposit of Rs 3 crore or more.

The major changes under the new guidelines include daily disclosure of bulk deposit interest rates, uniform interest rates across branches and flexibility for banks to offer different rates on bulk deposits based on specific factors.

Banks to Update Bulk Deposit Interest Rates Daily

One of the key changes is related to the disclosure of interest rates on deposits.

From October 1, 2026, banks will be required to disclose the interest rates payable on deposits, including bulk deposits, on their websites in advance.

For bulk deposits, banks will need to update the applicable interest rates by 10:00 AM on every business day. A grace period of 10 minutes will be allowed, meaning the updated rates must be available on the bank’s website by 10:10 AM at the latest.

This requirement is expected to make it easier for depositors and businesses to access the latest interest rate information.

Uniform FD Interest Rates Across All Bank Branches

The RBI has also directed banks to maintain uniform interest rates for similar deposits accepted on the same date.

This means that a bank cannot offer different interest rates for deposits of a similar amount and type simply because they are being accepted at different branches.

The objective is to ensure consistency and prevent discrimination in the interest paid on similar deposits across different offices or branches of the same bank.

However, the applicable interest rate may still depend on factors such as the type of deposit, deposit amount and tenure, as permitted under the applicable banking rules.

Banks Can Offer Differential Interest Rates on Bulk Deposits

The revised guidelines also give banks flexibility to offer differential interest rates on bulk deposits.

Banks may determine different rates for such deposits by considering factors including the differential run-off rate applicable to deposits or unsecured wholesale funding under the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework.

This flexibility primarily applies to bulk deposits and allows banks to price large deposits according to their funding requirements and liquidity considerations.

Will the New RBI FD Rules Affect Retail Investors?

For most retail fixed deposit investors, the direct impact of these changes is likely to be limited.

The new provisions relating to bulk deposits apply to deposits of Rs 3 crore and above. Retail deposits below this threshold will generally continue to follow the interest rate structure decided by individual banks.

However, the revised framework may improve transparency and ensure greater consistency in the way banks disclose and offer deposit interest rates.

How Do Banks Decide FD Interest Rates?

Banks are allowed to decide their own interest rates on domestic term deposits based on applicable RBI guidelines.

The interest rate offered on a fixed deposit can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Deposit amount
• Deposit tenure
• Category of depositor
• Whether the deposit is classified as a retail or bulk deposit
• The bank’s funding and liquidity requirements

Retail deposits, generally below Rs 3 crore, usually have a separate interest rate structure. Bulk deposits of Rs 3 crore or more may be priced differently.

Banks have had the freedom to determine interest rates on domestic term deposits of different maturities since October 22, 1997, subject to RBI regulations.

Final Takeaway

The new RBI guidelines coming into effect from October 1, 2026, are mainly focused on improving transparency and standardising the treatment of deposit interest rates across bank branches.

The requirement for daily disclosure of bulk deposit rates and the introduction of greater consistency across branches could make the system more transparent. While the direct impact on small retail FD investors may be limited, depositors can expect clearer information regarding the interest rates offered by banks.

8 Income Tax Notices Salaried Employees May Receive After Filing ITR: Meaning and How to Respond

by Jobuza Team | Aug 21, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

After filing an Income Tax Return (ITR), many salaried taxpayers assume that the process is complete. However, it is important to regularly check your registered email address and the Income Tax e-filing portal for any communication from the Income Tax Department.

Receiving an income tax notice does not always mean that you have committed a serious mistake. In many cases, notices are generated to inform taxpayers about a mismatch, missing information, incorrect details or a proposed adjustment in the return. Some communications may simply require a clarification or a correction.

However, notices related to scrutiny, reassessment or unexplained income may require a detailed response. Taxpayers should therefore read every communication carefully and respond within the deadline mentioned in the notice.

Here are eight common types of income tax notices that salaried employees may receive after filing their ITR and what they generally mean.

Section 143(1)(a): Notice for Proposed Adjustment

A notice under Section 143(1)(a) may be issued when the Income Tax Department identifies an apparent mismatch or error while processing the ITR.

The issue may relate to deductions, exemptions, tax credits or information available with the department from employers, banks and other reporting entities.

How to Respond

Carefully review the proposed adjustment and compare it with your Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, TIS and other relevant tax documents.

If the proposed adjustment is correct, you can accept it. If you disagree, submit an online response with the necessary explanation and supporting documents within the prescribed time.

Section 139(9): Defective Income Tax Return Notice

A notice under Section 139(9) is issued when the Income Tax Department considers an ITR to be defective.

This may happen because of incomplete information, missing disclosures, incorrect details or other defects specified under the Income-tax Act.

For example, there may be a mismatch in reported income and tax details, or certain mandatory information required in the return may be missing.

How to Respond

The taxpayer must correct the defect and submit the required response within the specified deadline.

If the defect is not rectified within the prescribed period, the Income Tax Return may be treated as invalid. Therefore, this notice should not be ignored.

Section 142(1): Notice Seeking Additional Information

A notice under Section 142(1) may be issued when the Assessing Officer requires additional information, documents or explanations to complete an assessment.

It may also be issued in certain situations where a person has not filed an income tax return despite being required to do so.

The department may ask for documents related to salary, investments, deductions, bank transactions or other financial information.

How to Respond

Submit all the requested information through the Income Tax Department’s e-proceedings system within the prescribed deadline.

Ensure that the information is complete, accurate and supported by relevant documents. Providing an incomplete response may lead to further queries.

Section 143(2): Scrutiny Assessment Notice

A notice under Section 143(2) generally means that the Income Tax Department has selected the return for scrutiny.

The purpose of scrutiny is to verify whether the income declared, deductions claimed, exemptions and other details mentioned in the ITR are correct.

A scrutiny notice does not automatically mean that the taxpayer has committed tax fraud. The department may simply require additional verification of the information reported in the return.

How to Respond

Review the notice carefully and provide all the documents and explanations requested by the department.

Maintain copies of salary slips, Form 16, investment proofs, bank statements and other documents supporting the claims made in your ITR.

In complex cases, professional tax advice may be useful.

Section 148: Notice for Income Escaping Assessment

A notice under Section 148 may be issued when the Income Tax Department believes that certain taxable income has escaped assessment, subject to the legal procedure and conditions applicable under the Income-tax Act.

This type of notice may involve income or transactions that were not properly disclosed or assessed earlier.

How to Respond

Read the notice carefully and understand the reason for the proposed reassessment.

The taxpayer may be required to file a return or provide information and explanations regarding the transactions under review. Since reassessment proceedings can involve complex legal and tax issues, professional assistance may be helpful.

Section 245: Notice for Adjustment of Tax Refund

A notice under Section 245 may be issued when the Income Tax Department proposes to adjust your current tax refund against an outstanding tax demand from another assessment year.

For example, if you are eligible for a refund for the current year but have an unpaid tax demand from a previous year, the department may propose to adjust the refund against that amount.

How to Respond

Check whether the outstanding tax demand is correct.

If the demand is valid, the proposed adjustment may be accepted. However, if the demand has already been paid, is incorrect or is under dispute, submit an objection along with the relevant supporting documents.

Section 154: Notice for Rectification of an Error

Section 154 deals with the rectification of mistakes that are apparent from the record.

These may include clerical errors, calculation mistakes or other obvious errors in an assessment order or tax record.

The department may issue a communication before making a rectification that could affect the taxpayer’s tax liability.

How to Respond

Review the proposed rectification carefully.

If the correction is accurate, no objection may be required. If the proposed rectification is incorrect, submit a response explaining the issue and provide supporting documents.

Section 263: Revision of Assessment Order

A notice under Section 263 may be issued when the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner considers an assessment order to be erroneous and prejudicial to the interests of the Revenue.

This provision allows the Commissioner to examine and potentially revise an assessment order passed by the Assessing Officer.

How to Respond

The taxpayer should carefully review the reasons mentioned in the notice and submit a detailed written response supported by relevant facts and documents.

As Section 263 proceedings can involve complex legal issues, seeking assistance from a qualified tax professional may be appropriate.

What Should You Do After Receiving an Income Tax Notice?

The first step is not to panic. Every notice has a specific purpose, and many notices are related to procedural issues or mismatches that can be resolved by providing the correct information.

You should follow these steps:

1. Verify that the communication is genuine by checking the Income Tax e-filing portal.
2. Read the section and reason mentioned in the notice carefully.
3. Check the deadline for submitting your response.
4. Compare the issue with your ITR, Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, TIS and other financial records.
5. Submit a complete and accurate response with supporting documents.
6. Keep copies of the notice, response and documents submitted.
7. Consider consulting a chartered accountant or tax professional if the matter involves scrutiny, reassessment or a significant tax demand.

Can an Income Tax Notice Be Ignored?

No. Taxpayers should not ignore a notice from the Income Tax Department.

Failure to respond within the prescribed deadline may lead to further action, depending on the nature of the notice. This could include adjustments to the tax return, additional tax demand, penalties, an assessment based on available information or other proceedings under the Income-tax Act.

The best approach is to verify the notice, understand the issue and submit the required response within the given time.

Final Word

Receiving an income tax notice after filing an ITR does not necessarily mean that a taxpayer has done something wrong. Many notices are issued because of data mismatches, missing information or routine verification.

Salaried employees should regularly check their email and Income Tax e-filing account after filing their return. Keeping records such as Form 16, AIS, Form 26AS, salary slips, bank statements and investment proofs can make it easier to respond if any clarification is required.

For complex notices involving scrutiny, reassessment or revision of an assessment order, professional guidance can help ensure that the response is accurate and submitted within the prescribed timeline.

EPFO: How to Check Whether Your Employer Is Depositing PF Every Month

by Jobuza Team | Aug 18, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Employees often see a PF deduction in their monthly salary slip and assume that the amount has been credited to their EPF account. However, it is important to verify the actual contribution regularly.

Employers covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund scheme are required to deposit the applicable employee and employer contributions with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Employees can check their contribution history through their EPF passbook using their Universal Account Number (UAN).

The EPF passbook provides a month-wise record of contributions, making it easier to identify missing or delayed deposits. If there is a discrepancy between the PF deduction shown on the salary slip and the amount reflected in the EPF account, employees can first contact their employer and, if necessary, raise a grievance with EPFO.

How to Check Your EPF Contribution Online

Employees can check their monthly PF deposits through the EPFO Member Passbook portal. The process is simple and can be completed online.

Step 1: Open the EPFO Passbook Portal

Visit the official EPFO Member Passbook portal and open the login page.

Step 2: Log In Using Your UAN

Enter your active Universal Account Number (UAN), password and the required security details to access your EPF account.

Step 3: Complete Verification

If additional verification is requested, complete it using the registered mobile number or other details provided on the portal.

Step 4: Select Your Member ID

After logging in, select the relevant Member ID linked to your UAN.

Step 5: Check Your Monthly Contributions

Your EPF passbook will display the contribution details for different months. Check the employee contribution, employer contribution and pension contribution to verify whether the deposits are being updated regularly.

Match Your EPF Contribution With Your Salary Slip

One of the easiest ways to identify a possible discrepancy is to compare your salary slip with your EPF passbook.

The employee’s PF contribution shown on the salary slip should generally correspond to the amount credited as the employee contribution in the EPF account. The employer’s contribution is handled differently and may be divided between the EPF and Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), depending on the applicable rules.

Therefore, employees should not assume that the entire employer contribution will appear under the EPF balance.

What If the Latest PF Contribution Is Missing?

If the most recent month’s contribution is not visible in the EPF passbook, it does not always mean that the employer has failed to deposit the money.

There can be several reasons for a delay, including:

• The employer may not have filed the Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) yet.
• The contribution may still be under processing.
• The EPFO passbook may not have been updated yet.
• There may be a temporary delay in reflecting the transaction online.

Employees should therefore allow reasonable time for the contribution to be reflected before raising a complaint.

What to Do If Your PF Contribution Is Not Credited

If your salary slip shows a PF deduction but the corresponding contribution does not appear in your EPF account even after a reasonable period, you should first contact your employer or HR department.

Ask the employer whether the applicable ECR has been filed and whether the PF contribution has been deposited.

If the issue is not resolved, employees can raise a complaint through the EPFiGMS grievance portal or contact the concerned EPFO office for further assistance.

Why Should You Check Your EPF Contributions Regularly?

Regularly checking your EPF passbook can help you identify contribution-related issues at an early stage.

It can help you:

• Verify that your PF contributions are being credited correctly.
• Identify missing or delayed deposits.
• Compare salary deductions with actual EPF credits.
• Keep track of your retirement savings.
• Avoid complications when transferring or withdrawing your PF after changing jobs.

Final Word

Checking your EPF passbook periodically is a simple way to keep track of your PF savings. If your salary slip shows a PF deduction, compare it with the contribution recorded in your EPF passbook and investigate any unexplained difference.

If a contribution is temporarily missing, first check whether there is a normal processing or updating delay. If the issue continues, contact your employer and use the EPFO grievance mechanism when required.

How to Make Money on Etsy in 2026: 10 Side Hustle Ideas for Beginners

by Jobuza Team | Aug 12, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

If you’ve got a creative streak and a bit of spare time, Etsy is one of those platforms that keeps proving you don’t need a warehouse or a business degree to start earning. People are turning handmade jewelry, downloadable planners, and everything in between into real side income — and a lot of them started with nothing more than an idea and a laptop.

So if you’ve been wondering how to make money on Etsy, here’s the reassuring part: you don’t need a big budget or a garage full of inventory to get going. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, personalized gifts, or even offer your creative skills as a service. What actually matters is picking the right niche, making something people genuinely want, and presenting it well. Let’s walk through 10 practical Etsy side hustle ideas worth trying in 2026.

10 Etsy Side Hustle Ideas for Beginners

Here are the best ideas for beginners 

1. Sell Digital Printables

Honestly, this might be the easiest entry point on the whole list. Planners, calendars, budget sheets, meal planners, checklists, journals, study templates — customers just download the file after buying, so there’s no inventory, no packaging, no trip to the post office. Design it once, and it can sell over and over. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly Etsy business ideas out there for exactly that reason.

2. Create Personalized Gifts

There is something about adding a name or a special date to a product that makes your gift special. Think personalized gifts like mugs, cards, keychains, shirts, nameplates, or keepsakes — built around birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and holidays. People tend to pay a little more for something made just for them, which makes personalization a great way to stand out.

3. Try Print-on-Demand Products

Want to sell without stacking boxes in your spare room? Print-on-demand lets you design T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, posters, and phone cases, and a third-party company handles the printing and shipping once an order comes in. It’s a low-risk way to test out different designs without sinking money into inventory upfront.

4. Sell Wedding Templates

Wedding stationery is a category that just keeps performing well for digital sellers. Invitation templates, seating charts, menus, welcome signs, programs, thank-you cards — design them once, sell them again and again. The trick is making your files genuinely easy to edit and giving customers clear instructions so they’re not left guessing.

5. Start a Handmade Jewelry Shop

If working with your hands is your thing, jewelry can be a genuinely rewarding niche. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, personalized pieces- there’s room for all of it. The mistake a lot of beginners make is trying to appeal to everyone. Instead, pick a lane: minimalist jewelry, personalized gifts, colorful accessories, or nature-inspired designs. 

6. Sell Wall Art and Home Decor

Wall art is a crowded space, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for you; it just means you need a focus. Printable artwork, posters, signs, quotes, and decorative designs, instead of throwing up random pieces, build around a theme. Minimalist prints, motivational quotes, nursery decor, personalized family signs, or seasonal decorations all give your shop a more cohesive feel.

7. Offer Craft Supplies

Not everyone wants to sell a finished product, and that’s fine; there’s real demand for the materials that go into them too. Beads, charms, ribbons, stickers, digital patterns, buttons, and similar supplies attract hobbyists and even other Etsy sellers. If you can source unique or genuinely useful materials at a fair price, this is a solid, often-overlooked way to make money selling on Etsy.

8. Sell Custom Digital Designs

Got design chops? Logos, illustrations, business cards, invitations, social media templates, branding kits- there’s a real market for custom digital work. It takes more time per order than a ready-made download, but you can price accordingly based on complexity and effort.

9. Sell Vintage Products

If you’ve got an eye for older, unique finds, vintage can be a fun and profitable niche. Clothing, accessories, collectibles, books, home decor- buyers love the hunt for something different. Just make sure your photos are clear, and your descriptions are honest. Condition, age, size, and any flaws should be spelled out upfront; nobody likes surprises.

10. Create Gift Bundles

Sometimes people don’t want to think too hard about what to buy; they just want something ready-made and thoughtful. Bundles solve that. Put together themed packages for birthdays, weddings, holidays, teachers, new homeowners, or other occasions. Bundling related items together also naturally increases order value while making your shop feel more complete.

How to Start an Etsy Shop as a Beginner

Once you’ve landed on one of these Etsy shop ideas, resist the urge to upload dozens of random products right away. It’s tempting, but a small, focused collection almost always performs better than a scattered one.

• Choose Your Niche

Start by thinking about who you’re actually selling to and what problem your product solves for them. Spend some time browsing other shops, popular listings, customer reviews, and search terms — it’ll give you a real sense of what’s already working and where there might be a gap.

• Create Your First Listings

Your listings need to look professional, even on a shoestring budget. Bright, clear photos and descriptions that actually answer the questions a shopper would have go a long way. Weave relevant search terms naturally into your titles, descriptions, and tags — don’t force them in awkwardly.

• Set Your Prices

Don’t just copy another seller’s price tag and hope for the best. Add up your material costs, time spent producing each item, packaging, shipping, Etsy fees, and any other expenses. Your price needs room to breathe — enough to actually leave you with profit.

How to Make Money Selling on Etsy

Good products alone won’t cut it; shoppers also need to find your shop and trust it enough to buy. Here’s what actually moves the needle:

• Nail your Etsy SEO — research the phrases customers are likely searching for, and weave those keywords naturally into your titles, descriptions, and tags
• Invest in high-quality photos — shoppers can’t physically examine your product, so your images have to do that job for you.
• Build multiple related listings instead of betting everything on one product.
• Study your top performers — if certain listings get more views, favorites, or orders, figure out why, then apply those insights to improve your weaker listings.
• Prioritize customer service — answer questions politely, keep delivery info accurate, and stay upfront in your descriptions.

A smooth buying experience is what turns a one-time buyer into a repeat customer — and earns the reviews that bring in new ones.

How Much Can You Make on Etsy?

There’s no magic number; earnings vary based on:

• Your prices and profit margins
• Sales volume
• Etsy fees
• Production costs
• Marketing spend

Reality check: a shop pulling in $2,000 in sales isn’t walking away with $2,000 in profit. Once expenses are factored in, what you actually keep can be a lot less. If you’re serious about learning to make money on Etsy consistently, track profit — not just top-line sales.

Common Etsy Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

• Copying another seller’s products, or using copyrighted characters, logos, or designs without permission — tempting, but a fast way to run into trouble
• Picking a niche so broad your shop has no real identity
• Low-quality photos
• Mispriced products
• Thin product descriptions
• Skipping Etsy SEO altogether

Don’t expect overnight sales, either — a shop that actually works takes testing, patience, and a willingness to adjust based on what customers respond to.

FAQs About Making Money on Etsy

1. Can beginners make money on Etsy?

Yes — plenty of beginners have built solid shops around digital products, handmade goods, personalized items, and more. That said, results vary a lot, and it usually takes consistent effort and some trial and error to get there.

2. What is the easiest thing to sell on Etsy?

Digital products like planners, templates, printables, and invitations are a pretty gentle starting point since there’s no physical inventory or shipping involved. Personalized products can also work well if you’ve got the right equipment or a reliable production partner.

3. Is Etsy a good side hustle?

It can be, especially because you can start small and scale up gradually. How much time it takes really depends on whether you’re selling digital products, handmade goods, or made-to-order items.

4. How much does it cost to start an Etsy shop?

That depends on what you’re selling. Expect listing and transaction fees at minimum, and if you’re selling physical products, factor in materials, packaging, shipping, and marketing too.

Start Your Etsy Side Hustle

There’s no shortage of ways to make money on Etsy in 2026 — digital downloads, handmade products, personalized gifts, vintage finds, or custom designs are all fair game. Pick one clear niche, build a small collection of genuinely good products, and pay close attention to what customers respond to.

You don’t need to build a massive shop overnight. Start small, learn as you go, keep improving your listings, and let your Etsy side hustle grow into something that actually pays off.