Free legal, tax & GST guides for India

Plain-English answers to the questions Indians actually search — written by our AI-assisted legal team. Always free.

• Why Is My ITR Refund Delayed in 2026? (And How to Fix It)
  Income Tax · 8 min

  Filed your ITR but the refund hasn't come? Here's why refunds are delayed in 2026 — AIS mismatches, the NUDGE scrutiny, bank pre-validation and e-verification — and exactly how to fix each.

• GST Changes from 1 August 2026 — Ship-to GSTIN, Provisional Refunds & More
  GST · 7 min

  From 1 August 2026 the GST Network changes e-Invoice and e-Way Bill rules — mandatory Ship-to GSTIN, provisional refunds for inverted duty and easier post-sale discounts. Here is what to change in your billing.

• Tax Year vs Assessment Year — What Changed Under the Income Tax Act 2025
  Income Tax · 6 min

  The Income Tax Act 2025 replaces Assessment Year and Previous Year with a single 'Tax Year' from 1 April 2026. Here is what that means, with clear examples, and when the old terms still apply.

• Rent Agreement in India 2026 — Format, Stamp Duty, Registration & Key Clauses
  Property · 7 min

  A practical 2026 guide to rent agreements in India — why most are 11-month Leave & Licence, the stamp duty and registration rules, and the key clauses to include to protect yourself.

• How to Reply to a GST Notice (DRC-01) in India — Step by Step (2026)
  GST · 6 min

  Got a GST notice in Form DRC-01? Here's the plain-English process to reply, the deadline, what documents to attach, and how to avoid penalty — for free.

• Cheque Bounce Case under Section 138 — Full Procedure & Timeline (India)
  Banking · 7 min

  Cheque bounced? Here's the exact Section 138 NI Act procedure: the 30-day notice, the 15-day wait, where to file, timeline, and what you can recover — explained simply.

• ITR-1 vs ITR-2: Which Income Tax Return Form Should You File? (AY 2026-27)
  Income Tax · 5 min

  Confused between ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-2? This simple guide shows exactly which ITR form fits your income — salary, capital gains, multiple properties, or foreign assets.

• Documents Required for GST Registration in India (2026 Checklist)
  GST · 5 min

  A complete, free checklist of documents needed for GST registration — for proprietors, partnerships, and companies. Plus the turnover threshold and process.

• Old vs New Tax Regime (AY 2026-27): Which One Saves You More?
  Income Tax · 6 min

  The new tax regime is now the default. Should you switch to the old one? This free guide compares both with examples so you pick the regime that cuts your tax.

• How to File an FIR in India — and What to Do if Police Refuse (2026)
  Criminal · 6 min

  Step-by-step guide to filing an FIR, your right to a Zero FIR, and the exact legal remedy under BNSS 2023 if the police refuse to register your complaint. Free.

• How to Register a Private Limited Company in India (2026 Step-by-Step)
  Startup · 7 min

  A free, plain-English guide to registering a Pvt Ltd company via SPICe+ on the MCA portal — documents, the DSC/DIN steps, fees, timeline and what to do after incorporation.

• GSTR-2B vs GSTR-3B ITC Mismatch: How to Fix It (Without a Notice)
  GST · 6 min

  Your claimed input tax credit doesn't match GSTR-2B? Here's how to reconcile GSTR-2B vs 3B, fix the mismatch, and avoid a GST notice under Rule 36(4). Free guide.

• TDS Explained Simply: On Rent, Salary & Professional Fees (India 2026)
  Income Tax · 6 min

  What is TDS, when must you deduct it, the common rates for rent/salary/professional fees, and how to deposit and file it. A free plain-English guide for Indians.

• How to File a Consumer Complaint in India for a Defective Product or Service
  Consumer · 6 min

  Cheated by a seller or service provider? Here's how to file a consumer complaint under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 — including the free e-Daakhil online portal.

• Rental Agreement in India: Key Clauses & Tenant–Landlord Rights (2026)
  Property · 6 min

  Renting a home? Here are the must-have rental agreement clauses, your rights as a tenant or landlord, security deposit rules, and why 11-month agreements are standard.

• Trademark Registration in India: Process, Cost, Classes & Timeline (2026)
  Trademark · 7 min

  Free guide to Indian trademark registration via the IP India portal — classes, TM/® symbols, cost, timeline, and how to protect your brand legally.

• Udyam (MSME) Registration: Free Online Process & Benefits (India 2026)
  Startup · 6 min

  Free guide to Udyam registration for MSMEs in India — eligibility, the free online process on the Udyam portal, and the benefits you unlock.

• How to Register an LLP in India: FiLLiP Process, Documents & vs Pvt Ltd
  Startup · 7 min

  Free guide to LLP registration in India via the FiLLiP form on the MCA portal — documents, steps, timeline, and how an LLP differs from a Pvt Ltd company.

• E-Way Bill in India: What It Is, When Required & How to Generate (2026)
  GST · 6 min

  Free guide to the GST e-way bill — what it is, the value threshold, when it's required, and how to generate it on the official e-way bill portal.

• Mutual Consent Divorce in India: Section 13B Procedure & Timeline (2026)
  Family · 6 min

  Free guide to mutual consent divorce under Hindu Marriage Act Section 13B — the two motions, the 6-month period, documents, timeline, and when the court grants the decree.

• How to Make a Will in India: Requirements, Witnesses & Registration (2026)
  Family · 7 min

  Free guide to making a valid Will in India — why you need one, what to include, the witness rules, and how (and whether) to register it.

• How to File a Cybercrime Complaint in India: UPI Fraud & Online Scams (2026)
  Cyber · 6 min

  Free guide to reporting cyber fraud in India — the 1930 helpline, cybercrime.gov.in, the golden hour, and how to give yourself the best chance of recovering UPI scam money.

• FSSAI Food License Registration in India: Basic, State & Central (2026)
  Licenses · 6 min

  Free guide to the FSSAI food license — which of the three tiers you need based on turnover, the FoSCoS online process, and how to avoid rejection.

• Import Export Code (IEC) Registration on the DGFT Portal (2026)
  Compliance · 6 min

  Free guide to IEC registration in India — who needs it, documents required, the DGFT portal process, fees, and the annual update rule.

• Professional Tax Registration in India: State Rules & Employer Duties (2026)
  IncomeTax · 6 min

  Free guide to professional tax — who must register, the state-wise rates and the ₹2,500/year cap, employer deduction duties, and who is exempt.

• Maintenance & Alimony Rights in India: BNSS § 144 (old CrPC § 125) Guide (2026)
  Family · 6 min

  Free guide to maintenance and alimony in India — who can claim, the BNSS 2023 Section 144 provision (replacing CrPC Section 125), and how to apply.

• Shops & Establishment Act Registration in India: State Process & Rules (2026)
  Licenses · 6 min

  Free guide to Shops and Establishment Act registration — who must register, the state-wise online process, working-hour rules, and penalties for non-compliance.

• ClearTax Alternative: Free AI Tax & GST Filing Help in India (2026)
  Comparison · 5 min

  Looking for a free ClearTax alternative? India Law Simplified offers free, AI-assisted income-tax and GST guidance, calculators and notice-reply drafting — compare honestly.

• Vakilsearch Alternative: Free AI Legal & Company Registration Help (2026)
  Comparison · 5 min

  A free Vakilsearch alternative for India — AI-guided company/LLP registration steps, legal drafting and an AI advocate. Honest comparison of free vs done-for-you.

• IndiaFilings Alternative: Free Registration & Compliance Guidance (2026)
  Comparison · 5 min

  A free IndiaFilings alternative — AI-guided company/LLP/GST/FSSAI/IEC registration steps and compliance calendars, at no cost. Honest, fair comparison.

• Free Alternative to Quicko & Tax2win: AI ITR Filing Help (2026)
  Comparison · 5 min

  A free alternative to Quicko and Tax2win — AI income-tax guidance, old vs new regime calculator, AIS/143(1) help and ITR-form picker, at no cost. Honest comparison.

• LegalKart / LawRato Alternative: Free AI Legal Guidance for India (2026)
  Comparison · 5 min

  A free alternative to LegalKart and LawRato — an AI advocate mapping your facts to BNS/BNSS/BSA 2023 with strategy and precedents, plus free legal drafting. Honest comparison.

• TaxBuddy Alternative: Free AI Income-Tax Filing Help (2026)
  Comparison · 4 min

  A free TaxBuddy alternative for India — AI income-tax guidance, old vs new regime calculator, AIS/143(1) help and an ITR-form picker, at no cost. Honest comparison.

• myITreturn Alternative: Free Income-Tax Filing Guidance (2026)
  Comparison · 4 min

  A free myITreturn alternative — AI income-tax guidance, regime calculator and ITR-form help for Indian taxpayers, at no cost. Honest, fair comparison.

• LegalWiz Alternative: Free Company Registration & Legal Guidance (2026)
  Comparison · 4 min

  A free LegalWiz alternative — AI-guided company/LLP/GST/trademark registration steps and legal drafting for Indian founders, at no cost. Honest comparison.

• Setindiabiz / RegisterKaro Alternative: Free Registration Guidance (2026)
  Comparison · 4 min

  A free Setindiabiz and RegisterKaro alternative — AI-guided company, LLP, GST and startup registration steps for Indian founders, at no cost. Honest comparison.

• GST Composition Scheme in India: Who Qualifies & How It Works (2026)
  GST · 6 min

  A free guide to the GST Composition Scheme — eligibility, turnover limits, the CMP-02/CMP-08/GSTR-4 forms, rates and pros & cons for small Indian businesses.

• Section 8 Company (NGO) Registration in India: Process & vs Trust/Society (2026)
  NGO · 6 min

  Free guide to registering a Section 8 (non-profit) company in India via SPICe+ on the MCA portal — process, and how it compares to a Trust or Society.

• Patent Registration in India: Provisional vs Complete & Timeline (2026)
  Patent · 6 min

  Free guide to patent registration in India via IP India — provisional vs complete application, examination on request, timeline, term and costs for inventors.

• Copyright Registration in India: What's Covered, Why & How (2026)
  Copyright · 5 min

  Free guide to copyright registration in India — what works are protected, why registration helps even though protection is automatic, and the process on copyright.gov.in.

• EPF & ESIC Registration for Employers in India: Thresholds & Duties (2026)
  Compliance · 6 min

  Free guide to EPF and ESIC registration for Indian employers — when it's mandatory, contribution rates, the registration process and your ongoing compliance duties.

• Partnership Firm Registration in India: Registered vs Unregistered (2026)
  Startup · 6 min

  Free guide to partnership firms in India — registered vs unregistered (Section 69), the partnership deed, the registration process, and tax basics.

• NRI Income Tax in India: Residential Status & What's Taxable (2026)
  NRI · 6 min

  Free guide for NRIs — how residential status is decided, what India taxes for an NRI, RNOR status, and which ITR to file. Verify specifics with a CA.

• DTAA for NRIs: How to Avoid Double Taxation (TRC & Form 10F)
  NRI · 6 min

  Free guide to DTAA for NRIs — how to avoid paying tax twice, the exemption vs credit methods, and the TRC and Form 10F you need to claim treaty benefits.

• NRI Selling Property in India: TDS u/s 195 & Lower-Deduction Certificate
  NRI · 6 min

  Free guide for NRIs selling Indian property — how TDS under Section 195 works, how to reduce it with a Form 13 lower-deduction certificate, and repatriating proceeds.

• NRE vs NRO vs FCNR Accounts for NRIs: Differences & Taxability (2026)
  NRI · 5 min

  Free guide to NRI bank accounts — NRE vs NRO vs FCNR, what each is for, how interest is taxed, and repatriation rules. Pick the right one.

• NRI Repatriation from India: NRO Limit, Form 15CA & 15CB (2026)
  NRI · 6 min

  Free guide for NRIs sending money abroad from India — the USD 1 million NRO limit, when you need Form 15CA and Form 15CB, and the step-by-step process.

• OCI vs PIO vs NRI: Status, Property Rights & Benefits Explained (2026)
  NRI · 5 min

  Free guide to OCI, PIO and NRI status for the Indian diaspora — what each means, property ownership rights in India, and the key differences.

• Freelancer & Gig Worker Taxation in India 2026: 44ADA, ITR-4 & Advance Tax
  IncomeTax · 7 min

  Free guide to freelancer taxation in India — Section 44ADA presumptive scheme, ITR-4, advance tax and when GST applies to independent professionals.

• Crypto & VDA Taxation in India 2026: 30% Tax, 1% TDS & Schedule VDA
  Crypto · 7 min

  Free guide to crypto / Virtual Digital Asset tax in India — flat 30% under Section 115BBH, 1% TDS under 194S, no loss set-off, and Schedule VDA reporting.

• TDS on Property Purchase in India: Section 194-IA, Form 26QB & 1%
  Property · 6 min

  Free guide to TDS on property purchase in India — Section 194-IA, 1% on 50 lakh-plus deals, depositing via Form 26QB, and the buyer's duties.

• How to Apply for Anticipatory Bail in India (BNSS Section 482)
  Criminal · 7 min

  Free guide to anticipatory bail in India — BNSS 2023 Section 482 (old CrPC 438): when to apply, which court, the process, and typical conditions.

• How to File an RTI Application in India: Process, Fee & Appeals
  RTI · 6 min

  Free guide to filing an RTI in India under the Right to Information Act 2005 — how to apply, the 30-day reply rule, fees, and the first and second appeals.

• Section 80G Donation Deduction in India: 50% vs 100% & Form 10BE
  IncomeTax · 6 min

  Free guide to Section 80G in India — claiming 50% or 100% deduction on donations, the 10% cap, Form 10BE, and how to claim it in your return.

• Section 54 & 54F: Save Capital Gains Tax by Reinvesting in a House
  Property · 7 min

  Free guide to Sections 54 & 54F in India — exempt your long-term capital gains tax by reinvesting in a residential house. Eligibility, time limits and the Capital Gains Account Scheme.

• Income Tax Notices Explained: 139(9), 142(1), 143(2) & 148
  IncomeTax · 6 min

  Free guide to Indian income tax notices — what a 139(9) defective-return, 142(1) inquiry, 143(2) scrutiny and 148 reassessment notice means, and how to respond.

• GST Departmental Audit (Section 65): What to Expect & How to Prepare
  GST · 7 min

  Free guide to GST departmental audits under Section 65 of the CGST Act — who gets selected, the documents to keep ready, and how the audit and your rights work.

• RERA Complaint Against a Builder for Delayed Possession: How To File
  Property · 7 min

  Free guide to filing a RERA complaint in India for delayed possession — your rights under RERA 2016, what to prove, the complaint process and likely remedies.

• Startup India DPIIT Recognition & the Section 80-IAC Tax Holiday
  Startup · 6 min

  Free guide to Startup India DPIIT recognition — eligibility, benefits and the Section 80-IAC three-year tax holiday for eligible startups in India.

• EPF Withdrawal & Transfer: UAN, Forms 19 / 10C / 31 / 13 & Tax
  Compliance · 7 min

  Free guide to EPF withdrawal and transfer in India — your UAN, which form to use (19, 10C, 31, 13), and when EPF withdrawal is taxable.

• Private Limited vs LLP vs OPC — Which to Register in India (2026)
  Startup · 7 min

  Private Limited Company vs LLP vs One Person Company compared for India — cost, compliance, liability, taxation and funding. Pick the right structure, free.

• GST: Regular Scheme vs Composition Scheme — Which Should You Choose?
  GST · 6 min

  GST regular vs composition scheme compared for India — rates, ITC, returns, eligibility and who each suits. Pick the right GST scheme for your business, free.

• Sole Proprietorship vs Partnership vs LLP — Which Suits You? (India)
  Startup · 6 min

  Sole proprietorship vs partnership firm vs LLP compared for India — liability, registration, tax and compliance. Choose the right small-business structure, free.

• Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent — Which IP Protection Do You Need? (India)
  Startup · 6 min

  Trademark vs copyright vs patent explained for India — what each protects, how long it lasts and which one your brand, content or invention needs. Free plain-English guide.

• TDS vs TCS — What's the Difference? (India, Explained Simply)
  Income Tax · 5 min

  TDS vs TCS explained for India — who deducts, who collects, when each applies, and how to claim credit in your ITR. Free plain-English guide with examples.

• ITR: Original vs Belated vs Revised Return — What's the Difference?
  Income Tax · 5 min

  Original vs belated vs revised income-tax return explained for India — the deadlines, the late fee, and how to correct a mistake in your ITR. Free plain-English guide.

• Which ITR Form Should You File for AY 2026-27? (ITR-1 to ITR-4)
  Income Tax · 6 min

  Confused which ITR form to file for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)? A plain-English guide to ITR-1 Sahaj, ITR-2, ITR-3 and ITR-4 Sugam — pick the right one for free.

• How to File ITR-1 (Sahaj) Online for AY 2026-27 — Step by Step
  Income Tax · 7 min

  File ITR-1 yourself for free: a clear step-by-step walkthrough of the income tax e-filing portal for AY 2026-27 — login, pre-filled data, verification and e-verify.

• Old vs New Tax Regime for AY 2026-27 — Which Saves You More?
  Income Tax · 7 min

  Old vs new tax regime for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) explained simply: the slabs, the ₹75,000 standard deduction, the 87A rebate, and how to decide — free.

• Documents Needed to File Your ITR (AY 2026-27) — Full Checklist
  Income Tax · 5 min

  A complete, free checklist of documents to file your income tax return for AY 2026-27 — Form 16, AIS, 26AS, interest certificates, 80C/80D proofs and more.

• Missed the ITR Deadline? Belated Return, Late Fee (234F) & Interest
  Income Tax · 6 min

  Missed the 31 July ITR due date? Here's how to file a belated return for AY 2026-27, the Section 234F late fee, 234A interest, and what you lose by filing late.

• HUF Income Tax Guide — Save Tax Legally as a Hindu Undivided Family (India 2026)
  Income Tax · 10 min

  A Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) is a separate legal tax entity that can hold assets and earn income independently of its members — reducing your family's total tax burden. Here's how to form one and use it legally.

• Monthly Compliance Calendar India — PF, TDS, GST, ESI & ROC Due Dates (FY 2026-27)
  Compliance · 8 min

  A plain-English monthly compliance calendar for Indian businesses — every PF, ESI, TDS challan, GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, ROC and professional-tax deadline in one place. Never miss a due date.

• How to File an Income Tax Appeal — CIT(A) and ITAT Process India (2026)
  Income Tax · 9 min

  Disagree with an income-tax assessment order or 143(1) demand? Here's the step-by-step process to file an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) and then ITAT — deadlines, fees, Form 35, and what to expect.

• Section 44AD & 44ADA — Presumptive Taxation for Small Businesses & Professionals (India 2026)
  Income Tax · 8 min

  If your business turnover is under ₹3 crore (or ₹75 lakh for professionals), you can declare a deemed profit without maintaining full books of accounts under Section 44AD or 44ADA. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and when to opt out.

• GST Blocked Credits — Which ITC You CANNOT Claim under Section 17(5) (India 2026)
  GST · 9 min

  Section 17(5) of the CGST Act 2017 permanently blocks certain Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims. Here's the complete list of blocked credits, common business scenarios, and how courts have interpreted grey areas.

• Income Tax Slab Rates AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) — New vs Old Regime, Rebate, Surcharge & Marginal Relief
  Income Tax · 12 min

  Complete income tax slab rates for AY 2026-27 under both regimes, with the section 87A rebate, surcharge bands and the marginal relief rules that most calculators get wrong. Worked examples at every income level.

• GSTR-1 Filing Guide — Due Dates, QRMP, IFF, Late Fees and GSTR-1A (India 2026)
  GST · 11 min

  Everything about filing GSTR-1: monthly and QRMP due dates, the Invoice Furnishing Facility, exact late fees and caps, how to correct mistakes through GSTR-1A, and why a late GSTR-1 costs your buyers their input tax credit.

• Form 121 Has Replaced Forms 15G and 15H — How to Stop TDS on Interest from 1 April 2026
  Income Tax · 10 min

  From 1 April 2026 a single Form 121 replaces Forms 15G and 15H under the Income Tax Act 2025. Who can file it, the nil-tax condition, which incomes it covers, and why the old age-based split is gone.

• GST LUT (Form RFD-11) — Export Without Paying IGST, and What Happens If You Miss It
  GST · 10 min

  The Letter of Undertaking lets you export without paying IGST and waiting for a refund. Who can file it, the annual 31 March deadline, who is barred, and the cash-flow cost of forgetting.

• GST Registration Cancellation and Revocation — REG-16, REG-21, the 90-Day Window and GSTR-10
  GST · 11 min

  How to cancel a GST registration, what to do when the department cancels yours, the 90-day revocation window that most guides still state as 30 days, and the final return that catches people months later.