Author name: sreegesh@insightdrive.xyz

Income Tax Demand Notice Received Immediate Actions (First 24–72 Hours) Short-term Steps (First 2–4 Weeks) Resolution Steps (Next 1–6 Months) Prevention (Stay Compliant, Stay Safe) Immediate Actions — First 24–72 Hours 1 Read the notice in full and identify: the assessment year it relates to, the section under which it is issued (143(1), 143(3), 148, 156, etc.), the exact amount demanded, and the specific grounds stated. 2 Log into the Income Tax portal (incometax.gov.in) with your PAN — all notices are also posted there under ‘Pending Actions.’ Confirm the notice is genuine — some tax demand SMSs are phishing attempts. Verify only on the official portal. 3 Check Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) on the IT portal — compare TDS credits and income entries against what you filed. A Section 143(1) demand often arises from a TDS mismatch or an omission that can be seen in these documents. 4 Identify whether the demand is correct or contestable: if the demand is correct, pay it promptly with interest to stop further accumulation. If you disagree with the demand and are convinced that it is incorrect, prepare to file a response. 5 It is recommended to engage a Chartered Accountant or tax consultant if the amount is above ₹50,000 or if the notice is for scrutiny (143(3)) — these require professional handling. Short-Term Steps — First 2–4 Weeks 1 For Section 143(1) intimations: if you agree with the demand — pay through the IT portal using ‘Pay Tax’ (Challan 280, Self-Assessment Tax). Calculate interest under Sections 234A (filing delay), 234B (advance tax shortfall), and 234C (deferred installments) — these run from the original due dates and increase the total payable. Pay these simultaneously. If you disagree with the demand — file a rectification request under Section 154 on the portal, uploading supporting documents. For demands arising from TDS mismatch, obtain a corrected TDS certificate from the deductor and upload it with your rectification request. 2 For scrutiny assessments (143(3)): respond to the notice within the specified date through the e-proceedings section of the IT portal. Submit all documents supporting your return — bank statements, investment proofs, salary slips, Form 16. 3 Calculate interest under Sections 234A (filing delay), 234B (advance tax shortfall), and 234C (deferred installments) — these run from the original due dates and increase the total payable. Pay these simultaneously. 4 For demands arising from TDS mismatch: obtain a corrected TDS certificate (Form 16/16A) from the deductor and upload it with your rectification request. 5 Do not ignore the notice hoping it will go away — not responding to a notice will trigger recovery proceedings including attachment of bank accounts and property. Resolution Steps — Next 1–6 Months 1 Appeal against an incorrect demand: if the Assessing Officer does not accept your rectification: file an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) — CIT(A) — within 30 days of the order. Also, before filing the appeal, file a ‘stay of demand’ application with the Assessing Officer concerned and pay the initial deposit required by the AO (generally in the range of 10% to 20% of the amount disputed). 2 For large or complex disputes: approach the Dispute Resolution Committee or Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) or the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) at the appropriate stage. 3 The ‘Vivad se Vishwas’ scheme (or its current equivalent) offers settlement of pending disputes at a reduced liability — check the IT portal for current availability. 4 Once the demand is resolved: ensure the IT portal reflects the correct outstanding as nil. Obtain an ‘Intimation under Section 143(1)’ showing nil demand as documentary proof. 5 Update your advance tax schedule for future years: if the demand arose from shortfall in advance tax, revise your quarterly advance tax payments going forward. Prevention — Stay Compliant, Stay Safe ✓ File your ITR on time every year — late filing attracts penalties, increases scrutiny risk, and limits your ability to carry forward losses. ✓ Reconcile your Form 26AS and AIS with your ITR before filing — most 143(1) demands arise from mismatches that a 15-minute check would have caught. ✓ Pay advance tax quarterly if your tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 — this avoids Section 234B and 234C interest. ✓ Keep all investment, income, and deduction proofs for 7 years — the IT department can issue notices for up to 6 assessment years in most cases. ✓ Use a CA for ITR filing if you have multiple income sources, capital gains, foreign income, or business income — the complexity multiplies and so does the risk of errors. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Under the Income Tax Act, you have the right to be heard before any assessment is finalised (principles of natural justice). You have the right to appeal at multiple levels: CIT(A), ITAT, High Court, and Supreme Court. Interest under Section 244A is payable to you by the government on tax refunds delayed beyond specified periods. The department cannot initiate coercive recovery while an appeal is pending and a stay of demand has been granted. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action Income Tax Portal incometax.gov.in — for all notices, responses, and payments IT Helpline 1800 103 0025 (toll-free) IT Aaykar Sampark Kendra 0124-2438000 Who / What Contact / Action CIT (Appeals) Your jurisdictional CIT(A) — for filing appeals Tax Ombudsman / CBDT cbdt.gov.in — for grievances against tax officials Chartered Accountant ICAI member directory: icai.org — for professional assistance

CIBIL / credit score suddenly dropped Immediate Actions (First 24–48 Hours) Short-term Steps (First 2–4 Weeks) Resolution Steps (Next 1–3 Months) Prevention (For the Future) Immediate Actions — First 24–48 Hours 1 Download your full CIBIL report (not just the score) from cibil.com — the first report is free. Review every account listed: names of lenders, loan amounts, repayment history, and days-past-due entries. 2 Identify what changed: is there a new missed payment recorded? Has a new account appeared that you did not open? Has your credit utilisation spiked? Has a loan been written off or settled? 3 If you see an account you do not recognise: this may be identity theft. Flag it immediately and follow up as an urgent dispute. 4 If you see a missed payment recorded that you believe you made: gather your payment receipt/bank statement and prepare to file a dispute. 5 Note the specific account, lender, and the status shown — ‘DPD 30,’ ‘DPD 60,’ ‘NPA,’ ‘Written Off,’ ‘Settled’ — each requires a different correction approach. Short-Term Steps — First 2–4 Weeks 1 For incorrect payment status: file a dispute on cibil.com with your payment proof. CIBIL has 30 days to investigate and correct the record in coordination with the lender. 2 For a genuine missed payment recently recorded: clear the outstanding immediately, and then write to the lender requesting them to update the bureau record to ‘regular’ — lenders update CIBIL monthly. One updated report can begin reversing the score impact. 3 For high credit utilisation: pay down your credit card balance to below 30% of the credit limit — this alone can recover 30–50 points for many profiles. 4 For a fraudulent account or enquiry: file a dispute on CIBIL and also file a cyber crime complaint for identity theft (Situation 73 in this guide series). 5 Check your reports on other bureaus too — Experian, CRIF HighMark, and Equifax — lenders sometimes report to multiple bureaus and errors can appear on one and not another. Resolution Steps — Next 1–3 Months 1 CIBIL dispute resolution: CIBIL forwards your dispute to the lender, the lender verifies and responds within 30 days, and CIBIL updates the report accordingly. This process typically takes 30–45 days. 2 For disputes rejected by the lender: escalate to the RBI Banking Ombudsman — incorrect credit bureau reporting is a consumer rights issue. 3 CIBIL score recovery timelines: after clearing a genuine default, scores typically recover meaningfully over 12–24 months of consistent on-time payments. There are no overnight fixes for genuine payment history issues. 4 Rebuilding strategy: (a) pay all current dues on time, (b) keep credit utilisation below 30%, (c) do not apply for new credit for 6 months, (d) do not close old accounts — length of credit history is a positive factor. 5 Request a ‘letter of credit clearance’ from lenders where you have cleared dues — this provides documentary evidence of your repayment even before CIBIL is updated. Prevention — Building a Debt-Resilient Financial Life ✓ Check your credit report at least once a year — the first report from each bureau is free. Download from cibil.com, experian.in, crifhighmark.com, and equifax.co.in. ✓ Pay every loan and credit card by the due date — even one day late is recorded as DPD-1 and accumulates in your payment history. ✓ Keep credit utilisation below 30% of total available credit at all times. ✓ Do not apply for multiple loans or credit cards in quick succession — each application generates a ‘hard enquiry’ that temporarily reduces your score. ✓ Monitor for unauthorised credit enquiries on your report — these indicate someone may have applied for credit using your identity. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Under RBI guidelines, credit institutions are required to update credit bureau records accurately and promptly. You have the right to dispute any incorrect information in your credit report, and the bureau and the lender must investigate and correct genuine errors within 30 days. A lender cannot report a payment as overdue if you have a valid receipt of payment. Identity theft leading to fraudulent accounts on your credit report is a criminal matter and must be investigated. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action CIBIL Dispute cibil.com — dispute section — free for registered users Experian India experian.in — for disputes on Experian report CRIF High Mark crifhighmark.com — for disputes on CRIF report Who / What Contact / Action Equifax India equifax.co.in — for disputes on Equifax report RBI Banking Ombudsman crpc.rbi.org.in | 14448 — for lender non-compliance with corrections Cyber Crime Portal cybercrime.gov.in | 1930 — for fraudulent accounts (identity theft)

Endowment / ULIP surrender mid-term Immediate Actions (First 24–48 Hours) Short-term Steps (First 2 Weeks) Resolution Steps (Next 1–3 Months) Prevention (Before You Buy) Immediate Actions — First 24–48 Hours 1 Do NOT surrender impulsively — calculate exactly what you will receive and compare it to the alternatives. 2 Call your insurer and ask for the current ‘surrender value’ or ‘discontinuance value.’ For endowment plans: the guaranteed surrender value (GSV) is 30% of total premiums paid after 3 years, rising with duration. For ULIPs: the fund value minus applicable discontinuance charges. 3 Check the policy year: surrender charges are highest in the first 3–5 years and reduce thereafter. For ULIPs, discontinuance charges cease after 5 years — consider waiting. 4 Explore alternatives to surrender: (a) Premium holiday — some policies allow stopping premiums for a period while the policy remains in force as a paid-up policy. (b) Loan against policy — you can borrow up to 80–90% of the surrender value at 9–11% interest. (c) Reduce coverage — reduce the sum assured and premium to a more affordable level. 5 For ULIPs: check whether you can switch to a more conservative fund (debt fund) rather than surrendering — this preserves the corpus without the surrender charges. Short-Term Steps — First 2 Weeks 1 If surrender is unavoidable: submit the surrender request with original policy document, identity proof, and bank mandate form for payment. 2 Tax implications: for endowment policies, maturity proceeds are tax-exempt under Section 10(10D) only if annual premium does not exceed 10% of sum assured (for policies issued after April 2012). Surrender proceeds may be taxable — consult a CA. 3 For ULIPs: premiums paid in excess of ₹2.5 lakh per year are now subject to capital gains tax on maturity/surrender — important to understand before surrendering. 4 Ensure you understand what you are giving up: bonuses accrued in endowment plans may be forfeited on surrender. Get a written breakdown from the insurer. 5 Once surrendered: do not immediately re-invest in a similar product. Evaluate whether your insurance and investment needs are better served by a pure term plan (for coverage) plus a mutual fund (for wealth creation). Resolution Steps — Next 1–3 Months 1 Surrender value is typically credited within 7–15 working days of submission of complete documents. 2 If the surrender value offered is less than what you calculate it should be: ask the insurer for an itemised breakdown — guaranteed surrender value, special surrender value, accrued bonus, and all deductions. 3 If there is a discrepancy: raise a grievance with the insurer and escalate to IRDAI if unresolved. 4 For paid-up conversion (if you stop paying but do not surrender): the sum assured is reduced proportionally. The policy remains in force for the reduced amount until maturity. This is often better than surrender for older policies with substantial bonuses. 5 Review your overall insurance and investment strategy after surrendering — ensure there is no coverage gap. Prevention — Get This Right Before You Need It ✓ Buy only what you understand — if you cannot explain the surrender charges, premium allocation, and fund options in a ULIP to a family member, you should not buy it. ✓ Separate insurance and investment: a term plan for coverage plus a mutual fund SIP for wealth creation is almost always more cost-efficient than an endowment plan or ULIP. ✓ If you already have a ULIP or endowment: review it annually. Do not surrender in the first 5 years — wait for the lock-in period to pass to minimise charges. ✓ Review surrender and paid-up clauses before buying any insurance savings product. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights IRDAI regulations require insurers to clearly disclose all surrender charges in the policy document and in the key features document provided at sale. Undisclosed surrender charges can be challenged. After 5 years for ULIPs and after 3 years for most traditional policies, the insurer must allow free partial withdrawals or paid-up conversion on request. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action Your insurer helpline For current surrender value — call before deciding IRDAI Bima Bharosa bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in | 155255 Who / What Contact / Action Insurance Ombudsman irdai.gov.in/web/guest/find-ombudsman IRDAI ULIP Guidelines irdai.gov.in — for ULIP charge transparency rules

KYC fraud — account misused after documents shared Immediate Actions (First 30–60 Minutes) Short-term Steps (First 48–72 Hours) Resolution Steps (Next 2–8 Weeks) Prevention (Never Again) Immediate Actions — First 30–60 Minutes 1 Lock your Aadhaar biometrics immediately on the UIDAI portal (uidai.gov.in) or via the mAadhaar app — this prevents your Aadhaar from being used for biometric authentication. 2 Check your Aadhaar authentication history on uidai.gov.in — it shows where and when your Aadhaar has been used for authentication in the past. 3 If your PAN was shared: check the Income Tax portal (incometax.gov.in) for any returns filed or accounts linked under your PAN that you did not authorise. 4 Call 1930 immediately and report the document misuse. 5 Contact your bank and inform them that your KYC documents may have been compromised — ask them to add an additional verification step for any new account opening or loan application. Short-Term Steps — First 48–72 Hours 1 File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in and with the local cyber police station, specifically mentioning identity theft. 2 Check the CKYC registry (ckycreg.in) to see what accounts are linked to your KYC documents — this is the central KYC record that financial institutions use. 3 Run a credit report check on CIBIL, CRIF, Experian, or Equifax — look for any loan applications, credit enquiries, or accounts you did not open. 4 If a bank account was opened in your name fraudulently: report to the bank, to the RBI (crpc.rbi.org.in), and to the police. The bank is responsible for KYC verification failures. 5 Check whether any company has been registered in your name using the MCA portal (mca.gov.in) — search your name and DIN if applicable. Resolution Steps — Next 2–8 Weeks 1 Fraudulent accounts opened in your name must be reported to the bank and the police — the bank has an obligation to close them after investigation. 2 For fraudulent loans taken in your name: file a criminal complaint and notify the lending institution — they must initiate a fraud investigation. Your credit bureau records must be corrected after investigation. 3 CIBIL and other bureaus have a dispute mechanism — file a dispute for any unauthorised enquiries or accounts. Resolution typically takes 30–45 days. 4 If you receive legal notices for loans you did not take: do not ignore them. File a police complaint and respond to the notice through a lawyer to establish your non-involvement. 5 Periodically check your Aadhaar usage, credit reports, and CKYC data — identity fraud often surfaces months after the documents were shared. Prevention — Never Let This Happen Again ✓ Never share KYC documents with anyone who contacts you unsolicited — approach your bank or government office directly if KYC updating is required. ✓ Lock your Aadhaar biometrics as a default — unlock only when you need biometric authentication, then re-lock. ✓ Mask your Aadhaar number when sharing a copy — the last 4 digits are sufficient for most purposes. Use a ‘Masked Aadhaar’ from the UIDAI portal. ✓ Check your Aadhaar authentication history quarterly — it takes 2 minutes and reveals any unauthorised use. ✓ Download your credit report for free from CIBIL once a year — early detection of fraudulent accounts is the best defence. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Identity theft is a criminal offence under Section 66C of the IT Act 2000, punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh. You are not liable for loans or crimes committed using your identity without your knowledge, provided you report them promptly and can demonstrate you were not involved. Financial institutions are required to conduct proper KYC — if they failed to do so and enabled fraud in your name, they bear regulatory liability. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action UIDAI Aadhaar Lock uidai.gov.in or 1947 — lock biometrics immediately Cyber Crime Portal cybercrime.gov.in | 1930 CKYC Registry ckycreg.in — check accounts linked to your KYC RBI Banking Ombudsman crpc.rbi.org.in | 14448 Who / What Contact / Action CIBIL Dispute cibil.com — dispute fraudulent accounts MCA Company Search mca.gov.in — check for companies registered in your name Income Tax Portal incometax.gov.in — check PAN misuse

Job Loss / Termination Immediate Actions (First 24–48 Hours) Short-term Steps (First 2–4 Weeks) Resolution Steps (Next 1–3 Months) Steps to Take Now (Building Resilience) Immediate Actions — First 24–48 Hours 1 Do not sign any document on the day of the termination meeting — separation agreements, NDAs, and severance deed with a ‘full and final settlement’ clause often contain clauses waiving your legal rights in exchange for a one-time payment. Ask for time to review. 2 Request the termination letter in writing immediately — verbal terminations are legally weak but an employer who refuses to give a letter in writing is a signal that the process is irregular. 3 Note exactly what you were told, by whom, and when — date, time, and the words used. This contemporaneous record is important if you dispute the termination. 4 Clarify your notice period entitlement — your employment contract specifies whether you serve the notice period, get paid in lieu of notice (PILON), or are placed on ‘gardening leave.’ Each has different financial implications. 5 Do not return your laptop, access card, or company assets the same day if you have not received the termination letter — secure access to your personal documents (payslips, Form 16, experience letter) before you lose system access. Also, download and preserve: i) last three years’ claims history, ii) E-cards, iii) Group Policy Number, iv) Sum insured details, v) List of dependants covered, and vi) Details of ongoing claims and pre-authorisations. Short-Term Steps — First 2–4 Weeks 1 Calculate your financial runway immediately: add up savings, investments (liquid), and the expected severance / notice pay. Divide by your essential monthly expenses. This number — your runway in months — is the foundation of your plan. 2 Triage your expenses into three buckets: (a) non-negotiable — EMIs, rent, food, utilities; (b) reducible — dining, subscriptions, discretionary; (c) stoppable — large purchases, holidays, non-essential investments. 3 Apply for withdrawal or advance from your EPF immediately if you are not likely to find employment within 2–3 months — you can withdraw up to 75% of EPF balance after one month of unemployment. File for any severance, gratuity (if 5+ years of service), earned leave encashment, and group insurance conversion that you are entitled to. 4 Check whether you have any active Credit Shield Insurance, Loan Protection Insurance, Group Personal Accident Cover with job loss rider, or home-loan-linked unemployment cover. These policies may pay your EMIs for a limited period (typically 3–6 months) in cases of involuntary unemployment due to retrenchment, layoff, company closure, or permanent disability. Claims are generally not payable for voluntary resignation, early retirement, mutual separation, poor performance termination, misconduct, contract expiry, or self-employment income loss. 5 Begin updating your CV, LinkedIn profile, and professional network immediately — the job search clock starts now, not in two months. Resolution Steps — Next 1–3 Months 1 If the termination was illegal (no valid reason, no notice, discriminatory, or in violation of the ID Act process): consult a labour lawyer within 30 days. The Industrial Disputes Act provides remedies including reinstatement or compensation. 2 For workmen under the Industrial Disputes Act: retrenchment requires 1 months’ notice or pay in lieu, retrenchment compensation of 15 days’ wages per year of service, and prior government permission if the company has 100+ workers. 3 For managerial and executive employees (not covered as ‘workmen’ under the ID Act): remedies are through civil courts (breach of contract) or employment tribunals. The employment contract terms govern. 4 File your income tax return for the year of termination — ex-gratia payments and retrenchment compensation have specific tax treatment and deductions. 5 Review and continue health insurance independently — employer group insurance ends with employment. So, immediately explore migration of your employer’s Group Health Insurance (GHI) policy into an individual or family floater policy with the same insurer. Under IRDAI regulations, migration preserves continuity benefits, including credit for completed waiting periods and pre-existing disease waiting period. If migration doesn’t work, buy an individual policy immediately to avoid a coverage gap. Time and system access permitting, download your claims history, policy certificate, and group policy number before your company email and TPA access are disabled. Prevention — Building Resilience Before This Happens ✓ Maintain an emergency fund of 6–12 months of essential expenses in a liquid account — this is the single most important financial preparation for job loss. ✓ Keep your EPF, PPF, and other savings untouched until you need them — their value as a safety net grows with time. ✓ Do not resign impulsively — negotiate an exit if possible. A negotiated exit typically results in better severance, a clean reference, and avoids a ‘terminated’ remark on records. ✓ Keep your professional network active while employed — most jobs are found through networks, not portals. ✓ Review your employment contract every year — understand your notice period, IP clauses, and non-compete terms before you need them. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Under the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, workmen retrenched from establishments with 100+ workers require government permission and must be given 3 months’ notice or pay in lieu. For all workmen: retrenchment compensation of 15 days’ average wages for every completed year of service is mandatory. The ‘last in, first out’ principle applies unless the employer can justify deviation. Illegal retrenchment entitles the workman to reinstatement with full back wages or compensation in lieu. Non-workmen (executives, managers) have rights under their employment contract and can sue for breach of contract. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action Labour Commissioner (State) Search ‘[your state] Labour Commissioner’ — for ID Act complaints Shram Suvidha Portal shramsuvidha.gov.in | 14567 EPFO Unified Portal unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in | 1800 118 005 National Career Service ncs.gov.in — job portal and unemployment assistance Who / What Contact / Action Income Tax (F&F tax queries) incometax.gov.in | 1800 103 0025 Legal Aid nalsa.gov.in | 15100 — for labour law disputes

Death Without a Will — Navigating Succession Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes) Short-term Steps (First 48 Hours to 2 Weeks) Resolution Steps (Next 1–3 Months) Steps to Take Now (While Everyone Is Alive and Well) Immediate Actions — First 30 Minutes 1 Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate — you will need them for every institution and legal process. 2 Identify and list all assets of the deceased: bank accounts, property, investments, shares, EPF, PPF, insurance policies, vehicles, and jewellery. 3 Identify all legal heirs: under Hindu law (for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains), Class I heirs are the spouse, children, and mother — they inherit equally. Under the Indian Succession Act (for Christians, Parsis, and those with no applicable personal law), the rules differ. 4 Do not take any hasty decisions about selling property or distributing assets without consulting all legal heirs — unilateral action creates disputes and can be legally challenged. 5 Secure all valuables, documents, and digital assets (email, banking apps, social media) to prevent misuse or unauthorised access. Short-Term Steps — First 48 Hours to 2 Weeks 1 Obtain a Legal Heir Certificate from the Tehsildar or revenue authority (for immovable property and some financial assets in many states) — this is faster than a Succession Certificate and sufficient for many purposes. 2 For financial assets with nominations (bank accounts, insurance, EPF, mutual funds): the nominee can claim directly using the death certificate and their identity — no court order needed. 3 For assets without nominations and above a certain threshold: apply for a Succession Certificate from the civil court. This is required for movable assets (shares, debentures, FDs) and gives the holder legal authority to collect and distribute. 4 File the final income tax return of the deceased for the financial year of death — this is the surviving family’s legal obligation. Any tax refund due belongs to the estate. 5 Inform all financial institutions (banks, AMCs, depositories) of the death and initiate the asset transfer process for each. Resolution Steps — Next 1–3 Months 1 Succession Certificate proceedings in civil court: file a petition in the district court of the deceased’s last place of residence. The court issues a notice, and if there are no objections within 45 days, grants the certificate. Total time: 3–6 months typically. 2 For property: obtain a Probate of Will (not applicable here — there is no will) or proceed through a family settlement deed (if all heirs agree) or a court partition suit (if they do not). 3 A family settlement deed (preferably registered with the sub-registrar office concerned) is the fastest and cheapest route when all heirs agree — it is a registered document that divides assets by mutual agreement and is legally binding. 4 For shares and demat accounts: SEBI has a simplified transmission process — the heir submits the death certificate, their identity proof, and an affidavit. No succession certificate is needed for amounts below ₹5 lakh. 5 Update property records and utility billing records (mutation) at the local municipal body, revenue department, Electricity department, etc., in each heir’s name after the succession process is complete. Steps to Take Now — While Everyone Is Alive and Well ✓ Write a will. It takes one day, costs ₹2,000–₹10,000 with a lawyer, and saves your family months of legal proceedings and potential conflict. ✓ Register the will at the Sub-Registrar’s office — a registered will is harder to challenge and easier to probate. ✓ Ensure all financial accounts have updated nominations — this bypasses the succession process for the most important financial assets. ✓ Have an explicit conversation with your family about your asset distribution wishes — even without a formal will, a family understanding reduces disputes. ✓ Review and update your will every 3–5 years or after major life events: marriage, birth of a child, acquisition of property, or divorce. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Under the Hindu Succession Act 1956 (as amended in 2005), daughters have equal inheritance rights to sons in ancestral property — this is a landmark change that many families are still unaware of. A widow has full rights to her husband’s self-acquired property. No heir can be disinherited without a will. Under the Indian Succession Act, the spouse’s share is one-third and the remainder goes to children. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action District Civil Court For Succession Certificate — file petition at deceased’s last residence Tehsildar / Revenue Office For Legal Heir Certificate — faster than Succession Certificate Sub-Registrar For family settlement deed registration SEBI Investor Portal scores.sebi.gov.in — for share transmission disputes Who / What Contact / Action EPFO unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in | 1800 118 005 Legal Aid nalsa.gov.in | 15100 Income Tax (filing final return) incometax.gov.in | 1800 103 0025

Home Burglary / Theft Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes) Short-term Steps (First 48 Hours) Resolution Steps (Next 2–4 Weeks) Prevention (For the Future) Immediate Actions — First 30 Minutes 1 Do not touch anything in the burgled area before the police arrive — disturbing the scene can compromise the police investigation and the insurance survey. 2 Call the police (100) immediately and file an FIR. The FIR is a non-negotiable requirement for a burglary insurance claim — without it, the claim cannot proceed. 3 Photograph the scene: the point of entry (broken window, damaged lock, forced door), the disturbed areas, and any visible damage. 4 Notify your home insurer immediately after filing the FIR — report the claim and provide the FIR number. Time-sensitive notification is required under most policies. 5 Make a preliminary list of all stolen items with estimated values, purchase dates, and any available purchase receipts or photographs. Short-Term Steps — First 48 Hours 1 Compile a detailed inventory of stolen items: photographs from previous occasions (social media, WhatsApp, cloud storage), purchase receipts, valuation certificates for jewellery, warranty cards for electronics. This evidence directly determines your claim amount. 2 Get the damaged entry points repaired — burst locks, broken windows — and keep the repair receipts. These are claimable as part of the burglary claim. 3 Submit the insurance claim with: FIR copy, list of stolen items with values, photographs of damage, and any available purchase evidence. 4 For jewellery claims: most home insurance policies have a specific sub-limit for jewellery (often 10–25% of the contents sum insured or a fixed amount). A valuation certificate from a certified jeweller strengthens the claim. 5 Inform your bank of any stolen documents (passbook, cheque book) or cards and get them replaced. Resolution Steps — Next 2–4 Weeks 1 The insurer will send a surveyor and may also verify with the police. Cooperate fully and provide all requested information promptly. 2 The claim settlement for stolen items is typically at the current market value (not replacement cost) minus depreciation, unless you have a ‘new for old’ or ‘reinstatement value’ policy. 3 If the insurer disputes the list of stolen items (common for cash claims — insurers are sceptical of large cash amounts): the burden is on you to establish what was kept at home. Bank withdrawal records showing large cash withdrawals before the burglary can help. 4 Cash claims under home insurance are typically limited to a small sub-limit (₹5,000–₹50,000 depending on the policy) — large cash holdings at home are generally not covered above this limit. 5 Track the police investigation — if they recover any stolen property, it may need to be returned to the insurer (if already settled) or taken back by you (if not yet settled). Prevention — How to Avoid This in Future ✓ Install good quality locks on all doors and windows — minimum ISI-marked 5-lever locks. Deadbolts add a further layer. ✓ Install CCTV cameras covering entry points — this deters burglars and provides evidence if they do enter. ✓ Keep a detailed photographic inventory of valuables (jewellery, electronics) stored in the cloud — dated photos and purchase receipts are invaluable at claim time. ✓ Do not keep large amounts of cash at home — use a bank account. Home insurance sub-limits for cash are low. ✓ Store jewellery in a bank locker for extended absences. Inform your insurer if you have a bank locker — some policies allow jewellery to be covered at the locker location too. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Burglary is a standard covered peril under comprehensive home insurance. The insurer cannot reduce your claim without documented grounds. For jewellery, they cannot apply depreciation if you have a current valuation certificate. The police FIR is both an investigative tool and your legal protection — do not delay filing it. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action Police FIR 100 — file immediately, do not disturb scene first IRDAI Bima Bharosa bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in | 155255 Insurance Ombudsman irdai.gov.in/web/guest/find-ombudsman Who / What Contact / Action Cyber Crime (for digital theft) cybercrime.gov.in | 1930 — if electronic devices used for fraud Local locksmith / security For emergency lock replacement — keep receipt

Health Insurance Claim Rejected Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes) Short-term Steps (First 48 Hours) Resolution Steps (Next 2–4 Weeks) Prevention (For the Future) Immediate Actions — First 30 Minutes 1 Read the rejection letter carefully and note the exact stated reason — ‘non-disclosure,’ ‘exclusion,’ ‘waiting period,’ ‘pre-existing condition,’ ‘policy lapsed,’ ‘procedure not covered,’ etc. The reason determines your next step. 2 Do not accept the rejection as final on the day you receive it — you have multiple levels of appeal. 3 Pull out your policy document and read the relevant clause that the insurer is citing. Many rejections cite clauses incorrectly or apply them too broadly. 4 Gather all documents: original hospitalisation records, bills, claim form, and any previous correspondence with the insurer. Short-Term Steps — First 48 Hours 1 Respond to the insurer’s rejection letter in writing within 15 days, specifically addressing their stated reason. Attach supporting documents that counter their grounds. 2 Common grounds you can challenge: (a) Pre-existing condition not disclosed: if the policy has been renewed for 5 continuous years (60 continuous months), the moratorium period protects you. (b) Waiting period: check if the exact condition was truly subject to a waiting period under your policy. (c) Experimental treatment: get a medical opinion confirming the treatment is standard, not experimental. (d) Non-network hospital: confirm whether pre-auth was sought within the required timeframe during an emergency. 3 Escalate to the insurer’s internal grievance officer (contact details must be in the policy document and on the insurer’s website). Request a review by a senior officer. 4 Keep a written record of all communications — dates, persons spoken to, and what was said. Resolution Steps — Next 2–4 Weeks 1 If the insurer’s internal grievance process does not resolve the matter within 30 days: file a complaint with the Insurance Ombudsman — this is free, fast (typically 3 months), and binding on the insurer for amounts up to ₹50 lakh. 2 The Insurance Ombudsman frequently rules in favour of claimants on pre-existing condition disputes, especially where the insurer cannot prove the customer knowingly concealed information. 3 If the Ombudsman ruling is also unsatisfactory: approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (consumer forum) or civil court. 4 For unjust or arbitrary rejections: IRDAI’s Bima Bharosa portal (bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in) accepts direct complaints against insurers. Prevention — How to Avoid This in Future ✓ Disclose all pre-existing conditions truthfully at the time of policy purchase — non-disclosure is the single biggest cause of claim rejection. New health insurance policies carry a 30-day free-look period, during which the policyholder may cancel the policy and obtain a refund after deduction of applicable charges. The 30-day clock begins from the date of receipt of the physical or electronic policy document, not from the purchase or commencement date. ✓ Read the exclusions section of your policy carefully before buying — not after a claim is filed. ✓ Renew your policy without a break every year — continuous coverage builds moratorium protection. ✓ Keep copies of all claim documents submitted — you need them if the claim is disputed. ✓ Buy from reputed insurers with a high claim settlement ratio (published by IRDAI annually). Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights IRDAI regulations require insurers to provide specific written reasons for claim rejection. Insurers cannot reject claims citing conditions that were not clearly excluded in the policy. After 5 continuous policy years (moratorium), no claim can be rejected on the grounds of non-disclosure or misrepresentation of pre-existing conditions (unless a fraud can be proven). The Insurance Ombudsman can award claims up to ₹30 lakh at no cost to the claimant. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action IRDAI Bima Bharosa bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in | 155255 Insurance Ombudsman (Nearest) irdai.gov.in/web/guest/find-ombudsman Consumer Forum (Online) edaakhil.nic.in Who / What Contact / Action IRDAI Grievance Call Centre 155255 or 1800 4254 732 (toll-free) Your insurer’s grievance officer Details in policy document — compulsory disclosure

Vehicle Stolen Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes) Short-term Steps (First 48 Hours) Resolution Steps (Next 2–4 Weeks) Prevention (For the Future) Immediate Actions — First 30 Minutes 1 Check that the vehicle has not been towed by the police or municipal authority — call the local traffic police helpline to verify before filing a theft report. 2 If confirmed stolen: file an FIR at the nearest police station immediately. Theft claims cannot proceed without an FIR — this is non-negotiable. 3 Notify your motor insurer’s helpline immediately after filing the FIR. Give them the FIR number, vehicle registration number, and circumstances of the theft. 4 Do not wait to see if the vehicle turns up before filing — any delay in both the FIR and insurer notification weakens your claim. 5 Inform your Regional Transport Office (RTO) about the theft — this is required for de-registration and claim processing. Short-Term Steps — First 48 Hours 1 Submit a non-traceable certificate from the police — this is issued after 90 days if the police investigation does not recover the vehicle. Some insurers require this before settling the theft claim. 2 Submit to your insurer: FIR copy, original RC book, both sets of keys (yes, both — insurers check for both keys as evidence you did not leave a key in the vehicle), original loan documents if the vehicle was financed, and the policy document. 3 If the vehicle had an active loan: notify the lender (bank or NBFC) immediately. The insurance payout in a theft claim is made partly to the lender (up to the outstanding loan amount) and the balance to you. 4 Block the vehicle’s FASTag — notify NHAI or your FASTag issuing bank to prevent misuse. 5 Check if you have a GPS tracker installed — provide the tracking data to the police as evidence. Resolution Steps — Next 2–4 Weeks 1 Theft claims are settled at the Insured Declared Value (IDV) minus the policy deductible. If your IDV was undervalued at the time of policy purchase, you will receive less than the market value — this is a common source of disappointment. 2 The insurer may request a ‘spot investigation’ to verify the circumstances of the theft — cooperate fully. 3 Settlement is typically processed within 90 days of the FIR, once the non-traceable certificate is obtained from the police. 4 After claim settlement: obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the insurer to de-register the vehicle at the RTO. The insurer takes the salvage rights (in case the vehicle is found later). 5 If the insurer disputes the claim or delays settlement beyond 90 days without valid reason: escalate to the Insurance Ombudsman. Prevention — How to Avoid This in Future ✓ Always park in lit, secured areas — theft from dark or isolated parking areas is far more common. ✓ Install a GPS tracker and/or an immobiliser — many insurers offer premium discounts for these. ✓ Never leave both sets of keys in or near the vehicle. ✓ Ensure your IDV reflects the current market value of your vehicle — revisit this every year at renewal. ✓ Check if your insurer offers a ‘Return to Invoice’ add-on — for new vehicles, this pays the original invoice price rather than the depreciated IDV. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Theft is covered under comprehensive motor insurance (not third-party only). The insurer must settle at the full IDV (the insured value agreed in the policy) minus any deductible. The insurer cannot reduce the payout citing depreciation for theft claims — depreciation applies only to repair claims, not total loss / theft. You are entitled to compensation for the stolen vehicle even if the police have not recovered it, once the non-traceable certificate is issued. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action Police FIR 100 or nearest police station — file immediately NHAI FASTag Block fastag.nhai.org or your issuing bank Vahan Portal (RC) vahan.parivahan.gov.in — for RTO reporting Who / What Contact / Action Your motor insurer helpline Notify same day as FIR filing IRDAI Bima Bharosa bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in | 155255 General Insurance Council gicouncil.in | 1800 200 5505

1. Lost or Stolen Debit / Credit Card Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes) Short-term Steps (First 48 Hours) Resolution Steps (Next 2–4 Weeks) Prevention (For the Future) Immediate Actions — First 30 Minutes 1 App/Internet Banking: Open your bank’s mobile app or log into your net banking account. Most apps have a toggle switch or a card management section to temporarily freeze or block the card. SMS:Many banks, allow you to block the card instantly via an SMS code sent from your registered mobile number. Call your bank’s 24×7 card helpline immediately and request a hot-listing (blocking) of the card. Do not wait to be ‘sure’ the card is stolen. 2 Note the date, time, and name of the customer care agent who blocks the card. 3 Check your recent transactions on your bank’s app or SMS alerts for any unauthorised debits. 4 If you see any fraudulent transactions, tell the agent immediately and ask to raise a fraud dispute simultaneously with the block. 5 Change your net banking and mobile banking password as a precaution. Short-Term Steps — First 48 Hours 1 Visit your nearest bank branch or apply online for a replacement card. Most banks issue a replacement within 5–7 working days. 2 If the card was stolen (not misplaced), file an FIR at the nearest police station — this is required for any insurance claim and for the bank’s fraud investigation. 3 Check your transaction history thoroughly. If you notice any unauthorized or suspicious purchases, report them to your bank immediately. Dispute any unauthorised transaction in writing (email or branch letter) citing the RBI guideline on zero liability for fraud not attributable to the customer. 4 Delink from the card all the debits (recurring payments) for utilities/other subscriptions etc. immediately Activate virtual cards or use UPI for transactions until the replacement card arrives. 5 Inform your employer if the card was linked to salary account auto-debits (loan EMIs, SIPs). Resolution Steps — Next 2–4 Weeks 1 Apply for the replacement card and follow up on the replacement card delivery — track via the bank’s app or courier tracking number. 2 Once the fraud dispute is filed, the bank must respond within 90 days (RBI mandate). Keep all written correspondence. 3 If the bank rejects your fraud claim unfairly, escalate to the RBI Banking Ombudsman within 30 days of rejection. 4 Update any standing instructions, auto-pay mandates, or subscription services linked to the old card number. 5 Check your CIBIL report after 30 days to ensure no fraudulent credit enquiries were made. Prevention — How to Avoid This in Future ✓ Register for transaction SMS and email alerts — know instantly if your card is used. ✓ Enable international transaction block by default; lift it only when travelling. ✓ Store your bank’s card helpline number in your phone before you ever need it. ✓ Never write your PIN on the card or store it in the same wallet. ✓ Use a virtual card number for all online purchases where possible. Watch Video Guide Your browser does not support the video tag. Your Rights Swift reporting helps limit your liability, as many banks have “zero liability” policies for timely reported fraudulent transactions. Under RBI circular on Customer Protection (2017), if you report the loss promptly and the fraud was not due to your negligence, your liability is ZERO for third-party fraud. Even if there is a delay in reporting, your maximum liability is capped (₹5,000–₹10,000 depending on account type). The bank cannot hold you liable for transactions after the card was reported lost. Key Contacts & Portals Who / What Contact / Action SBI Cards 1800 180 1290 (toll-free) HDFC Bank Cards 1800 202 6161 (toll-free) ICICI Bank Cards 1800 102 4242 (toll-free) Axis Bank Cards 1800 419 5959 (toll-free) Who / What Contact / Action Kotak Bank Cards 1860 266 2666 RBI Ombudsman crpc.rbi.org.in | 14448 National Cyber Crime cybercrime.gov.in | 1930 Card block via SMS Most banks: SMS BLOCK <last 4 digits> to bank’s SMS number