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PREFACE
My association with Tax Journalism commenced way back in April, 1978, when
along with my father, I learned to meaningfully communicate with the common
reader through our weekly column on Direct Tax Laws in Gujarat Samachar. Over
three decades down the line, my current weekly column ‘Tax Planning with Mukesh
Patel,’ with the popular Gujarati Daily, ‘Sandesh,’ has been a highly enriching
and satisfying experience.
My weekly columns of ‘Taxing Times,’ with ‘The Times of India’ since April, 1998
and ‘Tax Clues,’ with ‘Ahmedabad Mirror, since August, 2010, also developed
instant rapport with its erudite readership. The overwhelming response, earnest
appreciation and invaluable feedback received from hundreds of thousands of
enlightened readers for all these years have gone a long way in grooming the
flair and style of my pen. At this juncture, I cannot but forget to record my deep
sense of gratitude to this vast multitude of readers.
In fact, the present work has been inspired by the strong motivation to offer to the
common taxpayer and investor, a simple, lucid and jargon-free compendium of
practical ideas and authentic information on the fascinating theme of Personal
Tax and Investment Planning.
Tax and Investment Planning is both an art and a science. It is a science, since it
is based on sound information, tested principles and logical statistics. However, it
is also an art, since it involves intelligent analysis, judicious decision-making and
a sixth sense of visualisation. In the presentation of this book, I have sincerely
endeavoured to present all relevant facets of this art and science. An innovative
effort has also been made to enliven the presentation of the book through
eyecatching graphics and lyrical flavour. I eagerly look forward to comments and
critique on my efforts. ‘A Rupee saved is a Rupee earned,’ says the well-known
dictum. In the context of the present Income-tax Law in our country, one could
modify this saying to read as ‘A Rupee saved from tax, equals One and a half
Rupees earned.’ This book is primarily aimed at showing you how to save your
Rupee from tax, lawfully of course! Each and every one of us has the opportunity
and the obligation to save and safeguard our money and also make it grow.
For an author’s work to be blessed by a towering legal luminary like Hon’ble Mr.
Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer could only be a cherished dream. I feel highly privileged
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I-10
PREFACE
in having the good fortune of his inspiring and thought provoking message and
encouraging words as a preamble to this book. I am deeply grateful to him for his
Felicitatory Foreword.
I wish to thank Shri Rakesh Bhargava and Shri Amit Bhargava of Taxmann
Publications for their encouraging support and imaginative inputs in the creative
layout and presentation of this book.
My father, Shri M.P. Patel, has for ever been one of my greatest sources of inspiration
in life. I have always found in him a true friend, philosopher and guide and I am
justifiably proud of being such a fortunate son! I cannot miss this opportunity of
humbly dedicating this work to my loving and respected father.
It is highly gratifying for a father to get valuable support and assistance from his
son in the accomplishment of a worthy task. I have been fortunate to get the
same from my son Jigar, who with his talent, skill and perseverance has
meaningfully contributed to the shaping of this book and he deservedly shares
the credit for its timely and effective presentation.
We shall be happy indeed to receive valuable feedback from our readers.
‘Vithalbhai Bhavan’
Near Sardar Patel Colony
Railway Crossing
Ahmedabad 380 013
Tel.: 2755 1564 l Fax: 2755 2110
E-Mail: mukeshpatel.in@gmail.com
MUKESH M. PATEL