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The middle-class Indians are once again awaiting Union Budget 2025 with bated breath, hoping for meaningful tax relief. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget 2025-26 on 1st February 2025, discussions on possible income tax changes are heating up. The question on everyone’s mind remains: Will this budget finally bring significant tax relief for the salaried middle class?
Navigating India's income tax system continues to be a challenge for the common taxpayer. The taxation framework remains intricate, and while the new tax regime has been positioned as a simplified alternative, many taxpayers still find it lacking key benefits. Here’s a look at the current tax landscape:
New Tax Regime vs Old Regime: The government has been promoting the new tax regime, which features lower tax rates but does not offer exemptions and deductions. The old tax regime, in contrast, provides multiple exemptions under sections such as 80C, 80D, and 24(b), allowing for greater tax savings.
High Tax Rates and Minimal Deductions: While the tax burden has remained largely unchanged, the middle class continues to demand relief in the form of higher exemption limits and additional deductions.
Complicated Tax Filing: While digital initiatives have simplified certain aspects, tax filing is still cumbersome for many, particularly in cases involving exemptions, deductions, and multiple income sources.
Unchanged Deduction Limits: Section 80C, which allows deductions for investments in provident funds, insurance premiums, and tuition fees, has remained capped at INR 1.5 lakh for years. Similarly, home loan interest deductions under Section 24(b) are still limited to INR 2 lakh, despite rising property prices.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax: The previous budget had raised LTCG tax on equity investments from 10% to 12.5%, without the benefit of indexation. There is speculation about whether this will be reversed to encourage stock market participation.
The middle class is hoping for a budget that addresses these concerns and provides tangible relief. Will Budget 2025-26 meet these expectations?
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With growing demands for tax relief, several possible changes could be introduced in Union Budget 2025-26:
Increase in Basic Exemption Limit: Experts suggest raising the exemption limit in the new tax regime to INR 10 lakh, which would reduce the burden on middle-class taxpayers.
Revision of Tax Slabs: A new tax slab of 25% for individuals earning between INR 15 lakh and INR 20 lakh is being considered.
Higher Deductions on Health and Life Insurance: There is a demand to increase deductions under Section 80D for health insurance premiums from INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 for individuals and up to INR 1 lakh for senior citizens.
Enhancement of Home Loan Benefits: Tax experts are advocating for an increase in the home loan interest deduction limit under Section 24(b) from INR 2 lakh to INR 5 lakh to reflect the rising cost of homeownership.
Reintroduction of Section 80EEA: First-time homebuyers previously enjoyed additional deductions of INR 50,000 on home loan interest under Section 80EEA, which lapsed in March 2022. There is speculation that it may be reinstated.
Incentives for Retirement Planning: Calls for tax deductions on annuities similar to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) have grown, aiming to improve financial security for retirees.
While these proposals could provide significant relief, their implementation depends on the government’s fiscal strategy.
If some of these changes materialise, they could have far-reaching effects on middle-class taxpayers:
Higher Disposable Income: A higher exemption limit and increased deductions would leave individuals with more money to spend or save.
Encouragement for Investments: Reducing LTCG tax and enhancing deductions under Section 80C could encourage savings in mutual funds, insurance, and retirement plans.
Better Homeownership Opportunities: Raising the home loan interest deduction would make property purchases more feasible, especially in high-cost urban areas.
Improved Financial Stability: Higher deductions for insurance premiums and medical expenses would provide better financial security.
Economic Growth: Increased consumer spending, driven by tax relief, could boost demand across various sectors.
As Budget 2025-26 approaches, expectations are high that FM Sitharaman will introduce measures to ease the financial strain on the middle class.
Additional Read: Will Section 80C Limit Rise in Budget 2025?
The upcoming budget is poised to be a crucial one for middle-class taxpayers. With rising inflation, increasing cost of living, and stagnant tax relief measures, taxpayers are looking to FM Sitharaman for much-needed relief. While expectations are high, the extent of changes remains to be seen. Will this budget mark a turning point for the middle class? Only time will tell.
Until then, stay tuned for live updates and expert analysis on how the budget will impact your finances.
Additional Read: Tax Benefits for Women in Budget 2025
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