Budget 2025: Despite the simplicity of the new tax regime, many taxpayers still prefer the old system due to its various deductions and exemptions.
The proposed legislation will be a completely new framework, unlike a mere amendment to the current Act.
Health insurance, including the burgeoning Outpatient Department (OPD) insurance segment, is poised to play a transformative role in making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and efficient.
Experts feel due to increasing inflation and changing economic priorities, numerous potential investors are now examining alternative avenues that offer higher returns. This has made small savings schemes less attractive.
An important suggestion from the crypto community is to lower the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) rate on Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) transfers under section 194S from 1% to 0.01%.
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) advocated for tax reforms aimed at simplifying direct taxation
It is expected that the government should consider increasing the deduction limit under section 80TTA (savings account interest) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
Currently, as per Section 24 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (referred to as ‘the IT Act’), individuals can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakh for interest on home loans for self-occupied property. However, this deduction is only available under the Old Tax Regime.
In a note to the Finance Minister, the industry body highlighted that corporate tax rates have decreased over the years, leading to a widening gap between personal and corporate taxes.
While the old regime allows for various exemptions and deductions, the new regime offers reduced tax rates with limitations on claiming most exemptions or deductions.
The idea of joint taxation for married couples is not a new one and is already implemented in several developed countries, providing a potential model for India to consider.
Experts are foreseeing a spectrum of proposals, from potential tax rate reductions to a complete overhaul of the taxation framework, all to stimulate consumer spending, simplify the tax structure, and foster economic development.
In its Budget anticipation note, EY India stated that it is expecting significant reforms geared towards streamlining the tax system, enhancing taxpayer services, reducing litigation, and improving compliance.
In the 2024 Budget, FM Sitharaman implemented various modifications to the capital gains framework, tax deducted at source (TDS), and related matters.
According to a report, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to announce an overhaul of the Income Tax Act of 1961, which is currently in its final stages of preparation.
Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, backed by RSS, asked FM Sitharaman to increase the tax-free income threshold to Rs 10 lakh, introducing a stimulus package specific to agriculture, extending the number of work days under MGNREGA to 200, expediting GST refunds, and others.
AMFI said the reinstatement of this provision will be crucial in maintaining confidence among retail investors and in stimulating growth within India's bond market.
Expectations of senior citizens include a proposed revision to the basic tax exemption limit within the new tax regime. Besides, elderly taxpayers are also expecting some relief in tax filing process.
FM Sitharaman first presented the New Tax Regime in her Budget speech on February 1, 2020. This alternative option for personal income tax was designed to be "simplified" with notably lower tax rates.
Industry bodies are anticipating that the upcoming Union Budget will address the tax burden faced by salaried individuals and middle-class taxpayers, which is expected to lead to an increase in both consumption and household savings.
Starting from 2024, the default tax-filing regime will be the New Tax Regime, which features a simplified process but limited deductions. In this article, we will share a list of deductions available to taxpayers who choose the New Tax Regime.
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