Union Budget 2026-27 Focuses on Easier Tax Rules and Long-Term Relief for Middle Class
The Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, through Budget 2026-17, has not introduced major changes to the tax rates for the middle class but instead has tried simplifying income tax rules to make it easier for compliance and reducing several costs. These amendments are aimed towards providing gradual relief to the taxpayers rather than giving a way of instant savings.
This financial year, no changes have been proposed to the income tax slabs and rates. The rates are the same as earlier; like, income up to Rs. 12 lakh under the New Tax Regime still remains tax-free due to the rebate under Section 87A. This limit of tax-free income for salaried individuals increases to Rs. 12.75, including a standard deduction of Rs. 75,000.
The Budget 2026-27 aims to make the tax rules’ language simpler to understand, reduce paperwork, and simplify the tax filing process.
The government has proposed to reduce tax collected at source (TCS) on overseas tour packages from 5 percent and 20 percent to 2 percent, without any stipulation of the amount. Also, planning to reduce the TCS rate for pursuing education and medical purposes under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) from 5% to 2%. Resulting in lower upfront costs for families.
Proposals have been made to extend tax time limits for certain categories of taxpayers, like taxpayers who are not required to get their accounts audited, who can now file their returns up to August 31, but there is no relief for taxpayers filing ITR‑1 and ITR‑2. Earlier, money received from share buybacks was taxed like dividends. Now, it will be taxed as capital gains, which is clearer and often fairer for investors because it matches how profits from shares are usually taxed.
To make things simpler for senior citizens and small investors, a single-window system will be introduced for Form 15G and Form 15H. This means they won’t have to submit these forms multiple times to different banks or institutions, making compliance easier and reducing paperwork.
As per the recent proposal, taxpayers will not be required to pay any interest received from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). Additionally, no TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is required to be deducted on this amount, concluding direct relief to the individuals and families.
Rates of seventeen different medicines have been reduced due to the imposition of duty exemption. Duty has been removed on the import of medicines for seven rare diseases. Costs will also be reduced on electronic and footwear components.
The government is spending a lot more money to increase employment. Capital expenditure has gone beyond Rs. 12 lakh crore, which means a big investment in building and development. More money will be spent on railways, tourism, and technology. This is expected to create more jobs and improve business activity. The budget focuses on increasing growth so that its benefits reach ordinary people.
