India to Introduce New Income Tax Act from April 1, 2026: 4 Major Changes

Kokila Chokkanathan
The Indian government is set to implement a new Income Tax Act starting April 1, 2026, bringing significant changes to tax rules, exemptions, and deductions. These reforms aim to simplify taxation, improve compliance, and provide relief to taxpayers.

This article highlights the four major changes under the new Income Tax Act that every taxpayer should know.

1. Revision in Tax Slabs

One of the biggest changes is the restructuring of income tax slabs, which will impact both salaried individuals and businesses.

Key Points

  • New Slabs Introduced: Lower rates for middle-income earners to reduce tax burden.
  • Higher Income Groups: May see revised rates but with additional deductions to balance overall tax liability.
  • Objective: Simplify tax calculation and make the system more progressive and equitable.
Taxpayers should calculate their potential liability under the new slabs to plan finances in advance.

2. Changes in HRA and Other Allowances

The new law proposes enhanced exemptions for house Rent Allowance (HRA) and other allowances:

Highlights

  • Higher HRA Limits: Tax exemption limits on HRA are increased to account for rising rental costs.
  • Education and Travel Allowances: Increased exemptions to reduce taxable income for salaried employees.
  • Standard Deduction Updates: Adjusted to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes.
These changes aim to boost disposable income for middle-class taxpayers.

3. Simplification of Tax Filing Process

The new act introduces measures to make tax filing faster, simpler, and more transparent:

  • Pre-filled Tax Returns: Employers and banks will share income and interest details automatically.
  • Digital Verification: Aadhaar and PAN-based verification to reduce paperwork.
  • Reduced Compliance Burden: Fewer forms and simplified reporting for salaried individuals.
Taxpayers can expect faster refunds and fewer errors in income tax filings.

4. Updates on Deductions and Investments

The government is revising deductions under Section 80C and related provisions to encourage savings and investments:

  • Higher Deduction Limits: On insurance, PPF, EPF, and other eligible investments.
  • New Eligible Investments: Inclusion of certain government-backed schemes for tax benefits.
  • Long-term Savings Focus: Encourages taxpayers to invest in retirement and insurance instruments.
Smart planning under these updated deductions can maximize tax savings under the new act.

Implications for Taxpayers

Salaried Employees – Could benefit from higher exemptions and simplified filing.

Investors – New deductions encourage long-term savings.

High-Income Individuals – May need to reassess tax planning strategies due to slab revisions.

Businesses – Compliance may be easier with digital reporting and pre-filled forms.

Understanding these changes in advance will help taxpayers plan finances, savings, and investments effectively.

Conclusion

The New Income Tax Act from april 1, 2026, brings four major changes: revised tax slabs, enhanced HRA and allowances, simplified filing, and updated deductions. These reforms aim to make taxation more transparent, equitable, and taxpayer-friendly.

Taxpayers should review their income, allowances, and investments to take full advantage of the new provisions and reduce their tax liability efficiently.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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