Taxpayers Alert: These 10 income tax changes will be applicable from April 1

Income Tax: As the new financial year is about to start from April 1, there are major changes in the income tax that will come into effect. From changes in the income tax slab to the latest rule of no Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) benefit on debt mutual funds, here are 10 big changes that will come into force from April 1. 

Also Read: ITR filing Last Date AY 2023-24: When and where to file Income Tax Returns - Complete guide 

1. No LTCG benefit on debt mutual fund 

The government recently scrapped LTCG—tax applied on long-term gains benefit on debt mutual funds which will be applied to investors who invest in debt mutual funds after March 31. 

Also read: Finance ministry issues clarification on hike in STT on options trading

2. Default Tax regime

The New Tax Regime will become the default income tax regime from the beginning of the new financial year. However, taxpayers will still have a choice to toggle and select between the old tax regime and the new tax regime. 

3. Tax rebate limit extended

The government extended the tax rebate limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in Budget 2023. A tax rebate is a refund that taxpayers are eligible for if the taxes paid by them exceed their tax liability. Simply put, taxpayers with an income of up to Rs 7 lakh in a financial year need not invest anything to claim exemptions and the entire income would be tax-free irrespective of the quantum of investment made by such an individual.

Also Read: Income Tax: Is it mandatory to file ITR even if your annual income is less than Rs 5 lakh/annum? 

4. Standard deduction 

Under the new tax regime, a salary exceeding Rs 15.5 lakh will get a standard deduction– a flat deduction from the gross salary, of Rs 52,500. For pensioners, the finance minister has announced the extension of the benefit of the standard deduction in the new tax regime.

Also read: Income tax: What are the 6 common tax-saving mistakes that can be avoided 

5. Tax slab changes 

In Budget 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new break up for tax slabs under the New Tax Regime:

0-3 lakh - nil

3-6 lakh - 5%

6-9 lakh- 10%

9-12 lakh - 15%

6. LTA 

The government has hiked the tax exemption on leave encashment on the retirement of non-government salaried employees to Rs 25 lakh from Rs 3 lakh.

Also Read: ITR filing last date: New income tax regime vs old; check calculator and steps to file Income Tax Return online 

7. Market-linked debentures (MLD)

Market-linked debentures will be taxed under short-term capital gains – a tax levied on capital gains from the sale of an asset held for a short period.

Also watch: Money Guru: What Changes Have Been Made In The Tax Rules Of Market Linked Debentures In Budget 2023? 

8. Life insurance policies 

Maturity proceeds from life insurance premium which exceeds Rs 5 lakh will be taxable from April 1. This new income tax rule will not be applied to ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan) – an insurance plan that offers the dual benefit of investment to fulfill your long-term goals, and a life cover for financial protection. 

9. Gold to e-gold receipt conversion 

Physical gold conversion to e-gold receipt will not attract capital gains tax

10. Advantages to Senior Citizen 

The maximum deposit limit for the senior citizen savings scheme will be increased to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh.

The maximum deposit limit for the monthly income scheme will be increased to Rs 9 lakh from 4.5 lakh for single accounts and Rs 15 lakh from Rs 7.5 lakh for joint accounts.

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