Explained: How Union Budget has given India’s middle class much to rejoice
Firstpost‘Amrit Kaal’s first Budget’ has brought the much-awaited income tax reliefs for the country’s salaried middle class. In a much-awaited respite, the government increased the income tax rebate limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in the new tax regime. Here are the new tax rates under the new tax regime: For Rs 0-3 lakh income – nil For income above Rs 3 lakh and up to Rs 6 lakh – 5 per cent For income over Rs 6 lakh and up to Rs 9 lakh – 10 per cent For income above Rs 12 lakh and up to Rs 15 lakh – 20 per cent For income above Rs 15 lakh – 30 per cent Explaining the changes, the finance minister said: “An individual with an annual income of Rs 9 lakh will be required to pay only Rs 45,000. Similarly, an individual with an income of Rs 15 lakh would be required to pay only Rs 1.5 lakh or 10 per cent of his or her income, a reduction of 20 per cent from the existing liability of Rs 1,87,500.” Standard deduction extended The government has also extended the benefit of the standard deduction for the salaried class and the pensioners, including family pensions, in the new tax regime. Highest surcharge rate reduced The finance minister said India levies one of the highest tax rates on personal income which stands at 42.74 per cent.