• Mou Mou
• 01 Feb, 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that a new Income Tax Bill will be introduced next week. This bill part of the Union Budget 2025 is expected to overhaul the current taxation system, bringing much-needed relief to taxpayers, particularly those from the middle class. The proposed reforms aim to simplify tax procedures, provide relief to individuals and reduce the tax burden on a large segment of the population with a specific focus on taxpayers earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually.

Key Changes in the New Income Tax Bill

The new Income Tax Bill expected to be presented in Parliament next week will mark a shift in India’s tax policy, particularly with a focus on simplifying the income tax structure. The current tax framework under the 1961 Income Tax Act has become overly complex and difficult to navigate for ordinary taxpayers. The government aims to reduce the confusion by implementing a system that focuses more on trust and ease of verification rather than burdening citizens with excessive documentation and tax-filing procedures.

Middle-Class Taxpayer Relief

The biggest relief as announced in the Budget 2025 is for the middle-class taxpayers. People with annual earnings up to Rs 12 lakh will no longer have to pay income tax. This is a significant change as the middle class often bears a disproportionate share of the tax burden. In addition to this the government is continuing to allow a standard deduction of Rs 75,000 meaning that the effective tax-free income for an individual will rise to Rs 12,75,000. This move is expected to provide immediate financial relief to millions of salaried and middle-income families.

Simplification of Tax Filing Procedures

In a bid to make the tax filing process more straightforward the new Income Tax Bill will significantly reduce the paperwork required. The Finance Minister’s statement emphasised that the new code would simplify the tax law to an extent that taxpayers would find it much easier to understand and comply with. This will likely lead to a reduction in the number of disputes and mistakes made during tax filing. It will also minimise the need for lengthy audits and reduce the overall compliance cost for individuals and businesses alike.

Reducing the Complexity of the Tax Code

Currently the Income Tax Act has 23 chapters and 298 sections which make it cumbersome for taxpayers to navigate. The new code is designed to reduce the total number of pages by nearly 60%, drastically simplifying the laws. This reduction will make the law more user-friendly and accessible especially for smaller businesses and individuals without requiring them to seek professional help every time they file taxes.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister

“The new Income Tax Bill will reduce the complexity of the current system and bring ease of compliance for taxpayers. Our goal is to ensure that taxpaying is no longer a hassle but a simple, transparent and efficient process.”

Taxpayer Reaction

“I believe the new income tax law will ease the tax burden for many of us in the middle class. With the income exemption of Rs 12 lakh it feels like the government is truly addressing our concerns,” said a middle-class taxpayer.

Additional Information

The overhaul of the income tax law comes at a time when the government has been focusing on tax reforms as part of its larger agenda to modernise India’s financial systems. The last major overhaul took place in 2015 with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Since then there have been minor changes to the income tax laws but the tax code itself has remained largely the same.

The push for reform is also being seen as a necessary step to improve the ease of doing business in India, especially for smaller enterprises and self-employed individuals. By simplifying the tax filing process the government is aiming to increase compliance rates while reducing corruption and the scope for manipulation.

Economic Impact

The reduction in tax burdens for the middle class is expected to boost consumption in the economy. With more disposable income in hand taxpayers are likely to spend more on goods and services which will stimulate economic growth. In addition the simplification of tax filing will encourage better compliance leading to a larger tax base and improved government revenue in the long term.

Impact on Businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) stand to benefit significantly from the new system. The reduction in tax complexity will reduce operational costs for these businesses. As tax compliance becomes easier SMBs may also experience a reduction in the burden of audits and fines, allowing them to reinvest their savings into expansion and development.

Read More: No Income Tax on Earnings Up to Rs 12 Lakh in the Latest Budget

Key Changes in Product Prices

The Finance Minister highlighted changes in the prices of various goods and services that are expected to benefit the common man. Here are some notable changes

- Cancer and Rare Disease Medications: 36 life-saving drugs will be exempt from customs duties, providing relief to patients and their families.

- Electric Vehicle Components: 35 necessary materials for electric vehicle battery production will be duty-free, boosting the industry.

- Textile Industry: The government has reduced the duties on certain textile products, which will help boost the Indian textile market.

- Electronics and Other Goods: Various electronic components, including batteries, LED lights and TV panels will see a reduction in customs duties.

The proposed Income Tax Bill is a step in the right direction for the Indian government as it strives to create a more taxpayer-friendly system. By removing unnecessary complexity, providing relief to middle-class taxpayers, and making the entire process more transparent, the government is building a framework that supports both individuals and businesses. The Budget 2025 has set the stage for a new era of tax filing in India, one that promises to be simpler, fairer, and more equitable.