New Tax Rules To Come Into Effect From April 1. All You Need To Know

April 1 marks the beginning of a new financial year and it is always significant from a personal finance point of view as most of the Budget proposals on income tax take into effect from this day. Additionally, other changes also become applicable from this day which may impact individual finances. These changes were announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech this year. Here’s a look at some of the major changes you should be aware of, including expanded basic exemption limits among others. 

Key income tax changes that will be effective from April 1:

New Tax Regime Default Adoption

The default adoption of the new tax regime is a notable modification. Its objective is to streamline the tax filing procedure and promote greater participation in the new regime, featuring reduced tax rates albeit with fewer deductions and exemptions. However, taxpayers will still have the liberty to stick to the old tax regime if it is more beneficial to them. 

Elevated basic exemption limit and rebate

As announced in the last Budget, effective from April 1, 2023, the basic exemption limit was hiked to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2.5 lakh under the new tax regime, while the rebate under Section 87A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, was increased to Rs 7 lakh from Rs 5 lakh. Hence, people with a taxable income up to Rs 7 lakh under the new regime will get a full tax rebate, absolving them from paying any income tax. 

The new tax slabs will be as follows:

Income part from Rs 3 lakh and Rs 6 lakh will be taxed at 5%Rs 6 lakh to Rs 9 lakh will be taxed at 10% Rs 9 lakh to Rs 12 lakh will be taxed at 15%Rs 12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh will attract a 20% tax Rs 15 lakh and above will be taxed at 30%

Restoration of basic deduction

The standard deduction of Rs 50,000, previously applicable exclusively to the old tax regime, has now been incorporated into the new tax regime. This serves to further decrease the taxable income under the new regime.

Reduced surcharge

The highest rate of surcharge of 37% on income above Rs 5 crore was reduced to 25%. This results in a reduced effective tax rate for individuals with high incomes who choose the new regime. 

Life insurance taxation

As per the announcement by the Finance Minister, maturity proceeds from life insurance policies which are issued on or after April 1, 2023, and where the total premium exceeds Rs 5 lakh, will be subject to taxation. 

Exemption Of Enhanced Leave Encashment:

The leave encashment tax exemption limit for non-government employees was Rs 3 lakh since 2022 and is now increased to Rs 25 lakh.