Income Tax
– There is no change in income tax slabs or rates for individuals for FY 2026-27, maintaining the current tax burden. The standard deduction and rebate remain unchanged.
– Implication:Individuals, particularly salaried and resident taxpayers, will experience a neutral tax burden with no rate cuts or slab expansions. Compliance is expected to simplify under the new tax code.

Capital Gains & Investments
– Buybacks will now be taxed under capital gains at slab rates, increasing effective tax liability for promoters and certain investors.
– Impact: Investors holding stocks for buybacks may face higher tax liabilities based on their holding patterns, with no relief on capital-gain rates announced.

Securities Transaction Tax (STT)
– The STT on equity derivatives has been increased:
– Futures: 0.05% (up from 0.02%)
– Options: 0.15% (up from 0.10%)
– Impact: This increase raises costs for traders active in futures and options, reducing net returns for frequent traders.

Foreign Assets & Compliance
– A one-time amnesty for undisclosed foreign assets (up to ₹5 crore) is introduced through a simplified regularization scheme with capped payment obligations.
Continue Reading here