No arrest by income tax recovery officer if you have failed to pay pending tax demands; amended Finance Bill 2026

The Ministry of Finance has removed the power of Tax Recovery Officers to arrest individuals for pending tax demands. This taxpayer-friendly initiative, detailed in the Finance Bill 2026's explanatory memorandum, aims to streamline recovery processes. While arrest is no longer an option, other methods like attaching bank accounts and seizing property remain available.

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Have income tax slabs changed for FY 26-27 from April 1, 2026? New tax regime vs old tax regime slabs explained

Taxpayers can breathe easy as income tax slabs remain unchanged for FY 2026-27. The Income-tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026, brings no alterations to existing tax brackets. Both the old and new tax regimes will continue with their current structures.

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Income tax refund under new 2025 tax act can be set-off with tax refund due under old 1961 income tax act, explanatory memorandum clarifies

Taxpayers can now have their income tax refunds from the old 1961 Act set off against demands under the new 2025 Act, and vice versa. The government's explanatory memorandum clarifies this cross-law adjustment, ensuring seamless processing of refunds and tax dues between the two legislative frameworks.

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Meal cards to cut income tax by Rs 1.05 lakh? New changes for salaried taxpayers under Income Tax Rules 2026 to be effective from April this year

Salaried employees can now claim an income tax exemption of up to Rs 1.05 lakh annually on meal cards, vouchers, or subsidized canteen food. New Income Tax Rules, 2026, have increased the per-meal limit to Rs 200, potentially boosting savings under both old and new tax regimes. This benefit is calculated based on working days and employer policies.

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Invested in equities and want to cut your income tax? Use tax loss and gain harvesting before March 31, 2026

Investors can save income tax by strategically selling equity shares and mutual funds before March 31, 2026. Tax loss harvesting allows offsetting capital gains with losses, while tax gain harvesting utilizes the Rs 1.25 lakh LTCG exemption to reduce future tax liabilities. This strategy can be implemented anytime throughout the year.

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Expats staying longer in India? Here’s how residency rules can change your tax liability

Expatriates in India for extended periods face changing tax rules. Staying longer can shift residency status, impacting tax liability on worldwide income. This shift may increase compliance burdens and affect foreign income exemptions. Individuals should monitor stay durations and any government relaxations. Understanding these rules is crucial for managing tax obligations effectively.

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What is the simplest way to gift money to my daughter living abroad?

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I want to gift a large amount to my daughter living abroad for her future needs. What is the simplest way to send it?

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Man surrendered tenancy rights for Rs 11 crore flat in redevelopment project; Income Tax dept issued notice but ITAT Mumbai ruled in his favour. Here's why

A Mumbai tenant received a Rs 11 crore apartment for giving up tenancy rights during redevelopment. The Income Tax department questioned the deal, calling it a sham. However, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Mumbai ruled in the tenant's favour. The tribunal confirmed tenancy rights were valid and the flat was consideration for surrendering these rights. Tax exemption was allowed.

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New tax utility explained: Compare old and new Income-tax Act sections before filing

India's Income Tax Act, 1961, is set to be replaced by the Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026. To ease this transition, the Income Tax Department has launched an online tool. This utility allows taxpayers to compare provisions side-by-side, mapping old sections to new ones. It simplifies understanding changes in tax laws and aids informed decision-making.

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Equity shares received by private trust for relatives’ benefit is exempt from income tax, ITAT Chennai rules

A private trust received shares worth Rs 15.78 crore from its creator for family benefit. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled this transfer tax-exempt. The tribunal considered a supplemental deed that clarified beneficiaries were exclusively relatives. This decision reinforces tax exemptions for family trusts and clarifies treatment of advance tax deposits.

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New Income Tax Act 2025: Old vs new regime debate returns as allowance hikes and HRA changes shift tax math

Indian taxpayers will transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025, from April 1st. While the new regime offers lower rates, revised allowance exemptions under the old regime, particularly for HRA, may make it more attractive for some. Taxpayers must now recalculate to determine their optimal tax strategy.

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New tax rules notified: From HRA to company car to meal card, top 5 prominent changes which will impact salaried taxpayers

The Income Tax Rules, 2026 have been notified, introducing significant changes for salaried taxpayers. Key updates include revised motor car perquisite valuations, an increased tax-free loan limit to Rs 2 lakh, and enhanced meal voucher exemptions under the old tax regime. HRA benefits now extend to more major cities, with new disclosure requirements for landlords.

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Good news for salaried employees in these cities as they can get higher HRA exemption; disclosure of relationship with landlord a must as Income Tax Rules 2026 notified

New Income Tax Rules, 2026, offer higher HRA tax exemptions for salaried individuals in eight major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. A key change requires disclosing relationships with landlords in Form 124, especially for family rentals, to ensure genuine transactions and enhance transparency for tax authorities.

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