MORE TIME, SIMPLER FORMS FOR TAX PAYERS

Tax rates unchanged but compliance eased with simpler filing, longer deadlines and lighter penalties

- Jash Kriplani & Shipra Singh

The Union Budget 2026-27 did not introduce major changes to income tax rates, but has rationalised penal provisions, eased the compliance burden, and simplified return filing through redesigned forms, following the enactment of the Income Tax Act, 2025. These changes are effective from 1 April 2026

“The simplified Income Tax Rules and Forms will be notified shortly, giving adequate time to taxpayers to acquaint themselves with its requirements. The forms have been redesigned such that ordinary citizens can comply without difficulty,” finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech on Sunday.

Deadlines revised