₹1 Lakh Income Now Exempt: In a revolutionary measure designed to advantage millions of middle-class Indians, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared a significant tax concession during the 2025 Union Budget. Under the novel policy, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will now incur no income tax, substantially alleviating the financial strain on salaried households. Furthermore, the standard deduction for salaried taxpayers has been elevated to ₹75,000, effectively broadening the tax-exempt income threshold to ₹12.75 lakh. This audacious reform is anticipated to augment disposable income, foster savings, and invigorate consumer expenditure nationwide.
Finance Minister The newly promulgated scheme will drastically curtail income tax burdens on middle-class Indian families, transforming millions of lives. During the 2025 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that individuals generating up to ₹12 lakh will henceforth be exempt from income tax. An amplified standard deduction of ₹75,000 extends the tax-exempt threshold for salaried taxpayers to ₹12.75 lakh.
₹1 Lakh Income Now Tax-Exempt
In summation, the fresh tax relief articulated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embodies a daring and transformative alteration in India’s fiscal strategy. With the tax-exempt income threshold now augmented to ₹12 lakh—and effectively ₹12.75 lakh for salaried individuals—the policy is poised to deliver considerable respite to middle-class taxpayers. This initiative is projected to stimulate consumption, encourage savings, and energize economic activity at the grassroots level. While the government forecasts an annual revenue shortfall of approximately ₹1 trillion, it perceives this as a strategic investment in long-term expansion. By empowering the middle class with enhanced financial autonomy, this reform fortifies the economic engine of the nation and lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient future.
In conclusion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s tax relief is a daring and transformative fiscal maneuver for India. The tax-exempt income threshold has been inflated to ₹12 lakh, effectively ₹12.75 lakh for salaried individuals, affording substantial relief to middle-class taxpayers. This should spur consumption, savings, and grassroots economic activity. The government views an annual income loss of ₹1 trillion as a strategic investment for long-term growth. This reform bolsters the economy and cultivates a more inclusive and resilient future by granting the middle class greater financial latitude.
The New Tax Relief Explained: A Detailed Breakdown
The Impact of the New Tax Rules
Individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually incur no income tax. Salaried employees benefit from an increased standard deduction of ₹75,000, elevating the effective tax-exempt limit to ₹12.75 lakh. Example: If you earn ₹12.5 lakh as a salaried individual, your income becomes non-taxable after the standard deduction.
How Higher Income Tax Rates Have Changed
For income surpassing ₹12 lakh, new progressive tax slabs apply: ₹12–16 lakh → 15% tax ₹16–20 lakh → 20% tax ₹20–24 lakh → 25% tax Above ₹24 lakh → 30% tax These rates are more lenient and balanced than the preceding regime. Tip: Utilize the Income Tax Department’s calculator to estimate your tax liability.
The History Behind the Current Tax Changes
Tax-exempt limit raised to ₹2.5 lakh 2019: Increased to ₹5 lakh 2023: Further raised to ₹7 lakh 2025: Now increased to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh for salaried individuals) Demonstrates a consistent endeavor to ease tax burden on the middle class over the years.
The Purpose of the Recent Tax Changes
Boost consumer spending by augmenting disposable income Encourage savings and investments with reduced tax pressure Stimulate economic growth in key sectors facing slowdowns Help counteract challenges like inflation and weak manufacturing output
Analyzing the Tax Relief’s Sectoral Effects
- Retail & FMCG: Increased household income may drive up sales
- Automotive: Higher affordability could boost vehicle purchases
- Real Estate: Greater spending power may revive housing demand
- Financial Services: Potential rise in bank deposits and investments as people save more
The 2025 Union Budget’s bold tax relief empowers India’s middle class and invigorates the economy. With tax-exempt income up to ₹12 lakh and ₹12.75 lakh for salaried individuals, the government has substantially augmented disposable income for millions. This change should escalate consumer spending, savings, and investments in retail, automotive, real estate, and financial services. With altered tax bands for higher earnings and a focus on economic revival, this strategy transforms India’s fiscal landscape, granting residents greater financial control.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Tax System
Calculating Your Overall Income
Identify all sources of income: Salary income
- Business income (if applicable)
- Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
- Other sources (rent, freelance work, etc.)
Claiming Your Standard Deduction
- Salaried employees can claim a ₹75,000 standard deduction from gross income
- This helps lower your net taxable income
- Tip: Retain documents like salary slips and bank statements ready for accurate reporting
Knowing Your Tax-Free Income Boundary
- Salaried taxpayers: No tax if net income is ₹12.75 lakh or below
- Other taxpayers: No tax if net income is ₹12 lakh or below
Figuring Out Tax on Income Over the Limit
If your net income exceeds the tax-exempt limit, apply the following tax slabs: ₹12–16 lakh → 15% ₹16–20 lakh → 20% ₹20–24 lakh → 25% Above ₹24 lakh → 30%
Example
- If your net income is ₹15.25 lakh, the first ₹12.75 lakh is tax-exempt
- The remaining ₹2.5 lakh is taxed at 15% = ₹37,500
Filing Your Taxes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Accurately file returns using reliable tax software or a certified tax professional
- Ensure you claim all eligible deductions, rebates, and exemptions
- Meet deadlines to avoid penalties and stay compliant
Adapting to the new tax regime necessitates understanding your overall annual revenue, including salaries, business profits, investment returns, and others. Revised standard deduction of ₹75,000 lowers taxable income for salaried individuals, enabling many to slip below the new tax-exempt threshold of ₹12.75 lakh. Those with net income qualify for the ₹12 lakh exemption. If your income exceeds these limits, use the new progressive slabs—15% to 30% for higher income brackets. At 15% tax, only ₹2.5 lakh of your taxable income after deductions will be taxed, resulting in an obligation of ₹37,500. Retain documentation, claim all eligible deductions, and file your returns accurately—ideally with tax software or a financial advisor—to maximize this regime.
What the Experts Say: Tax Relief Analysis
Several industry leaders and economic experts have responded positively to the newly introduced tax reforms:
Sanjiv Mehta, Former CEO of Hindustan Unilever “This is a progressive step that empowers the middle class and boosts consumption. We expect to see a strong uptick in demand across fast-moving consumer goods and essential services.”
Nilesh Shah, MD of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management “Raising the tax-exempt income limit to ₹12 lakh is a game-changer. It not only encourages savings and investments but also gives the financial markets a much-needed tailwind.”
Devina Mehra, Chairperson & MD of First Global “The policy strikes the right balance between fiscal responsibility and inclusive growth. It supports long-term economic momentum by placing greater trust in the spending power of the average Indian.”
The new tax reforms have sparked a wave of positive reactions from industry leaders and economists, many of whom view the changes as a catalyst for economic revival. Kamala Bali, CEO of Volvo India, stated, “I feel around 25–30 million personal taxpayers will save around ₹1,00,000 annually. This boost in disposable income will drive capital expenditure in sectors like automotive and retail.” Echoing this sentiment, Anitha Rangan, Economist at Equirus, noted, “Tax reforms of this magnitude provide a much-needed stimulus for the economy, especially by strengthening the middle class, which is the backbone of consumer demand.” Meanwhile, Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management, remarked, “This budget boldly addresses the need of the hour by putting money directly in the hands of the middle class. It is a strategic move to ensure long-term economic growth.” Collectively, these expert views suggest that the reforms are expected to boost consumer confidence, increase spending, and support sustained growth across various industries.
FAQ’s
Do I need to do anything to claim this benefit?
No special action is required. When you file your income tax return for the financial year 2025–26, the new rules will automatically apply based on your income and deductions.
Who benefits from the new tax-exempt limit?
Salaried individuals with net income up to ₹12.75 lakh and other taxpayers with net income up to ₹12 lakh pay zero income tax under the new regime.
Is this reform seen as a long-term solution?
Yes. According to industry leaders like Radhika Gupta and Sanjiv Mehta, the reform is a long-term investment in India’s economic resilience, aiming to create a more robust and inclusive growth environment.