One significant change brought about by the recent alteration to Section 87A of the Income Tax Act is the removal of the rebate on special rate incomes, such as short-term and long-term capital gains. The Bombay High Court formerly permitted the refund even for earnings with special rates, but this has now been reversed. Even if their total income is less than ₹7 lakh, taxpayers who make capital gains will now be required to pay tax at certain rates. The changes, their effects, and tax preparation techniques are examined in this blog.

Significant GST reforms were implemented in the Union Budget 2025, with an emphasis on increasing transparency, reducing the tax burden on small enterprises, and boosting compliance. Stricter ITC claim regulations, e-invoicing requirements for companies with ₹5 crore in revenue, updated GST rates, and higher GST registration limits for MSMEs are some of the major changes. Although companies must adjust to more stringent laws, these changes seek to simplify compliance, increase economic growth, and streamline procedures.

Key tax and financial reforms that affect people, companies, and the economy are included in the Finance Bill 2025, which was issued together with the Union Budget. It provides clarification on crypto taxation, simplified GST, lowered corporate taxes, and updated income tax slabs.

Significant TDS & TCS reforms are introduced in the Union Budget 2025 with the goals of easing tax compliance, lowering financial burdens, and fostering economic expansion. Lower TDS rates, lower TCS on foreign transactions, and more exemptions for small taxpayers are some of the main attractions.

The most significant adjustment to income tax slabs brought about by the Union Budget 2025 was the exemption of income up to ₹12 lakhs from taxes. Additional changes include a higher standard deduction of ₹75,000 and lower tax rates for those making between ₹8 lakhs and ₹24 lakhs. The goals of these measures are to streamline the tax filing process, promote savings and investments, and give middle-class taxpayers financial relief. The new tax system and its effects on people and the economy as a whole are covered in this blog.

The Union Budget 2025–2026, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, is expected to set the financial roadmap for the coming fiscal year. Key areas of focus include changes in taxation, infrastructure development, digital economy growth, and social welfare programs. With rising expectations from businesses and taxpayers, this budget will play a crucial role in shaping India’s economic future. Stay tuned for key announcements and live updates on Budget Day.

The Income Tax Department (ITD) has started sending SMS alerts to taxpayers who have claimed Section 80GGC deductions for donations made to political parties and electoral trusts. The notice applies to Assessment Years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 and urges taxpayers to verify their claims on the Compliance Portal. If the claim is incorrect, taxpayers must file an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) before 31st March 2025 to avoid penalties under Section 270A (up to 200% fine) and interest under Section 234F (₹5,000 late fee). This blog explains Section 80GGC deductions, compliance requirements, and the steps to correct errors in tax filings.

The Income Tax Department's (ITD) capricious limitations on Section 87A refund applications have been invalidated by the Bombay High Court. The court decided that it was unreasonable for qualified taxpayers to be denied refunds due to technical constraints. Many people who were previously refused tax relief because of technical limitations now benefit from this ruling. To guarantee that rebate claims are handled efficiently, ITD must now modernize its systems. In order to get any refunds to which they are entitled, taxpayers should verify their status.

Important clarification about the GST applicability of fines levied by banks and NBFCs for loan breaches is provided by Circular 245. In the past, it was unclear if punitive costs like late payment fines were subject to GST. The circular affirms that these fines are free from GST as they are a result of contract violations rather than a compensation for services. This clarification ensures equitable and transparent taxes in financial transactions by lowering the tax burden on borrowers and financial institutions.

The CBDT has published Notification No. 9/2025, which prescribes criteria for non-resident cruise ship operators under the presumptive taxation scheme established by the Finance (No. 2) Act of 2024. This announcement details the qualifying criteria, journey conditions, and vessel characteristics for taking advantage of the regime. Its goal is to streamline compliance, improve India's cruise tourist industry, and harmonize tax rules with international norms.

For transactions using IFSC units, the Ministry of Finance's notification S.O. 21(E), issued January 2, 2025, offers TDS exemption under Section 194Q. Businesses operating in these global financial zones can find it easier to comply with tax laws thanks to this program. Reduced administrative constraints for sellers and simpler procedures for buyers promote improved cooperation and help India realize its goal of becoming a major international financial center.

The taxability of sponsorship services underwent significant revisions during the 55th GST Council Meeting. In order to improve revenue collection and streamline compliance, body corporates and partnership businesses are switching from the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) to the Forward Charge Mechanism (FCM). This blog explores the situations before and after the meeting, the updated tax structure, and the ramifications for companies and service providers.