Budget 2026: ICAI Pushes for Joint ITR Filing for Married Couples

• Demand for joint Income Tax Return (ITR) filing for married couples has resurfaced for Budget 2026-27.
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has again requested this option in its pre-budget suggestions.
• Joint filing would allow couples to file as a single taxable unit, combining incomes, potentially reducing overall tax liability and saving time.
• Tax experts suggest a family-level tax exemption limit of 6-8 lakh rupees if joint filing is introduced.
• This system, similar to those in the US and UK, could offer significant relief to many taxpayers.

Why It Matters: Joint tax filing for married couples could significantly reduce family tax burdens.