Budget 2026: Taxpayers Demand Higher Exemption, 80C Limit in Old Regime

• Taxpayers seek increased basic exemption limit from Rs 2.5 lakh in the old income tax regime.
• Calls for restructuring old tax slabs to align relief with the new tax regime.
• Strong push to raise Section 80C deduction limit from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.
• Many salaried individuals still prefer the old regime due to deductions like PF, home loan, and insurance.
• Expectations for Nirmala Sitharaman to upgrade the old system or introduce a unified tax structure.

Why It Matters: Taxpayers eye Budget 2026 for significant relief in the old tax regime, including higher 80C and exemption limits.