Budget 2026: Investors Demand Relief on LTCG Tax, STT Amid Rising Costs

• Equity investors are seeking relief from higher Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and capital gains tax in Budget 2026.
• Previous Budget increased STT on options and futures, and raised LTCG tax to 12.5% and STCG to 20%.
• Experts question STT's relevance, stating its original purpose as a simple transaction tax has been outlived by modern tracking systems.
• Retail investors, especially SIP users, face reduced net returns due to multiple layers of taxation.
• The constitutional validity of STT is currently under challenge before the Supreme Court, raising concerns about double taxation.

Why It Matters: Investors urge Budget 2026 to reduce STT and capital gains tax to boost market participation and returns.