Budget 2026: Middle Class Gets Relief Despite Unchanged Tax Slabs

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 maintains existing income tax slabs, but offers other benefits for the middle class.
• The Income Tax Law, 2025 simplifies tax compliance by reducing the law's length, replacing 'assessment year' with 'tax year', and allowing late TDS refunds.
• Relief for overseas expenses includes reduced TCS on foreign travel (2% from 5-20%) and education/medical remittances (2% from 5%), making international activities more affordable.
• Healthcare benefits include duty-free cancer medications and medicines for rare diseases, alongside cheaper electrical products like microwave ovens and TV equipment.
• Infrastructure and job creation initiatives feature new high-speed rail corridors, increased capital expenditure, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for energy savings.

Why It Matters: Despite no tax slab changes, Budget 2026 offers significant indirect relief and simplification for the middle class.