Budget 2026: Major Income Tax Slab Changes Expected, Relief for Salaried Class?

• Salaried individuals and the middle class anticipate tax relief in Union Budget 2026 amidst household budget pressures.
• Discussions are intensifying about offering married couples the option of joint income tax filing, treating the family as a single economic unit.
• The new tax regime, introduced in Budget 2020 and enhanced in Budget 2025, made income up to ₹12 lakh almost tax-free.
• Experts suggest small, incremental tax reforms are more likely than major slab changes, focusing on inflation relief.
• Demands include increasing standard deduction, revising Section 80C limits, and raising the highest tax slab income limit.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 may introduce joint tax filing for couples and incremental relief, but major slab changes are unlikely.