Budget 2026: No Tax Slab Change, Home Loan Relief; New vs Old Tax Regime Dilemma

• Budget 2026-27 brings no changes to tax slabs or home loan interest exemption limits, disappointing middle-class and salaried individuals.
• The government subtly promotes the New Tax Regime, despite no new tax reliefs being announced.
• Existing benefits under the New Tax Regime include a standard deduction of ₹75,000, NPS contributions up to 14% by the company, and tax exemption on family pension (up to ₹15,000 or one-third).
• The ₹2 lakh home loan interest exemption limit under Section 24(b) remains unchanged, a major blow to homeowners facing high property prices and interest rates.
• The Section 80TTA limit for savings account interest exemption stays at ₹10,000, falling short of public demand for an increase to ₹50,000 and inclusion of FDs.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 offers no new tax reliefs, leaving taxpayers to weigh the unchanged New vs Old Tax Regimes.