Union Budget 2026: Key Announcements Expected for Home Loans, Mutual Funds, Middle Class

• Union Budget 2026 to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1st.
• Expectations for income tax reforms and HRA exemptions are high, despite previous year's exemptions.
• Potential changes include increased HRA benefits, reinstatement of 182-day residency rule for NRIs, and higher standard deduction.
• Demands for capital gains tax exemption on equity and mutual funds for incomes under 12 lakh rupees.
• Requests for health insurance premium tax exemption under the new tax regime and increased home loan interest exemption up to 5 lakh rupees.

Why It Matters: Union Budget 2026 is anticipated to bring significant tax relief and benefits for the middle class.