Changes that 1st April will bring

As per Union Budget 2018, there are several changes that will come into being from the new financial year which will commence on 1st April. Here is a list of Changes that taxpayers will witness from 1st April 2018: -

• Change in Cess

There was no significant change in Tax Slab for the individuals and HUFs, as per Union Budget 2018, but it abolished Education, Secondary and Higher Education Cess that summed up to 3%. This cess was replaced by Health and Education Cess that is supposed to be levied at 4% including surcharge.

• Standard Deduction

According to Budget 2018, standard deduction of up to Rs 40,000 can be claimed by an Individual who are salaried employees from 1st April. This deduction will replace conveyance allowance that is Rs. 19,200 and medical reimbursements that comes up to Rs. 15,000. The maximum benefit, which an individual will get from this change, is Rs. 5,800.

• Deduction for Senior Citizens

Currently, a deduction of Rs. 10,000 can be claimed under section 80TTA for the individuals with respect to the interest income from the deposit accounts held in any co-operative bank or Post Office. For Financial Year 2018-19, the interest of up to Rs. 50,000 will be income tax free for senior citizens.

• Deduction for Medical Expenditure

Earlier, the deductions that a taxpayer could claim was Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 80,000 for critical illness of Senior citizens and Super Senior Citizens respectively. As per Budget 2018, from 1ST April, the taxpayers who fall under the category of Senior and Super Senior Citizens can claim a deduction of Rs. 1lakh for their medical expenditure.