The last budget presented by the government was widely welcomed by everyone. There were many key measures taken for the benefit of taxpayers. Now that the new financial year: 2019-2020, has dawned upon us, let us look at these changes already in effect.

1. Key Tax Changes:

The important thing here to note is that the tax slabs have not changed and the earlier tax slabs will continue. However, there does exist a few benefits and concessions to the taxpayers.

Tax rebate: The tax rebate available earlier for individuals earning annual income up to Rs 3.5 lakh has been now increased. The total income threshold is now Rs.5 lakh which means an increase in the tax rebate from Rs 2,500 to Rs 12,500. However, this rebate is available only to persons having net taxable income up to Rs.5 lakhs and for others with higher net income, this benefit will not be applicable.

Standard Deduction: The Standard Deduction available to salaried employees has been increased from Rs.40,00 to Rs.50,000. With this change, there is an additional tax saving of up to Rs 3,120 for individual taxpayers earning between Rs.10 to 50 lakhs.

2. TDS Limits:

The Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) limits has been changed significantly for the current financial year. The important thing to note is that while the applicable tax does not change on the income, TDS limit extension does benefit small investors as it will reduce the hassles of claiming a refund where the annual income is below exemption limit.

Interest Income: The threshold for deduction of tax at source on interest earned from banks and post office deposits has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000.

Rental Income: The Rent Limit for deduction of tax has been increased to 2,40,000 from 1,80,000 in the previous year.

3. Real Estate:

Some pretty important changes were made related to real estate taxation norms. This will surely benefit a lot of owners and the real estate markets as well.

Notional Rent: From this year, you will not be required to pay income tax on notional rent from your 'second' house lying vacant. Effectively, 'self-occupied' definition is extended to two houses if the other is not let out. Earlier if an individual had more than one house property, he was required to treat anyone as 'self-occupied' and was required to calculate notional rent and pay tax on the other properties accordingly, irrespective of whether the property was on rent or not.

Capital Gains: This year onwards, a taxpayer can claim exemption from capital gains on the sale of house property if the sale proceeds are invested to purchase/construct up to 'two' house properties. This benefit was available to only one property earlier subject to conditions. This benefit shall only be applicable if (a) the long-term capital gains shall not exceed Rs 2 crore and (b) the benefit is claimed only once in the taxpayer’s lifetime.

New GST Rates: The GST is an important component for the housing sector and effective this year, the rates have been further rationalised. For on-going under-construction projects, there is now an option either to charge the GST at 12% with an input tax credit (ITC) or at the new rate of 5% without ITC. In the case of affordable housing, these rates will be 8% with ITC or 1% without ITC.

Popular tax saving avenues:

An important element of income tax rules and also tax planning process for investors is the tax saving provisions available to them. For the new financial year FY 2019-2020, let us have a look at the various options and limits available to us, most of which is a continuation of the previous year.

Apart from the above popular tax saving avenues, there are also some important deductions available for rebate /eligible expenditure made which may not be applicable to all but is still widely used.  

Note: The income tax details are indicative in nature. Please consult your financial advisor /tax expert for more details.