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Income-Tax(No.2) Bill, 2025 - Key Highlighted & Changes Explained

Income-Tax(No.2) Bill, 2025 - Key Highlighted & Changes Explained

On August 11, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income-Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. This version builds upon the February draft but incorporates 285 recommendations from the Parliamentary Select Committee led by Baijayant Panda.

The Bill represents one of the most significant overhauls of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, aiming to create a simpler, clearer, and more taxpayer-friendly law. It promises modernized administration, reduced litigation, and greater transparency through digital integration.

Income-Tax(No.2) Bill, 2025 - Key Highlighted & Changes Explained

Key Features of the Bill

₹12 lakh annual exemption retained - offering relief to middle-income earners.

Simplified structure - Sections reduced from ~819 to 536, with 23 consolidated chapters.

Faceless, digital-first assessments - minimizing human interaction and potential corruption.

Enhanced taxpayer protections - refunds allowed after ITR deadlines without penalties, and prior notice before any action.

Restrictions on anonymous donations - to certain charitable and religious institutions.

Single “Tax Year” concept - replacing “Previous Year” and “Assessment Year.”.

Guided by S.I.M.P.L.E. principles - Streamlined, Integrated, Minimised litigation, Practical, Learn-and-adapt, Efficient.

Detailed Insights

Background and Purpose

The old Income-Tax Act had become complicated after decades of amendments. The new Bill aims to reduce complexity, improve clarity, and align with today's economic realities.

Structural Improvements

Clearer language - to remove ambiguity.

Fewer cross-references - for easier reading.

Digital integration - for faster, transparent processes.

Taxpayer-Friendly Reforms

Higher exemption limits.

Faster dispute resolution through time-bound cases.

Easier refunds and advance notices to taxpayers.

Business Impact

Predictable taxation for better planning.

Lower compliance burden for SMEs and startups.

Reduced legal battles, saving costs and time.

Old vs New Income-Tax Structure

Income SlabOld System (Pre-2025 Bill)New System (2025 Bill)
₹0 - ₹3,00,000No taxNo tax
₹3,00,001 - ₹6,00,0005% of income above ₹3L5% of income above ₹3L
₹6,00,001 - ₹9,00,00010% of income above ₹6L10% of income above ₹6L
₹9,00,001 - ₹12,00,00015% of income above ₹9L15% of income above ₹9L
₹12,00,001 - ₹15,00,00020% of income above ₹12L20% of income above ₹12L
₹15,00,001 and above30% of income above ₹15L30% of income above ₹15L
Exemption Limit₹7,00,000 (with rebate)₹12,00,000 (with rebate)

Timeline for Implementation

PhaseNoImplementation PeriodKey Actions / Changes
Phase-1August 2025Bill passed in Lok Sabha with committee recommendations
Phase-2Aug-Sep 2025Rajya Sabha review and Presidential assent.
Phase-3Oct-Dec 2025Rule-making and income-tax portal updates.
Phase 4Jan-Mar 2026Awareness drives and dry runs of new systems.
Phase 5April 1, 2026Full implementation of slabs, exemption, faceless assessments, and dispute timelines.

Conclusion

The Income-Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025 is a landmark in India's tax reforms. By focusing on simplicity, fairness, and efficiency, it aims to build trust between taxpayers and the government. The retained ₹12 lakh exemption, digital-first approach, and time-bound dispute resolution are set to transform tax compliance into a smoother, more transparent process.

Once implemented, it won't just modernize India's tax system - it will make it easier for individuals and businesses to comply, encouraging a stronger, more investment-friendly economic environment.