Income tax returns (ITR) filing: 10 things set to change from April 1

Income tax returns (ITR) filing: As the new financial year kicks in, as a taxpayer, you must be aware of all the income tax changes that the Budget 2018 proposed to introduce from the financial year 2019. Knowing the changes in tax laws at the beginning of the new financial year will help you plan your taxes meticulously. To avoid any last minute rush next time around, and to ensure optimum tax savings, plan your investments and insurance purchases wisely in line with the tax laws. You should know that those who do not pay their taxes on time can be held liable and penalties may also be imposed on them.

Here are the key income tax changes that you must know about:

1) Health and Education Cess

While Budget 2018 didn't tweak the tax slabs for individuals and HUFs, it abolished Education, Secondary and Higher Education cess of 3 per cent, replacing it with a new cess – Health and Education Cess. The Health and Education cess will be levied at the rate of 4 per cent including surcharge.

2) Reintroduction of Standard Deduction

Budget 2018 proposed a Standard Deduction of a maximum of Rs 40,000 for salaried employees starting April 1. This deduction will replace conveyance allowance, which has a limit of Rs 19,200, and medical reimbursements, which are limited to Rs 15,000. The net benefit may be around Rs 5,800 at best. However, for those in the highest tax slab, the actual benefits of this may be worth a few hundred rupees.  

3) Deduction in interest income for senior citizen

Currently, a deduction of up to Rs 10,000 under Section 80TTA is allowed to all individuals in respect of interest income from deposit accounts (not being time deposits) held with any bank, co-operative society and post office. in FY19, senior citizens can avail some extra benefit. From April 1, their interest income up to Rs 50,000 will be tax-free, instead of current limit of Rs 10,000. 

4) Deduction for medical expenditure for critical illness

Under the existing provisions, the deduction for medical expenditure for critical illness is limited to Rs 60,000 for senior citizens above 60 years age and Rs 80,000 for super senior citizens above 80 years age. The Budget 2018 enhanced the above deduction limits to Rs 100,000 uniformly for both categories.

5) Deduction for health insurance, medical expenditure for senior citizens 

Under the existing provisions, a maximum deduction of Rs 30,000 is allowed for health insurance premium including Rs 5,000 towards preventive health check-up for resident senior citizens. Alternatively, very senior citizens can claim a deduction of Rs 30,000 for payment towards medical expenses where there is no insurance. A maximum deduction of up to Rs 50,000 can be claimed from FY19. Besides, senior citizens can also claim the deduction for medical expenditure.

6) Tax-free withdrawals on NPS

Tax free withdrawals on National Pension System (NPS) will now be available to both employee subscribers as well as non-employee subscribers. Tax-free withdrawals will be available to the tune of 40 per cent of the total amount payable to employees on closure of their account or if they opt out.

7) LTCG tax on equities

The Budget 2018 reintroduced long-term capital gains (LTCG) of 10 per cent on equity investments in case capital gains exceed Rs 1 lakh in a year. Also, no benefit of indexation will be given.

8) Single premium health insurance policies

Opting for a single premium health insurance plan for a cover exceeding one year will now mean tax deduction on offer on a proportionate basis starting April 1, 2018.

9) Dividend distribution tax on MFs

From April 1, a 10 per cent dividend distribution tax will be charged on mutual funds with a dividend option. The tax will be applicable at the time of availing dividends. 

10) Compensation on termination or modification of employment

A large segment of compensation receipts in connection with employment are out of the purview of taxation leading to base erosion and revenue loss. Budget 2018, therefore, proposed to amend section 56 of the I-T Act. any compensation or other payments due to or received by any person in connection with the termination or the modification of the terms and conditions of any contract relating to his employment shall be taxable under the head income from other sources. Such sums received by individuals will be taxed in their hands at the applicable slab rate. As per the budget proposals, the highest tax rate for an individual who has a taxable income of more than Rs one crore is nearly 36 per cent.