Budget 2019 vs previous budgets: What Modi govt gifted to income tax payers in last 4 budgets

Budget 2019 vs previous budgets: What Modi govt gifted to income tax payers in last 4 budgets  

Budget 2019 vs previous budgets: Modi government will be announcing its first interim Budget on February 1st, 2019. The interim budget is expected to have some surprises for tax payers as the government is planning to woo the middle-class working population before the crucial Lok Sabha elections. The first Budget of BJP-led NDA government was introduced as a base for 'achhe din'. It was firmly welcomed by the salaried tax payers as it increased the basic exemption limit and the tax deduction under Sec 80 C. However, people were expecting more in the subsequent Budgets. While some more exemptions have been offered to taxpayers, Budgets have also levied additional taxes.

Here is the tax timeline since 2014:-

Budget 2015 

Modi government took charge in 2014. After assuming charge, the government introduced an additional exemption of Rs 50,000 on contribution to the National Pension Scheme (NPS). Also, Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme (SSS) was made tax free. The exemption on health insurance premium was also increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. While tax-free transport allowance limit hiked from Rs 800 to Rs 1,600 per month. The wealth tax was abolished by the new government but a surcharge on individuals with income above Rs 1 crore was raised from 10% to 12%.

Budget 2016 

In the year 2016, the exemption for rent payers raised from Rs 24,000 to Rs 60,000. An additional exemption of Rs 50,000 for new home buyers on loans up to Rs 35 lakh. A surcharge on income above Rs 1 crore was too increased from 12% to 15%.

Budget 2017 

The tax rate for income between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh was reduced from 10% to 5% in the budget 2017. Also, a 10% surcharge was introduced for income between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore.

Budget 2018 

Modi government made medical allowances taxable. The budget also witnessed an increase in cess from 3% to 4% for taxpayers. Moreover, 10% tax on LTCG from equities exceeding Rs 1 lakh.