Tax slabs likely to rise

The government in all probability could raise the tax slab, as nothing much had been done last year on this count. In fact, not much benefits were given to individual tax payers. This year the de-monetization impact may force the government to push tax slabs higher. While many individuals are expecting the tax slab to be raised to Rs 5 lakhs, that would be overly optimistic. At best one can expect the basic tax slab to rise to Rs 30,00,00. What this means is that individuals would at most save Rs 5,000 as tax. If it is raised further expect higher tax savings.

Tax benefits limit maybe raised

There is also a possibility that tax limits under Sec 80C could be raised. This is largely to channelize savings. Presently, investors investing up to Rs 1.5 lakh per year in instruments like PPF, insurance premium, school tuition fees, EPF, ULIPS, ELSS etc., qualify for a tax exemption. This limit could be raised to Rs 2 lakhs.

Interest on housing loans

Interest on housing loans presently allows you to claim interest deductions of up to Rs 2.5 lakhs. This could be increased giving a boost to the real estate sector in India, which has been suffering following de-monetization. Presently, one can also avail Sec 80C benefits for principal amount of housing loan paid upto Rs 1.5 lakhs.. Housing has been a priority of the government of India and it is likely that benefits this year could once again come in the form of housing loans.

Capital gains on shares

Presently, there is no capital gains that is payable on the sale of shares after one year. In other instruments like gold, capital gains is payable even after three years. This is a serious anomaly that has to be corrected. In all probability the government may re-define short term as a period of up to three years.

Service tax maybe raised

The government may also raise the service tax from the current rate of 15 per cent. This is largely to align the same closer to the GST rates, which are expected at 18 per cent. What this means is that mobile phone, dining at restaurants etc., may become expensive. The government had already raised the service tax rates last year to 15 per cent and this may even go up further. 

Tax on the super rich

There maybe some surcharge on the super rich as well, as the government continues to look for income to push growth. How much that would be and whether it would actually happen is more speculative to guess.