Search interest around Budget 2026 income tax changes for FY 2026–27 and AY 2027–28 has increased, especially regarding new tax slabs, ITR filing dates, and TDS–TCS provisions. To avoid misinformation, it is important to clarify that tax changes become applicable only after official budget presentation and notification. This article explains the current verified position, what is officially announced versus what is pending, and how the Ministry of Finance implements income tax rules.
Have New Income Tax Slab Rates Been Announced for FY 2026–27
As of now, no officially notified income tax slab rates for FY 2026–27 (AY 2027–28) are in force. Any new slabs or changes can be confirmed only after the Union Budget is presented in Parliament and followed by amendments to the Income Tax Act. Until then, existing slab structures continue to apply.
Income Tax Slab Structure: Current Reality
| Category | Official Status |
|---|---|
| New tax slab rates | Not notified |
| Old tax regime | Continues unless amended |
| New tax regime | Continues as default (as per last law) |
| Surcharge changes | Not announced |
| Rebate changes | Not announced |
ITR Filing Dates for AY 2027–28
ITR filing dates are notified each year through circulars issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. As of now, ITR due dates for AY 2027–28 have not been officially announced. Historically, timelines are declared after the budget and may be extended through official notifications if required.
TDS and TCS Rules: What Is Confirmed
TDS and TCS provisions continue to apply as per existing sections of the Income Tax Act. Any rate changes, threshold revisions, or new compliance rules require explicit budget announcements and follow-up notifications. No new TDS or TCS changes have been notified specifically for Budget 2026 yet.
Why Tax Change Claims Circulate Before the Budget
Tax-related claims often circulate due to pre-budget expectations, expert suggestions, or media speculation. These discussions do not carry legal validity unless reflected in the Finance Bill and passed by Parliament.
What Taxpayers Should Do
Taxpayers should continue compliance under current rules, maintain proper records, and wait for official announcements after the budget. Using unofficial slab charts or assumed dates may lead to filing errors.
Key Facts
- No new income tax slabs are officially notified for FY 2026–27
- ITR due dates for AY 2027–28 are not announced yet
- TDS and TCS rules remain unchanged unless notified
- Only the Finance Act makes tax changes legally valid
- Official CBDT notifications are the final authority
Conclusion
Budget 2026 will determine any changes to income tax slabs, ITR timelines, and TDS–TCS rules, but no such changes are legally in force yet. Taxpayers should rely only on official budget documents and government notifications for accurate and binding information.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Income tax provisions are subject to parliamentary approval and official government notifications.