Income Tax Act, 2025 – Major Updates and Amendments Explained
Income Tax Act, 2025 – Major Updates & Amendments
Most provisions will be effective from Tax Year 2026–27, while some changes apply from FY 2025–26.
Definitions & Buyback Taxation
Section 2(32)
Reference to the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 has now been specifically added.
Buyback of Shares – Section 2(40)(f) & 69
Buyback is no longer treated as deemed dividend. It will now be taxed as capital gains.
Transaction Domestic Promoter Other than Domestic Promoter
STCG 2% 10%
LTCG 9.5% 17.5%
Business Income (PGBP)
Employee Contribution to PF/ESIC – Sec 29
Deduction allowed only if deposited before due date of return under Sec 263(1).
Capital Gains
Sovereign Gold Bonds – Sec 70(1)(x)
Redemption of Sovereign Gold Bonds is not treated as transfer if held till maturity.
Income from Other Sources
Dividend Deduction Removed – Sec 93
No deduction allowed against dividend income. Earlier 20% interest expense was allowed.
Deductions
IFSC & Offshore Banking Units – Sec 147
Deduction extended from 10 years to 20 years from incorporation.
Co-operative Societies – Sec 149
100% profit deduction for supply of milk, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, cotton seed and cattle feed.
Dividend Deduction – Sec 150
Federal co-op societies eligible for dividend deduction subject to conditions up to Tax Year 2028–29.
Transfer Pricing
Reference to TPO – Sec 166
TPO report must be submitted 1 month before limitation expiry.
APA Modified Return – Sec 169
Modified return to be filed within 3 months from end of month of APA. Associated enterprise can also file.
Undisclosed Income
Tax reduced from approx 78% to 39%, but misreporting penalty increased to 200% of tax.
Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)
MAT rate reduced from 15% to 14%.
No new MAT credit allowed from Tax Year 2026–27.
Assessment & Return Filing Changes
Due Date – Sec 263(1)
ROI due date extended to 31 August for certain assessees.
Revised Return – Sec 263(5)
Revised return allowed within 12 months (earlier 9 months).
Updated Return & Reassessment
Loss return can now be reduced through updated return without converting into income return.
TDS & TCS Amendments
  • No TDS on interest paid by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
  • TCS rate revised to 2% for scrap, minerals, liquor, tendu leaves.
  • LRS for education/medical above ₹10 lakh → 2%.
  • Lower TDS certificate can be applied electronically.
  • TAN not required for resident individual buying property from non-resident.
Penalty & Prosecution Changes
  • Late fee for SFT reduced to ₹200 per day (max ₹1 lakh).
  • Audit delay late fee introduced.
  • Crypto non-compliance penalty ₹200 per day.
  • Immunity allowed even for misreporting cases (subject to conditions).
New Exemptions Added
  • Disability pension to armed forces → Exempt.
  • Interest on MACT award → Exempt.
  • Land acquisition compensation → Exempt.
  • Foreign company supplying capital goods → Exempt (subject to conditions).
The Income Tax Act, 2025 introduces structural changes across MAT, penalties, TDS/TCS, assessment timelines and exemptions. Businesses and professionals should review compliance strategy before Tax Year 2026–27.