Old vs New Income Tax Act – Section-wise Comparison

Old Income-tax Act, 1961 vs New Income-tax Act, 2025

Union Budget 2026 has laid the foundation for a new Income Tax Act, 2025, which will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961 in the coming assessment years. While core tax principles remain unchanged, the law has been structurally reorganised through logical renumbering to improve clarity, readability, and compliance.

Key Section Mapping: Old Act vs New Act

Heads of Income
Old: Section 14 | New: Section 13
Five heads of income remain unchanged with better structural placement.
Income from House Property
Old: Section 22 | New: Section 20
Chargeability and computation principles continue.
Deductions from House Property
Old: Section 24 | New: Section 22
Standard deduction and interest on borrowed capital remain intact.
Business or Profession Income
Old: Section 28 | New: Section 26
Core charging provisions retained.
Depreciation
Old: Section 32 | New: Section 33
Block of assets concept continues.
Disallowed Expenses
Old: Section 40A | New: Section 36
Restrictions on cash and excessive expenses preserved.
Actual Payment-Based Deductions
Old: Section 43B | New: Section 37
Expenses allowed strictly on payment basis.
Presumptive Taxation
Old: 44AD / 44ADA / 44AE | New: Section 58
Consolidated into a single section for simplicity.
Books of Account & Tax Audit
Old: 44AA / 44AB | New: 62 / 63
Compliance framework remains unchanged.
Capital Gains Framework
Old: 45, 47, 48, 49 | New: 67, 70, 72, 73
Charging, computation and exemption structure remains intact.
New Tax Regime
Old: Section 115BAC | New: Section 202

Revised ITR Due Dates – AY 2026–27

Category Due Date
Individuals (ITR-1 & ITR-2) 31 July 2026
Non-audit business cases & Trusts 31 August 2026
Tax Audit Cases 31 October 2026
Transfer Pricing Cases 30 November 2026

Belated, Revised & Updated Returns

Belated / Revised Return: 31 March 2026
Updated Return (ITR-U): 31 March 2031
Late Filing Fee
Income up to ₹5,00,000: ₹1,000
Income above ₹5,00,000: ₹5,000
The New Income Tax Act, 2025 represents a structural rewrite rather than a conceptual overhaul. Familiar provisions continue with clearer sequencing, consolidated sections, and improved readability. Along with revised ITR timelines, the changes aim to make compliance more predictable and taxpayer-friendly.