Income Tax cuts likely for income up to ₹15 Lakh!

The government is considering cutting income tax for individuals making up to Rs 15 lakh a year in February's budget to provide relief to the middle class and boost consumption as the economy slows, two government sources told the news agency, Reuters.

The move could benefit tens of millions of taxpayers, especially city dwellers burdened by high living costs, if they opt for a 2020 tax system that strips exemptions like housing rentals.

Under that system, annual income of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 15 lakh is taxed at between 5% to 20%. Higher income draws 30%.

Indian taxpayers can choose between two tax systems: a legacy plan that allows exemptions on housing rentals and insurance, and a newer one introduced in 2020 that offers slightly

The sources, who did not want to be named because they were not authorised to talk to the media, said they had not decided on the size of any cuts. A decision would be taken closer to the budget on Feb. 1, they said.

The finance ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The sources declined to share revenue loss from any tax cut, but one said reducing tax rates would make more people choose the new system that is less complicated.

India gets a bulk of its income tax from persons earning at least Rs 10 lakh, the rate for which is 30%.

More money in the hands of the middle class might help rev up the economy, the world's fifth-biggest, which grew at its slowest pace in seven quarters between July and September. High food inflation is also biting into demand for goods ranging from soaps and shampoos to cars and two-wheelers, particularly in urban areas.

The government has also been facing political heat from the middle class over high taxes, and growth in wages is unable to catch up with the pace of inflation.