Introduction
For more than six decades, India’s taxation framework was governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961. While it was a landmark law in its time, the Act became increasingly complex due to thousands of amendments, scattered provisions, and archaic language. Taxpayers, professionals, and businesses often struggled to interpret its dense legal text, leading to frequent disputes and compliance burdens.
Recognizing these challenges, the Government of India introduced the Income Tax Act, 2025, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. This new legislation is not about altering tax rates or due dates; it is about simplifying the tax experience. By streamlining sections, consolidating provisions, and embracing digital-first compliance, the Act aims to make taxation more transparent, predictable, and globally aligned.
Legislative Journey
The journey to the Income Tax Act, 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to consultation and reform:
- February 2025: Original Income-tax Bill introduced in Lok Sabha.
- July 2025: Parliamentary Select Committee submitted a detailed report with over 285 recommendations.
- August 2025: The original Bill was withdrawn, and a revised Income-tax (No. 2) Bill was introduced.
- August 12–21, 2025: Passed in both Houses of Parliament, followed by Presidential assent.
- April 1, 2026: The Act becomes effective.
This timeline shows how the government incorporated feedback from stakeholders, industry bodies, and tax professionals to ensure the new law is practical and future-ready.
Key Differences Between Income Tax Act, 1961 and 2025
| Aspect | Income Tax Act, 1961 | Income Tax Act, 2025 |
| Number of Sections | 819+ sections (expanded over decades with amendments) | 536 sections (sequentially numbered, simplified) |
| Chapters | 47 chapters | 23 chapters (logically reorganized) |
| Schedules | 14 schedules | 16 schedules (with tables & formulae for clarity) |
| Terminology | “Assessment Year” & “Previous Year” | Unified “Tax Year” (April–March) |
| TDS Provisions | Spread across multiple sections (192–194T) | Consolidated under Section 393 |
| Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) | Narrow definition, limited scope | Broader definition covering cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, and digital value systems |
| Default Tax Regime | Section 115BAC | Section 202 |
| Presentation Style | Dense legal language, fragmented structure | Plain language, streamlined layout, improved accessibility |
| Content Length | ~823 pages | ~622 pages (shorter, clearer) |
| Effective Date | Already in force | Applicable from April 1, 2026 |
Why the Change Was Needed
The 1961 Act had been amended nearly 65 times, with more than 4000 changes introduced through annual Finance Acts and separate Taxation Laws Amendment Bills. While these amendments were meant to keep the law relevant, they made it longer, fragmented, and harder to interpret.
- Exemptions and Deductions: Over time, numerous exemptions were added to encourage savings, exports, and social equity. While well-intentioned, they reduced the tax base and increased litigation.
- Legal Language: The Act was written in traditional legal style, with long sentences and multiple provisos, making it inaccessible to ordinary taxpayers.
- Outdated Provisions: Many sections no longer applied to modern realities but remained in the law, adding unnecessary complexity.
The 2025 Act addresses these issues by simplifying language, removing redundant provisions, and reorganizing sections logically.
Key Features of the Income Tax Act, 2025
1. Introduction of ‘Tax Year’
The Act replaces the confusing terms Assessment Year and Previous Year with a single, unified Tax Year. Defined as the financial year starting April 1, this change makes it easier for taxpayers to understand which period their income and filings relate to.
2. Streamlined Structure
Sections have been reduced from 819 to 536, and chapters from 47 to 23. The Act also introduces 16 schedules with tables and formulae for clarity. This structural simplification improves readability and reduces compliance errors.
3. Digital-First Enforcement
The Act embraces technology by enabling faceless assessments and digital compliance. It also defines Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) broadly, covering cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, and cloud-based holdings. This ensures India’s tax law keeps pace with global financial innovations.
4. Simplified Compliance
Provisions like Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), earlier scattered across multiple sections, are now consolidated under Section 393. This makes compliance easier for taxpayers, professionals, and authorities.
5. Dispute Resolution Framework
A more robust, taxpayer-friendly mechanism has been introduced to minimize litigation and foster trust between taxpayers and authorities.
Objectives of the 2025 Act
The reform is guided by four core objectives:
- Simplification: Replace archaic language and redundant provisions with clear, concise text.
- Digital Integration: Enable faceless assessments and reduce human interface.
- Taxpayer-Centric Approach: Improve ease of filing, reduce disputes, and enhance transparency.
- Global Alignment: Reflect contemporary realities, including taxation of digital assets and global income.
Conclusion
The Income Tax Act, 2025 represents a paradigm shift in India’s tax landscape. By reducing complexity, consolidating provisions, and embracing digital realities, it empowers taxpayers with clarity and confidence. While tax rates and due dates remain unchanged, the experience of compliance is set to become smoother, more predictable, and globally aligned.
This reform is not just about taxation, it is about building trust between taxpayers and the system. Guided by the vision of a developed and inclusive India, the Act lays the foundation for a transparent, efficient, and future-ready fiscal framework.