What is New Direct Tax Code (DTC)?

The Direct Tax Code (DTC) aims to simplify and reform the existing tax framework in India. It seeks to consolidate various direct taxes and streamline procedures. DTC proposes to replace the Income Tax Act, of 1961, and Wealth Tax Act, of 1957 and is expected to come into effect in the 2026-27 financial year.

Key Provisions That Will Affect Your Tax Returns

Learn how the proposed Direct Tax Code (DTC) aims to streamline tax filing, redefine key provisions, and enhance compliance starting in 2026.

Simplified Tax Structure:

DTC will classify taxpayers simply as residents or non-residents, eliminating the complex categories of Resident and Ordinarily Resident (ROR) and Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR).

• The terms "Assessment Year" and "Previous Year" will be removed, with only "Financial Year" used for tax filings.

Capital Gains Tax:

• Capital gains will be treated as regular income, simplifying the taxation process. The distinction between short-term and long-term capital gains will be removed for most assets, except for listed securities.

Expanded Audit Roles:

• Company Secretaries (CS) and Cost and Management Accountants (CMA) will be allowed to conduct tax audits, expanding the pool of professionals who can assist with tax compliance.

General Anti-Avoidance Rules:

• New rules will be introduced to prevent tax avoidance strategies, ensuring that tax liabilities are fairly assessed.

Implementation Timeline

• The DTC is expected to be introduced alongside the Budget and will gradually replace the existing tax framework starting from April 1, 2026.

Key Provisions DTC

Explore the transformative provisions of DTC from revised tax slabs to streamlined filings, fostering fairness and simplicity in taxation.

Revised income tax slabs:

DTC proposes a simplified structure for income tax slabs. This adjustment seeks to provide relief to lower-income groups while potentially increasing rates for higher earners.

Streamlined deductions and Exemptions:

Existing deductions may be revised or eliminated. This aims to broaden the tax base and ensure a more equitable distribution of tax liabilities.

Voluntary disclosure Scheme:

The new code encourages taxpayers to voluntarily disclose their income. This provision intends to reduce litigation and penalties, promoting a transparent tax environment.

Easier filing process:

DTC introduces a user-friendly online filing system. This aims to simplify tax return submissions, making it tax regulations easier.

International Taxation Reforms:

Provisions to address international taxation will be more stringent. This includes measures to prevent tax evasion and enhance cooperation between countries.

New Wealth Tax Framework:

DTC proposes replacing the existing wealth tax with a more transparent system. Aiming fair assessment of wealth for tax purposes.

Tax Credit Revision:

Adjustments to tax credits may occur, impacting the overall tax liability for individuals and businesses.

Targeted incentives for investment:

The code may introduce specific incentives to encourage investments, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and technology.

Impact Of DTC

The proposed Direct Tax Code (DTC) could change how you file returns by introducing new tax slabs, reshaping deductions, and updating rules for capital gains and compliance.

On Tax Returns

The Direct Tax Code (DTC) is set to significantly impact tax returns by simplifying the tax structure and altering key provisions. One major change is the introduction of simplified tax slabs for individuals, with;

• Rates of 10% for income between ₹2 to ₹5 lakh;
• 20% for ₹5 to ₹10 lakh;
• and 30% for income above ₹10 lakh, which could lead to lower tax liabilities for many taxpayers.

Additionally, DTC will eliminate most deductions and exemptions, although it will increase the standard deduction for salaried individuals to ₹75,000, potentially simplifying the filing process. Capital gains will be taxed as regular income, removing the distinction between short-term and long-term gains for most assets, which may affect investment strategies. Furthermore, the expanded application of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) will encourage more regular tax payments, impacting cash flow for taxpayers.

Tax Reforms

Here are the key highlights of Tax Reforms:

1. Direct Tax Code (DTC) Implementation: DTC is set to replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961, aiming to streamline and simplify tax laws for better compliance.
2. Simplified Tax Structure: DTC will categorize taxpayers as residents or non-residents, eliminating complex classifications.
3. Revised Tax Rates: Individual tax rates will be structured into three slabs: 10% for income between ₹2 to ₹5 lakh, 20% for ₹5 to ₹10 lakh, and 30% for income above ₹10 lakh. Corporate tax rates will be standardized at 30% for both domestic and foreign companies.
4. Capital Gains Tax Changes: Capital gains will be treated as regular income, simplifying the taxation process. The distinction between short-term and long-term capital gains will be removed for most assets, except for listed securities.
5. Deductions and Exemptions: Most existing deductions and exemptions will be eliminated, although the standard deduction for salaried employees will increase to ₹75,000. This aims to simplify the filing process.
6. Expanded Audit Roles: Company Secretaries (CS) and Cost and Management Accountants (CMA) will be allowed to conduct tax audits, broadening the professional support available for tax compliance.
7. General Anti-Avoidance Rules: New rules will be introduced to prevent tax avoidance strategies, ensuring fair assessment of tax liabilities.
8. Implementation Timeline: The DTC is expected to be introduced with the Budget and will gradually replace the existing tax framework starting from April 1, 2026.

New Tax Rules India

New Tax Rules in India for introduce significant changes aimed at simplifying the tax landscape and enhancing compliance.

Revised Income Tax Slabs

Emerge, potentially lowering rates for lower-income earners while adjusting higher brackets. This aims to create a more equitable tax burden.

Restructuring of deductions and exemptions

Many existing deductions may be eliminated, broadening the tax base, and ensuring more individuals contribute fairly to revenue.

Voluntary disclosure scheme

Encourages taxpayers to come forward with undisclosed income, reducing litigation and promoting transparency.

Electronic Filing

A user-friendly online system simplifies the submission process, making it accessible for all taxpayers and reducing errors.

International Taxation

Addresses cross-border issues, ensuring global corporations contribute appropriately to the national revenue.

Targeted Incentives for Investment

Aims to stimulate economic growth in key sectors.

Direct Tax Code Impact On Taxpayers

Direct Tax Code (DTC) is poised to significantly impact taxpayers in India by simplifying the tax filing process and altering tax liabilities. Individual tax rates will be revised into three slabs, potentially lowering tax burdens for many, while the standard deduction for salaried employees will increase to ₹75,000, providing additional relief. The treatment of capital gains as regular income will simplify investment taxation, although it may lead to higher tax liabilities for some. Furthermore, the expansion of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) will apply to nearly all income types, promoting regular tax payments and compliance.

DTC Provisions Explained

The Direct Tax Code (DTC) introduces significant provisions overhauling the tax system in India.

Firstly, it features the revised income tax slabs, which are designed to lower rates for lower-income earners while potentially increasing rates for higher-income brackets.

Secondly, the restructuring of deductions and exemptions broadens the tax base by eliminating many existing benefits, which may raise taxable incomes for individuals.

Thirdly, the voluntary disclosure scheme encourages taxpayers to declare undisclosed income, thereby promoting transparency and reducing penalties for non-compliance.

Additionally, a user-friendly online filing system simplifies the filing process, making compliance more accessible.

Lastly, DTC includes international taxation reforms to address cross-border taxation issues, ensuring fair contributions from multinational corporations.

Conclusion

The proposed Direct Tax Code (DTC) is designed to make India’s direct tax system simpler, cleaner, and easier to follow by reducing complexity in classifications, improving reporting, and tightening compliance. If implemented as planned from FY 2026–27, it could bring major changes in how taxpayers calculate and file returns, especially through revised income tax slabs, a possible rework of deductions and exemptions, and a new approach to taxing certain incomes like capital gains. For salaried individuals, the shift may mean fewer complicated claims and a more straightforward filing experience, while businesses and high-value taxpayers may see stronger anti-avoidance checks, broader TDS/TCS coverage, and closer reporting requirements. Because the final version of DTC can differ from proposals, the best approach is to track official announcements, review how your current tax planning (investments, deductions, and capital assets) may be affected, and prepare early. If you’re unsure how the new rules may impact your income, investments, or compliance obligations, consult a chartered accountant or tax professional to plan safely and avoid last-minute surprises.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not amount to tax, legal, or financial advice. DTC provisions, slabs, deductions, and timelines may change, please verify latest official updates and consult a qualified CA/tax or Legal Expert before acting.