Income-tax rates and surcharge framework set for 2026, with agricultural income rules, advance tax treatment, and health and education cess.

Income-tax for the tax year commencing on 1 April 2026 is charged at the rates in Part I-B of the First Schedule, together with surcharge for the purposes of the Union. The section prescribes special treatment for agricultural income, special surcharge rates and caps for different classes of assessees, rules for tax deduction, tax collection and advance tax, and formula-based limits in specified cases. The tax so computed is further increased by a 4 per cent Health and Education Cess, subject to stated exceptions.

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