Union Budget 2026-27 - Finance Bill, 2026

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) was introduced by the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2004 as a mechanism for efficient collection of tax on transactions in specified securities carried out through recognised market infrastructure. Under the STT framework, the obligation to collect and deposit the tax is placed on recognised stock exchanges, mutual funds in respect of equity-oriented schemes, insurance companies, or lead merchant bankers, as applicable. Over time, STT has become an integral component of the securities market ecosystem and supports the policy objective of promoting transparent, exchange-traded transactions.

2. The rates of STT have been revised periodically to reflect changes in market structure and trading behaviour. In view of the scale and depth achieved by the derivatives market, it is considered appropriate to undertake a calibrated revision of the applicable rates of STT on options and futures transactions.

3. It is proposed to increase the rate of STT on sale of an option in securities from 0.1 per cent to 0.15 per cent of the option premium, on sale of an option where the option is exercised from 0.125 per cent to 0.15 per cent of the intrinsic price, and on sale of a future in securities from 0.02 per cent to 0.05 per cent of the traded price. This will address issue of disproportionate increase in speculation in futures and options trading.

4. These amendments shall take effect from the 1st day of April, 2026, and the revised rates shall apply to transactions in options and futures in securities entered into on or after that date.

[Clause 143]

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Union Budget 2026-27 - Finance Bill, 2026