The Evolution of Income Tax in India
A decade ago, individuals earning above ₹2 lakh were liable to pay income tax. Today, due to reforms in exemptions and deductions, individuals earning up to ₹7 lakh are exempt under the new tax regime. This shift has significantly reduced the tax burden on low- and middle-income groups. In fact, in the financial year 2023-24, the average tax liability for this group was only ₹43,000, positioning India among emerging economies with the lowest tax liabilities for this income segment.

1. Rising Contributions from High-Income Groups
India’s tax data shows a notable rise in contributions from high-income individuals:
- The number of taxpayers earning above ₹50 lakh annually grew fivefold, from 1.85 lakh in 2013-14 to 9.39 lakh in 2023-24.
- Their tax contributions rose from ₹2.52 lakh crore to ₹9.62 lakh crore, accounting for a staggering 76% of total income tax collections.
Similarly, individuals with taxable income exceeding ₹1 crore increased fivefold, with salaried taxpayers constituting 52% of this category.
2. Middle-Class Tax Relief and Its Impact
The government has claimed a consistent reduction in the tax burden for individuals earning less than ₹20 lakh annually. For those earning less than ₹10 lakh, tax liabilities have seen a nearly 60% decline after adjusting for inflation over the past decade. This relief has provided much-needed financial flexibility to the middle class, stimulating consumption and contributing to economic growth.
3. Broadening the Tax Base
India’s efforts to improve tax compliance are evident in the 121% increase in individual income tax filers over the past decade, rising to 7.97 crore in 2023-24. Strong anti-evasion measures, simplified tax return forms, and the introduction of the new tax regime have played pivotal roles in this growth.
4. The Challenges: Why Simplification Is Crucial
Despite these advancements, the Income Tax Act remains complex and often daunting for taxpayers. Key challenges include:
- Complex Tax Brackets: Multiple slabs and varying rates create confusion and hinder transparency.
- Numerous Exemptions and Deductions: While beneficial, these add layers of complexity to tax calculations and filings.
- Compliance Burden: Filing taxes requires significant time and effort, discouraging some individuals from entering the tax net.
5. Recommendations for Income Tax Reforms
To address these challenges, comprehensive reforms are needed:
- Simplify Tax Brackets and Rates: Rationalizing income tax slabs will enhance clarity and encourage compliance.
- Extend Tax Relief to the Middle Class: Providing targeted relief to the middle-income group will boost disposable incomes, driving private consumption and domestic demand.
- Streamline Filing Processes: Further simplifying tax return forms and eliminating redundant provisions will reduce compliance burdens.
- Balance Tax Relief and Revenue Mobilization: Striking a balance between providing relief and ensuring steady revenue is crucial for sustainable growth.
The Road Ahead: Union Budget 2025
The Union Budget 2025 presents an excellent opportunity to introduce substantive tax reforms. Simplifying the Income Tax Act, rationalizing tax rates, and broadening the tax net will benefit both taxpayers and the government. These measures will not only improve compliance but also promote equitable economic growth.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of simplifying tax brackets?
Simplified tax brackets make the tax system more transparent and reduce the complexity of filing returns, encouraging higher compliance.
2. How has tax relief impacted the middle class in India?
Tax reforms have significantly reduced liabilities for individuals earning less than ₹10 lakh annually, freeing up disposable income for consumption and savings.
3. Why is broadening the tax net important?
A broader tax net ensures greater participation, higher revenue generation, and reduced dependency on a small group of high-income taxpayers.
4. What can we expect in the Union Budget 2025 regarding tax reforms?
The upcoming budget may focus on simplifying the Income Tax Act, rationalizing tax rates, and introducing measures to further reduce compliance burdens.
For more insights on tax reforms and financial planning, visit SmartTaxSaver.
Conclusion
India has made commendable progress in transforming its tax ecosystem, but the journey is far from complete. Simplifying tax brackets, reducing compliance burdens, and extending relief to the middle class are essential steps to further streamline the system. With a focus on these reforms, the government can create a fair, transparent, and efficient tax regime that supports India’s economic aspirations.