From Tax to PAN to LPG, Major Rule Changes Take Effect from April 1; Check Full Details

April 2026 New Rules: There will be many significant changes in the lives of the common man from April 1, 2026. The rules announced in the 2026 Budget will now be implemented. These new rules will directly impact your finances, investments and daily activities. Therefore, it is very important for you to understand these changes in time. Let’s take a look at the rules that will change from April 1 and affect your personal life.

These rules will change from April 1-

Big relief in PAN rules

The government has simplified the rules related to PAN in some cases. For example, from now on, PAN will not be required to be provided for cash deposits or withdrawals up to Rs 10 lakh per year in banks or post offices. Similarly, PAN will not be required to be provided for the purchase of a car or bike worth up to Rs 5 lakh. PAN card will not be mandatory for buying or selling property worth up to Rs 20 lakh. Moreover, even if you spend up to Rs 1 lakh on hotels, restaurants or other events, you will be exempted from the obligation to provide PAN card details. These decisions will give some relief to the public from the hassle of paperwork.

Change in ITR filing date

The deadline for filing income tax returns has also been changed. Businesses and professionals who do not require an audit can now file their ITR by August 31 instead of July 31. This means they will have an extra month. However, the last date for filing ITR-1 or ITR-2 for salaried individuals and taxpayers remains July 31. This change is being considered as a relief for small businesses and professionals.

PAN mandatory while buying insurance

From now on, PAN card will be mandatory for buying all types of insurance policies. Earlier, this rule was applicable only for large investments, but now PAN details will be required for every policy, be it big or small. Moreover, interest on compensation received from Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) will no longer be taxed, which is a relief for the victims.

Stock market transactions costlier

From April 1, stock market transactions will become slightly costlier. Securities Transaction Tax (SST) on futures trading will increase from 0.02% to 0.05%. Tax on option premium will increase from 0.10% to 0.15%. Additionally, 0.15% tax will be levied on option exercise.

Tax exemption for children’s education

The most reassuring news for middle-class families is the education of children. The exemption on education allowance has been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 3,000 per child per month. The hostel allowance deduction has been increased from Rs 300 to Rs 9,000 per month. These benefits are available for a maximum of two children and for those who opt for the full no tax regime. So, this can be a big tax saving opportunity for parents who want to educate their children in hostels.

Buying property from NRIs is now easier

If you are buying a house or land from an NRI, then you will no longer need to get a separate TAN number to deduct TDS. TDS can be deducted only through PAN. This will simplify and expedite transactions between Indians living abroad and property buyers in India.

LPG cylinder price change

Oil marketing companies fix the price of LPG gas cylinders on the first day of every month. The new price will also be published on April 1.

CNG, PNG and aviation fuel prices

The price of Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) also changes on the first date. This increase or decrease in price can make air tickets more expensive or cheaper. Moreover, revisions in the prices of CNG and PNG are also possible, which will directly impact motorists and household gas users.

Changes in credit card rules

The proposed draft Income Tax Rules 2026 are expected to come into effect from April 1, 2026. Under it, if an individual makes a payment of Rs 10 lakh or more using one or more credit cards in a financial year, the bank will have to report this information to the Income Tax Department.

Bank holidays in March

Banks will remain closed for several days in March due to festivals like Holi, Gudi Padwa, Eid, Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti. There will be a total of 18 bank holidays, including Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. These changes can impact the daily lives and finances of the common man, so it is important to stay informed in advance.

Overall, these changes, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026, will affect everyone, including individuals, investors and businesses.

What will be the overall impact on your pocket?

• You will get relief in small transactions, but the government will tighten its grip on large transactions and market speculation.
• It will be easier to buy small cars and affordable properties.
• Tax savings on children’s education will increase.
• Trading will become more expensive.
• PAN will be required while buying insurance.
• The tax system will become more digital and tracking-based.

This means that April 1, 2026, is no longer just a date on the calendar, but a new part of your financial planning. So, it is better to update your investments, tax plans and documents before the end of March. This time, the changes are not small, they are directly related to your pocket.

(Note: This news is based on general information.)