10 big changes will be implemented from April 1, 2026: Major changes in tax, salary, PAN, railway and banking rules.

New Delhi: With the beginning of the new financial year 2026-27, changes in many important financial rules have come into effect across the country. Like every year, this time too many new rules have come into effect from April 1, which will have a direct impact on the common man’s pocket and everyday life.

These changes include important areas like income tax, salary structure, railway tickets, banking, digital payment and PAN card. In such a situation, it is very important to understand these rules, so that you can do your financial planning in a better way.

1. Major change in income tax system

A new income tax law has been implemented from this financial year, which has replaced the old system. Now, to simplify the tax process, a single ‘Tax Year’ has been implemented in place of ‘Financial Year’ and ‘Assessment Year’.

Also, the last date for filing ITR-3 and ITR-4 has been extended to August 31.

2. Possible impact on take home salary

In case of implementation of the new labor code, the salary structure of the employees may change. According to the rules, it will be mandatory for 50% of the total salary to be basic pay.

This will increase the contribution to Provident Fund (PF), but the salary received every month may reduce. However, this has not been officially confirmed yet.

3. Benefit in gratuity will increase

The direct benefit of increase in basic salary will also be on gratuity. This means that the amount received at the time of leaving the job or retirement may be higher than before.

4. FASTag becomes expensive

National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has increased the price of FASTag annual pass. Now its price has increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075.

This pass is for non-commercial vehicles and can be used at around 1,150 toll plazas.

5. Railway ticket cancellation rules changed

Indian Railways has changed the rules for ticket cancellation. Now the refund will depend on how long ago the ticket has been cancelled.

• 72 hours ago: Almost full refund (minus some charges)
• 24 to 72 hours in advance: 25% fare reduction
• 8 to 24 hours before: 50% fare reduction

The biggest change is that now refund will be given if the ticket is canceled only 8 hours before the departure of the train. No refund will be given after this.

Also, on cancellation of e-ticket, the money will be returned directly to the account and now passengers can change the boarding station up to 30 minutes before the departure of the train.

6. New rules of PAN card

Now Aadhar card alone will not be enough to make PAN card. From April 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to submit other documents like birth certificate, voter ID, 10th mark sheet, passport, driving license or magistrate’s affidavit at the time of application.

7. Credit score will be updated faster

According to the new rules of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), now banks will have to update loan related information every week. With this, your credit score will be updated faster than before.

8. Tax rules on Sovereign Gold Bond

Sovereign gold bonds purchased from the stock market will now attract 12.5% ​​tax. However, tax exemption will continue if bonds purchased directly from RBI are held till maturity.

9. Charges on ATM transactions

Now only limited number of free transactions will be available from ATM. After this, fees will have to be paid on every transaction.

For example, after five free transactions from HDFC Bank ATM, UPI cash withdrawal will be charged at Rs 23 per transaction.

10. Increased security in digital payments

Now security has been further strengthened in the digital payment system. Two-factor authentication has been made mandatory for every transaction.

Now payment will not be completed only through OTP, but along with OTP, it will also be necessary to use PIN, password or fingerprint.

conclusion

All these changes, implemented from April 1, 2026, will directly affect decisions related to your salary, expenses and investments. In such a situation, it is very important for you to have correct information about these rules.