India Govt. Weighs Joint Tax Filing for Couples Ahead of 2026 Budget

India’s Finance Ministry is weighing an ICAI proposal to let married couples file joint tax returns with a higher Rs 8 lakh basic exemption and wider slabs, including a 30% rate above Rs 48 lakh. Experts see relief for single-income families, but warn that PAN-linked systems, TDS design and equity concerns must be carefully managed.