Key Takeaways
- The new Income Tax Act 2025 is in force from April 1, 2026 — verify your tax regime selection.
- SEBI's BER change means more transparent mutual fund costs — check updated SIDs.
- SGB secondary market buyers now face capital gains tax even at maturity.
- IRDAI's no-age-bar rule means your elderly parents can now get health cover for the first time.
- Register on Bima Sugam to create your centralised digital insurance record.
Introduction
April 1, 2026 was not just the start of a new financial year — it was the most significant reset of India's financial rules in recent memory. New Income Tax Act. New SEBI MF regulations. Changed insurance norms. Tax rule shifts for gold bonds. If you have not reviewed your finances since April 1, here are 10 changes you need to act on now.
What Are the Most Important Financial Rule Changes in India from April 2026?
| # | What Changed | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Income Tax Act 2025 replaced the 1961 Act from April 1, 2026 (CBDT) | Verify your tax regime choice for FY 2026-27 with your CA |
| 2 | SEBI renamed TER to Base Expense Ratio (BER); statutory levies separated | Check updated BER in SID for all your mutual funds |
| 3 | SGB maturity now taxable for secondary market buyers | Review your SGB holdings — check if you are an original or secondary subscriber |
| 4 | IRDAI Risk-Based Capital framework adopted | Check solvency ratios in IRDAI Annual Report for your insurer |
| 5 | IRDAI: no age bar for health insurance; PED waiting period to 3 years | Review parents' health cover — explore new products |
| 6 | GST removal on insurance premiums recommended (verify gazette notification) | Check with insurer at next renewal for updated premium |
| 7 | STT on F&O (futures & options) derivatives increased | Frequent F&O traders: recalculate profitability after higher STT |
| 8 | Single Form 15G/H submission via depositories covers all instruments | Submit Form 15G/H once — verify current process at NSDL/CDSL |
| 9 | ELSS deduction under 80C not available in new tax regime | If in new regime, do not rely on ELSS for tax saving — use NPS 80CCD(1B) |
| 10 | Bima Sugam insurance marketplace launched | Register on Bima Sugam to digitise your insurance record |
Which of These Changes Affects You Most?
For salaried investors: Changes 1, 2, 8, and 9 are most immediately relevant. For insurance buyers: Changes 5, 6, and 10. For gold investors: Change 3. For derivative traders: Change 7. For HNI investors: Changes 4 and the SIF introduction (a new investment product category under SEBI). Every single change has a specific action attached — review each in the table above.
A Word on Verification
Some of the above changes were pending official gazette notification as of early 2026. For changes 6 (GST removal on insurance) and 8 (single Form 15G/H via depositories), verify the current status directly with your insurer or depository. Regulatory implementation timelines can shift. Always check the CBDT, SEBI, and IRDAI official websites for confirmed effective dates.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general financial education and awareness only. It does not constitute personalised investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Please consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.
Tax treatment depends on your individual tax status, holding period, and applicable tax regime. This blog does not constitute tax advice. Please consult a Chartered Accountant before making tax-related investment decisions.
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Baid Inbest LLP is an AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor. ARN: 86114. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised investment advice.
Baid Solutions Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd. is a Licensed Insurance Direct Broker. IRDAI Registration No.: 831. Office: 6th Floor, Suite #608–609, Ashoka House, 3A Hare Street, Kolkata – 700001.
Need a complete financial health review for FY 2026-27? Contact Inbest at www.inbestnow.com or call +91 99039 21999 for a free consultation.
