Question : TAX ON ALL INCOMES



(a) whether the Union Government has decided to tax all incomes from interest;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor; and

(c) the manner in which the Government will safeguard the interests of pensioners and senior citizens?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)

(a) and (b) Finance Act, 2005 has omitted section 80L of the Income-tax Act. Accordingly, deduction of Rs.15,000/- on income by way of interest on government securities and of Rs.12,000/- on income by way of interest on National Savings Certificates, debentures of public sector companies, deposits with banking companies or financial corporations, etc., shall not be available from assessment year 2006-07. (c) The exemption limit for individuals has been raised from Rs 50,000/- to Rs.1,00,000/- and in the case of senior citizens, it has been further increased to Rs.1,85,000/-. Besides, section 80C inserted by Finance Act, 2005 provides for deduction up to Rs.1,00,000/- of the amount deposited in specified saving schemes. -