The new financial year, starting April 1, 2025, has ushered in several key regulatory changes affecting income, expenses, and savings. These modifications include revised tax slabs, increased toll taxes, updated LPG and natural gas prices, UPI payment adjustments, and banking rule amendments. Here’s a look at the 10 most significant changes that could impact your finances.

1. Toll Tax Hike

Road travelers should prepare for increased toll charges. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised toll rates by ₹5 to ₹10 on major highways, including the Lucknow-Kanpur, Varanasi-Gorakhpur, and Lucknow-Ayodhya routes. Toll rates are also increasing in Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Karnataka.

2. LPG Cylinder Price Cut

The price of commercial LPG cylinders has been reduced, bringing some relief to businesses. According to Indian Oil’s new rate list, the cost of a 19 kg commercial cylinder has dropped by ₹41 to ₹45, now priced at ₹1,762 in Delhi (previously ₹1,803). However, domestic cylinder prices remain unchanged at ₹901.

3. Hike in CNG, PNG, and ATF Prices

A 4% increase in natural gas prices has led to a rise in CNG and PNG costs. This adjustment, effective from April 1, 2025, is expected to impact transportation and household expenses.

4. New Income Tax Slab

As per the Budget 2025-26, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually under the new tax regime will be exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, a standard deduction of ₹75,000 applies, making incomes up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free. Those opting for the old tax regime can continue availing existing deductions.

5. UPI Payment Policy Update

Inactive UPI accounts will be deactivated from April 1. If you haven’t used your UPI-linked account for an extended period, you may need to reactivate it before making transactions.

6. Launch of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

The central government has introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees. Employees completing a minimum of 10 years in service will be eligible for a pension of at least ₹10,000 per month. Applications for UPS can be submitted from April 1, 2025.

7. New RuPay Debit Card Features

NPCI has enhanced RuPay Debit Card benefits, including perks such as spa sessions, accident insurance, access to golf courses, airport lounges, OTT memberships, free health checkups, and cab coupons.

8. Changes in Credit Card Rewards

Several banks, including SBI and Axis Bank, have modified their credit card reward programs. Updates include revised reward structures for Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card and SimplyCLICK Credit Card. Additionally, following the Air India-Vistara merger, new benefits have been introduced for Axis Bank’s Vistara Credit Card holders.

9. Banking Rule Modifications

Major banks, including SBI and PNB, have revised minimum balance requirements for savings accounts. Failure to maintain the prescribed balance may result in hefty penalties.

10. Updates to DigiLocker and GST Rules

Investors can now store their Demat and CAS statements in DigiLocker for added convenience. Additionally, multi-factor authentication has been made mandatory for logging into the GST portal, enhancing data security.

With these sweeping changes, individuals and businesses must stay informed and adjust their financial strategies accordingly.