Budget 2026 Considers Optional Joint Tax Filing for Married Couples in India

Ahead of Budget 2026, the Indian Finance Ministry is considering allowing married couples to file joint income-tax returns, a proposal recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This optional system would enable couples to combine incomes and potentially double exemption limits, benefiting especially single-income families by reducing their tax burden. The reform aims to align India’s tax system with models in countries like the USA and Germany, while allowing taxpayers to choose between joint or individual filing.