Bhubaneswar, Feb. 1 -- The Union Budget 2026-27 may not have delivered instant cheer for middle-class salaried taxpayers, but a closer look reveals several measures aimed at easing financial pressure and supporting long-term stability.

While there is no major overhaul of tax slabs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth budget focuses on policy continuity, compliance relief and indirect benefits that matter to middle-income households.

Income Tax: Status Quo Continues

For salaried taxpayers, there is no fresh tax relief this year. The government has retained the existing tax structure, under which income up to Rs 12 lakh remains tax-free. With the standard deduction of Rs 75,000, the effective tax-free income stands at Rs 12.75 la...