An image with a message is being circulated on social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups, claiming that senior citizens above 75 years of age will no longer have to pay income tax. However, PIB Fact checking has debunked the fake viral message in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "This message is fake."
A viral post reads, “The Modi government will not have to pay tax to the senior citizens of the country, because on the completion of 75 years of India's independence, senior citizens above 75 years of age will no longer have to pay tax on their income. According to the information given by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the central government has changed the law to provide tax exemption to senior citizens, which includes important changes between Rule 31, Rule 31A, Form 16 and 24Q, and senior citizens above 75 years of age will have to submit a 12-BBA application to the bank to get tax exemption.”
A team of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), a government of India fact-checking panel, debunked the fake viral message and clarified that the Centre has not given any tax relief to senior citizens above the age of 75.
The Narendra Modi government has not mentioned any such relief for senior citizens regarding tax relief. PIB Fact Check said, "Senior citizens above 75 years, with only pension and interest income, are exempt from filing ITR (as per Section 194P). Taxes, if applicable, are deducted by the specified bank after computing the income and eligible deductions."