Bhubaneswar, Jan. 29 -- With the Union Budget just a couple of days away, public anticipation is steadily mounting. Taxpayers across the country are keenly watching what Finance MinisterNirmala Sitharaman will announce in the 2026-27 Budget, hoping for significant relief measures.

Salaried employees and the middle class, in particular, are expecting changes in income tax provisions. There is strong speculation that the standard deduction, currently Rs 75,000, may be increased to Rs 1 lakh or more. Additionally, there is a demand for raising the income tax exemption limit from the existing Rs 12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh to offset rising inflation.

Taxpayers are also seeking revisions in tax slabs. At present, income above Rs 24 lakh is taxed a...