Bhubaneswar, Feb. 3 -- Budget 2026 has left middle-class taxpayers disappointed, with no changes in income tax slabs or the standard deduction, even as several indirect tax and regulatory measures threaten to increase everyday expenses.

Salaried taxpayers, who had hoped for relief amid rising living costs, found little comfort in the Finance Minister's proposals. Instead, a series of policy changes announced in the Budget are expected to raise costs and reduce post-tax returns for many households.

One major change is the increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options, which will make trading costlier for retail and active market participants. The move is likely to impact individuals who rely on derivatives for i...