Zero tax up to Rs 12 lakh, but not on capital gains? Why Budget 2026 must fix this anomaly

Budget 2026 is urged to align capital gains tax with income tax slabs and the Section 87A rebate, currently excluding these benefits. Experts suggest an inflation-linked exemption for long-term capital gains on equities and extending the Rs 1.25 lakh exemption to all asset classes to ensure fairness and simplify taxation for investors.