Top 10 things that change for your finances from April 1, 2026: From new PAN application norms, FASTag fee to income tax & ATM rules

Top 10 changes to your finances (AI image)

It’s the start of a new financial year 2026-27, and from today, April 1, 2026 several small and big changes in the way you manage your finance, and income tax come into effect. Some of the changes affect credit card users, FASTag subscribers, RuPay debit cardholders. Here are some of the key revisions scheduled for implementation from the start of the new financial year.Revised PAN application normsUntil March 31, 2026, individuals could apply for a PAN card using Aadhaar as the sole document. From April 1, 2026, however, applicants will need to furnish additional documentation. Applicants can submit any of several documents as proof, such as a birth certificate, voter ID card, Class 10 certificate, passport, driving licence, or a magistrate-issued affidavit. With this update, those seeking a PAN are expected to have these documents prepared beforehand to prevent potential processing hold-ups. Going forward, the name printed on the PAN card will mirror the details recorded in the applicant’s Aadhaar, making it essential for individuals to ensure that their Aadhaar information is accurate.Increase in FASTag annual pass chargesThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised the annual FASTag pass fee for the financial year 2026–27. The cost will rise from the existing Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075, with the updated fee becoming effective from April 1, 2026.Changes to ATM usage rulesMultiple banks, including HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank and Bandhan Bank, have revised their policies related to ATM cash withdrawals, including applicable charges and limits. These updated rules will be implemented starting April 1, 2026.New Income Tax Rules 2026Effective April 1, 2026 the Income Tax Act 2025 is applicable doing away with the decades old Income Tax Act 1961. The new act has several important changes with implications for salaried taxpayers in terms of higher HRA limits for some cities, higher exemption limits etc. You can read about it in detail here:Changes to SBI Card benefitsSBI Card has introduced modifications to the benefits associated with its Cashback SBI Card. From April 1, 2026, the redemption framework has been updated, with statement credit redemptions for select cards now allowed only in multiples of 4,000 reward points.Revisions to RuPay debit card lounge accessRevisions to RuPay debit card lounge access Starting April 1, 2026, holders of RuPay Platinum debit cards will lose access to airport and railway lounges. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has communicated these changes to member banks via a circular, signaling an update to the lounge access perks associated with specific RuPay debit cards.Updates by HDFC BankHDFC Bank has announced a series of changes that will affect its customers, including revisions to lending rates, fixed deposit returns, ATM withdrawal norms and locker fees. While some of these updates have already been rolled out, the remaining changes will come into force from April 1, 2026.Two-factor authentication normsThe Reserve Bank of India has reiterated that all digital payment transactions must comply with two-factor authentication requirements. Although no specific method has been mandated, the system has largely relied on SMS-based one-time passwords as an additional verification layer. These guidelines will come into effect from April 1, 2026, unless specified otherwise for certain provisions.Revised rules for Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) From April 1, 2026, the benefit of tax-free redemption on Sovereign Gold Bonds will be limited only to original investors who retain their holdings until maturity. Investors who purchase these bonds in the secondary market will be subject to a 12.5% Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax at the time of maturity, which reduces the overall returns compared to the earlier framework.Lower TCS on overseas spending The Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applicable on foreign travel has been brought down, offering some relief to travellers. Previously, tour packages attracted a 5% TCS for amounts up to Rs 10 lakh and 20% for amounts exceeding that threshold. Under the revised structure, a uniform 2% TCS will now be levied on the entire cost of the tour.Furthermore, the tax collected at source (TCS) on remittances for education and medical expenses overseas has seen a reduction. Previously, the rate was 5% for amounts exceeding Rs 10 lakh. It’s now been cut to 2%, which should lessen the financial strain on those sending money abroad for educational or medical purposes.