Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill, amends LTCG tax provision on immovable properties

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Finance Bill 2024, after the government relaxed the just-introduced new capital gains tax on real estate, giving taxpayers the option to switch to a new lower tax rate or stay with the old regime that had a higher rate with indexation benefit.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget for 2024–25, proposed to lower the long-term capital gains tax on real estate to 12.5 percent from 20 percent, but without the indexation benefit, moved an amendment to the bill to give the option.

Indexation benefit allows taxpayers to arrive at the cost price of the property after adjusting for inflation.

The amendment came after the new provision was criticised for raising tax incidence and disincentivising investments in real estate.

The major amendment in the Bill relates to the restoration of the indexation benefit on sale of properties bought prior to July 23, 2024.

Now, individuals or HuFs who purchased houses before July 23, 2024, can opt to pay LTCG tax under the new scheme at the rate of 12.5 percent without indexation, or claim the indexation benefit and pay 20 percent tax.

The Lower House later approved the bill with 45 official amendments by voice vote.