The Union Budget 2026-27 is out. At FatafatLoot, we won’t give you the sugar-coated take you see on TV. We’ve gone through the details. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The salaried middle class is mostly left with little to show for it.
The “Big Zero” for Income Tax Payers
If you were hoping for higher tax exemption limits or changes to tax slabs, keep waiting. Despite high inflation, income tax slabs remain unchanged.
Our take: When costs rise, but tax slabs stay fixed, you end up paying a “Silent Tax” every year. The government’s focus is on the fiscal deficit, but the middle-class deficit often gets ignored.
Moving on, let’s look at the changes affecting.
If you’re hustling by trading, the government’s message seems clear: stop. The STT on Futures and Options (F&O) is now up by 25% to 50%.On Futures and Options (F&O), prices have gone up by 25% to 50%.
The Impact: This is a massive blow to retail traders. Every trade you take now will incur a higher loss due to higher taxes. While the goal is to curb “speculation,” it feels like another way to squeeze the small investor.
The “Personal Import” Silver.
Here’s the update: Customs duty on goods imported for personal use or as gifts is now 10%, down from 20%.
Fatafat Tip: If a friend is coming from the US or Dubai, or you order a gadget from an international site, your total cost just dropped significantly.
Mobile Phones: Sasta or Just “Same-Sa.”
The government has lowered tariffs on mobile phone components, such as camera modules and battery covers, to support “Make in India.”
New phones might be 2-3% cheaper, but expect only slight price drops, as brands are likely to retain savings.
The Real Hack: Since new phone prices are staying high and tax slabs haven’t changed, the refurbished market is now the best way for a middle-class family to get a top device without overspending.
Check out our sister site, ResellBazaar.in, for the latest deals.
The Independent Verdict: Winners vs. Losers
| Category | The Verdict | Why? |
| Salaried Employees | LOSERS | Domestic phones are slightly cheaper; Personal imports are sasta. |
| Retail Traders | LOSERS | Higher STT makes profitable trading harder. |
| Global Travelers | WINNERS | TCS cut from 20% to 2% is a huge upfront saving. |
| Cancer Patients | WINNERS | 17 life-saving drugs are now Duty-Free. |
| Gadget Lovers | NEUTRAL | Domestic phones slightly cheaper; Personal imports sasta. |
FatafatLoot’s Final Word
This budget may strengthen the government’s finances, but it may not directly impact your wallet. If you’re a middle-class Indian, you might not see significant new benefits from the government this year. Consider these steps to save: Optimise your taxes by making the most of the New Tax Act 2026.
- Next, spend smart; choosing refurbished tech over new can help you save up to 40%.
- Cut back on F&O trades and focus more on long-term investments, where STT has less impact.
Joginder Poswal is an IT professional who became an advocate, aiming to make digital and legal topics easier to understand for Indians. With over 15 years of experience in IT infrastructure and a law degree, he focuses on cybersecurity, digital compliance, and fintech solutions. He shares practical advice on how technology and finance work together within Indian regulations.