Select measures taken by the finance minister in the past four Budgets that made you richer—or poorer
Service tax raised from 8% to 12%; plus 1% surcharge and several new services
Impact: Poorer
Securities transaction tax of 0.15% introduced after removing long-term capital gains tax on equities
Impact: Richer
Senior Citizens Savings scheme at 9% interest rate for people above 65 years
Impact: Richer
RBI tax-free bonds scrapped. Relaunched at lower interest rate and made taxable
Impact: Poorer
Tax-free income threshold raised to Rs 1.1 lakh a year for males, Rs 1.45 lakh for females and Rs 1.95 lakh for senior citizens
Impact: Richer
Tax on cash withdrawal of over Rs 25,000 a day from current account of banks
Impact: Poorer
Omnibus Section 80C replaces web of tax rebates. Annual exemption limit raised to Rs 1 lakh
Impact: Richer
Fringe benefit tax introduced to bring a number of perks under the income tax net
Impact: Poorer
2% education cess levied on all taxes; later raised to 3%
Impact: Poorer
1-by-6 scheme to determine obligation to file return abolished
Impact: Neutral
Tax exemption on interest income of up to Rs 10,000 a year removed
Impact: Poorer
