The Union Budget 2025 introduces a significant relief for fixed deposit (FD) holders by increasing the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) threshold on interest income. The limit has been raised to ₹50,000 for general citizens (up from ₹40,000) and ₹1 lakh for senior citizens (doubling from ₹50,000). This change will take effect from April 2025 and aims to simplify tax deductions while easing the financial burden on depositors, particularly retirees.
New TDS Limits on Fixed Deposit Interest
📌 For General Citizens: The TDS threshold is now ₹50,000, compared to the previous ₹40,000.
📌 For Senior Citizens: The exemption limit has doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, offering significant tax relief.
This means less TDS deduction on interest earnings, allowing depositors to retain more of their money.
How TDS on Fixed Deposit Interest Works
TDS is deducted when FD interest earnings exceed the specified threshold in a financial year. Banks deduct 10% TDS if the depositor provides their PAN card, whereas 20% is deducted without PAN details.
Example:
🔹 Rahul, a 40-year-old depositor, earns ₹80,000 in FD interest annually. With the revised ₹50,000 limit, only ₹30,000 will be subject to TDS. At 10%, he will pay ₹3,000 as TDS.
🔹 Rahul’s father, aged 65, earns ₹95,000 in FD interest. Since the senior citizen limit is now ₹1 lakh, no TDS will be deducted on his interest income.
This reform is a huge relief for senior citizens, helping them retain more of their fixed deposit returns.
Benefits of Higher TDS Limits in Budget 2025
✅ Less TDS Deduction: More interest income remains tax-free.
✅ Financial Relief for Retirees: Senior citizens benefit from ₹1 lakh exemption, reducing their tax burden.
✅ Simplified Tax Filing: Those earning interest below the threshold don’t need to worry about TDS deductions.
✅ Encourages Fixed Deposits: Higher exemptions promote safer investment options for depositors.
A Positive Move for Fixed Deposit Holders
The increase in TDS limits under Budget 2025 is a welcome change for taxpayers, especially retirees who depend on fixed deposit interest for income. By raising the threshold to ₹50,000 for regular citizens and ₹1 lakh for senior citizens, the government ensures that more money stays with depositors, reducing their financial stress and simplifying tax compliance.
This reform is expected to encourage savings in fixed deposits while offering greater financial security to millions of taxpayers across India.
