New Rules & Key Changes from July 1, 2025

As of July 1, 2025, the Government has implemented several new norms and changes that will impact citizens in various sectors. Here is a list of the key changes:

1. Financial and Tax-related Changes

• Aadhaar Mandatory for New PAN Applications: From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar verification is now compulsory for all new Permanent Account Number (PAN) applications. Other identification documents, such as a voter ID or birth certificate, are no longer sufficient for fresh PAN applications. This measure aims to enhance tax compliance and prevent the misuse of PAN cards.
• ITR Filing Deadline Extended: The due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26 has been extended from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025. This provides taxpayers with an additional 46 days to file their returns, helping to avoid a last-minute rush and potential errors. However, it is important to note that taxpayers with outstanding self-assessment tax must still pay it by July 31 to avoid interest charges.
• Revised Bank and Credit Card Charges: Several major banks, including SBI, HDFC, and ICICI, have revised their fees and service charges.
  • SBI Card: From July 15, 2025, the complimentary air accident cover on certain premium cards (e.g., ELITE, PRIME) will be discontinued. Additionally, the calculation of the Minimum Amount Due (MAD) on credit cards will now include GST, EMIs, and other charges, which could potentially increase the minimum payment required.
  • HDFC Bank: A 1% fee (capped at ₹4,999 per transaction) will be applied to rent payments, wallet reloads over ₹10,000, utility bills above ₹50,000, and gaming expenses over ₹10,000.
  • ICICI Bank & Axis Bank: Both banks have revised ATM and other service charges. For instance, Axis Bank has increased its ATM transaction fee beyond the free limit from ₹21 to ₹23. ICICI Bank has also revised fees for IMPS transfers, ATM withdrawals beyond the free limit, and branch cash transactions.
• Small Savings Scheme Interest Rates: The government is expected to announce new interest rates for various small savings schemes, such as PPF, NSC, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, for the quarter from July to September 2025.
• GSTR-3B Returns Become Non-Editable: The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has made monthly GSTR-3B filings non-editable after submission from July 2025 onwards. This is aimed at improving filing discipline and preventing backdated entries.

ndor2. Travel and Transportation

• Aadhaar Mandatory for Tatkal Train Ticket Booking:
  • From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication is compulsory for booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website and mobile app.
  • From July 15, 2025, OTP-based authentication linked with Aadhaar will also be mandatory for Tatkal bookings made at PRS counters and through authorized agents.
  • To curb misuse, authorized agents are barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the reservation period (10:00-10:30 AM for AC classes and 11:00-11:30 AM for Non-AC classes).
• Marginal Hike in Railway Fares: The Ministry of Railways has rationalized the basic fare for passenger train services. Fares for non-AC Mail and Express trains will increase by one paisa per kilometer, and for AC classes by two paisa per kilometer. There is no increase in suburban single journey fares or monthly season tickets.
• Fuel Ban for Overaged Vehicles in Delhi: The Government of NCT of Delhi has started enforcing a fuel ban on “End-of-Life” (EoL) vehicles from July 1, 2025. Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at petrol and diesel stations will check vehicle registration numbers against the VAHAN database to identify and deny fuel to overaged vehicles or those without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).