Middle class memes go from struggling to celebrating as Nirmala Sitharaman drops no-tax bombshell up to Rs 12 lakh
Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2025 surprised everyone by slashing taxes for the middle class, with no income tax up to Rs 12 lakh! The internet's loving it, with memes flooding in. Looks like taxes just got a lot more fun!

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman just dropped her eighth consecutive Union Budget—her first in the Modi government's third term. And let's be honest, being the person who decides how much of our hard-earned money gets taxed isn't exactly a low-profile gig. She's got quite the reputation for taxing anything that moves (or pops—remember the caramel popcorn tax memes?).
But with the Union Budget 2025, she's pulled off a complete 180, leaving the middle class actually cheering – and yes, our jaws are still on the floor.
Budget 2025: Income Tax slabs
In the Union Budget 2025, Nirmala Sitharaman pulled a total plot twist and actually made the middle class smile!
No income tax will be charged on earnings up to Rs 12 lakh (Rs 12.75 lakh with standard deductions), as she proudly announced to the sound of BJP MPs clapping and thumping desks, with PM Modi leading the cheer squad.
But wait, there’s more!
She also shook up the tax slabs, with rates climbing as income grows. So, if you’re between Rs 8-12 lakh, you’re taxed at 10%, and if you’re lucky enough to hit Rs 25 lakh, enjoy a 30% tax rate.
FM Sitharaman also announced that TDS rates will be simplified, and the tax deduction limit for senior citizens will be increased to Rs 1 lakh. She also suggested extending the deadline for filing updated returns from two to four years.
The TDS threshold for remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) will rise from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, the annual limit for TDS on rent will go up from Rs 2.4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh. Delays in paying TCS by the due date will no longer be criminalized, and TCS on education loans for remittances will be waived.
Looks like Nirmala Tai finally threw the middle class a bone! Who knew taxes could be this fun?
Check out the reactions here:
NO INCOME TAX UNDER 12L IS HUGE OH MY GOD
— Parle-G haters not welcome (@parleg_12) February 1, 2025
No Tax for up to ? 12 lakh income under new income tax regime.
— Ashutosh Srivastava ?? (@sri_ashutosh08) February 1, 2025
Meanwhile Salaried Middle Class Indian:-#NirmalaSitharaman #BudgetSession#Budget2025 #???2025 #IncomeTax pic.twitter.com/o2fMic4Sjm
No income tax upto 12 lacs
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 1, 2025
Working Class right now: pic.twitter.com/vWT8u3dvji
NO INCOME TAX UPTO RS 12 LAKH! pic.twitter.com/FunZJjyGvB
— Arjun* (@mxtaverse) February 1, 2025
No tax till 12 lac Appraisal to 13.5 lac#BudgetSession #NirmalaSitharaman pic.twitter.com/TQfYbCCUeV
— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) February 1, 2025
When people were asking for 10L no income tax slab, man came up with 12L no tax slab pic.twitter.com/yZSHI7pEcD
— Jahazi (@Oye_Jahazi) February 1, 2025
No tax till 12 lac p.a
— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) February 1, 2025
My friends with 12.5 lac package #BudgetSession #NirmalaSitharaman pic.twitter.com/jlZJSHRyCY
people earning ?100 from cashback are getting happy for no tax till ?12 Lakh income ? pic.twitter.com/EVcXmO4jeV
— k ? (@sarphiribalika_) February 1, 2025
No Tax Upto ? 12 lakh income ~ Nirmala Tai
— The Brain Doctor. (@DNeurosx) February 1, 2025
Le middle class ~ pic.twitter.com/RfONt0J3M4
Middle class person when no tax is involved till 12 lakhs #Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/afgd50ulYZ
— Vivek Gautam (@Imvivek04) February 1, 2025
We raised questions (and memes) and the Govt. heard them#Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/KMolbmV6gQ
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 1, 2025
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