• Source:JND
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Regulatory changes India 2025: A range of regulatory changes affecting income tax filing, credit card charges, railway ticket bookings and PAN card applications will come into effect from July 1, 2025. These new rules, announced by various government and banking bodies, are set to impact individual taxpayers and customers of major banks such as SBI, HDFC and ICICI.

Aadhaar Now Mandatory For New PAN Cards

Starting July 1, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made Aadhaar verification compulsory for applying for new PAN cards. Until now, applicants could use any valid government-issued ID such as a driving licence or birth certificate. In addition, existing PAN holders must link their PAN with Aadhaar by December 31, failing which their PAN may be deactivated.

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Tatkal Train Tickets To Require Aadhaar Verification

Railway passengers booking Tatkal tickets will now have to undergo Aadhaar verification. Moreover, from July 15, the Indian Railways will implement two-factor authentication for all bookings. This will involve an OTP sent to the registered mobile number. A small hike in train fares is also expected – around 1 paisa per km for non-AC coaches and 2 paise for AC coaches.

ITR Filing Deadline Extended

Taxpayers now have more time to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR). The deadline, initially set for July 31, has been extended to September 15. However, those ready with documents are advised to file early to avoid website traffic and technical glitches closer to the deadline.

Credit Card Rule Updates

SBI, HDFC and ICICI are introducing revised policies affecting cardholders:

SBI will discontinue air accident insurance for premium cardholders, such as SBI Elite and Miles cards. The bank is also changing the method for calculating the minimum amount due on monthly bills.

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HDFC Bank will now charge a 1 per cent transaction fee (up to Rs 4,999) for rent payments and online gaming expenses over Rs 10,000. A similar charge applies to utility bill payments over Rs 50,000, excluding insurance. Loading over Rs 10,000 into digital wallets using an HDFC card will also attract this fee.

ICICI Bank has revised ATM transaction rules. Customers can make five free cash withdrawals at ICICI ATMs, after which they’ll pay Rs 23 per transaction. Non-bank ATM use is limited to three free transactions in metros and five in smaller towns. Charges apply beyond this limit. International ATM use will cost Rs 125 per withdrawal and Rs 25 for balance checks, along with a 3.5 per cent currency conversion charge. IMPS transfer charges will now range from Rs 2.5 to Rs 15, based on the transaction value.

Additional charges also apply to cash deposits above Rs 1 lakh and third-party deposits beyond Rs 25,000.