V.D. Satheesan presents Kerala budget easing taxes and arrears
Kerala's latest budget, presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, is all about making taxes a bit friendlier and helping people clear old dues.
The big highlights? Lower road tax for electric vehicles in certain price categories, some clarity on alcohol tax rates, and new arrear settlement and waiver schemes to help settle unpaid taxes without extra penalties.
Kerala EV tax cuts, arrear waivers
If you're eyeing an EV priced up to ₹10 lakh, your road tax drops from 5% to 3%. EVs in the ₹15-20 lakh range now get a tax cut too, from 8% down to 5%.
But if you're splurging on an EV over ₹40 lakh, expect a higher 15% rate.
Tourist busses have updated quarterly fees per seat and sleeper. Plus, there are new schemes that let people pay off old GST-related dues or even get arrears involving tax amounts above ₹50,000 but not exceeding ₹2 lakh completely waived, including interest and penalties, for tax arrears pertaining to assessment orders issued on or before March 31, 2027.