New rules from July 1, 2026: Aadhaar, passport, ITR deadline, credit card and railway changes you must know

Several important financial and regulatory changes are set to come into effect from July 1, 2026, impacting taxpayers, bank customers, credit card users, passport applicants, vehicle buyers, and Aadhaar cardholders. These changes could have a direct impact on household budgets and financial planning. From free Aadhaar email updates to revised credit card benefits and higher passport fees, here are the key changes taking effect from the start of July.

ITR Filing Deadline Approaching

Taxpayers filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 for the financial year 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27) must submit their income tax returns by July 31, 2026. Missing the deadline could result in penalties.

Those filing belated returns between August 1 and December 31 may have to pay a penalty of up to Rs 5,000 if their annual income exceeds Rs 5 lakh. Taxpayers with income below Rs 5 lakh may face a penalty of Rs 1,000.

Aadhaar Email Update Becomes Free

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has waived the Rs 75 fee for updating the registered email address linked to an Aadhaar card.

The service will be available free of cost from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Users can update their registered email address through the Aadhaar mobile application without paying any fee during this six-month period.

SBI Credit Card Reward Program Changes

SBI Card has announced changes to the reward point structure for select PhonePe SBI Credit Cards.

The revised rules will apply to PhonePe SBI Credit Card PURPLE and PhonePe SBI Credit Card SELECT BLACK from July 1, 2026. The changes include revised reward point earning limits and an expanded list of transactions that will not qualify for reward points.

HDFC Credit Card Lounge Access Rules Revised

HDFC Bank has updated the eligibility criteria for complimentary domestic airport lounge access.

Starting July 1, 2026, cardholders will be eligible for up to three free domestic airport lounge visits per calendar quarter. However, customers must spend at least Rs 60,000 in the preceding quarter to qualify for the benefit.

For example, customers seeking lounge access during the July-September quarter must have spent Rs 60,000 or more between April and June 2026.

Passport Fees to Increase

Applying for a passport is set to become more expensive from July 1.

The Ministry of External Affairs has increased service charges for both normal and Tatkal passport applications in India and abroad. As a result, applicants will have to pay higher fees for passport-related services from next month.

RBI Introduces New Rules Against Mis-Selling

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is implementing new regulations aimed at preventing the mis-selling of financial products by banks.

Under the new framework, customers who have been sold financial products through misleading or incorrect practices may be eligible for refunds and compensation for losses incurred. The regulations come into effect from July 1, 2026.

Railway Rules Become Stricter

Several railway-related penalties are also being revised.

The fine for carrying dangerous goods on trains will increase from Rs 250 to Rs 500, while serious violations could attract penalties of up to Rs 10,000 and even imprisonment in certain cases.

In addition, selling goods without a valid licence could attract a fine of Rs 2,000. Passengers found travelling in women's compartments may face penalties of up to Rs 2,500.

LPG, CNG and PNG Prices Under Watch

Consumers may see revisions in LPG, CNG and PNG prices from July 1 amid recent fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Meanwhile, the deadline for consumers with both LPG and PNG connections to shift to PNG ends on June 30. Reports suggest that those who fail to comply may face disruption of LPG services, although official confirmation is still awaited.

EPFO 3.0 Rollout Expected

The government is expected to roll out EPFO 3.0 in early July.

The upgraded system may allow private sector employees to withdraw Provident Fund (PF) money through UPI and ATM networks, making PF access faster and more convenient.

Car Prices Set to Rise

Vehicle buyers may have to pay more from July 1 as several automakers prepare to increase prices.

Kia India has announced a price hike of 2% across its vehicle range, while Tata Motors plans to increase prices of both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles by up to 1.5%.

July 2026 will bring several changes affecting taxation, banking, travel, transportation and personal finances. Taxpayers, credit card users, Aadhaar holders and vehicle buyers should take note of these updates to avoid penalties and make informed financial decisions.