The most loyal taxpayer in India is also the most ignored. - He doesn’t default on EMIs. - She doesn’t evade tax. - They don’t qualify for subsidies. - They don’t get startup exemptions. - And they definitely don’t have time to chase loopholes. They’re called the Indian Middle Class, and they’re paying the price for everyone else. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: ✅ Only 5.8 crore Indians filed income tax returns last year. But nearly 80% of the government’s personal income tax revenue came from just 1.5 crore salaried individuals, mostly middle class. ✅ Despite this, the middle-income group gets no major benefits in Budget 2025: - No standard deduction hike - No home loan relief (Section 24b capped) - No increase in 80C limits (₹1.5 lakh since 2014) - No pension/social security safety net Meanwhile… 🧾 Subsidies continue for the lower-income group (rightly so) 🏦 Tax incentives continue for businesses and HNIs 💼 Political promises are aimed at the poor or the rich — never the salaried middle We earn just enough to be ineligible for benefits. But not enough to afford private everything. - No free healthcare - No affordable education - No fuel subsidies - No tax deductions - Still paying 20–30% tax with zero negotiation power And when we ask for relief, we’re told to invest in ELSS or buy insurance. In short: Middle-class India is not just taxed. It’s used. - Used to fund schemes. - Used to meet fiscal deficit targets. - Used as a silent ATM with no political voice. 📢 It’s time we asked hard questions: - Why does the tax system punish the most compliant segment? - Why hasn’t the ₹1.5 lakh 80C limit changed in a decade? - Why are salaried people taxed before they even see their income, unlike every other group? If you're middle class and frustrated, you're not alone. You’re not bitter. You’re just tired of being invisible.