The budget made the following key changes to direct taxes:
1. Corporate tax was reduced to 25% for companies with turnover less than Rs. 250 crores.
2. Education cess was replaced with a 4% "Health and Education Cess".
3. Standard deduction of Rs. 40,000 was introduced for salaried employees but other allowances were removed.
4. Long term capital gains on equity investments exceeding Rs. 1 lakh will be taxed at 10% if STT was paid.
No other changes were made to individual income tax slabs.