The income tax department has notified the cost inflation index (CII) for FY25, relevant to assessment year 2025-26, at 363, which is higher than 348 for FY24, and 331 for FY23. The CII is a tool used to measure inflation for computing long-term capital gains on the sale of assets, including immovable property, securities and jewellery.

The CII adjusts the purchase price of assets to reflect current inflation, ensuring that taxpayers are taxed on real gains rather than nominal gains inflated by general price increases. This adjustment is essential for maintaining a fair and reflective tax system. Without it, taxpayers could face disproportionate tax liabilities on gains that are primarily due to inflation rather than actual economic growth, experts say.

When selling assets such as immovable property, securities, or jewellery, the profit or gain from these assets tends to be high due to their increased sale price compared to the purchase price. As a result, assessees have to pay higher income tax on these gains. “Taxpayers can use this (CII) to calculate gains for the long term capital assets sold during FY25 and reduce the tax liability accordingly,” said Sandeep Sehgal, partner-tax, AKM Global.