New Delhi: Starting March 1, 2025, several important financial and regulatory changes will come into effect, impacting mutual funds, demat accounts, LPG prices, fixed deposit (FD) interest rates, UPI payments, tax slabs, and GST security. These changes will affect everyday transactions, investments, and tax liabilities. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing and how it might impact you.

1. New Rules for Mutual Funds and Demat Account Nominations

As per the latest SEBI guidelines, major changes will be implemented in the nomination process for mutual funds and demat accounts to ensure seamless asset transfer to rightful heirs.

Key Changes:

Mandatory Nomination for Single Holder Accounts – If investors fail to add a nominee, their account may get frozen.
Up to 10 Nominees Allowed – Investors can now nominate up to 10 people for their assets.
Required Details for Nominees – PAN, Aadhaar (last four digits only), or driving license number must be provided.
Joint Account Rules Remain Unchanged – In joint accounts, assets will automatically transfer to the surviving account holder(s).

Impact on Investors: If you haven’t added a nominee, update your mutual fund or demat account details immediately to prevent account restrictions.

2. LPG, CNG, and PNG Gas Prices Revision

The oil marketing companies will announce new LPG cylinder prices from March 1, 2025. Additionally, CNG and PNG gas prices may also be revised.

Impact on Consumers:

• LPG cylinder price hikes could impact household budgets.
• A reduction in gas prices could bring relief to millions of users.

3. Fixed Deposit (FD) Interest Rate Changes

After the RBI's repo rate announcement in February 2025, several banks revised their loan interest rates. Now, many banks are adjusting FD interest rates, which may continue in March.

Impact on Investors:

If FD rates increase → Higher returns for depositors.
If FD rates decrease → Lower interest earnings on fixed deposits.

If you’re planning to invest in FDs, it’s advisable to monitor rate changes and lock in higher rates before potential reductions.

4. UPI Payments for Insurance Premiums (Bima-ASBA Facility)

A major change in UPI transactions will be introduced under the Bima-ASBA facility, allowing users to pay insurance premiums via blocked amounts.

How It Works:

• When purchasing an insurance policy, the premium amount will be blocked in your bank account.
• If the policy is approved, the amount will be deducted.
• If the insurance company rejects the proposal, the amount will be unblocked immediately.

Impact on Policyholders:
Ensures better transparency in premium payments.
Helps prevent delayed payments or fraudulent transactions.

5. Possible Changes in Tax Slabs and TDS Rates

The government may introduce new tax slabs and TDS rates from March 1, 2025, which could reduce tax burdens for individuals and businesses.

Expected Changes:
Revised Income Tax Slabs – Higher exemption limits may provide relief to taxpayers.
New TDS Rules – Some tax deductions at source may increase or decrease, affecting salaried individuals, freelancers, and businesses.

Impact on Taxpayers: If new slabs are introduced, you may need to recalculate your tax liabilities for the upcoming financial year.

6. Enhanced GST Security: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on GST Portal

From March 1, 2025, business owners will need to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access the GST portal.

What’s Changing?

• Business owners must provide an additional security layer while logging into the GST portal.
• This could include OTP verification, biometric authentication, or security questions.

Impact on Businesses:

Improves security and fraud prevention.
Reduces chances of unauthorized GST filings.

Action Required: If you’re a GST-registered business, ensure that MFA is enabled on your account to avoid login issues.

Stay Prepared for These Changes

The changes taking effect from March 1, 2025, will impact banking, taxation, investments, and daily expenses. Whether it's LPG price revisions, new tax slabs, UPI-based insurance payments, or stricter GST security, being aware of these updates will help you make informed financial decisions.

What You Should Do Now:

Check and update your nominee details in mutual funds and demat accounts.
Monitor LPG and gas price changes to adjust household budgets.
Keep an eye on FD rate changes to lock in better returns.
Be ready for UPI changes if you pay insurance premiums digitally.
Stay informed about tax updates to plan finances better.
Enable MFA for GST logins if you’re a business owner.