TAIPEI TIMES》More tax breaks for young families proposed

Taiwan moves to expand tax relief for families with children as part of a broader push to counter demographic decline and housing affordability. Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun told lawmakers amendments to the Income Tax Act would raise the dependent-child exemption under 18 from NT$101,000 to NT$151,500, pending legislative approval, with the changes taking effect in the 2026 tax year. The package also includes direct childcare subsidies and a NT$5,000 monthly growth allowance per child, signaling a coordinated approach across programs. Separately, officials are reviewing a revised first-time homebuyer mortgage plan, potentially raising the loan ceiling from NT$10 million to NT$15 million and adding income eligibility rules, to be fully proposed by month’s end. Lawmakers have raised concerns about alignment with banks’ lending standards as the current program expires next month. The government stresses that tax relief complements broader family supports to address birth rates and housing costs.