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Old vs New Tax Regime

FY 2026-27 · Income Tax Act 2025 · New Regime is default

₹12.0L
₹3L
₹5Cr
Age Group

80C Investments

HRA Exemption

80D Health Insurance (Self)

80CCD(2) Employer NPS

Your savings

₹7,237 extra every month

New Regime puts ₹86,840 back in your pocket annually. That's real money you can invest, spend, or save.

Zero tax

You pay zero income tax

The 87A rebate wipes out your entire ₹52,500 slab tax. No investments needed — just pick New Regime.

Hidden benefit

Ask HR about Employer NPS

This deduction works in both regimes — up to 14% of your basic. Most companies offer it but employees don't ask. One email to HR could save you thousands.

Beyond 80C

₹50,000 more deduction available

You've maxed 80C. NPS 80CCD(1B) gives you an extra ₹50,000 on top — completely separate limit. Plus, you build a retirement corpus.

Share this

Same salary. Different tax. How?

Two people earning ₹12.0L can pay wildly different tax based on regime choice and deductions. Share this calculator — most people don't know they have a choice.

Myth busted

More deductions doesn't always mean less tax

You have ₹3,45,000 in deductions, yet New Regime still saves ₹86,840 more. The lower slab rates beat the deduction benefit. This surprises most people.

You Save

₹86,840

in New Tax Regime

New Regime is better for you
Old Regime₹86,840
New Regime₹0

Monthly In-Hand

₹1,00,000

Tax Rate

0%

of your income

FY 2026-27 · IT Act 2025 · Estimates only · Consult your CA

Get Full Tax Plan →
Old vs New Tax Regime — Complete Guide

What is Old vs New Tax Regime in India?

India offers two income tax regimes under the Income Tax Act 2025, effective April 1, 2026. The choice between them can save you lakhs every year.

The New Tax Regime has lower slab rates across 7 brackets (0% to 30%) but strips away most deductions. The Old Tax Regime uses 4 broader slabs with higher rates but unlocks 17+ deductions — including 80C, HRA, 80D, NPS, and home loan interest.

Since FY 2023-24, the New Regime is the default. To use the Old Regime, you must actively inform your employer.

New Regime Tax Slabs

Same for all ages. 7 slabs with progressive rates.

Up to ₹4,00,000Nil
₹4,00,001 – ₹8,00,0005%
₹8,00,001 – ₹12,00,00010%
₹12,00,001 – ₹16,00,00015%
₹16,00,001 – ₹20,00,00020%
₹20,00,001 – ₹24,00,00025%
Above ₹24,00,00030%

Old Regime Tax Slabs (Below 60)

Higher exempt threshold for senior (₹3L) and super senior (₹5L) citizens.

Up to ₹2,50,000Nil
₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,0005%
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,00020%
Above ₹10,00,00030%

Which Regime is Better for Salaried Employees?

It depends entirely on your deductions. If your combined deductions (80C + HRA + 80D + NPS + home loan) cross a threshold, Old Regime saves more. For most employees earning under ₹12 lakh, the New Regime results in zero tax thanks to the Section 87A rebate.

Deduction Thresholds — When Does Old Win?

₹12L salaryNew is tax-free — Old can't beat this
₹15L salaryNeed ₹5.4L+ deductions for Old to win
₹20L salaryNeed ₹7.1L+ deductions for Old to win
₹25L salaryNeed ₹8.0L+ deductions for Old to win
₹50L+ salaryWith max deductions + HRA, Old often wins

Section 87A Rebate

A tax rebate for resident individuals below a threshold. Under New Regime, taxable income up to ₹12,00,000 qualifies for a rebate of up to ₹60,000 — resulting in zero slab tax. Under Old Regime, the threshold is ₹5,00,000 with a max rebate of ₹12,500.

Important: This rebate does not apply to capital gains (LTCG under 112A, STCG under 111A) or lottery/gaming income. NRIs are not eligible.

Deductions Available in Old Regime

Section 80C₹1.5L (EPF, PPF, ELSS, LIC, NSC, FD, tuition)
HRA ExemptionBased on rent, salary, and city type
Section 80D₹25K self + ₹50K senior parents
NPS 80CCD(1B)₹50K extra (over 80C limit)
Home Loan 24(b)₹2L interest (self-occupied)
Section 80EEducation loan interest (no cap, 8 years)
Section 80GDonations (50% or 100% deductible)
Section 80TTA₹10K savings interest (non-senior)

What Works in New Regime?

Very few deductions survive in the New Regime. The notable ones: standard deduction of ₹75,000 (vs ₹50,000 in Old), Employer NPS 80CCD(2) up to 14% of basic salary — this is the only major deduction in both regimes — and let-out property home loan interest (though loss set-off against salary is not allowed).

Surcharge

An additional tax on high-income earners above ₹50 lakhs. Rates range from 10% to 37% in Old Regime, capped at 25% in New Regime. Capital gains surcharge is always capped at 15%. Marginal relief prevents your total tax from exceeding your extra income above the threshold.

Health and Education Cess

A mandatory 4% charge on your total tax (including surcharge) to fund public healthcare and education. Applies to every taxpayer in both regimes, regardless of income level.

Can You Pay Rent to Parents?

Yes — this is 100% legal and one of the most effective HRA strategies. You claim HRA exemption under Old Regime while your parents declare the rental income in their ITR, often at a lower tax bracket. Requirements: genuine rent agreement, bank transfers (not cash), and landlord PAN if annual rent exceeds ₹1 lakh.

How Tax is Calculated

Step 1Gross Income = Salary + Other Income
Step 2Subtract Standard Deduction
Step 3Subtract Deductions (Old Regime only)
Step 4= Taxable Income
Step 5Apply tax slabs
Step 6Apply 87A Rebate (if eligible)
Step 7Add Surcharge (if income > ₹50L)
Step 8Add 4% Cess
Step 9= Total Tax Payable

FAQs

Can I switch between Old and New Regime every year?

Yes, salaried employees can switch every year. Inform your employer before the start of the financial year. Self-employed individuals can only switch once in their lifetime.

Is New Regime always better?

Not always. If your total deductions (HRA + 80C + 80D + home loan) exceed approximately ₹5 lakh, Old Regime may save more. The breakeven depends on your income level. Use this calculator to compare with your actual numbers.

Do I need to file ITR if my income is below ₹12 lakh?

Yes, if your employer deducted TDS and you want a refund. Filing is also mandatory if you have capital gains, foreign income, or income from multiple sources, regardless of the rebate threshold.

What are the ITR filing deadlines?

July 31, 2027 for most individuals. This covers ITR-1 and ITR-2. Business income (ITR-3, ITR-4) has a deadline of August 31, 2027. If tax audit is required, the deadline is October 31, 2027.

What happens if I miss the ITR deadline?

You will pay a late filing penalty of ₹5,000 under Section 234F. If your income is below ₹5 lakh, the penalty is reduced to ₹1,000. You also lose the ability to carry forward capital losses to future years.

Can NRIs claim the 87A rebate?

No, Section 87A rebate is only for resident individuals. Non-residents cannot claim this benefit under either the Old or New tax regime.

What is Form 130 (previously Form 16)?

Form 130 is the TDS certificate your employer issues. It was introduced under the new Income Tax Act 2025 and replaces the old Form 16. It contains your salary details, deductions claimed, and tax deducted at source. You need it for filing your ITR.

💡

If your total deductions are modest, the New Regime with its lower slab rates is usually the better choice.

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