For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), most salaried employees can choose either the old or new tax regime each year. The new regime is the default unless you opt into the old regime with your employer — but “default” is not always “cheaper.”
This guide matches the rules used in our Income Tax Calculator and In-Hand Salary Calculator. Verify final figures on your Form 16 and ITR.
FY 2025-26 at a glance
| Feature | Old regime | New regime |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deduction (salary) | ₹50,000 | ₹75,000 |
| HRA, LTA, other exemptions | Yes (with proof) | No |
| Section 80C, 80D, home loan interest (24b), most Chapter VI-A | Yes (with limits) | No (except employer NPS — 80CCD(2)) |
| Section 87A rebate (typical salaried case) | Up to ₹12,500 if total income ≤ ₹5 lakh | Up to ₹60,000 if total income ≤ ₹12 lakh |
| Best for | High deductions & rent | Simple salary, few deductions |
Income tax slabs (FY 2025-26)
Old regime slabs
| Income (₹) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 2,50,000 | Nil |
| 2,50,001 – 5,00,000 | 5% |
| 5,00,001 – 10,00,000 | 20% |
| Above 10,00,000 | 30% |
New regime slabs (after Budget 2025 updates)
| Income (₹) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 3,00,000 | Nil |
| 3,00,001 – 6,00,000 | 5% |
| 6,00,001 – 9,00,000 | 10% |
| 9,00,001 – 12,00,000 | 15% |
| 12,00,001 – 15,00,000 | 20% |
| Above 15,00,000 | 30% |
Health & education cess: 4% on tax after rebate (both regimes).
What actually changes your tax bill
1. Standard deduction
Salaried employees get ₹75,000 under the new regime vs ₹50,000 under the old regime before other adjustments. That alone makes the new regime attractive at moderate incomes with no 80C/HRA.
2. Section 87A rebate
- New regime: If total income (after standard deduction) is ≤ ₹12 lakh, rebate can wipe out tax up to ₹60,000 — this is why many middle-income salaried employees pay zero income tax under the new regime in FY 2025-26.
- Old regime: Rebate up to ₹12,500 if total income ≤ ₹5 lakh (much narrower band).
3. Deductions only in the old regime
Common items that do not reduce tax in the new regime (except employer NPS):
- 80C — PPF, ELSS, LIC, home loan principal (combined cap ₹1.5 lakh)
- 80D — health insurance (₹25k self/family; ₹50k if senior citizen parents)
- HRA — depends on rent, salary structure, and metro/non-metro rules
- Section 24(b) — home loan interest deduction up to ₹2 lakh on self-occupied property
- 80CCD(1B) — extra ₹50,000 for self NPS (old regime only among these)
Employer NPS (80CCD(2)) can still reduce taxable income in the new regime (subject to limits).
Worked examples (illustrative)
Use the calculator for your exact numbers — these show the pattern.
Example A — ₹8 lakh CTC, minimal deductions
- Rent: no HRA claim; 80C only via PF (~₹1.8L/year)
- New regime often wins: higher standard deduction + simpler slabs + no need to prove investments
Example B — ₹18 lakh CTC, metro rent + full 80C/80D
- HRA exemption: ₹1.2 lakh/year (illustrative)
- 80C: ₹1.5 lakh (PPF + ELSS + PF)
- 80D: ₹25,000
- Home loan interest (24b): ₹1.5 lakh
- Old regime often wins because deductions exceed the new regime’s simplicity benefit
Example C — ₹12 lakh gross, new regime “zero tax” zone
With ₹12 lakh salary and only standard deduction, the new regime’s 87A rebate can bring income tax to nil. The old regime with the same salary but no major deductions may still show tax payable.
Run both regimes in our Income Tax Calculator with your gross salary and real deduction amounts.
When to pick the new regime
Choose new if most of these are true:
- Total claims under 80C + 80D + HRA + home loan interest are small (under ~₹2–2.5 lakh effective benefit)
- You prefer less documentation at year-end
- Your income is in the ≤ ₹12 lakh band where 87A rebate applies strongly
- You are a new joinee and your employer defaulted you to new regime
When to pick the old regime
Choose old if most of these are true:
- You pay high rent in a metro and HRA exemption is substantial
- You max 80C (PPF, ELSS, home loan principal) and buy health insurance (80D)
- You have home loan interest on self-occupied house (up to ₹2L under Section 24(b))
- You or parents are senior citizens with higher 80D limits
- Calculator shows old regime tax lower by ₹20,000+ — usually worth the paperwork
How to switch regime
- During the year: Inform HR/payroll (Form 12BB, employer portal) if you want old regime TDS.
- At filing (ITR): Salaried employees can generally choose regime again in the return for that year (business income has different rules — consult a CA).
- TDS vs final tax: Employer TDS is an estimate. File ITR to claim refunds or pay shortfall.
Common mistakes
- Assuming new regime is always better because it is the default
- Forgetting that PPF/ELSS tax saving only helps in the old regime
- Ignoring professional tax (state-wise, up to ₹2,500/year) — allowed as deduction in old regime
- Not comparing take-home after PF and TDS — use In-Hand Salary Calculator
Checklist before you decide
- Enter gross salary and all exemptions/deductions in the tax calculator
- Note total tax under old vs new (including cess)
- If difference is small (< ₹5,000), new regime may be simpler
- If old regime saves ₹15,000+, opt in and keep proofs (rent receipts, 80C statements, insurance premium)
- Re-run after mid-year changes (salary hike, new home loan, child education 80C)
Disclaimer
Union Budget and CBDT circulars can change slabs and rebates. Rates on CalcIndia reflect FY 2025-26 rules in our calculator — not personalised tax advice. For complex cases (capital gains, multiple employers, let-out property), consult a chartered accountant.
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