Understanding Indian Income Tax Regimes
India offers two income tax regimes for individual taxpayers. The Old Tax Regime has been the traditional system with higher tax rates but allows numerous deductions and exemptions (Section 80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, home loan interest, etc.).
The New Tax Regime, introduced in Budget 2020 and made the default from FY 2023-24, offers lower tax rates across more slabs but disallows most deductions and exemptions. The 2024 Budget increased the standard deduction under the new regime to ₹75,000.
Choosing the right regime depends on your total deductions. If your deductions are minimal, the new regime typically results in lower tax. If you claim significant deductions (above ₹3-4 lakh), the old regime may be more beneficial. This calculator compares both to help you decide.
Income Tax Slab Rates (FY 2024-25)
New Tax Regime (Default)
₹3,00,001 – ₹7,00,000 → 5%
₹7,00,001 – ₹10,00,000 → 10%
₹10,00,001 – ₹12,00,000 → 15%
₹12,00,001 – ₹15,00,000 → 20%
Above ₹15,00,000 → 30%
Standard Deduction: ₹75,000
Rebate u/s 87A: No tax if taxable income ≤ ₹7,00,000
Old Tax Regime
₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,000 → 5%
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000 → 20%
Above ₹10,00,000 → 30%
Standard Deduction: ₹50,000
Rebate u/s 87A: No tax if taxable income ≤ ₹5,00,000
Health & Education Cess: 4% is added to the computed tax in both regimes.
Example: Tax Comparison for ₹12,00,000 Income
Gross Annual Income: ₹12,00,000
New Regime Calculation
Tax = 0 + ₹20,000 + ₹30,000 + ₹18,750 = ₹68,750
Cess = ₹68,750 × 4% = ₹2,750
Total = ₹71,500
Old Regime Calculation (No Deductions)
Tax = 0 + ₹12,500 + ₹1,00,000 + ₹45,000 = ₹1,57,500
Cess = ₹1,57,500 × 4% = ₹6,300
Total = ₹1,63,800
Without additional deductions, the New Regime saves ₹92,300 for a ₹12 lakh income. However, if you claim ₹3,00,000+ in deductions under the old regime, the gap narrows significantly.