Income Tax Slab for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) – New & Old Regime Tax Rates

Income tax is a direct tax which follows a progressive slab rate, where the rate of tax increases as the taxpayer’s income rises. The Income-tax Act, 1961 provides for two tax regimes: the old regime, which allows various deductions and exemptions, and the new regime, which offers lower tax rates without exemptions.

Budget 2025 Updates

The new Income Tax Bill has been tabled by the Honorable Finance Minister in the Lok Sabha. It aims to simplification and better presentation of the provisions.

As per the budget 2025, the income up to Rs. 12,00,000 will have zero tax liability for the FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) under the new tax regime. Here’s how:

The revised tax slabs under the new regime for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) are as follows:

Annual Income Tax Slabsincome Tax Rates
Upto Rs. 4,00,000NIL
Rs. 4,00,001 – Rs. 8,00,0005%
Rs. 8,00,001 – Rs. 12,00,00010%
Rs. 12,00,001 – Rs. 16,00,000 15%
Rs. 16,00,001 – Rs. 20,00,00020%
Rs. 20,00,001 – Rs. 24,00,00025%
Above Rs. 24,00,000 30%

With the revised tax structure, individuals earning up to Rs. 12,00,000 will have no tax liability due to the increased rebate of Rs. 60,000. For salaried individuals, the tax liability will be zero for incomes up to Rs. 12,75,000, due to the Rs. 75,000 standard deduction.

Note:

  • The marginal relief on rebate is still applicable. 
  • The rebate is not available for income that is taxed at special rates (e.g., capital gains under section 112A).

An illustrative image on changes made in Budget 2025 is given below.

What is an Income Tax Slab?

In India, the Income Tax applies to individuals based on a slab system, where different tax rates are assigned to different income ranges. As the person’s income increases, the tax rates also increase. This type of taxation allows for a fair and progressive tax system in the country. The income tax slabs are revised periodically, typically during each budget. These slab rates vary for different groups of taxpayers.

Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) Under New Regime

The Budget 2024 introduced significant changes to the tax slabs under the New Tax Regime, which will be applicable for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). Taxpayers can now benefit from revised tax slabs, along with an increased standard deduction and an enhanced family pension deduction.

Here’s a breakdown of the revised income tax slabs for FY 2024-25 under the new regime:

Annual Income Tax SlabsIncome Tax Rates
Up to Rs 3 lakhNIL
Rs 3 lakh – Rs 7 lakh5%
Rs 7 lakh – Rs 10 lakh10%
Rs10 lakh – Rs 12 lakh15%
Rs 12 lakh – Rs 15 lakh20%
Above Rs 15 lakh30%

Note:

  • Rebate: Tax rebate up to Rs.25,000 is applicable if the total income does not exceed Rs 7,00,000 (not applicable for NRIs). Therefore, no tax for an income up-to Rs.7,00,000.
  • Standard Deduction: The standard deduction for salaried employees is Rs. 75,000 under the new regime.
  • Deduction under Family Pension: The deduction on family pension received has been increased from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000.
  • NPS Contribution: The deduction limit on employer’s contribution to NPS is 14% for FY 2024-25.

As a result of the above changes, a salaried employee in the new tax regime can save up to Rs. 17,500 in taxes. 

The new  regime is the default tax regime.  If individuals want to choose the old regime then they have to file Form 10-IEA. The highest surcharge rate is 25% under the new regime as opposed to 37% in the old regime.

Revised Income Tax Slabs Under the New Regime: Key Changes and Their Impact

The slab rates is modified by the government for FY 2024-25. This has resulted in certain relaxations. The gist of changes made in the slab rates is given below:

Income Tax Slabs for FY 2023-24Tax Rates (FY 2023-24)Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024-25Tax Rates (FY 2024-25)Changes
Up to Rs 3,00,000NILUp to Rs 3,00,000NILNo Change
Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 6,00,0005%Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 7,00,0005%Slab expanded by Rs 1,00,000
Rs 6,00,000 – Rs 9,00,00010%Rs 7,00,000 – Rs 10,00,00010%Slab expanded by Rs 1,00,000
Rs 9,00,000 – Rs 12,00,00015%Rs 10,00,000 – Rs 12,00,00015%No Change in Rate; New Threshold
Rs 12,00,000 – Rs 15,00,00020%Rs 12,00,000 – Rs 15,00,00020%No Change
Above Rs 15,00,00030%Above Rs 15,00,00030%No Change

Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) Under Old Regime

There were no changes made to the tax slabs under the old regime in the budget 2024. The tax slabs under the old regime are as follows:

Income tax slabs for individuals aged below 60 years & HUF

Income SlabsAge < 60 years & NRIsAge of 60 Years to 80 years (Resident Individuals)Age above 80 Years        (Resident Individuals)
Up to ₹2,50,000NILNILNIL
₹2,50,001 – ₹3,00,0005%NILNIL
₹3,00,001 – ₹5,00,0005%5%NIL
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,00020%20%20%
₹10,00,001 and above30%30%30%

NOTE: Surcharge and cess will be applicable.

Old vs New Tax Regime Slabs Comparison for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

Tax SlabsOld Tax Regime RatesNew Tax Regime Rates
Up to Rs 2,50,000NILNIL
Rs 2,50,001 – Rs 3,00,0005%NIL
Rs 3,00,001 – Rs 5,00,0005%5%
Rs 5,00,001 – Rs 6,00,00020%5%
Rs 6,00,001 – Rs 7,00,00020%5%
Rs 7,00,001 – Rs 9,00,00020%10%
Rs 9,00,001 – Rs 10,00,00020%10%
Rs 10,00,001 – Rs 12,00,00030%15%
Rs 12,00,001 – Rs 15,00,00030%20%
Rs 15,00,000 and above30%30%

Income Tax Slab Rate Calculation for AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25)

New Regime
Income SlabsIncome Tax Rates
Up to Rs 3,00,000Nil
Rs 3,00,000 to Rs 7,00,0005% on income which exceeds Rs 3,00,000
Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000Rs. 20,000 + 10% on income more than Rs 7,00,000
Rs 10,00,000 to Rs 12,00,000Rs. 50,000 + 15% on income more than Rs 10,00,000
Rs 12,00,000 to Rs 1500,000Rs. 80,000 + 20% on income more than Rs 12,00,000
Above Rs 15,00,000Rs. 1,40,000 + 30% on income more than Rs 15,00,000
Old Regime
For normal tax payersFor residents aged 60-80 yearsFor residents aged greater than 80 years
Income SlabsIncome Tax RatesIncome SlabsIncome Tax RatesIncome SlabsIncome Tax Rates
Up to ₹2,50,000NilUpto Rs.3,00,000NILUpto Rs.5,00,000NIL
₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,0005% on income which exceeds Rs 2,50,000₹3,00,001 – ₹5,00,0005% on income which exceeds Rs 3,00,000₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,00020% on income which exceeds Rs 5,00,000
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000Rs. 12,500 + 20% on income more than Rs 5,00,000₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000Rs. 10,000 + 20% on income more than Rs 5,00,000₹10,00,001 and aboveRs. 1,00,000 + 30% on income more than Rs 10,00,000
₹10,00,001 and aboveRs. 1,12,500 + 30% on income more than Rs 10,00,000₹10,00,001 and aboveRs. 1,10,000 + 30% on income more than Rs 10,00,000NOT APPLICABLENOT APPLICABLE

Individuals with net taxable income less than or equal to Rs 5 lakh will be eligible for tax rebate u/s 87A under the old tax regime, i.e. tax liability will be NIL.

Important Points to note if you select the new tax regime:

  • Please note that the tax rates in the New tax regime are the same for all categories of Individuals, i.e. Individuals, Senior citizens, and Super senior citizens. 
  • Individuals with net taxable income less than or equal to Rs 7 lakh will be eligible for tax rebate u/s 87A, i.e. tax liability will be NIL under the new regime.

The tax slabs under the new tax regime across different years is shown below.

What is Surcharge?

In case the income exceeds a certain threshold, the additional taxes are to be paid over and above existing tax rates. This is an additional tax on the High Income Earners.

Surcharge rates are as below:

10% of Income tax if total income > Rs.50 lakh and < Rs.1 crore,

15% of Income tax if total income > Rs.1 crore and < Rs.2 crore,

25% of Income tax if total income > Rs.2 crore and < Rs.5 crore,

37% of Income tax if total income > Rs.5 crore                  
*In Budget 2023, the highest surcharge rate of 37% has been reduced to 25% under the new tax regime. (applicable from 1st April 2023)

Additional Health and Education cess at the rate of 4% will be added to the income tax liability.

Exemptions And Deductions Not Claimable Under The New Tax Regime

The following are some of the major deductions and exemptions you cannot claim under the new tax regime:

Salary:

House property:

Other sources:

  • Minor child income allowance

Business or profession:

  • Additional depreciation under section 32(1)(iia)
  • Deductions under section 32AD, 33AB, 33ABA
  • Various deductions for donation for or expenditure on scientific research contained in section 35(2AA) or 35(1)(ii) or (iia) or (iii)
  • Deduction under section 35AD or section 35CCC
  • Exemption under section 10AA for SEZ units

Chapter VI A deductions:

  • The deduction under Section 80TTA/80TTB 
  • Section 80C, 80D, 80E and so on, except Section 80CCD(2) and Section 80JJAA
  • Exemption or deduction for any other perquisites or allowances including food allowance of Rs 50/meal subject to 2 meals a day
  • Employee’s (own) contribution to NPS
  • Donation to Political party/trust, etc

What are the Exemptions and Deductions Available Under the New Regime?

Under the New tax regime, you can claim tax exemption for the following:

Salary:

House property:

  • Interest on Home Loan on let-out property (Section 24)

Other sources:

  • Gifts up to Rs 50,000
  • Budget 2023 also introduced deduction under Section 57(iia) of family pension income. In Budget 2024 Limit of maximum Deduction under Family Pension has been increased from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. 

Chapter VI A deductions:

  • Deduction for employer’s contribution to NPS account [Section 80CCD(2)]
  • Deduction for additional employee cost (Section 80JJA)
  • Budget 2023 further introduced deduction of amount paid or deposited in the Agniveer Corpus Fund under Section 80CCH(2)
  • The deduction on employers contribution to pension Scheme as per Section 80CCD (2) has been increased from 10% of salary to the 14% of salary in Budget 2024.

How Can I Reduce My Taxes Using  Provisions Related To Tax Slabs?

Did you ever know that your tax liability can be reduced if you make use of a few provisions related to tax slabs? Check this out!

In Case Of  Capital Gain Income

When the tax payer has capital gains income (Any Long Term Capital Gains and Short Term Capital Gains of Listed equity shares) and income other than capital gains is below basic exemption limit, the unused basic exemption limit (Basic Exemption Limit minus Income other than Capital Gains) can be reduced from capita gains income. Lets understand this concept using an example: 

Illustration:

Mr. A has an income from Long Term capital Gains from sale (Date of sale – 31/07/2024) of listed equity shares- Rs. 3,00,000. His income other than income from capital gains is Rs.1,20,000. He pays taxes under new regime. 

Tax Calculation:

In this situation, the Long Term Capital Gains is taxed under section 112A. As per the provisions of the section, an exemption of Rs.1,25,000 is allowed. So, the remaining taxable Capital Gains is Rs. 1,75,000. 

Since he has chosen new regime, Basic exemption Limit is Rs. 3,00,000. Basic Exemption Limit minus income other than capital gains – Rs.3,00,000 – Rs.1,20,000 = Rs1,80,000.(Unused Basic Exemption Limit)

We can use this unused basic exemption limit against the taxable capital gains fully. therefore, taxable capital Gains is NIL. This way , we can make use of the Basic Exemption Limit to reduce taxable Capital Gains income.

In Case Of Income Other Than Capital  Gains

We can make use of the concept of rebate to reduce the tax incidence on tax payer. If the income of the tax payer is within a certain limit, a rebate is allowed to reduce the tax liability. To learn more about rebate – click here.

For FY 2024-25, rebate allowed under old regime is Rs. 12,500 when the total income falls within Rs.5,00,000. For new regime, a rebate of Rs.25,000 is allowed for total income within Rs.7,00,000. 

Therefore, if you plan your income, investment deductions, etc., at the beginning of the financial year, and make your income fall under the aforesaid tax slabs, you can claim the rebate and reduce your tax liability.

What if your income goes sightly above the tax slabs , because of which rebate cannot be claimed? 

We have a concept of marginal relief on rebate through which we can sill reduce the tax incidence. Learn more

Read more at: Strategic Tax Planning for FY 2024-25: Navigating Regimes and Deductions

Old Tax Regime Vs New Tax Regime – Analysis of Deductions

A comparative analysis of deductions available in new regime and old regime is given below:

DEDUCTIONOLD REGIMENEW REGIME
House Rent AllowanceExemption up to a certain limit.Calculate nowNOT AVAILABLE
Relocation AllowanceAVAILABLENOT AVAILABLE
Leave Travel AllowanceActual travel ticket expenses exempt for two trips in 4 years under 10(5). Read moreNOT AVAILABLE
Transport allowances in case of a specially-abled person.AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Conveyance allowance received to meet the conveyance expenditure incurred as part of the employment.AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Any compensation received to meet the cost of travel on tour or transfer.AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Daily allowance received to meet the ordinary regular charges or expenditure you incur on account of absence from his regular place of duty.AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Perquisites for official purposesAVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Mobile ReimbursementExempt if:– used predominantly for office purposes– proofs/bills submittedNOT AVAILABLE
Food ExpensesRs 50 per meal (max 2 meals a day)Annual=Rs 26,400 (50*2*22 days*12 months)NOT AVAILABLE
Children’s Education and Hostel allowanceRs 4800 per child (max 2 children)NOT AVAILABLE
Exemption on voluntary retirement 10(10C), gratuity u/s 10(10) and Leave encashment u/s 10(10AA)AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Professional Tax Deduction under section 16AVAILABLENOT AVAILABLE
Standard deductionRs.50,000Rs.75,000
Interest on Home Loan on let-out property (Section 24)AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Interest on Home Loan on Self-occupied property (Section 24)Allowed to the extent of Rs.2,00,000NOT AVAILABLE
Gifts up to Rs 50,000AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Family Pension u/s 57(iia) :One third of pension amount subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 15,000 for Fy 2025-2026.One third of pension amount subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 25,000 for Fy 2025-2026.
Deduction for additional employee cost (Section 80JJA)AVAILABLEAVAILABLE
Section 80CCH(2) deduction of amount paid or deposited in the Agniveer Corpus FundAvailable for the entire contribution made by applicants and the Central GovernmentAvailable for the entire contribution made by applicants and the Central Government
Deduction for employer’s contribution to NPS account [Section 80CCD(2)]Actual contribution subject to a maximum limit of 10% of the salaryActual contribution subject to a maximum limit of 14% of the salary
Section 80C:Investments made in pension funds, mutual funds, ULIPs, government savings schemes, life insurance premiums, home loan principal amount, education fees, etc.Rs.1,50,000NOT AVAILABLE
Section 80CCD: Additional exemption for investment in the National Pension Scheme.Rs. 50,000NOT AVAILABLE
Section 80D: Tax deduction on health insurance premium payments made towards self or parents.Self, your spouse, and your dependent children:Rs 25,000 (Rs 50,000 if aged 60 and above)Parents: Rs 25,000 (Rs 50,000 if aged 60 and above)NOT AVAILABLE
80TTA: Deduction on Savings account interest.Rs.10,000NOT AVAILABLE
80TTB: Deduction on interest on Deposits.Rs.50,000 (Only for Senior Citizens)NOT AVAILABLE
80G: Donations to charitable organisationsAVAILABLENOT AVAILABLE
Maturity amount of a Life InsurancePolicyMaturity proceeds are tax-exempt if the sum assured is ≤:– 20%: policies issued before 1 April 2012– 10%: policies issued after 1 April 2012– 15%: policies issued after 1 April 2013 for a person with disability or disease.Maturity proceeds are tax-exempt if the sum assured is ≤:– 20%: policies issued before 1 April 2012– 10%: policies issued after 1 April 2012– 15%: policies issued after 1 April 2013 for a person with disability or disease.

Here’s a detailed list of exemptions and deductions available under the Old vs New Regime.

Old Tax Regime Vs New Tax Regime – Which is Better?

The new tax regime can largely benefit middle-class taxpayers who have a taxable income of up to Rs 15 lakh. The old regime is a better option for high-income earners.

For super-senior citizens, since there is a relaxed Basic Exemption Limit of Rs.5,00,000, old regime is beneficial for them, in case they are middle class earners.

The new income tax regime is beneficial for people who make low investments. As the new regime offers six lower-income tax slabs, anyone paying taxes without claiming tax deductions can benefit from paying a lower rate of tax under the new tax regime. For instance, the assessee having total income before deduction up to Rs 12 lakh will have higher tax liability under the old system if they have investments less than Rs. 3,12,500. Therefore, if you invest less in tax-saving schemes, go for the new regime.

That being said, if you already have in place a financial plan for wealth creation by making investments in tax-saving instruments; medical claims and life insurance; making payments of children’s tuition fees; payment of EMIs on education loan; buying a house with a home loan; and so on, the old regime helps you with higher tax deductions and lower tax outgo.

In light of the above and considering the new income tax regime, if taxpayers want to opt for the concessional tax rates, they may evaluate both regimes. Hence, it is advisable to do a comparative evaluation and analysis under both regimes and then choose the most beneficial one, as it may vary from person to person. Read a detailed breakdown on this topic here.

When Can I Opt for Old vs New Regime?

Nature of IncomeTime of Selection of option of old vs new regime
Income from Salary or any other head of income attracting TDSChoice to be made by the employee at the beginning of the financial year. Though the choice cannot be changed during the year,  It can be changed at the time of filing Income Tax Return. 
Income from Business & ProfessionIn case you have Business or professional income, the choice between tax regimes can only be made once in a lifetime.

Can I claim 80C deductions and opt for a new income tax slab regime?

No, the new tax regime does not allow many deductions and exemptions which are otherwise available in the old tax regime. Deductions u/s 80C cannot be claimed if the taxpayer is opting for a New tax regime

What is the meaning of rebate under section 87A under the IT Act?

Section 87 A provides that anyone who is residing in India and whose income does not exceed Rs 5,00,000 is eligible to claim a rebate(old regime). Thus full income tax rebate is available to individuals with less than Rs 5 Lakh of total taxable income under the old regime, whereas under the new tax regime, the income limit is Rs. 7,00,000. This rebate is applicable only to individuals and not companies, etc and is calculated before adding the health and educational cess of 4 %.

How much income is tax free in India?

Individual below 60 years of age are not required to pay tax upto the income limit of Rs 2.5 Lakh. Individuals above 60 years but less than 80 years of age are not required to pay tax upto Rs 3 lakh of income. Individuals above 80 years are not required to pay tax upto Rs 5 lakh of income. The basic exemption limit for all the individuals under the new tax regime is Rs 3 lakh, irrespective of age.

Do I have to mandatorily opt for a New tax regime while filing returns for AY 2025-26?

Taxpayers have the freedom to select the tax regimes, if one needs to opt for the old regime and claim deductions, exemptions, and losses must file their income tax returns by opting out of the new regime. 

If the taxpayer does not opt out, the new regime is chosen as default tax regime. 

For employees, the choice needs to be made at the beginning of the year and can be modified at the time of ITR filing. However, if you are engaged in business or profession, the option to switch to the Old Tax regime is available only once in your lifetime. We recommend that you carefully evaluate your tax outgo under both regimes and then select the one which is most beneficial to you.

Is standard deduction applicable in the new tax regime?

Yes, the standard deduction is allowed under the new tax regime for FY 2024-25. 

Standard deductions is allowed against salary income. Rs.75,000 deduction is available under the new tax regime and Rs.50,000 is available under the old regime respectively.

What deductions are allowed in the new tax regime?

One can claim a few selective deductions under the new tax regime for FY 2024-25, such as a standard deduction of Rs.75,000, interest on Home Loan u/s 24b on let-out property, employer’s contribution to NPS u/s 80CCD, Contributions to Agniveer Corpus Fund u/s 80CCH, Deduction on Family Pension Income (lower of 1/3rd of actual pension or 25,000).

Is HRA exemption available in new tax regime?

  • No, HRA exemption u/s10(13A) is not allowed in new tax regime.
  •  Along with that most claimed exemptions are also NOT allowed such as Leave Travel Allowance (LTA), Daily Allowance for MPs and MLAs, etc.,
  • Certain deductions like Exemption on voluntary retirement 10(10C), Exemption on gratuity u/s 10(10), Exemption on Leave encashment u/s 10(10AA), daily allowance during the period of his official journey,  Transport Allowance for a specially-abled person, Conveyance Allowance etc.,

Is there any changes in the new tax regime for FY 2024-25?

Yes. The new tax regime has been revised in the Budget 2024 for FY 24-25. 

Can we save tax on the new tax regime?

Budget 2024 has proposed a revision in the Tax Slab for new tax regime for FY 24-25. As a result, taxpayers choosing the new tax regime stand to gain as much as Rs.17,500.

What is the income tax slab for AY 2024-25 for salaried person?

The income tax slab for salaried individuals is the same as that applicable to all other assessees.

Is income up to12 lakhs tax-free for FY 2025-26?

Yes, if your income is up to Rs. 12,00,000 in the FY 2025-26 you will have zero tax liability.

For an income upto Rs.4,00,000, the income earned is taxed under NIL rate. But, a rebate of Rs.60,000 is allowed for an income earned up-to Rs.12,00,000 because of which, the tax liability comes to NIL for an income upto Rs.12,00,000.

It is to be noted that this rebate is not allowed for income taxed under special rates. for eg., Long Term Capital Gains. 

Read more at: Latest income tax slab rates for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)

from Mohammed S Chokhawala Clear Tax

Deductions and Exemptions Allowed in New Income Tax Regime

While the new tax regime trims down the deductions and exemptions available to taxpayers, it still offers several strategic benefits that can lighten the load for individual taxpayers.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can still claim under the revamped system.

Deductions

For salaried individuals who opt for the new tax regime, there’s a standard deduction of ₹75,000. Additionally, the employer’s contribution to the National Pension Scheme (up to 14% of salary) is eligible for deduction.

Additionally, the employer’s contribution to the National Pension Scheme (up to 14% of basic salary) is eligible for deduction. Employer’s contribution to EPF (up to 12% of basic salary) is also eligible for deduction.

Housing loan interest can be set off against rental income. However, if the interest exceeds the rental income, the resulting loss cannot be offset against other income heads, nor can it be carried forward.

That said, if there is another rental property, the loss can be adjusted against the rental income from that property. Municipal taxes paid on a property are also deductible.

Interest on a housing loan for a self-occupied property, however, is not available for deduction under the new tax regime. In the old regime, such interest could be claimed, and any resulting loss could be set off against salary or other income, with the ability to carry it forward.

Unlike the old tax regime, where deductions could be claimed on up to two self-occupied properties, the new regime doesn’t have this provision. However, the 30% standard deduction on rental income remains applicable.

For armed forces personnel, contributions to the Agniveer Corpus Fund are deductible, with no cap on the amount.

Other exemptions:

While the new tax regime doesn’t offer house rent allowance (HRA) exemptions, salaried individuals can still claim exemptions on certain allowances granted by their employers. These include travel allowances for official tours or transfers and daily allowances for day-to-day expenses during official trips.

Additionally, the new tax regime allows exemptions of up to:

₹25 lakh on leave encashment upon retirement,

₹20 lakh on gratuity, and

₹5 lakh on voluntary retirement.

Old Tax Regime Vs. New Tax Regime: Which Is Better In 2023?

While there are merits and demerits of both the old and new regimes, it becomes cumbersome for taxpayers to pick the best-suited tax regime. Here is a simplified assessment of both the regimes to answer a few pertinent questions.

The Government of India introduced a new optional tax rate regime starting from April 1, 2020 (FY 2020-21), for individuals and the Hindu undivided family (HUF). Consequently, Section 115 BAC was to the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the Act) that prescribed reduced tax rates for individual taxpayers and HUFs on forgoing specified tax deductions or exemptions. 

Based on the amendments proposed in Union Budget 2023, the new tax regime has been made as a default one, and the taxpayers will have to select the old tax regime if they wish to use it.

In a major boost to the new income tax regime and to make it more pleasing to the middle-class common individual, the government  has announced significant changes to the new income tax regime. The basic exemption limit in the new tax regime has been increased to INR 3 lakh, which was INR 2.5 lakh earlier. Also, a tax rebate on income earned up to INR 7 lakh, which was INR 5 lakh earlier under section 87A. 

It is to be noted that the old tax regime has enough room for claiming deductions against various allowances forming part of salary (eg. HRA, LTA, etc) and also for specified investments/ expenses such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension Scheme (NPS), repayment of housing loan, payment of tuition fees, etc. 

On the other hand, the new tax regime has the benefit of the standard deduction and there is full rebate provided to individuals earning up to INR 7 lakh annually. So, the individuals earning above  INR 7 lakh annual income have to judiciously choose between the new and old tax regimes. As, the old tax regime provides deductions and no tax on income up to INR 5 lakh.

Here’s how the old tax regime differs from the new and what you must choose for as a taxpayer. 

For an individual taxpayer, FY 2023-24 is another instance where they get to choose between the old tax regime and the new tax regime while filing their income tax returns. Here’s how the old tax regime differs from the new and what you must choose for as a taxpayer.

Features of the New Tax Regime

Lower tax rates 

The new tax regime has widened the scope of taxation with seven tax slab rates ranging from 0% to 30% with the highest tax rate applicable on income above INR 15 lakh. Contrary to the new regime, there were fThe new tax regime is much wider in scope with five tax slab rates ranging from 0% to 30%, with the lowest starting with INR 3 lakh. Under the old system, income up to INR 2.5 lakh is exempt from personal income tax with the maximum rate applicable on income above INR 10 lakh which is 30%.

The new tax regime has rationalized the scope of taxation with five tax slab rates ranging from 0% to 30% with the income till INR 3 lakh exempt from tax and the highest tax rate of 30% applicable on income above INR 15 lakh. Under the old system, income up to INR 2.5 lakh is exempt from personal income tax with the maximum rate applicable on income above INR 10 lakh which is 30%.

Here’s how applicable tax rates under both the regimes work: 

New Tax Regime 2023-24 (Default)

Old Tax Regime

Deductions/exemptions to be forgone while opting for new tax regime

The government has taken cognizance of the fact that the Act has various exemptions and deductions which make compliance by the taxpayer and administration of the tax laws by the tax authorities a burdensome process. 

To give relief to taxpayers the simplified new tax rate regime requires specified tax deductions and exemptions to be forgone. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the impact of deductions/exemptions being claimed vis-à-vis the benefit of lower tax rates. Some of the popular tax exemptions/deductions which are not allowed under new tax regime include:

Leave travel allowance (LTA)

• House rent allowance (HRA)

• Children education allowance

• Deduction for professional tax

• Interest on housing loan 

• Deduction for specified investments or expenses under Chapter VI-A such as:
– deduction under Section 80C towards contribution to public provident fund, repayment of principal on housing loan, children’s school fees, life insurance premium, etc.
– other deductions towards medical insurance premium, interest on education loan, etc.

Opting for the applicable tax regime 

An individual or HUF taxpayer may opt for the new tax regime based on their specific situation and sources of income. Switching between the old and new  to the new tax regime can be done either on a year-on-year basis or only once. However, the frequency mostly depends on the source of income during the year.

• Where income includes business or professional income: 

In the case where an individual or HUF has income from a business or profession, once the option to avail new tax rates for a financial year has been exercised, the new rates shall apply for subsequent years. However, the law provides such taxpayers’ one single option of switching back to the old tax regime should their circumstances change. This switch-back option is available only once in a lifetime unless the taxpayer ceases to have any income from a business or profession.

• Where income does not include business or professional income: 

If an individual or HUF does not possess income from a business or profession, the selection can be made on a year-on-year basis. For individuals with salaries, the employer is required to withhold tax before the payment of the salaries. The employee is, however, required to inform the employer regarding their preferred tax rates. 

An employee may choose between old and new tax regimes at the beginning of the year and intimate the employer, or at the time of joining new employment during the year. However, at the time of filling the personal tax return, the employee can change the tax regime. 

For example, at the beginning of the year, an employee opts for the new tax regime and the employer deducts tax based on slab rates under the new tax regime. However, during the year they make certain tax-deductible investments like contribution to provident fund, payment of medical insurance premium, etc., and at the time of filing the income tax returns (ITR), they realise the old tax regime is more beneficial to them. In such a situation, they have the choice to opt for the old tax regime while filing the tax return though the employer had withheld taxes based on the new tax regime.

Which Tax Regime is Better?

With the changes in the new tax regime, an individual with INR 9 lakh annual income will pay INR 45,000 tax which is 5% of the salary, a reduction of INR 15,000 from the present INR 60,000 under the earlier slabs under the new tax regime. And, an individual with INR 15 lakh annual income will have to pay a tax of INR 1.5 lakh which will be down from INR 1.87 lakh. 

However, in case the individual is eligible to claim for deductions/ exemptions under the old tax regime towards HRA, LTA, PPF, etc, the same may be more beneficial. 

Since the eligible deductions, sources and quantum of income differs for every individual, one rule cannot be applied to all. Taxpayers will need to evaluate and compare the tax liability under both regimes and then decide on which to opt for.

In case a taxpayer has investments in tax-saving instruments, pays premiums on life or a medical insurance policy, children’s school fee, home loan principal repayment, etc., and avails the benefit of the deduction for HRA, LTA, etc. it may be more beneficial to opt for old tax regime since the benefit of deduction/exemption can be availed in the old tax regime.

The new tax regime permits a standard deduction of INR 50,000 for salaried persons and deduction for family pension being lower of INR 15,000 or 1/3rd of the pension.

Below is an illustration of how two taxpayers have the same gross income but are eligible for different tax deductions/exemptions.

Taxpayer 1 and Taxpayer 2 are salaried taxpayers with no other sources of income 

Let us understand which tax regime is more beneficial for both the taxpayers

Taxpayer 1

Taxpayer 2: Does not have eligible exemptions for HRA, LTA 

How To Opt For Old Tax Regime In 2023

Currently, a taxpayer with income from business or profession is required to file Form 10IE for the purpose of opting for the new tax regime. This form was introduced in October 2020.

As per the amendments proposed by the Union Budget 2023 in the new tax regime, from FY 2023-24 onwards taxpayers will be required to opt for the old tax regime and the new tax regime will be the default option. 

The manner of opting for the old tax regime will be prescribed by the tax department in due course. 

Bottom Line 

The income tax slabs have not been changed since 2014. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new income tax regime for the first time while presenting the Budget 2020. 

Now, for the financial year 2023-24, the government has announced various steps to move towards a simpler tax regime which will help all taxpayers who opt for the new tax regime. These tweaks in the tax slabs will surely lessen the burden on taxpayers and allow individuals to plan their long-term financial goals in a more efficient manner. 

Disclaimer: The story has been updated to add the latest details on the new tax regime announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.

New income tax regime vs old income tax regime in FY24

New income tax regime will be the default regime in FY2023-24

Budget 2023 has announced that the new income tax regime will be the default tax regime from the financial year 2023-24.

What Budget 2023 announced

“We are also making the new income tax regime the default tax regime. However, citizens will continue to have the option to avail the benefit of the old tax regime,” said Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister during her budget 2023 speech.

Can you choose the old tax regime in FY24?

So, the new tax regime will become the default tax regime from the assessment year 2024-25 or the financial year 2023-24. However, the old tax regime will continue.

Old income tax regimes in FY 2023-24

Under the old tax regime, taxpayers can claim various deductions, exemptions, and allowances based on their investments. Some popular exemptions and deductions allowed under the old tax regime are deductions of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for investments in Public Provident Fund (PPF), Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS), life insurance premiums, principal repayment of home loans and Sukanya Samriddhi Account, a deduction of up to Rs 2 lakh for the interest paid on their home loans under section 24(b), a standard deduction of Rs 50,000, house rent allowances, leave travel allowances among others.

People, who fall in higher income tax brackets and are eligible for various exemptions and deductions under the old tax regime, typically prefer the old tax regime.

New income tax slabs for AY 2024-25

To make the new income tax regime attractive, Budget 2023 has made significant changes to it. The rebate under section 87A increased to Rs 7 lakh under the new income tax regime. Budget 2023 has also extended a standard deduction of Rs 50,000 to the new income tax regime. Further, the income rates under the new income tax regime have also been tweaked. It will be
Rs 0 to Rs 3 lakh – 0% tax rate
Rs 3 lakh to 6 lakh – 5%
Rs 6 lakh to 9 lakh – 10%
Rs 9 lakh to Rs 12 lakh – 15%
Rs 12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh – 20%
Above Rs 15 lakh – 30%

Can you switch between the old and new income tax regimes?

According to income tax laws, a salaried person can opt for the new tax regime at their convenience in every financial year. In case an individual has a business income, they cannot choose the tax regime as per their convenience every year. If they opt for the new tax regime, they can switch back to the old tax regime only once in their life.

Changes in big income tax rules! see list

There are many changes in the income tax rules effective from this financial year. Changes in income tax slabs to tax rebate limit raised, No LTCG tax benefit on some debt mutual funds are some of the major changes effective from 1 April 2023.

1) New income tax regime to be default regime

Starting, 1 April 2023, the new income tax regime will act as the default tax regime. Tax assessors will still be able to choose from the prior regime. Salaried and pensioners: the new system’s standard deduction for taxable income exceeding Rs.15.5 lakhs is ₹52,500. The government in Budget 2020-21 brought in an optional income tax regime, under which individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) were to be taxed at lower rates if they did not avail specified exemptions and deductions, like house rent allowance (HRA), interest on home loan, investments made under Section 80C, 80D and 80CCD. Under this, total income up to ₹2.5 lakh was tax exempt.

2) Tax rebate limit raised to ₹7 lakh

The enhancement of tax rebate limit to ₹7 lakh from ₹5 lakh  means that the person whose income is less than ₹7 lakh need not invest anything to claim exemptions and the entire income would be tax-free irrespective of the quantum of investment made by such an individual.

3) Standard deduction

There is no change in standard deduction of ₹50000 provided to employees under old tax regime. For pensioners, the finance minister announced extending the benefit of standard deduction to new tax regime. Each salaried person with an income of ₹15.5 lakh or more will benefit by ₹52,500.

4) Changes in Income Tax slabs

The new tax rates are

0-3 lakh – nil

3-6 lakh – 5%

6-9 lakh- 10%

9-12 lakh – 15%

12-15 lakh – 20%

above 15 lakh- 30%

5) LTA

The leave encashment for non government employees is exempt up to a certain limit. This limit was ₹3 lakh since 2002 and is now increased to ₹25 lakh

6) No LTCG tax benefit on these Mutual Funds

From April 1, investments in debt mutual funds will be taxed as short-term capital gains. The move would strip investors of the long term tax benefits that had made such investments popular.

7) Market Linked Debentures (MLDs)

Also, investment in Market Linked Debentures (MLDs) post April 1 will be short term capital assets. With this, grandfathering of earlier investments will end and the impact on the mutual fund industry will be slightly negative. 

8) Life Insurance policies

Proceeds from life insurance premium over the annual premium of ₹5 lakh would be taxable from new financial year i.e. from 1st April 2023. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting Budget 2023, aslo announced that the new income tax rule won’t be applicable on ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan).

9) Benefits to Senior Citizens

The maximum deposit limit for senior citizen savings scheme will be increased to ₹30 lakhs from ₹15 lakhs.

The maximum deposit limit for monthly income scheme will be increased to ₹9 lakhs from 4.5 lakhs for single accounts and ₹15 lakhs from ₹7.5 lakhs for joint accounts.

10) Physical gold conversion to e-gold receipt not to attract capital gains tax

While presenting Budget 2023, Sitharaman said there will not be any capital gain tax if physical gold is converted to an Electronic Gold Receipt (EGR) and vice versa. This will be effective from 1 April 2023.