1. The Core Difference in 30 Seconds
India has had two tax regimes since FY 2020-21. For FY 2025-26, the new regime is the default. If you do nothing, you are in the new regime.
- New regime: Lower tax rates, ₹75,000 standard deduction, zero tax up to ₹12 lakh (Section 87A rebate), but no 80C, no HRA, no home loan interest deduction.
- Old regime: Higher rates, but full 80C (₹1.5L), HRA, home loan interest (₹2L), 80D, NPS, and all other Chapter VI-A deductions. Must be opted-in explicitly.
Finance Act 2025 update: Budget 2025 increased the Section 87A rebate under the new regime from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh. Income up to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh for salaried after standard deduction) is effectively zero tax under the new regime from FY 2025-26.
2. New Regime — Tax Slabs for FY 2025-26
The new regime has more slabs at lower rates. These apply to all individuals regardless of age:
| Income Slab | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹4,00,000 | Nil |
| ₹4,00,001 – ₹8,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹8,00,001 – ₹12,00,000 | 10% |
| ₹12,00,001 – ₹16,00,000 | 15% |
| ₹16,00,001 – ₹20,00,000 | 20% |
| ₹20,00,001 – ₹24,00,000 | 25% |
| Above ₹24,00,000 | 30% |
Key benefit: Section 87A rebate of up to ₹60,000 means zero tax if taxable income ≤ ₹12 lakh. For salaried, after the ₹75,000 standard deduction, this means gross salary up to ₹12,75,000 is tax-free.
3. Old Regime — Tax Slabs for FY 2025-26
| Income Slab | Rate (Below 60) | Rate (60–80 yrs) | Rate (80+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹2,50,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| ₹2,50,001 – ₹3,00,000 | 5% | Nil | Nil |
| ₹3,00,001 – ₹5,00,000 | 5% | 5% | Nil |
| ₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000 | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Above ₹10,00,000 | 30% | 30% | 30% |
Plus: Section 87A rebate of ₹12,500 available if net taxable income ≤ ₹5 lakh (after deductions). Surcharge and 4% health & education cess apply in both regimes on the tax computed.
4. What Deductions Are Allowed in Each Regime?
| Deduction / Exemption | New Regime | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction (Salary) | ₹75,000 | ₹50,000 |
| Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, LIC, Home Loan Principal) | Not allowed | Up to ₹1,50,000 |
| Section 80D (Health Insurance) | Not allowed | Up to ₹25,000 / ₹50,000 |
| HRA Exemption | Not allowed | Calculated on actual rent |
| Home Loan Interest — Section 24(b) | Not allowed | Up to ₹2,00,000 (self-occupied) |
| Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) | Not allowed | Allowed |
| NPS — Section 80CCD(1B) | Not allowed | Up to ₹50,000 extra |
| Employer NPS — Section 80CCD(2) | Allowed | Allowed |
| Section 87A Rebate (Zero Tax) | Up to ₹12 lakh | Up to ₹5 lakh |
5. Real Salary Examples with Tax Calculations
We've calculated tax under both regimes for four common salary levels. Assumptions for old regime: 80C full (₹1.5L), HRA (₹1.2L/year), standard deduction (₹50,000).
Example 1 — Gross Salary ₹6,00,000/year
| Item | New Regime | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | ₹6,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 |
| Standard Deduction | ₹75,000 | ₹50,000 |
| 80C | — | ₹1,50,000 |
| HRA | — | ₹1,20,000 |
| Taxable Income | ₹5,25,000 | ₹2,80,000 |
| Tax + 87A Rebate | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Final Tax | ₹0 | ₹0 |
Result: Both regimes = Zero Tax at ₹6L. New regime is simpler (fewer investments required).
Example 2 — Gross Salary ₹10,00,000/year
| Item | New Regime | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable Income | ₹9,25,000 | ₹6,80,000 |
| Tax Computed | ₹42,500 | ₹56,000 |
| 4% Cess | ₹1,700 | ₹2,240 |
| Final Tax | ₹44,200 | ₹58,240 |
Result: New Regime saves ₹14,040 at ₹10L salary (with standard deductions only).
Example 3 — Gross Salary ₹15,00,000/year (no home loan)
| Item | New Regime | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable Income | ₹14,25,000 | ₹11,55,000 |
| Tax Computed | ₹1,33,750 | ₹1,60,500 |
| 4% Cess | ₹5,350 | ₹6,420 |
| Final Tax | ₹1,39,100 | ₹1,66,920 |
Result: New Regime saves ₹27,820 at ₹15L. Add a home loan and the old regime may close the gap.
Example 4 — ₹15,00,000 + Home Loan Interest ₹2,00,000/year
| Item | New Regime | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Deductions | ₹75,000 only | ₹5,45,000 (incl. home loan) |
| Taxable Income | ₹14,25,000 | ₹9,55,000 |
| Final Tax | ₹1,39,100 | ₹1,15,440 |
Result: Old Regime saves ₹23,660 when a large home loan is in play.
6. The Simple Decision Rule
Use this rule of thumb, then let your CA verify it for your exact profile:
- Choose New Regime if: You have minimal investments (low 80C), don't get HRA or live in your own home, earn below ₹12.75 lakh (zero tax), or don't have a home loan. Also strongly prefer new regime if income is above ₹5 crore (surcharge capped at 25% vs 37%).
- Choose Old Regime if: You actively invest ₹1.5L under 80C every year, pay significant HRA (renting in metro cities), have a home loan with interest above ₹1.5L/year, and pay health insurance premiums.
The golden break-even rule: At most salary levels, if your total deductions (80C + HRA + home loan interest + 80D + NPS) exceed ₹3–4 lakh, the old regime saves more. Below ₹3 lakh in deductions, the new regime almost always wins.
7. Can You Switch Tax Regime Every Year?
| Taxpayer Type | Can Switch Every Year? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salaried employees (ITR-1 / ITR-2) | Yes | Can switch freely at the time of filing ITR each year |
| Pensioners (no business income) | Yes | Same flexibility as salaried |
| Freelancers / Business owners (ITR-3 / ITR-4) | Only once | Once you switch back to old regime, you cannot return to new regime |
Employer declaration vs. actual ITR choice: During the year, your employer asks you to declare your regime choice for TDS purposes. This is not your final choice. You can change your regime at the time of filing ITR — your final tax is computed then, and any excess TDS becomes a refund.
Ready to file? Read our step-by-step guide: How to File ITR Online in India (FY 2025-26) →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tax regime is better for salaried employees in FY 2025-26?
It depends on your deductions. If you have significant 80C investments, pay HRA, and have a home loan, the old regime is likely better. If you have minimal deductions or earn below ₹12.75 lakh (salaried), the new regime gives zero tax via the 87A rebate. The exact answer requires calculating both.
Is it mandatory to declare a tax regime while filing ITR?
Yes — you must select a regime when filing. The new regime is the default for FY 2025-26. If you want the old regime, you must explicitly opt for it while filing. If you don't choose, the portal defaults to the new regime.
Can I switch between new and old regime every year?
Salaried individuals and pensioners with no business income can switch every year. If you have business income (filing ITR-3 or ITR-4), you can switch back from new to old only once — after that, you cannot return to the new regime.
What deductions are not available under the new tax regime?
Under the new regime, you cannot claim: Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, LIC, ULIP, home loan principal), Section 80D (health insurance), HRA exemption, LTA, home loan interest under Section 24(b), Section 80E (education loan), Section 80G (donations), and most other Chapter VI-A deductions. You can only claim ₹75,000 standard deduction and employer NPS contribution under Section 80CCD(2).
What is the tax-free income limit under the new regime in FY 2025-26?
Under the new regime, income up to ₹12 lakh is effectively tax-free due to the enhanced Section 87A rebate introduced in Finance Act 2025. For salaried individuals, after the ₹75,000 standard deduction, gross salary up to ₹12,75,000 results in zero tax. Above ₹12 lakh taxable income, the full amount becomes taxable.
My employer has already deducted TDS under the old regime. Can I switch to new regime while filing?
Yes — TDS deducted by your employer during the year is based on your declaration to them. When you file your ITR, you select your actual regime. If you switch to the new regime and the tax is lower, the excess TDS becomes a refund.