The new regime offers lower tax rates with a simplified structure and limited deductions.
For FY 2025-26, the new regime has been significantly enhanced with increased standard deduction of ₹75,000 and an enhanced Section 87A rebate of up to ₹60,000 for incomes up to ₹12 lakhs. This makes income up to ₹12 lakhs effectively tax-free under the new regime, making it highly attractive for taxpayers with limited deductions. To understand how this impacts your overall tax planning, use our income tax calculator for detailed calculations.
The key decision factor is whether your total deductions under the old regime exceed the tax savings you get from lower tax rates under the new regime. For individuals earning ₹6-15 lakhs with limited deductions, the new regime is often more beneficial. For those with significant investments, HRA claims, or home loan interest, the old regime may save more. If you're unsure about advance tax obligations after comparing regimes, use our advance tax calculator.
Use this calculator to compare both regimes side-by-side and make an informed decision about which tax regime works better for your financial situation. The calculator automatically recommends the regime that saves you more money. For Form 16 calculations or understanding your take-home salary, check out our other specialized calculators.
Need more detailed information about tax filing and ITR submission? Check out the official Income Tax Department's tax slabs and rates guide for the latest information on tax rates and slabs for FY 2025-26.
The old and new tax regimes are not just two calculation methods — they reflect two different philosophies of personal finance. The old regime was designed to encourage long-term financial discipline through forced savings, insurance, housing investments, and retirement planning. Deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, HRA, and home loan interest were meant to guide taxpayers toward structured financial behavior.
The new tax regime, on the other hand, reflects a shift in policy thinking. Instead of incentivizing specific investments, it gives taxpayers higher in-hand income and the freedom to decide how they want to save or spend. By offering lower tax rates and a higher standard deduction, the government is encouraging simplicity, transparency, and reduced dependency on tax-saving products.
Understanding this intent helps you choose wisely. If you already invest systematically or have fixed commitments like rent or home loans, the old regime may align better with your financial habits. If you prefer flexibility, liquidity, and minimal paperwork, the new regime is designed for you.
One of the biggest misconceptions among taxpayers is assuming that the old regime is automatically better if deductions exist. In reality, what matters is whether your total deductions are large enough to offset the higher tax rates of the old regime. This tipping point varies based on income level.
For middle-income earners, the enhanced rebate and lower slabs under the new regime significantly reduce tax liability. Unless deductions cross a certain threshold, the old regime may actually result in higher tax despite all the paperwork and investment locking.
| Annual Income | Approx. Deductions Needed | Likely Better Regime |
|---|---|---|
| ₹6–8 lakhs | ₹1.5–2 lakhs | Depends on HRA |
| ₹8–12 lakhs | ₹2.5–3 lakhs | Old Regime (if deductions exist) |
| ₹12–18 lakhs | ₹3.5–4 lakhs | Old Regime usually wins |
These are indicative values. Your exact break-even point depends on HRA, home loan interest, insurance premiums, and other deductions.
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹4,00,000 | 0% |
| ₹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% |
• Standard Deduction: ₹75,000
• Section 87A Rebate: Up to ₹60,000 (for income ≤ ₹12L)
• Limited deductions available
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹2,50,000 | 0% |
| ₹2,50,001 - ₹5,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹5,00,001 - ₹10,00,000 | 20% |
| Above ₹10,00,000 | 30% |
• Standard Deduction: ₹50,000
• Section 87A Rebate: Up to ₹12,500 (for income ≤ ₹5L)
• HRA, 80C, 80D deductions available
Not every tax regime suits every taxpayer. Choosing the wrong regime can lead to higher tax outgo, poor cash flow, or missed savings opportunities. Understanding who each regime is *not* meant for can prevent costly mistakes.
Avoid Old Regime If:
Avoid New Regime If:
In real-world tax filings, the biggest regret taxpayers express is choosing a regime based on assumptions rather than actual calculations. Many people stay with the old regime out of habit, even when deductions are minimal, resulting in unnecessary tax payments year after year.
On the other hand, taxpayers who aggressively switch to the new regime without evaluating long-term plans often realize later that they’ve lost the discipline of structured investing. While the new regime boosts take-home pay, it requires personal financial responsibility to ensure savings don’t quietly disappear into lifestyle inflation.
The smartest approach is not loyalty to a regime, but annual evaluation. Your income, rent, loans, family responsibilities, and goals evolve — and your tax regime should evolve with them. Re-evaluating every year is not optimization; it’s good financial hygiene.
Use our calculator to compare both regimes side-by-side. Enter your income details, deductions, and HRA information. The calculator will automatically show which regime saves you more money and provide a personalized recommendation. Generally, if you have significant deductions (₹2-3L+) including HRA, 80C, 80D, the old regime may be better. If you have limited deductions and income between ₹6-12L, the new regime with enhanced rebate is often more beneficial.
The key differences for FY 2025-26 are: Old Regime has higher tax rates (5%, 20%, 30%) with multiple deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, LTA), standard deduction of ₹50,000, and rebate of ₹12,500 for income ≤ ₹5L. New Regime has lower tax rates (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%) with limited deductions, standard deduction of ₹75,000, and enhanced rebate of ₹60,000 for income ≤ ₹12L.
Yes, salaried individuals can switch between old and new tax regimes every financial year. You can choose a different regime each year based on which one saves you more. However, if you have business income or are self-employed, you can switch only once, and the choice becomes permanent thereafter.