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Income tax slabs and rates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

Understanding the applicable income tax slabs and rates is essential for effective tax planning. The government revises these slabs periodically to accommodate economic changes and ensure fair taxation. For the financial year 2025-26 and assessment year 2026-27, taxpayers can choose between the old tax regime, which allows deductions and exemptions, and the new tax regime, which provides lower tax rates but eliminates most deductions. Knowing the applicable tax rates helps individuals and businesses determine their tax liability and make informed financial decisions.

What is income tax slab?

Income tax slabs refer to a structured taxation system where different income brackets are taxed at different rates. This progressive taxation method ensures that individuals with higher incomes pay a higher percentage of their earnings as tax, while those in lower-income brackets have reduced or zero tax liability. The income tax slab system applies to various categories of taxpayers, including individuals, senior citizens, non-residents, Hindu Undivided Families, and businesses. The government updates these slabs regularly, considering factors like inflation, economic growth, and revenue requirements. These tax slabs form the foundation of direct taxation and are crucial for efficient tax collection and financial planning.

Understanding the new tax slabs for FY 2025-26 and AY 2026-27

The new tax regime was introduced to simplify taxation and reduce tax rates while eliminating exemptions and deductions. The new tax slabs for the financial year 2025-26 aim to provide an alternative to the traditional tax structure. This system offers lower tax rates, but taxpayers must evaluate whether it benefits them more than the old regime.

Under the new regime, income up to ₹2,50,000 remains tax-free. Higher tax rates apply progressively on increasing income brackets. Deductions such as those under Section 80C, house rent allowance, and standard deduction are not available. Taxpayers earning up to ₹7,00,000 receive a rebate under Section 87A, making their effective tax liability zero. The new slabs encourage simplified compliance and lower tax rates, but taxpayers must decide whether giving up deductions is financially beneficial for them.

Income tax slabs for FY 2024-25 and AY 2025-26 under new regime

The new tax regime introduced a simplified structure with lower tax rates but no exemptions. The latest slabs applicable for the financial year 2024-25 are as follows.

Annual income range (₹)

Tax rate (%)

Up to 2,50,000

Nil

2,50,001 - 5,00,000

5

5,00,001 - 7,50,000

10

7,50,001 - 10,00,000

15

10,00,001 - 12,50,000

20

12,50,001 - 15,00,000

25

Above 15,00,000

30

Taxpayers earning up to ₹7,00,000 annually do not pay any tax due to the rebate under Section 87A.

Revised income tax slabs under the new regime, key changes and their impact

The revised new tax regime slabs bring significant changes to taxation. These changes affect both individuals and businesses opting for the new regime.

Income slabs (₹)

Old regime tax rate (%)

New regime tax rate (%)

Impact

Up to 2,50,000

Nil

Nil

No tax for lower-income earners

2,50,001 - 5,00,000

5

5

Rebate available under Section 87A

5,00,001 - 7,50,000

20

10

Lower tax under the new regime

7,50,001 - 10,00,000

20

15

Middle-income taxpayers benefit

10,00,001 - 12,50,000

30

20

Encourages higher earners to shift to the new regime

12,50,001 - 15,00,000

30

25

High-income taxpayers save money

Above 15,00,000

30

30

No change for top earners

The new regime benefits middle-income taxpayers but removes deductions such as those under Section 80C, 80D, and house rent allowance.

Income tax slabs for FY 2024-25 and AY 2025-26 under old regime

The old tax regime allows taxpayers to claim deductions and exemptions, making it beneficial for those with multiple tax-saving investments. The slabs under the old regime for the financial year 2024-25 are as follows.

Annual income range (₹)

Tax 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

Taxpayers opting for the old regime can claim deductions under Section 80C up to ₹1,50,000, Section 80D for health insurance, home loan interest deductions, and other exemptions.

Old versus new tax regime slabs comparison for FY 2024-25 and AY 2025-26

To help taxpayers choose between the old and new tax regimes, here is a comparison of tax slabs under both.

Income slabs (₹)

Old regime tax rate (%)

New regime tax rate (%)

Up to 2,50,000

Nil

Nil

2,50,001 - 5,00,000

5

5

5,00,001 - 7,50,000

20

10

7,50,001 - 10,00,000

20

15

10,00,001 - 12,50,000

30

20

12,50,001 - 15,00,000

30

25

Above 15,00,000

30

30

While the new regime has lower tax rates, taxpayers cannot claim deductions, which may impact overall savings.

Income tax slabs for non-resident individuals for AY 2025-26

Non-resident individuals are taxed differently than resident taxpayers. The applicable income tax slabs for non-residents for the assessment year 2025-26 are as follows.

Annual income range (₹)

Tax 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

Unlike resident taxpayers, non-residents are not eligible for rebates under Section 87A.

Latest income tax slabs for FY 2025-26 after Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced the latest tax slabs applicable under the new tax regime for the financial year 2025-26. These revised slabs aim to simplify the tax system while reducing the burden on middle-income taxpayers. Below are the updated slabs for taxpayers opting for the new tax regime.

Annual income range (₹)

Tax rate (%)

Up to 2,50,000

Nil

2,50,001 - 5,00,000

5

5,00,001 - 7,50,000

10

7,50,001 - 10,00,000

15

10,00,001 - 12,50,000

20

12,50,001 - 15,00,000

25

Above 15,00,000

30

Under this tax regime, taxpayers earning up to ₹7,00,000 per annum continue to receive a rebate under Section 87A, making their effective tax liability zero.

Features of the new tax regime for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

The new tax regime offers a simplified structure with lower tax rates but eliminates most exemptions and deductions. Key features include:

  1. Lower tax rates across various income brackets, benefiting middle-income taxpayers.
  2. No exemptions on house rent allowance, standard deduction, or Section 80C investments.
  3. No tax for income up to ₹2,50,000; rebate available for earnings up to ₹7,00,000.
  4. Reduced tax rates for incomes between ₹5,00,000 and ₹15,00,000, encouraging taxpayers to shift to the new regime.
  5. No need for complex tax planning as deductions and exemptions are removed.
  6. Applicable for both salaried individuals and self-employed professionals.
  7. Easier tax filing process with minimal documentation required.

Old tax regime vs new tax regime - analysis of deductions

A major difference between the old and new tax regimes is the availability of deductions. Below is a comparative analysis of common deductions available under both systems.

Deduction type

Old tax regime

New tax regime

Standard deduction (₹50,000)

Available

Not available

Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, NSC, etc.)

Available (₹1,50,000)

Not available

Section 80D (Health insurance)

Available

Not available

House rent allowance (HRA)

Available

Not available

Home loan interest (Section 24)

Available (₹2,00,000)

Not available

Section 80E (Education loan interest)

Available

Not available

NPS contributions (Section 80CCD)

Available

Not available

Taxpayers must evaluate whether the loss of deductions is offset by the lower tax rates under the new regime.

Old tax regime vs new tax regime - which is better?

The decision between the old and new tax regimes depends on the taxpayer’s financial situation. Below is a comparative summary.

Factor

Old tax regime

New tax regime

Tax rates

Higher

Lower

Deductions allowed

Yes

No

Standard deduction

₹50,000

Not available

Suitable for high investments in tax-saving options

Yes

No

Simplicity of filing

Complex

Simple

Taxpayers who claim multiple deductions may benefit from the old regime, while those who prefer a simpler system with lower tax rates may find the new regime more advantageous.

When can I opt for old vs new regime?

Taxpayers can choose between the old and new tax regimes based on their preference. The choice depends on income levels, exemptions, and tax planning. The following guidelines apply:

  1. Salaried individuals can switch between regimes every financial year while filing returns.
  2. Business owners and self-employed individuals must choose once and cannot switch back unless their business income ceases.
  3. Taxpayers with high deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and home loan interest should consider the old regime.
  4. Those who do not claim deductions and prefer lower tax rates may opt for the new regime.

Tax savings breakdown under the new regime

The new tax regime does not allow deductions, but taxpayers can still benefit from lower tax rates. Below is an example of tax savings under the new system.

Annual income (₹)

Old regime tax (₹)

New regime tax (₹)

Savings (₹)

7,50,000

54,600

39,000

15,600

10,00,000

1,17,000

78,000

39,000

12,50,000

1,95,000

1,25,000

70,000

15,00,000

2,73,000

1,87,500

85,500

These savings are significant for those who do not invest heavily in tax-saving instruments.

Understanding income tax scenarios in the new regime

Taxpayers choosing the new regime should consider different scenarios to determine tax liability. Key points include:

  1. Salaried individuals with investments in ELSS, PPF, and NPS lose deductions under Section 80C.
  2. Individuals without major tax-saving investments benefit from the lower tax rates.
  3. Self-employed professionals who claim deductions for business expenses may still find the old regime useful.
  4. Those with home loans may prefer the old regime to claim interest deductions.

How will income up to ₹12 lakhs be tax-free?

The new regime allows taxpayers to save on taxes even without deductions. By strategically using rebates and lower tax rates, an individual earning up to ₹12,00,000 can minimise tax liability. Key elements include:

  1. Section 87A rebate provides tax relief for incomes up to ₹7,00,000.
  2. Standard tax brackets ensure lower tax rates than the old regime.
  3. No surcharge for income under ₹50,00,000.

By carefully structuring earnings and allowances, taxpayers can reduce taxable income.

How much tax will you pay? Salary-specific breakdown

The amount of tax payable depends on the selected tax regime and applicable deductions. Below is a breakdown for different salary levels.

Annual salary (₹)

Old regime tax (₹)

New regime tax (₹)

6,00,000

23,400

15,600

8,00,000

62,400

46,800

10,00,000

1,17,000

78,000

12,00,000

1,95,000

1,25,000

Those without deductions benefit from the new regime, while taxpayers using Section 80C and 80D may save more under the old regime.

Conclusion

The choice between the old and new tax regimes depends on individual financial planning. The new tax regime simplifies tax calculations with lower rates but eliminates exemptions, making it beneficial for those without major deductions. The old regime, on the other hand, is ideal for those investing in tax-saving instruments such as provident funds, health insurance, and home loans. By understanding the tax slabs, deductions, and benefits available under each system, taxpayers can make an informed decision and plan their finances accordingly. Selecting the right tax regime ensures compliance while optimising savings.    

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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