Indian income tax for FY 2025-26 differs sharply between the new regime (5%–30% across 7 slabs with a ₹75,000 standard deduction and ₹60,000 87A rebate) and the old regime (lower exemption but allows HRA, 80C, 80D, home-loan interest deductions). This calculator runs both regimes side-by-side, applies surcharge and 4% cess, and highlights the cheaper option for your inputs.
₹
₹
Only applied to the old regime. The new regime allows just the standard deduction.
Basic exemption is higher for senior citizens: ₹3 lakh (age 60–80) and ₹5 lakh (age 80+).
How to use this income tax calculator
Enter your gross annual income.
Tick “I'm salaried” to apply the standard deduction.
Pick your age group (affects the old-regime exemption).
Add your old-regime deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, home-loan interest) to see if the old regime beats the new one.
The tool instantly shows tax under both regimes, highlights the cheaper option, and tells you how much you save.
New vs old regime: which is better?
There is no universal answer — it depends on how many deductions you claim. As a rule of thumb, if your total deductions
(80C + 80D + HRA + home-loan interest + others) are small, the new regime's lower rates and ₹60,000 rebate
usually make it cheaper. If you claim large deductions, the old regime can still win. Use the live comparison above with your real numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income tax slabs for FY 2025-26 under the new regime?
Under the new regime the slabs are: ₹0–4 lakh: Nil, ₹4–8 lakh: 5%, ₹8–12 lakh: 10%, ₹12–16 lakh: 15%, ₹16–20 lakh: 20%, ₹20–24 lakh: 25%, above ₹24 lakh: 30%. A standard deduction of ₹75,000 is available to salaried taxpayers.
Is income up to ₹12 lakh really tax-free in the new regime?
Yes. Thanks to the Section 87A rebate (up to ₹60,000), a resident individual with taxable income up to ₹12 lakh pays zero tax under the new regime. For salaried people the ₹75,000 standard deduction pushes the tax-free salary to ₹12.75 lakh.
Should I choose the new or old tax regime?
It depends on your deductions. The old regime usually wins if you claim large deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, home-loan interest). The new regime wins if you have few deductions, thanks to lower rates and the bigger rebate. This calculator compares both instantly so you can pick the cheaper one.
What is the standard deduction for FY 2025-26?
Salaried individuals and pensioners get a standard deduction of ₹75,000 under the new regime and ₹50,000 under the old regime, deducted automatically from salary income.
What are the old regime tax slabs?
Old regime: up to ₹2.5 lakh: Nil, ₹2.5–5 lakh: 5%, ₹5–10 lakh: 20%, above ₹10 lakh: 30%. The basic exemption rises to ₹3 lakh for senior citizens (60–80) and ₹5 lakh for super seniors (80+). A rebate under 87A makes income up to ₹5 lakh tax-free.
Does this calculator include cess and surcharge?
Yes. A 4% Health & Education Cess is added to the tax. For incomes above ₹50 lakh, a surcharge (10%–37%, capped at 25% in the new regime) is applied with marginal relief.
How much tax do I pay on a ₹15 lakh salary in the new regime?
For a salaried person with ₹15 lakh gross income under the new regime (FY 2025-26), after the ₹75,000 standard deduction the taxable income is ₹14.25 lakh and the total tax (including 4% cess) works out to about ₹97,500. Your exact figure depends on your deductions — use the calculator above.
What is marginal relief in the new tax regime?
Marginal relief ensures that if your income is just slightly above ₹12 lakh, the extra tax you pay does not exceed the amount by which your income crosses ₹12 lakh. This calculator applies marginal relief automatically.