How Income Tax Calculator Works — Complete Guide
Tax Slabs for FY 2025-26 Under Both Regimes
India offers two tax regimes. The new regime (default from FY 2023-24) has slabs starting at 0% up to ₹4 lakh, 5% for ₹4-8 lakh, 10% for ₹8-12 lakh, 15% for ₹12-16 lakh, 20% for ₹16-20 lakh, 25% for ₹20-24 lakh, and 30% above ₹24 lakh. The old regime retains slabs of 0% up to ₹2.5 lakh, 5% for ₹2.5-5 lakh, 20% for ₹5-10 lakh, and 30% above ₹10 lakh but allows most deductions and exemptions.
Standard Deduction Changes
From FY 2024-25 onwards, the standard deduction under the new regime increased to ₹75,000 for salaried individuals. Under the old regime, it remains at ₹50,000. This flat deduction requires no proof or investment and is automatically applied to your gross salary before computing taxable income.
Section 80C Overview
Section 80C allows deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh per year on investments like EPF, PPF, ELSS mutual funds, life insurance premiums, NSC, 5-year FDs, and tuition fees. This deduction is only available under the old regime. Planning your 80C investments early in the financial year helps avoid last-minute rush decisions.
New Regime vs Old Regime — How to Decide
Choose the old regime if your total deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, home loan interest) exceed approximately ₹3.75 lakh. If your deductions are minimal — for example, you live in your own house and have no major investments — the new regime usually results in lower tax. Use this calculator to compare both side by side before filing.
Surcharge and Health & Education Cess
A surcharge applies on income above ₹50 lakh: 10% for ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore, 15% for ₹1–2 crore, and 25% for ₹2–5 crore. Under the new regime, surcharge is capped at 25% regardless of income. On top of the total tax and surcharge, a 4% Health and Education Cess is levied, making the effective highest rate approximately 39% under the new regime.