- 19-Apr-2025
- Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
In India, the government offers two tax regimes: the old tax regime and the new tax regime. Both regimes have different tax slabs, exemptions, and deductions, allowing taxpayers to choose the one that best suits their financial situation. The new tax regime, introduced in the 2020-21 financial year, offers lower tax rates but eliminates most exemptions and deductions, while the old tax regime allows the use of various exemptions and deductions but has higher tax rates.
| Criteria | Old Tax Regime | New Tax Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Slabs | Higher tax rates for income above ₹2.5 lakh | Lower tax rates for income above ₹2.5 lakh |
| Exemptions and Deductions | Allows various exemptions (e.g., HRA, LTA, etc.) | No exemptions or deductions allowed |
| Popular Deductions | Section 80C (PPF, LIC), 80D (Health Insurance) | No deductions under Section 80C, 80D, etc. |
| Rebate Under Section 87A | Available (up to ₹12,500 if taxable income is ₹5 lakh or less) | Available (up to ₹12,500 if taxable income is ₹5 lakh or less) |
| Choice of Regime | Can choose to switch between regimes annually | Can choose to switch between regimes annually |
| Tax Computation | Based on taxable income after applying exemptions and deductions | Based on taxable income without exemptions and deductions |
| Availability of Deductions | Taxpayers can claim deductions like HRA, 80C, 80D, etc. | No deductions like HRA, 80C, 80D, etc. |
The old tax regime has higher tax slabs, and taxpayers can reduce their taxable income by applying various exemptions and deductions. The new tax regime offers reduced tax rates but removes most exemptions and deductions available under the old regime.
The old tax regime allows various exemptions and deductions such as:
The new tax regime does not allow the claim of these exemptions or deductions, but it offers lower tax rates in return.
Both tax regimes offer a rebate of ₹12,500 under Section 87A for individuals whose taxable income is up to ₹5 lakh. This rebate effectively reduces the income tax liability to zero for such individuals.
Taxpayers can choose either regime at the beginning of each financial year, and they can switch between the old and new regimes annually. The decision should be based on whether the individual has significant exemptions and deductions to claim under the old regime or if they prefer the lower tax rates of the new regime.
Let’s consider Mr. Ravi, a salaried individual with the following income and deductions:
The old tax regime is beneficial for those who have significant exemptions and deductions (such as HRA, 80C, 80D). The new tax regime is suitable for those who do not have many exemptions and prefer lower tax rates without the need for detailed tax planning.
Answer By Law4u Team
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