03/02/2025
Budget 2025: New Income Tax Slabs & Rebate Explained
The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces a revised tax structure under the New Tax Regime, with significant tax relief for middle-class taxpayers. Below is a clear breakdown of the new slabs, rebate mechanism, and tax impact on different income levels.
š Revised Income Tax Slabs (New Tax Regime)
ā
Up to ā¹4 lakh ā No tax
ā
ā¹4 lakh - ā¹8 lakh ā 5% tax
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ā¹8 lakh - ā¹12 lakh ā 10% tax
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ā¹12 lakh - ā¹16 lakh ā 15% tax
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ā¹16 lakh - ā¹20 lakh ā 20% tax
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ā¹20 lakh - ā¹24 lakh ā 25% tax
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Above ā¹24 lakh ā 30% tax
š¹ Rebate under Section 87A:
If taxable income (after deductions) is up to ā¹12 lakh, a rebate of ā¹60,000 is applied, making the final tax = ā¹0.
Salaried individuals get a ā¹75,000 standard deduction, so income up to ā¹12.75 lakh effectively pays zero tax.
š Tax Calculation for Different Income Levels
1ļøā£ If Gross Income is ā¹12 Lakh (Taxable Income = ā¹11.25 Lakh after ā¹75,000 standard deduction)
ā¹4 lakh - ā¹8 lakh @ 5% ā ā¹20,000
ā¹8 lakh - ā¹11.25 lakh @ 10% ā ā¹32,500
Total Tax Before Rebate: ā¹52,500
Rebate Applied: ā¹52,500
ā
Final Tax Payable: ā¹0
2ļøā£ If Gross Income is ā¹12.75 Lakh (Taxable Income = ā¹12 Lakh after ā¹75,000 standard deduction)
ā¹4 lakh - ā¹8 lakh @ 5% ā ā¹20,000
ā¹8 lakh - ā¹12 lakh @ 10% ā ā¹40,000
Total Tax Before Rebate: ā¹60,000
Rebate Applied: ā¹60,000
ā
Final Tax Payable: ā¹0
3ļøā£ If Gross Income is ā¹14 Lakh (Taxable Income = ā¹13.25 Lakh after ā¹75,000 standard deduction)
ā¹4 lakh - ā¹8 lakh @ 5% ā ā¹20,000
ā¹8 lakh - ā¹12 lakh @ 10% ā ā¹40,000
ā¹12 lakh - ā¹13.25 lakh @ 15% ā ā¹18,750
Total Tax Before Rebate: ā¹78,750
ā No rebate applicable (Income > ā¹12L)
š¹ Final Tax Payable: ā¹78,750
š¢ Key Takeaways
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Income up to ā¹12 lakh pays zero tax due to the rebate.
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For salaried individuals earning ā¹12.75 lakh, tax is still zero after the standard deduction.
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Above ā¹12.75 lakh, the rebate no longer applies, and tax liability increases as per slabs.
š” Tax Planning Tips (Applicable Under New Regime)
Since traditional deductions like 80C, NPS, and 80D are not applicable under the new tax regime, hereās what you can do:
š¹ Utilize the ā¹75,000 Standard Deduction ā Automatically available for salaried individuals.
š¹ Claim Professional Tax Deduction (if deducted by employer) ā Up to ā¹2,500.
š¹ Maximize Employer Contributions ā EPF contributions by the employer are not taxable under the new regime.
š¹ Opt for Food Coupons instead of Allowances ā Tax-free up to ā¹50 per meal.
š¹ Ensure Correct HRA Structure ā While HRA exemption isn't available, restructuring salary components can help optimize take-home pay.
š Whatās your take on the new tax regime? Will you opt for it or stick with the old one? Letās discuss!