Your Salary Determines the Right Regime
Choosing between Old and New tax regime is not about which is 'better' in general—it is about which saves you more tax given your salary, investments, rent, and home loan. Your salary level and deduction profile determine the answer. This guide explains how to choose the right tax regime based on your salary: what to gather, how to compare, and when to opt for Old vs New. All content is focused on the regime selection process for salaried employees.
Key Takeaways
- Gather your numbers: Gross income, 80C, 80D, HRA (rent, basic), home loan interest
- Calculate both: Use a Tax Regime Calculator. Don't assume based on salary alone
- Salary bands: ₹5–8L often New (rebate 87A). ₹10L+ with deductions often Old
- Re-evaluate yearly: Income and investments change. Run comparison each April
- Opt explicitly for Old: New is default. Use Form 10IE or employer declaration
What You Need to Compare
- Gross annual income: Including salary, bonus, other income.
- Section 80C: EPF, ELSS, PPF, LIC, NSC, home loan principal—total up to ₹1.5L.
- Section 80D: Health insurance for self, parents—up to ₹25K–75K.
- HRA: Actual rent paid, basic salary, actual HRA received. Exemption = min of three amounts.
- Home loan interest: Up to ₹2L for self-occupied (Old Regime only).
- Other deductions: LTA, 80E, 80G, etc., if applicable.
Salary-Based Heuristics (Verify with Calculator)
- ₹5–7L: New Regime usually wins. Rebate 87A gives zero tax up to ₹7L. Few deductions needed.
- ₹8–12L: Depends on deductions. Rent + 80C + 80D > ₹2L? Old may win. No rent, minimal 80C? New may win.
- ₹12–15L: Old often wins if you have 80C (₹1.5L), 80D (₹25K+), HRA (₹1–2L), home loan interest. New can win if deductions are low.
- ₹15L+: Old usually wins with full 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan. Deductions save more than lower slabs in New.
Step-by-Step Selection Process
- Step 1: Collect payslips, investment proofs, rent receipts, home loan statement.
- Step 2: Estimate annual gross, 80C, 80D, HRA exemption, home loan interest.
- Step 3: Open Tax Regime Calculator. Enter all values.
- Step 4: Note tax under Old and New. Choose lower.
- Step 5: If Old: file Form 10IE or inform employer. If New: do nothing (default).
- Step 6: Declare investments and submit proofs to employer for correct TDS.
Impact of Key Deductions
📊 Tax saved at 30% slab (Old Regime)
When New Regime Makes Sense
New Regime makes sense when you have minimal or no 80C investments, don't pay rent (no HRA), have no home loan, or prefer zero paperwork. For income up to ₹15L with few deductions, the lower slabs and ₹75,000 standard deduction often result in lower tax. It is also the default—so if you do nothing, you're in New Regime. Use the calculator to confirm.
When Old Regime Makes Sense
Old Regime makes sense when your total deductions (80C + 80D + HRA + home loan interest + others) are substantial—typically ₹2.5L or more. At higher income (₹15L+), the 30% slab in Old Regime is offset by large deductions. You must actively opt for Old Regime; it is not default. Submit Form 10IE or declare to employer.
Use Our Tax Regime Calculator
Enter your salary, 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan interest. Get side-by-side tax comparison and a clear recommendation. Update when salary or investments change.
Disclaimer
Heuristics are indicative. Always verify with actual calculation. Tax laws may change. Consult a CA for personalised advice.