India Income Tax Calculator 2026

This calculator works out your India income tax for FY 2025-26 under both the new and old regimes, then tells you which one is lower for your salary and deductions.

Rates verified: July 2026

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🇮🇳 Your Income Details

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Old Regime Deductions (click to expand)
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EPF, PPF, ELSS, life insurance, home loan principal, tuition fees.
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Deductions apply to the old regime only. The new regime uses a flat standard deduction and lower rates instead.

📊 New vs Old Regime

New Regime Tax
₹ 97,500
Incl. 4% cess
Old Regime Tax
₹ 2,02,800
Incl. 4% cess
Recommended Regime
New Regime
Lower tax for your inputs
You save ₹ 1,05,300
Versus the other regime
What this means: The new regime gives lower tax here because your deductions are not large enough to offset its lower rates and higher standard deduction.
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Under the new regime, taxable income up to ₹12,00,000 is fully rebated to zero tax. With the ₹75,000 standard deduction, a salary up to about ₹12,75,000 can mean no tax at all.

📋 Tax Breakdown

ItemNew RegimeOld Regime

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Disclaimer: Rates verified against the Income Tax Department slabs for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). Results are estimates for reference only and assume you are a resident individual below 60. Surcharge on very high incomes is not included. For official figures, use the Income Tax Department portal at incometax.gov.in.

How India Income Tax Is Calculated in 2026

India lets you choose between two tax systems each year, and the right choice depends entirely on your deductions. The new regime applies lower slab rates and a INR 75,000 standard deduction but removes almost all exemptions. The old regime keeps higher rates but lets you subtract deductions such as 80C, 80D, and HRA. This tool computes both and shows the cheaper option.

Which regime should you choose?

If you claim large deductions, for example a full 80C of INR 1,50,000 plus HRA and medical insurance, the old regime can come out ahead. If you claim little or nothing, the new regime almost always wins because of its lower rates and larger standard deduction. The only way to be sure is to compute both, which this calculator does automatically.

What deductions still matter?

Under the old regime, Section 80C covers up to INR 1,50,000 of EPF, PPF, ELSS, insurance, and tuition. Section 80D covers medical insurance premiums. HRA and home loan interest can add more. Under the new regime, these are gone, replaced by the higher standard deduction and the generous rebate that makes income up to INR 12,00,000 tax free.

How does the rebate change the result?

The Section 87A rebate is what makes the new regime so attractive at middle incomes. For FY 2025-26 it removes all tax on taxable income up to INR 12,00,000 under the new regime, and up to INR 5,00,000 under the old regime. Above those thresholds, normal slab rates apply and a 4% health and education cess is added on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tax regime is better in 2026?

It depends on your deductions. The new regime has lower rates and a large standard deduction but does not allow most exemptions. The old regime has higher rates but lets you claim deductions like 80C, 80D, and HRA. If your total deductions are large, the old regime often wins. If you claim few deductions, the new regime is usually lower.

What is the standard deduction in 2026?

For FY 2025-26 the standard deduction for salaried individuals is INR 75,000 under the new regime and INR 50,000 under the old regime. It is applied automatically to your salary before tax is calculated, so you do not need to provide any proof to claim it.

Is income up to 12 lakh tax free under the new regime?

Yes. Under the new regime for FY 2025-26, a rebate under Section 87A means taxable income up to INR 12,00,000 pays no tax. With the INR 75,000 standard deduction, a salaried person earning up to about INR 12,75,000 can have zero tax, provided they choose the new regime.

What can I claim under Section 80C?

Section 80C allows deductions up to INR 1,50,000 per year for investments and payments like EPF, PPF, ELSS funds, life insurance premiums, home loan principal, and children's tuition fees. It is only available under the old regime, not the new one.

How is the health and education cess applied?

A health and education cess of 4% is added to your income tax after any rebate, under both regimes. So if your tax works out to INR 50,000, the cess adds INR 2,000, making the total payable INR 52,000. This calculator includes the cess in the figures shown.

Related Reading

India Income Tax Guide 2026
New vs old regime, explained in full
Salary Comparison Across Asia 2026
How Indian pay compares across the region
Cost of Living Across Asia 2026
Mumbai costs compared city by city

⚠️ Financial Disclaimer: Calculations on this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Results are estimates based on published rates and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always verify with official sources and consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Data Sources