Old Vs new tax regime: Who should opt for which income tax regime now (2024)

Synopsis

Here is an analysis showing the maximum deductions a salaried individual needs to claim in the old tax regime so that the income tax payable remains the same under the revised new income tax slabs announced in Budget 2023.

Old Vs new tax regime: Who should opt for which income tax regime now (1)

The revised income tax slabs of the new tax regime that was announced in Budget 2023 has shifted a break-even point between the old tax regime and the revised new income tax slabs for the salaried, senior citizens and super senior citizens.

The break-even point here refers to the maximum deduction one must claim in the old tax regime so that the income tax payable in both the regimes are the same. This can help a person decide which tax regime will be better if they are unable to meet a certain level of deduction.

Also read: New income tax regime: All your questions answered

Also read: Tax saving in new tax regime 2023-24 vs old tax regime post Budget announcements
Also read: Revised income tax slabs, rates for new tax regime announced in Budget 2023
According to an analysis by EY India, “If the maximum exemptions and deductions claimed by salaried individuals is more than Rs.4.25 lakh for an income above Rs.15.5 lakh, then he/she may pay less tax in the old tax regime from April 1, 2023.” The exemptions and deductions include standard deduction of Rs.50,000 which is automatically available to a salaried individual. He/she is not required to submit any document to claim standard deduction.

Do note that as the salary levels decrease, the deduction and exemption amount will also decrease, while calculating the break-even.

Here is an analysis showing the maximum deductions a salaried individual needs to claim to remain tax neutral in both the income tax regimes.

Gross incomeMaximum deductions (Rs) one must claim in old tax regimeTax payable in old tax regime (Rs)Tax payable in revised new tax regime (Rs)
Rs 7.5 lakh2,50,00000
Rs 10 lakh3,00,00054,60054,600
Rs 12.5 lakh3,62,50093,60093,600
Rs 15 lakh4,08,3321,45,6001,45, 600
Rs 20 lakh4,25,0002,96,4002,96,400

Source: EY India

According to the analysis, now the break-even income salary is Rs.7.5 lakh. In the old tax regime, an individual with a salary income of Rs.7.5 lakh claiming maximum exemptions and deductions of Rs.2.5 lakh will be able to bring down the taxable income to Rs.5 lakh. This makes him eligible for a rebate under Section 87A in the old tax regime and his tax liability becomes zero. If the same individual opts for the revised new tax regime, then he/she can claim a standard deduction of Rs.50,000 (introduced for the new tax regime), claim a rebate under Section 87A (for income upto Rs 7 lakh) in the revised new tax regime and will have a zero tax liability.

Similarly, if an individual with a gross income of Rs.10 lakh opts to claim deductions and exemptions such as Section 80C, 80D, 80TTA, HRA exemption, LTA exemption for a maximum of Rs.3 lakh, then he/she turns tax neutral in both the tax regimes. If the deductions claimed is less than Rs.3 lakh, then the new tax regime will be beneficial for such a salaried taxpayer.

Salaried individuals having income of Rs.12.5 lakh, and is able to claim deductions (Section 80C, 80D, 80E, 80TTA etc.), tax exemptions on HRA, LTA and standard deductions of Rs 50,000 for maximum totalling upto Rs.3,62,500, will have a tax payable amount that is same in the old tax regime and the revised new income tax slabs. If the deduction amount claimed is less than Rs 3,62,500, then it is better to opt for the revised new income tax regime.

A salaried individual having a gross income of Rs.15 lakh must claim deductions of more than Rs 4,08,332 to make the old tax regime beneficial for him/her. If the person has a gross income of Rs.20 lakh, then the deductions claim must be for more than Rs 4,25,000 to make the old tax regime beneficial.

( Originally published on Feb 01, 2023 )

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Old Vs new tax regime: Who should opt for which income tax regime now (2024)

FAQs

Should you switch to new tax regime? ›

Impact on Investments and Savings: Consider how switching tax regimes may affect your investments, savings, and financial planning strategies. Some tax-saving investments and deductions may not be available under the new tax regime, so evaluate the impact on your overall financial goals.

How to calculate in new tax regime? ›

Steps to calculate income tax in 2024
  1. Select your age bracket.
  2. Enter your annual income.
  3. Disclose investments and eligible deductions.
  4. Enter HRA, LTA exemptions.
  5. You can enter '0' for fields that are not applicable. Once you go through the steps, you will see your tax payable under the old and new regimes for FY 2023-24.

What is rebate under section 87A in the new tax regime? ›

Reduce your tax deductions for tax savings, investments, etc. Arrive at your total income after reducing the tax deductions. Declare your gross income and tax deductions in ITR. The maximum rebate under section 87A for the AY 2024-25 is Rs 25,000 under the new tax regime and Rs 12,500 under the optional tax regime.

What is the standard deductible? ›

Standard Deduction 2023 and 2024: How Much It Is, When to Take It. The 2023 standard deduction for tax returns filed in 2024 is $13,850 for single filers, $27,700 for joint filers or $20,800 for heads of household. People 65 or older may be eligible for a higher amount.

Can a person switch from new regime to old regime? ›

> A salaried individual has the flexibility to switch between the new and the old tax regime every financial year. Even if the taxpayer has chosen the new tax regime for TDS throughout the year, they can still easily change your preferred tax regime when filing your ITR.

Can you switch back from new regime to old regime? ›

Old vs New Tax Regime: Can you switch tax regimes? Yes, if you are a salaried professional, you can switch tax regime. This time, the tax regime was also made the default regime, due to which taxpayers were confused about choosing their tax regime.

How do you calculate the difference between old and new tax regime? ›

Comparison Of Old v/s New Tax regime Slab Rates
Income Tax SlabOld Tax Regime FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24) and FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)New Tax Regime (After Budget 2023) (Applicable from 1st April 2023)
₹10,00,001 - ₹12,00,00030%15%
₹12,00,001 - ₹12,50,00030%20%
₹12,50,001 - ₹15,00,00030%20%
More than ₹15,00,00030%30%
7 more rows

What is deductible in new tax regime? ›

In the new regime, a standard deduction of Rs. 50,000 is offered to all taxpayers, regardless of their income level. Retirement Benefits: Both gratuity and leave encashment received upon retirement remain non-taxable.

How do you calculate net income in new tax regime? ›

The government sets the tax rates, which are based on several income brackets. The following formula is used to calculate income taxes: Gross Salary - Deductions = Taxable Income; Income Tax = (Taxable Income x Applicable Tax Rate) - Tax Rebate.

Is 80C applicable in the new tax regime? ›

Is 80C applicable in new tax regime? No, Section 80C deductions are not available under the new tax regime. How to calculate tax in new regime? From FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) onwards, the tax slabs under the new tax regime have been revised, as per the table given in the beginning of this article.

What is the marginal relief in the new regime? ›

The marginal relief for income tax rebate is a new amendment to Section 87A applicable only to the new tax regime. Instead of paying the full tax amount if your income is more significant than Rs. 7,00,000, you can pay only a small amount for the excess income.

What is 80C in income tax? ›

Section 80C provides deductions on various investments up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per year from your taxable income. In comparison, Section 80CCC provides a deduction of up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per annum for the contribution made by an individual towards specified pension funds.

At what age is social security no longer taxed? ›

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

What is the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65? ›

If you are 65 or older and blind, the extra standard deduction is: $3,700 if you are single or filing as head of household. $3,000 per qualifying individual if you are married, filing jointly or separately.

When should you not take standard deduction? ›

Certain taxpayers aren't entitled to the standard deduction: You are a married individual filing as married filing separately whose spouse itemizes deductions. You are an individual who was a nonresident alien or dual status alien during the year (see below for certain exceptions)

Is there any exemption in the new tax regime? ›

Under the New Tax Regime, you can enjoy tax-free income up to Rs 7.5 lakh after applying the standard deduction and tax rebate. Family pensioners can also benefit from this deduction—claim Rs 15,000 or 1/3rd (33.33 per cent) of their pension, whichever is lower.

What deductions are allowed in the old tax regime? ›

Section 80C is the most well-known and widely used deduction. But it is mostly for those who will opt for or have already opted for the Old Tax regime. From PPF, house rent, mutual funds to donation to a religious organisation, investors can claim tax saving under Old Tax Regime through several options.

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