Calculator Comparison
New Regime vs Old Regime
A detailed side-by-side comparison of New Tax Regime and Old Tax Regime covering returns, risk, tax treatment, liquidity, and who each instrument is best for.
3
New Regime wins
2
Ties
3
Old Regime wins
Feature
New Tax Regime
Old Tax Regime
Tax Slabs
Standard Deduction
Section 80C/80D Deductions
HRA Exemption
Home Loan Interest (Sec 24)
Simplicity
Default Regime (FY27)
Best For
Detailed Analysis
The choice between India's new and old tax regimes is one of the most consequential personal finance decisions for salaried taxpayers. The new regime offers lower tax rates but strips away most deductions and exemptions. The old regime retains all deductions but at higher rates. Post the Budget 2026 changes, the new regime has become even more attractive.
Who Should Choose the New Regime
The new regime is better if your total claimable deductions are below approximately 4-5 lakh per year. This includes most salaried individuals who do not have a home loan, do not live in rented accommodation (no HRA), and have modest 80C investments. With the revised slabs and increased standard deduction, anyone earning up to approximately 12 lakh pays minimal tax under the new regime even without any deductions.
Who Should Stick with the Old Regime
The old regime remains beneficial if you can claim substantial deductions: home loan interest (up to 2 lakh), HRA exemption (varies by city and rent), Section 80C (1.5 lakh), Section 80D health insurance (25,000-1 lakh), NPS under 80CCD(1B) (50,000-75,000), and other deductions. When total deductions exceed 4-5 lakh, the old regime typically results in lower tax.
The Decision Framework
Calculate your tax liability under both regimes using our Old vs New Regime calculator. Input your salary, deductions, and exemptions, and the calculator will show you the exact saving under each option. Starting FY 2027-28, the new regime becomes the default, so if you prefer the old regime, you must actively opt in when filing your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tax regime is better for salary of 15 lakh?
At 15 lakh annual salary, the new regime results in approximately 1,50,000 in tax (after standard deduction and rebate). Under the old regime with maximum 80C (1.5L), 80D (25K), and standard deduction (50K), the tax is approximately 1,72,500. The new regime is better unless you have additional deductions like HRA or home loan interest. If you pay rent in a metro and have a home loan, the old regime can bring tax below 1 lakh. Run both calculations with your specific numbers.
Can I switch between old and new regime every year?
Salaried individuals (without business income) can switch between regimes every assessment year. You can choose the new regime for AY 2026-27 and switch to the old regime for AY 2027-28 if your circumstances change (e.g., you take a home loan). The choice is made when filing your income tax return. Individuals with business income can switch only once from old to new, with limited ability to switch back.
What deductions are available in the new tax regime?
The new regime allows very few deductions: standard deduction of 75,000-1,00,000 (depending on the year), employer's NPS contribution under 80CCD(2) up to 14% of basic salary, and deduction for family pension up to 15,000. All other deductions including 80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, home loan interest, and professional tax are not available. This simplicity is the trade-off for the lower rates.