Difference Between Old Vs New Tax Regime: Which is Better?
Difference Between Old Vs New Tax Regime: Which is Better?
May 10, 2023
5 Minutes
Decoding Indian Income Tax: Navigating the New vs. Old Tax Regime
The intricacies of the Indian income tax system underwent a transformation in the fiscal year 2020-21 with the introduction of a new tax regime. This revamped system not only altered tax rates but also brought about significant changes in tax-saving avenues. Understanding the nuances of the new and old tax regimes becomes crucial for taxpayers to make informed decisions. Let's delve into the details to decipher which regime might be more beneficial based on individual income scenarios.
New Tax Regime Unveiled
Effective April 1, 2020, the Government of India introduced a new optional tax rate system under Section 115 BAC of the Income Tax Act of 1961. This new regime ushered in lower tax rates for individuals and Hindu undivided families (HUFs) who opted not to avail of certain tax deductions or exemptions.
Despite its advantages, the new tax structure faced skepticism due to reduced tax-saving opportunities. To address this, the government introduced five significant adjustments in the 2023 Budget to incentivize taxpayers to embrace the new system:
Increased Tax Rebate Limit:
The threshold for total tax rebate was raised to 7 lakhs, providing relief for individuals earning up to Rs 7 lakh.
Simplified Tax Slabs:
The tax exemption limit was increased to 3 lakhs, accompanied by revised tax slabs for different income ranges.
Standard Deduction and Family Pension Deduction:
The 50,000 standard deduction for salary income was extended to the new tax scheme, offering 7.5 lakhs in tax-free income. Family pension recipients became eligible for a deduction of ₹15,000 or 1/3rd of the pension, whichever is lower.
Surcharge for High-Net-Worth Individuals Cut:
The surcharge rate for income over five crores was reduced from 37% to 25%, resulting in a lowered effective tax rate.
Higher Leave Encashment Exemption:
The exemption limit for non-government workers saw a significant increase from 3 lakhs to 25 lakhs.
Old Tax Regime: The Traditional Approach
The old tax regime, existing prior to the new system, offers approximately 70 exclusions and deductions, including HRA and LTA. Notable deductions under this system include those under Section 80C, providing a reduction in taxable income of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Here's a snapshot of some exemptions and deductions available under the old tax regime:
Leave Travel Allowance
House rent allowance
Standard deduction of Rs 50,000 for salaried individuals
Deductions under Section 80TTA/80TTB (on interest from savings account deposits)
Entertainment allowance deduction and professional tax (For government employees)
Tax relief on interest paid on home loan for self-occupied or vacant property u/s 24
Various tax-saving investment deductions under Chapter VI-A (80C,80D, 80E,80CCC, 80CCD, 80D, 80DD, 80DDB, 80EE, 80EEA, 80EEB, 80G, 80GG, 80GGA, 80GGC, 80IA, 80-IAB, 80-IAC, 80-IB, 80-IBA, etc.)
Choosing between the old and new tax regimes hinges on various factors, including individual income, deductions, and exemptions. Some estimates to aid decision-making include:
The new regime is advantageous when total deductions are less than 1.5 lakhs.
The old regime becomes beneficial when total deductions exceed 3.75 lakhs.
The choice is influenced by the income level, with total deductions ranging from 1.5 lakhs to 3.75 lakhs.
In conclusion, both the old and new tax regimes have their merits and drawbacks. The decision to switch should be based on an individual's unique set of deductions and exemptions. While the old tax structure encourages saving habits, the new system is streamlined, reducing paperwork and minimizing the potential for tax evasion. Ultimately, a personalized comparison is essential to determine the best fit for each taxpayer in the dynamic landscape of Indian income taxation.
Decoding Indian Income Tax: Navigating the New vs. Old Tax Regime
The intricacies of the Indian income tax system underwent a transformation in the fiscal year 2020-21 with the introduction of a new tax regime. This revamped system not only altered tax rates but also brought about significant changes in tax-saving avenues. Understanding the nuances of the new and old tax regimes becomes crucial for taxpayers to make informed decisions. Let's delve into the details to decipher which regime might be more beneficial based on individual income scenarios.
New Tax Regime Unveiled
Effective April 1, 2020, the Government of India introduced a new optional tax rate system under Section 115 BAC of the Income Tax Act of 1961. This new regime ushered in lower tax rates for individuals and Hindu undivided families (HUFs) who opted not to avail of certain tax deductions or exemptions.
Despite its advantages, the new tax structure faced skepticism due to reduced tax-saving opportunities. To address this, the government introduced five significant adjustments in the 2023 Budget to incentivize taxpayers to embrace the new system:
Increased Tax Rebate Limit:
The threshold for total tax rebate was raised to 7 lakhs, providing relief for individuals earning up to Rs 7 lakh.
Simplified Tax Slabs:
The tax exemption limit was increased to 3 lakhs, accompanied by revised tax slabs for different income ranges.
Standard Deduction and Family Pension Deduction:
The 50,000 standard deduction for salary income was extended to the new tax scheme, offering 7.5 lakhs in tax-free income. Family pension recipients became eligible for a deduction of ₹15,000 or 1/3rd of the pension, whichever is lower.
Surcharge for High-Net-Worth Individuals Cut:
The surcharge rate for income over five crores was reduced from 37% to 25%, resulting in a lowered effective tax rate.
Higher Leave Encashment Exemption:
The exemption limit for non-government workers saw a significant increase from 3 lakhs to 25 lakhs.
Old Tax Regime: The Traditional Approach
The old tax regime, existing prior to the new system, offers approximately 70 exclusions and deductions, including HRA and LTA. Notable deductions under this system include those under Section 80C, providing a reduction in taxable income of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Here's a snapshot of some exemptions and deductions available under the old tax regime:
Leave Travel Allowance
House rent allowance
Standard deduction of Rs 50,000 for salaried individuals
Deductions under Section 80TTA/80TTB (on interest from savings account deposits)
Entertainment allowance deduction and professional tax (For government employees)
Tax relief on interest paid on home loan for self-occupied or vacant property u/s 24
Various tax-saving investment deductions under Chapter VI-A (80C,80D, 80E,80CCC, 80CCD, 80D, 80DD, 80DDB, 80EE, 80EEA, 80EEB, 80G, 80GG, 80GGA, 80GGC, 80IA, 80-IAB, 80-IAC, 80-IB, 80-IBA, etc.)
Choosing between the old and new tax regimes hinges on various factors, including individual income, deductions, and exemptions. Some estimates to aid decision-making include:
The new regime is advantageous when total deductions are less than 1.5 lakhs.
The old regime becomes beneficial when total deductions exceed 3.75 lakhs.
The choice is influenced by the income level, with total deductions ranging from 1.5 lakhs to 3.75 lakhs.
In conclusion, both the old and new tax regimes have their merits and drawbacks. The decision to switch should be based on an individual's unique set of deductions and exemptions. While the old tax structure encourages saving habits, the new system is streamlined, reducing paperwork and minimizing the potential for tax evasion. Ultimately, a personalized comparison is essential to determine the best fit for each taxpayer in the dynamic landscape of Indian income taxation.
Author
Pluto Team
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