Introduction:
The difference between old and new tax regimes has become a subject of interest for individuals and businesses alike. As tax regulations transform, it becomes crucial to comprehend the contrasts between the old regime and the new regime’s two systems to make informed financial decisions.
Overview of the New Tax Regime:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new income tax regime while presenting the Budget 2020. Now, for the financial year 2023-24, the government has announced various steps to move towards a simpler tax regime which will help all taxpayers who opt for the new tax regime. It aims to simplify the tax structure and provide more flexibility to taxpayers. Under this regime, taxpayers have the option to choose between the existing tax system with deductions and exemptions or the new tax system without them. While the new regime offers lower tax rates, it limits the availability of exemptions.Â
Difference between Old and New Tax Regimes:
1. Determining Tax Liability: Income Tax Slabs
| Old tax regime | New tax regime | ||
| Range of Income | Rate | Range of Income | Rate |
| Up to 2,50,000 | Nil | Up to 3,00,000 | Nil |
| 2,50,000-5,00,000 | 5% | 3,00,000-6,00,000 | 5% |
| 5,00,000-10,00,000 | 20% | 6,00,000-9,00,000 | 10% |
| Above 10,00,000 | 30% | 9,00,000-12,00,000 | 15% |
| 12,00,000-15,00,000 | 20% | ||
| Above 15,00,000 | 30% | ||
To calculate your tax go to: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/pages/tools/tax-calculator.aspx
2. Deductions and Exemptions:
Old Tax Regime: Benefiting from Exemptions and Deductions
The old tax provided taxpayers with a range of exemptions and deductions, enabling them to reduce their taxable income significantly. These exemptions encompassed areas such as house rent allowance, medical expenses, education loans, and more. Deductions like those for life insurance premiums and contributions to provident funds further contributed to lowering the tax burden.
New Tax Regime: Streamlined Simplicity
Contrary to the old tax regime, the new tax simplifies the tax structure by eliminating most exemptions and deductions. Minor child income allowance Helper allowance, Children education allowance, Other special allowances U/S 10(14), and Interest on housing loans on a self-occupied property. While this makes the process more straightforward, it means that taxpayers may not enjoy the same level of tax benefits as under the old tax regime.
Let’s understand by one example:
If one individual has 12,00,000 gross salary
| Particulars | FY 2022-23 | FY 2023-24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Regime | New Regime | Old Regime | New Regime | |
| Gross Salary | 12,00,000 | 12,00,000 | 12,00,000 | 12,00,000 |
| Less: HRA exemption | 2,00,000 | NA | 2,00,000 | NA |
| Less: LTA exemption | 50,000 | NA | 50,000 | NA |
| Less: Standard deduction | 50,000 | NA | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Less: Section 80C deductions | 1,50,000 | NA | 1,50,000 | NA |
| Less: Section 80D deductions for self | 25,000 | NA | 25,000 | NA |
| Less: Section 80D deduction for senior citizen parents | 50,000 | NA | 50,000 | NA |
| Less: Other deductions | 10,000 | NA | 10,000 | NA |
| Taxable Income | 6,65,000 | 12,00,000 | 6,65,000 | 11,50,000 |
| Tax Payable including cess (considering age is less than 60) | 47,320 | 1,19,600 | 47,320 | 85,800 |
| Remark | The old regime is beneficial | The old regime is beneficial | ||
Let us understand with another example :
| Particulars | FY 2022-23 | FY 2023-24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Regime | New Regime | Old Regime | New Regime | |
| Gross Salary | 12,00,000 | 12,00,000 | 12,00,000 | 12,00,000 |
| Less: Standard deduction | 50,000 | NA | 50,000 | NA |
| Less: 80C deductions | 50,000 | NA | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Taxable Income | 11,00,000 | 12,00,000 | 11,00,000 | 11,50,000 |
| Tax Payable including cess(considering age is less than 60) | 1,48,200 | 1,19,600 | 1,48,200 | 85,600 |
| Remark | The new regime is more beneficial | The new regime is more beneficial | ||
FAQs about the Difference between Old Tax Regime and New Tax Regime:
Q: Who should opt for a new tax regime?
A: The old tax regime is good for you if you have invested more than Rs 3,00,000 in tax-saving schemes. If you have invested or spent less than Rs 3,00,000, then the new regime will be better for you.
Q: How does the new tax regime affect my tax liability?
A: The new tax regime has rationalized the scope of taxation with five tax slab rates ranging from 0% to 30% with income till INR 3 lakh exempt from tax and the highest tax rate of 30% applicable on income above INR 15 lakh.
Q: Should I opt for the new tax regime or stick with the old one?
A: The decision depends on various factors such as your income level, the number of exemptions and deductions you can avail of under the old tax regime, and your long-term financial goals. It is important to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of each system before making a choice.
Q: Can I switch between the old and new tax regimes every year?
A: No, once you choose a particular tax regime for a financial year, therefore you are generally not allowed to switch during that year. It is important to make an informed decision at the beginning of the financial year based on your circumstances and tax planning requirements.
Q: Will I lose out on any benefits if I switch to the new tax regime?
A: The new tax regime would be more beneficial for an individual earning income from salary with only deductions under section 80C of the Act. For others having eligible deductions such as interest on a home loan or HRA, the old tax regime may be more beneficial.
Q: Can I change my tax regime after filing my tax return?
A: No, once you have filed your tax return for a particular financial year, you cannot change your tax regime for that year. It is crucial to make the right choice before the filing deadline to ensure accurate reporting of your income and tax liability.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the difference between the old and the new tax regime lies in their approaches to determining tax liability, the availability of exemptions and deductions, and the implications for financial planning. By staying informed and seeking professional advice when necessary but individuals can make sound financial decisions and adapt to the evolving tax environment so It is crucial to carefully evaluate your financial situation, long-term goals, and the impact on your tax liability before making a decision.
