India’s tax system is often seen as complex, filled with a maze of deductions, exemptions, and varied tax rates. In an attempt to simplify this, the Finance Act of 2020 introduced a new optional tax regime under Section 115BAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This provision allows taxpayers to choose between the traditional tax regime—with higher rates and numerous exemptions—and a streamlined alternative with lower rates but fewer benefits.
Section 115BAC is available to:
Individuals: All individual taxpayers, including salaried employees and self-employed persons, can opt for this regime.
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs): HUFs are also eligible to choose the new tax regime.
It is important to note that this section is not applicable to corporations or partnership firms.
The new regime provides reduced tax rates as outlined below:
| Total Income (INR) | Tax Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Up to 2,50,000 | Nil |
| 2,50,001 to 5,00,000 | 5% |
| 5,00,001 to 7,50,000 | 10% |
| 7,50,001 to 10,00,000 | 15% |
| 10,00,001 to 12,50,000 | 20% |
| 12,50,001 to 15,00,000 | 25% |
| Above 15,00,000 | 30% |
These rates differ from the traditional regime, which has rates ranging from 5% to 30%, and require taxpayers to forgo most deductions and exemptions.
Taxpayers wishing to adopt the Section 115BAC framework must meet certain criteria:
Ineligibility for Exemptions and Deductions: Several benefits under the old regime are unavailable, including:
Standard deduction of INR 50,000 for salaried individuals (Section 16).
House Rent Allowance (HRA) under Section 10(13A).
Deductions under Chapter VI-A, such as:
Section 80C (e.g., PPF, ELSS, LIC premiums).
Section 80D (health insurance premiums).
Section 80E (interest on education loans).
Section 80G (donations to specified funds).
Interest on housing loans for self-occupied properties under Section 24(b).
Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) and other special allowances.
2. Permitted Deductions: Despite the restrictions, some deductions are allowed:
Employer’s contribution to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) under Section 80CCD(2).
Standard deduction of up to INR 15,000 for family pensions.
For Salaried Individuals: They can choose between the old and new regimes each financial year while filing income tax returns. However, if they opt for the new regime for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) purposes, they can still revert to the old regime during return filing.
For Business Owners and Professionals: Once they select the new regime, they cannot revert to the old regime unless their business or professional income ceases.
Loss of Deductions and Exemptions: Taxpayers relying on deductions like HRA or Section 80C may find this regime less appealing.
Unsuitable for High-Investment Taxpayers: Individuals making substantial investments in schemes like PPF, ELSS, or housing loans may benefit more from the old regime.
Limited Benefits for Lower Income Groups: For incomes below INR 7,50,000, the tax savings may not outweigh the benefits of deductions available under the old framework.
Gross Income: INR 10,00,000
Deductions Claimed: None
| Regime | Taxable Income (INR) | Tax Liability (INR) |
| Old Regime | 10,00,000 | 1,12,500 |
| New Regime | 10,00,000 | 75,000 |
Outcome: The new regime results in lower tax liability.
Gross Income: INR 10,00,000
Deductions Claimed: INR 2,50,000 (e.g., under Sections 80C, 80D, and standard deduction)
| Regime | Taxable Income (INR) | Tax Liability (INR) |
| Old Regime | 7,50,000 | 52,500 |
| New Regime | 10,00,000 | 75,000 |
Outcome: The old regime proves more advantageous due to deductions.
Investment Strategy: Evaluate whether your investments in tax-saving instruments justify staying in the old regime.
Income Level: Higher-income individuals with fewer deductions may benefit more from the new regime.
Annual Review: Salaried taxpayers should reassess their choice every year to optimize tax savings.
Employer Implications: Ensure alignment between your regime choice for TDS and annual tax return filing.
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