1What is the standard deduction on salary?
Rs 75,000 under the new regime and Rs 50,000 under the old regime. It applies automatically to salary and pension — no bills or proof are needed.
Salary looks simple to tax, but the figure you take home depends on the regime you pick, the deductions you claim and the slabs that apply. Here's a clear walk-through of how salary income is taxed.
Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-15
Quick answer
Your salary is taxed after the standard deduction and any exemptions, under either the new or old regime. Here's how it's computed, slab by slab.
Add up basic pay, allowances, perquisites and any bonus to arrive at your gross salary. From this, a flat standard deduction is allowed: Rs 75,000 under the new regime and Rs 50,000 under the old regime. You don't need any bills or proof for it — it applies automatically to salaried income and pension.
Under the old regime you can also reduce salary with exemptions like HRA — the least of actual HRA, rent minus 10% of salary, or 50% of salary (for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata, else 40%); note that your landlord's PAN is needed if annual rent exceeds Rs 1,00,000. Chapter VI-A deductions such as 80C (up to Rs 1,50,000) and 80D health insurance (Rs 25,000, or Rs 50,000 where a senior is covered) further cut taxable income. The new regime forgoes most of these but gives the larger standard deduction and wider slabs instead.
Your taxable salary is then taxed slab by slab. Under the new regime: nil up to Rs 4,00,000, 5% from 4–8L, 10% from 8–12L, 15% from 12–16L, 20% from 16–20L, 25% from 20–24L and 30% above Rs 24,00,000. Under the old regime (below 60): nil up to Rs 2,50,000, 5% from 2.5–5L, 20% from 5–10L and 30% above Rs 10,00,000.
A section 87A rebate can wipe out the tax entirely at modest incomes. In the new regime there is NIL tax up to Rs 12,00,000 of total income (rebate up to Rs 60,000, with marginal relief just above 12L). In the old regime the rebate covers tax up to Rs 5,00,000 (up to Rs 12,500). Above these thresholds you pay tax on the full computed amount, not just the excess.
Finally, add 4% health and education cess on the tax. Through the year your employer deducts TDS on salary and reports it — check that it matches your Form 26AS and AIS so every rupee is credited to you. If too little was deducted you pay the balance as self-assessment tax; if too much, you claim a refund when you file.
Rs 75,000 under the new regime and Rs 50,000 under the old regime. It applies automatically to salary and pension — no bills or proof are needed.
Under the new regime there is NIL tax up to Rs 12,00,000 of total income, thanks to the section 87A rebate. The old regime's rebate only covers tax up to Rs 5,00,000, so the new regime is usually friendlier at these levels.
Yes, but mainly under the old regime — HRA, 80C (up to Rs 1,50,000), 80D and similar deductions are forgone in the new regime in exchange for the larger standard deduction and wider slabs.
Not sure which regime leaves more in your pocket? Write to the firm and we'll compute both and file under the cheaper one.