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How much income tax on a Rs 6 lakh salary

A Rs 6 lakh salary is comfortably tax-free in the new regime, while the old regime would tax a little unless you claim deductions. Here's the breakdown. Figures assume salary is your only income; your actual tax depends on your full situation.

Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13

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  1. 1. Zero tax in the new regime
  2. 2. The old regime taxes a small amount
  3. 3. The new regime is simpler here
  4. 4. Watch additional income
  5. 5. Declare your regime to your employer
  6. Common questions

Quick answer

A Rs 6 lakh salary is zero tax in the new regime; the old regime taxes a small amount without deductions. Here's the comparison.

1. Zero tax in the new regime

Under the new regime, the 87A rebate makes tax nil up to Rs 12,00,000 of total income, so a Rs 6 lakh salary is well within the tax-free band. With the Rs 75,000 standard deduction, the tax is zero.

2. The old regime taxes a small amount

In the old regime, a Rs 6 lakh salary (after the Rs 50,000 standard deduction) leaves Rs 5,50,000 taxable — just above the Rs 5,00,000 old-regime rebate ceiling — so a modest tax arises before deductions. A little 80C usually wipes it out, but it isn't automatic like the new regime.

3. The new regime is simpler here

Because the new regime gives zero with nothing to invest, it's the simpler choice at Rs 6 lakh. The old regime only makes sense if you'd already claim deductions like 80C, HRA or a home loan for other reasons.

4. Watch additional income

The zero result assumes salary is your only income. Interest or a side income stacks on top; in the new regime you have a wide buffer up to Rs 12,00,000 before any tax begins.

5. Declare your regime to your employer

To keep the zero liability in hand through the year, tell payroll you're on the new regime so unnecessary TDS isn't deducted.

Common questions

1Is a Rs 6 lakh salary taxable?

Not in the new regime — it's zero , thanks to the 87A rebate up to Rs 12,00,000. In the old regime a small tax arises before deductions, since the old rebate ends at Rs 5,00,000.

2Which regime is better for a Rs 6 lakh salary?

The new regime — it gives zero automatically. The old regime taxes a small amount unless you claim 80C or other deductions, so it's only worth it if you'd claim them anyway.

3How do I pay zero tax on a Rs 6 lakh salary?

Choose the new regime — it's automatically tax-free at this level , with no investment needed. Just ensure your employer applies it so TDS isn't over-deducted.

Want zero tax confirmed on your Rs 6 lakh salary? Write to the firm and we'll check your regime and TDS.