21/04/2026
🎉 Zero tax on income up to ₹12 lakh. ₹12.75 lakh if you're salaried.
Budget 2025 made this possible — and most people still don't know how.
Here's exactly how the New Tax Regime for FY 2025-26 works — and why it changes everything for the Indian middle class 👇
🏛️ SECTION 87A REBATE — THE GAME CHANGER
Under Section 87A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the rebate has been enhanced to ₹60,000 for FY 2025-26. If your taxable income is ₹12 lakh or below — this rebate wipes out your entire tax liability. Zero. Nil. Kuch nahin.
💰 FOR SALARIED EMPLOYEES
You also get a Standard Deduction of ₹75,000 under Section 16(ia). So:
Gross Salary ₹12.75 lakh
Less: Standard Deduction ₹75,000
Taxable Income = ₹12,00,000
Tax (after 87A rebate) = ₹0 ✅
⚠️ IMPORTANT: WHAT THE HEADLINES DON'T TELL YOU
The Section 87A rebate does NOT apply to:
→ Long-term capital gains taxable u/s 112A
→ Short-term capital gains u/s 111A
→ Crypto/virtual digital assets income
→ Special rate income taxed at flat rates
If part of your ₹12L income is from these sources — your tax may NOT be zero. Run the numbers or speak to a CA.
🔄 NEW REGIME vs OLD REGIME — WHICH IS BETTER?
New regime wins when: your deductions are below ₹4 lakh or you prefer simplicity.
Old regime wins when: your HRA + 80C + 80D + NPS deductions add up significantly.
At ₹15 lakh income, the new regime saves you ₹89,000 vs old regime (assuming ₹2.5L deductions).
At ₹25 lakh income, the new regime saves ₹1,22,500.
The new regime is the default from FY 2025-26. You must specifically opt out if you prefer the old regime while filing.
Have questions about which regime works for your exact income and deductions? That's exactly what a free 20-minute clarity call is for.
👉 DM me 'REGIME' — I'll calculate your exact tax liability under both regimes and tell you which saves you more. Bilkul free, no obligation.