Income Tax Regime- Old Vs New

Abstract

The Government of India has announced new tax slab in Union Budget 2020-21. This new tax slab is also called as Optional tax regime because Government has not abolished old tax regime. The tax payer has option to choose the tax regime i.e. either Old or New which is better for them. The new tax regime has lower tax slab as compared to old tax structure. The taxpayer has given an option to either choose new tax structure with lower tax slab or the old tax one with tax benefit but higher tax slabs. The old tax regime enable taxpayer to avail existing tax exemption such as Leave Travelling Allowance, House Rent Allowance & deductions available under Income Tax Act, 1961. While those who are opting new tax regime will not have to avail advantages of existing exemptions & deductions that are available under old tax regime. The old tax regime has higher tax rate and three tax slab, whereas new tax regime has lower tax rate & six tax slabs. There is similarity in tax rate in case of individual below 60 years of age in both tax regime as it is exempted up to 2.5 lakh. In addition to this as per Section 87A (Introduced in Finance Act, 2003) Individual who is resident of India for Income Tax purpose, is entitled to claim tax rebate up to Rs.12,500 against tax liability if his/her Income does not exceed Rs.5,00,000 for old as well as new tax regime. Keywords: Income Tax, Tax Slab, Exemptions, Deductions, Old Vs New Tax Regime.