Earning a ₹5.00 Lakh annual salary is a major financial milestone for entry-level professionals. The best part? In India, a ₹5.00 Lakh income is effectively Tax-Free regardless of whether you choose the Old Tax Regime or the New Tax Regime. This guide explains how the Section 87A rebate works to keep your hard-earned money in your pocket.
How the Old vs New Tax Regimes Work
The calculator pits the high-deduction Old Regime against the low-rate New Regime to compute your exact effective tax outgo.
Taxable Income = Gross Income - Exemptions (HRA/LTA) - Deductions (80C/80D/Std. Ded)Where:
- • Standard Deduction: ₹50,000 (Old) vs ₹75,000 (New)
- • Section 87A Rebate: Making income up to ₹5L (Old) and ₹12L (New) tax-free.
- • Surcharge: Applies only on income above ₹50 Lakhs
- • Health & Education Cess: Flat 4% added to the final tax amount
- Old Tax Regime: Allows you to claim ~70 different exemptions and deductions including HRA, LTA, Section 80C (₹1.5 Lakh), 80D, and Home Loan Interest (₹2L). Best for high-earners with heavy mortgages.
- New Tax Regime: Features lower rates but completely abolishes almost all deductions except the ₹75,000 Standard Deduction.
- Choosing the Regime: If your total deductions are less than ₹3.75 Lakh, the New Regime is mathematically superior.
₹5.00 Lakh Income Tax Case Study
For a gross annual income of ₹12L:
• Old Regime Tax: NIL (with standard deductions)
• New Regime Tax: ₹1,44,000
• Total Savings: Optimized for maximum savings.
At this income level, the difference between regimes can be significant, making it essential to choose based on your specific investment profile.
Using the Income Tax Calculator
Input Income
Enter your gross Annual Salary and any other income (like Fixed Deposit interest or rental income).
Add Exemptions
Fill in your HRA or LTA exempt amounts. These only lower your tax in the Old Regime.
Input Deductions
Enter your 80C investments (PPF, ELSS, EPF), 80D (Medical Insurance), and Home loan interest.
Compare Result
The calculator instantly compares both regimes and highlights the exact amount you save by choosing the most efficient one.
Old vs New Regime FY 2026-27 Breakdown
A quick reference guide to deductions:
| Deduction / Feature | Available in Old Regime? | Available in New Regime? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction | Yes (₹50,000) | Yes (₹75,000) |
| 87A Zero Tax Rebate Limit | Up to ₹5 Lakhs | Up to ₹12 Lakh |
| Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, EPF) | Yes (Up to ₹1.5 Lakh) | No |
| HRA & LTA Exemption | Yes | No |
| Home Loan Interest (Sec 24b) | Yes (Up to ₹2L) | No (except let-out property) |
| Employer NPS (80CCD2) | Yes (Up to 10%) | Yes (Up to 14%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ₹12 Lakh salary completely tax-free in 2026?
What is Marginal Relief for income slightly above ₹12 Lakh?
Can I switch back to the Old Regime if I miss the deadline?
What is the surcharge for high earners in 2026?
⚠️ Disclaimer
The figures provided by this calculator are estimates based on the inputs you provide and standard financial formulas. STOCKCALC.IN does not offer investment advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.