The Government of India introduced the New Tax Regime from 1st April 2020 for individuals and HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) with a view to simplify the tax payment process. The New Tax Regime prescribed a new reduced tax structure by allowing individuals to forego various deductions/exemptions. The budget of 2023 made the new tax regime as the default option for tax payers. In this blog, we will embark on a comparative journey, exploring the key differences between the new tax regime and the old tax regime.
Overview of the Old Tax Regime:
The old tax regime, which has been prevalent for a significant period, was characterized by a complex set of rules and provisions that governed the taxation system. It followed a progressive tax structure, where tax rates increased with higher income levels. Under this regime, individuals were required to compute their tax liability based on various tax slabs and applicable rates. The tax slabs were typically divided into income brackets, with each bracket attracting a specific tax rate. Additionally, the old tax regime allowed taxpayers to claim deductions and exemptions to reduce their taxable income.
Historical Context and Reasons for Implementation:
The implementation of the old tax regime can be attributed to several historical factors and policy objectives. One of the primary reasons was to ensure a fair distribution of the tax burden based on an individual’s ability to pay. The progressive tax structure aimed to promote income equality by taxing higher-income individuals at higher rates. Additionally, the old tax regime was designed to generate revenue for public expenditure, infrastructure development, and welfare programs. It provided the necessary funds for governments to fund public services and address societal needs.
Key Characteristics and Provisions of the Old Tax Regime:
Under the old tax regime, individuals enjoyed specific advantages and provisions. The progressive tax structure ensured that higher-income individuals paid a greater percentage of their earnings as taxes. Deductions and exemptions were available to taxpayers, allowing them to reduce their taxable income and overall tax liability. The old tax regime also included sector-specific provisions, providing special tax treatments for savings related investments, principal repayment on housing loan etc. These provisions aimed to support targeted sectors and stimulate their growth. However, the old tax regime often presented challenges in terms of tax compliance. Taxpayers had to navigate through intricate tax laws, interpret provisions accurately, and maintain extensive documentation to meet their tax obligations.
Introduction to the New Tax Regime:
The new tax regime represents a paradigm shift in tax policy. Driven by factors such as technological advancements, changing economic realities, and the desire to simplify the tax landscape, it aims to reshape the way taxes are assessed, paid, and managed. The new tax regime introduces changes in tax slabs and rates, by foregoing deductions and exemptions, and focuses on simplification and ease of compliance. It seeks to align the tax system with global best practices and create a friendly environment to manage taxes and stimulate growth. The new tax regime aims to streamline tax procedures, reduce compliance burdens, and provide individuals with more flexibility and choice in tax planning.
Key Differences between the New Tax Regime vs. Old Tax Regimes:
Tax Slabs and Rates:
One of the significant differences between the old and new tax regimes lies in the tax slabs, rates, deductions, and exemptions. Under the old tax regime, the tax slabs and rates followed a progressive structure with various exemptions and deductions, where higher income levels attracted higher tax rates. This meant that individuals with higher incomes paid a greater percentage of their earnings as taxes.
In contrast, the new tax regime often simplifies the structure by reducing the number of slabs and bringing in lower tax rates but does away with the various exemptions and deductions. This change can result in lower tax liabilities for individuals, not only those who did not wish to utilize the exemptions and deductions with higher incomes, but also with for people with higher incomes.
The below table illustrate the tax slabs for New Tax Regime
| Net Annual Income Range | New Regime Tax Rate |
| INR 0-3 lakh | Nil |
| INR 3-6 lakh | 5% |
| INR 6-9 lakh | 10% |
| INR 9-12 lakh | 15% |
| INR 12-15 lakh | 20% |
| Above INR 15 lakh | 30% |
The 2023 budget provided a rebate for individuals earning up to 7 lakhs and making it very attractive for individuals to make the move to the new tax regime
The below table illustrate the tax rates prevalent in the old tax regime
| Net Annual Income Range | Old Tax Regime |
| Up to INR 2.5 lakh | Nil |
| INR 2.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh | 5% (tax rebate u/s 87A) |
| INR 5 lakh to INR 7.5 lakh | 20% |
| INR 7.5 lakh to INR 10 lakh | 20% |
| INR 10 lakh to INR 12.5 lakh | 30% |
| INR 12.5 lakh to INR 15 lakh | 30% |
| Above INR 15 lakh | 30% |
Deductions and Exemptions:
The significant difference between the old and new tax regimes lies in the deductions and exemptions available to taxpayers. Under the old tax regime, individuals could claim various deductions and exemptions to reduce their taxable income. These deductions and exemptions covered expenses such as medical bills, home loan interest, education expenses, and charitable donations. Exemptions included home loan principal and interest payments, allowances for house rent, transport, child’s education and leave travel among others.
However, the new tax regime often revises or eliminates many of these deductions and exemptions. Instead, it may provide a higher standard deduction and a rebate for income up to 7 lakhs. This change can simplify the tax computation process but may also result in reduced tax benefits for individuals, as certain exemptions, and deductions they previously relied on are no longer available. But this significantly increased the post tax income of individuals who were not opting for or did not use the deductions available under the old tax regime.
Simplification and Ease of Compliance:
Simplification and ease of compliance are key focal points of the new tax regime. The old tax regime often presented challenges in terms of tax compliance. Taxpayers had to navigate through intricate tax laws, interpret provisions accurately, and maintain extensive documentation to meet their tax obligations. Compliance could be time-consuming and challenging.
In contrast, the new tax regime endeavours to streamline tax procedures, making them more user-friendly and less burdensome. It may introduce online platforms, e-filing options, and simplified forms to facilitate easier tax filing and reduce compliance-related stress. This simplification aims to improve overall taxpayer experience and ensure greater adherence to tax regulations.
Investment and Savings:
The new tax regime can impact investment decisions and savings strategies. Under the old tax regime, certain investment options and financial instruments enjoyed specific tax benefits. For example, tax-saving investment schemes like Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) allowed individuals to claim deductions on the invested amount. One could also avail deductions on interest paid home loan repayment up to 2 lakhs per year.
With the new tax regime, the focus on deductions and exemptions related to investments may change. It might prioritize a broader reduction in tax rates while minimizing the significance of specific investment-related tax benefits. This shift can influence individuals’ investment choices and encourage them to consider investment options based on factors beyond tax implications.
Impact of New Tax Regime
The implementation of a new tax regime can have significant implications for individual taxpayers, including salaried employees, self-employed individuals, and senior citizens. Salaried employees often benefited from deductions such as standard deduction, house rent allowance (HRA), and medical insurance premiums under the old tax regime.
The new tax regime, while introducing lower tax rates, eliminates these deductions and exemptions, affecting individuals who relied on them to reduce their tax liabilities. Self-employed individuals, such as freelancers and consultants, may experience unique implications under the new tax regime. The deductions and exemptions available to them, which were advantageous under the old tax regime, might be revised or eliminated, potentially impacting their profitability and tax liability.
Senior citizens, typically aged 60 years and above, often enjoyed specific concessions and benefits under the old tax regime. The new tax regime may continue to provide similar benefits, but with potential modifications. It might introduce a separate tax slab or higher exemption limits for senior citizens to account for their reduced income and increased healthcare expenses.
Let us pick up two case studies to evaluate New Tax Regime vs. Old Tax Regime
Case Study 1: Old Tax Regime
Scenario:
Mr. Sharma, a salaried employee, falls under the old tax regime. He earns an annual income of ₹10,00,000 Under this regime, he is eligible for certain deductions and exemptions that help reduce his taxable income and overall tax liability.
Tax Calculation under the Old Tax Regime:
Mr. Sharma’s annual income: ₹10,00,000
Deductions:
– Standard Deduction: ₹50,000
– House Rent Allowance (HRA): ₹1,80,000
– Medical Insurance Premium: ₹25,000
– Provident Fund Contribution: ₹1,20,000
Taxable Income Calculation:
Income: ₹10,00,000
Deductions: ₹50,000 + ₹1,80,000 + ₹25,000 + ₹1,20,000 = ₹3,75,000
Taxable Income: ₹10,00,000 – ₹3,75,000 = ₹6,25,000
Tax Calculation:
₹2,50,000 (0% tax)
₹2,50,000 (5% tax) = ₹12,500
₹1,25,000 (20% tax) = ₹25,000 Total Tax Liability: ₹37,500
Case Study 2: New Tax Regime
Scenario:
Ms. Patel, a self-employed consultant, falls under the new tax regime. She earns an annual income of ₹15,00,000. The new tax regime simplifies the tax structure but eliminates certain exemptions and deductions available in the old tax regime.
Tax Calculation under the New Tax Regime:
Ms. Patel’s annual income: ₹15,00,000
No Deductions or Exemptions Available.
Tax Calculation:
₹2,50,000 (0% tax)
₹2,50,000 (5% tax) = ₹12,500
₹5,00,000 (10% tax) = ₹50,000 Total Tax Liability: ₹62,500
Comparison of the Two Case Studies:
Under the old tax regime, Mr. Sharma’s taxable income is reduced to ₹6,25,000 after considering various deductions, resulting in a tax liability of ₹37,500. On the other hand, under the new tax regime, Ms. Patel’s taxable income remains the same at ₹15,00,000, and she has no deductions or exemptions available. Consequently, her tax liability amounts to ₹62,500.
In this case study, we can observe that the old tax regime allows individuals to benefit from deductions and exemptions, reducing their tax liability. However, the new tax regime simplifies the structure by eliminating many of these tax benefits, resulting in a higher tax liability for individuals like Ms. Patel. While the new tax regime brings lower tax rates, the removal of specific deductions and exemptions can impact individuals’ overall tax burden.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we have provided a comparative analysis of the old tax regime and the new tax regime, highlighting their key differences, impacts, and implications for various stakeholders. The old tax regime, with its progressive tax structure, deductions, and exemptions, offered tailored tax benefits but often posed challenges in terms of complexity and compliance.
The new tax regime, on the other hand, aims to simplify tax procedures, reduce compliance burdens, and introduce lower tax rates. However, it eliminates or limits certain exemptions and deductions, potentially affecting individuals who relied on them for tax planning.
While salaried individuals can change their tax regime every year based on suitability and unique circumstances, individuals with business income or professional income can change their tax regime only once.
It is essential for readers to carefully analyze their own financial circumstances and consult tax professionals or financial advisors for personalized advice. By seeking professional guidance, individuals can make informed decisions based on their specific needs and optimize their tax planning strategies accordingly. You can also use the income tax calculator built by the Income Tax department to calculate your tax liability in each of the tax regimes and chose one that works best for you.
Staying updated with changes in tax laws and regulations is also vital to ensure compliance and take advantage of available benefits. In the ever-evolving landscape of taxation, understanding the implications of tax regime shifts empowers individuals to navigate the complexities and make well-informed financial decisions.
