Is there any change in the old tax regime tax slabs in this budget? What are the exact tax slabs if I would like to opt for the old tax regime and would like to avail benefit of Standard Deduction, Section 80 C, NPS(80CCD1B and 80ccd2) and Section 80 D ?

Ans: Hi
The difference between the old and new tax regime is that many deductions and exemptions are not available if an individual opts for the new tax regime.

Standard deduction, PT deduction, Mediclaim, Life Insurance, PF, NPS, Donations etc., are some of the common deductions that would not have been available to an individual opting for the new tax regime. The benefit that the individual would get by opting the new tax regime is that she / he would get lower rates of tax slab as compared to an individual opting for old tax regime.

With the new budget proposals, the FM intends to extend atleast 3 distinct benefits to individuals opting for the new tax regime.

1. Standard deduction would be available to be claimed
2. Slab rates of tax has been rationalized (improved) to give better tax relief to the individual
3. Individuals opting for new tax regime have got enhanced Nil tax window of Rs. 7 Lakhs as compared to old tax regime limit of Rs. 5 Lakhs. As your income even after the standard deduction would be above Rs. 7 Lakhs, this benefit is not really applicable to you.

If we look at an income of Rs. 10 Lakhs with standard deduction of Rs. 50000; you would pay Rs. 52,500 under the new tax regime (current budget proposal) as compared to Rs. 67,500 under the new tax regime (last year budget). So effectively comparing apple to apple, you have an additional saving of Rs. 15,000 in taxes

Ans: Tax slabs under the old regime continue to be the same. The standard deduction is Rs 50,000

Ans: Assuming 18 lacs doesn't include any special rate income, tax liability for FY 24 25 based on proposed amendment (after standard deduction of 50000) will be 215800