Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

New Tax Regime: How Can a Freelancer Like Me Save Money?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 08, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

how can i save money using new tax regime?

Ans: The new tax regime in India, introduced in the Budget 2020, offers lower tax rates but without the benefit of most deductions and exemptions available under the old tax regime. It’s designed to simplify the tax system and provide an alternative to taxpayers who prefer a straightforward approach to tax calculation.

Comparing Old vs. New Tax Regime
Under the old tax regime, you could reduce your taxable income by claiming deductions under various sections like Section 80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, etc. However, the new tax regime offers a lower tax rate but does not allow most of these deductions.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Old Tax Regime: Allows deductions under various sections like 80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, etc.

New Tax Regime: Offers lower tax rates but without most deductions and exemptions.

Tax Slabs Under the New Regime
The tax slabs under the new tax regime are as follows:

Income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh: No tax

Income from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh: 5% tax

Income from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh: 10% tax

Income from Rs. 7.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh: 15% tax

Income from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 12.5 lakh: 20% tax

Income from Rs. 12.5 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh: 25% tax

Income above Rs. 15 lakh: 30% tax

Deciding Between Old and New Regime
To decide whether to opt for the new tax regime, consider the following:

Total Income: Higher income levels might benefit more from the lower tax rates in the new regime, especially if you don't claim many deductions.

Deductions Claimed: If you claim significant deductions under the old regime, sticking with it might be more beneficial. If you don’t claim many deductions, the new regime could be better.

Investment Discipline: If you prefer not to invest in tax-saving instruments or if your lifestyle doesn't support certain deductions, the new regime offers simplicity.

Strategies to Save Money in the New Tax Regime
If you decide to opt for the new tax regime, here are a few strategies to maximize your savings:

Income Tax Rebate (Section 87A): If your taxable income is up to Rs. 5 lakh, you can still claim a rebate under Section 87A, which reduces your tax liability to zero.

Avoid Unnecessary Investments: Under the new regime, you are not required to invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS, PPF, or NSC just for the sake of deductions. This can free up your cash flow for other investments or expenses.

Focus on Direct Investments: You can focus on investments that suit your financial goals rather than being driven by tax-saving needs. This could include mutual funds, stocks, or even building an emergency fund.

Simplified Tax Filing: The new regime simplifies tax filing as you don’t need to track and claim various deductions. This can save you time and reduce the complexity of your tax return.

Optimize Employer Benefits: If you have employer-provided benefits like NPS contributions, you might still want to consider the old regime. However, under the new regime, your take-home salary might be higher since you’re not contributing to tax-saving investments.

Finally
Choosing the new tax regime can simplify your tax planning and may reduce your tax outgo if you don’t rely heavily on deductions. It’s essential to weigh your income, deductions, and financial goals before making the switch. If you're still unsure, you can consult a Certified Financial Planner to evaluate your specific situation and determine the best approach for you.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9487 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Career
What would be a better option for Mechanical Engineering: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara or Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology, Sector 26, Chandigarh? Does Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya have an edge here considering the fact that is a Central University and the only one under Ministry of Railways?
Ans: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) is India’s first University under the Ministry of Railways, offering B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Rail Engineering) with specialized courses in rail-wheel dynamics, high-speed rail systems, electric traction, rolling stock interactions, and material characterization. Its Career Development Cell reports a 94.44% placement rate for Mechanical Engineering in 2024–25, with 92.5% of all graduates placed, multiple PPOs, and dual offers from recruiters such as L&T, ALSTOM, Siemens, Toyota Tsusho, and Mahindra Logistics. GSV’s academic environment emphasizes industry-driven curriculum, hands-on projects at railway sites, emerging tech labs (IoT, AI, Drone), and research collaborations with global institutions, fostering strong technical and interdisciplinary skills. Student support includes structured training, personalized mentoring, and incubation for rail-sector entrepreneurship, though alumni networks are nascent given the university’s recent establishment.

Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET) is a well-established public institution affiliated with Panjab University, ranked 251–300 under NIRF Engineering 2024 and #59 in Outlook’s private engineering category. Its Mechanical Engineering department, since 2006, maintains state-funded labs, DST-sponsored activities, and ASME student chapters, with 60 seats and faculty experienced in CAD/CAM, sustainable design, and thermal systems. Placements for Mechanical Engineering average 60%–65% over the past three years, with median packages around ?4 LPA and top recruiters including TCS, Wipro, and Infosys, though core mechanical roles are limited, pushing many graduates into IT or non-core sectors. CCET’s research output spans government-sponsored projects, consultancy, and industry partnerships, and student support features counseling, scholarships, and vibrant campus life, yet deep rail-infrastructure synergy is absent.

Given GSV’s exceptional placement rates in Mechanical Engineering (94.44% vs. ~60% at CCET), its specialized rail-engineering curriculum, direct Ministry of Railways linkage, and immersive industry partnerships, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya offers superior value for aspiring mechanical engineers seeking core industry exposure and strong placement prospects.

Recommendation: Enroll at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya for Mechanical Engineering to leverage its unique status as a Central University under the Ministry of Railways, specialized curriculum, 94.44% placement rate, and robust industry connections in transportation and logistics, ensuring focused skill development and high employability. Anyway, please note, All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9487 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9487 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Career
I wanted career advice i am student of 2 year ba llb (BBDU) and i not satisfied with my college should i take a drop and prepare for exam like clat , ailet, mhcet and other govt exam or should i continue with my college i have good academic records of 70%in 10 and 87% in 12 and 8.7 cgpa in 1 semester and 2 semester result is awaited i am really confused what path should i choose as 1 generation law student of my family i have really doubt this college foes not have very records and very bad or no placement and no internship as of i know right now for ballb
Ans: Kavita, Babu Banarasi Das University’s (BBDU) BA LLB program in Lucknow features modern infrastructure, supportive and experienced faculty, and a curriculum covering both theoretical and practical legal aspects, including moot courts and legal research. However, verified student reviews, professional portals, and college data consistently reflect significant shortcomings in career support for law graduates: law placement percentages remain low, with a substantial proportion of students moving towards private practice, judicial services preparation, or higher studies due to lack of substantial campus recruitment from law firms or legal companies. While BBDU’s placement cell performs well overall, opportunities are primarily for technical and management programs rather than law, with only scant on-campus internships or legal placements. The college website highlights guest lectures and conferences but does not report regular, quality placements for BA LLB students. Industry opinion and academic trends confirm that India’s most successful law graduates—particularly first-generation aspirants—are from top-ranked National Law Universities (NLUs) and renowned government law colleges (admission via CLAT, AILET, MH CET LAW), where structured internships with premier law firms, judges, and companies drive a much higher rate of employability, networking, and long-term career success. The five most vital criteria—academic content, experienced faculty, robust placement and internship ecosystem, infrastructure, and national network/alumni strength—are not fully realized at BBDU for law. Systematic exam preparation with your strong academic background can secure entry into a leading university, offering superior academic and career prospects compared to continued study at BBDU.

Recommendation: As a first-generation law student with a robust academic record and clear career ambition, consider taking a drop to rigorously prepare for competitive exams like CLAT, AILET, and MH CET LAW. Admission to a top-tier national law university or government law school considerably enhances academic training, placement opportunities, and long-term professional growth compared to persisting at BBDU in the current BA LLB program. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9487 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 27, 2025

Career
Sir I might get ECE at NIT Durgapur via CSAB, and have already got CSE at IIEST Shibpur... considering which one will be better?? does NIT Durgapur's reputation anyhow help in getting better placements than Shibpur?
Ans: NIT Durgapur’s ECE branch recorded a placement rate of nearly 65% in 2024, with around 17% higher average salaries compared to most other engineering departments at the institute and key recruiters spanning both core and software sectors. However, IIEST Shibpur’s CSE branch consistently secures higher placement rates—over 83% in recent years—backed by an excellent academic reputation, prominent national rankings, advanced research facilities, and consistently strong industry presence from top IT and consulting firms. Nationally, IIEST Shibpur is ranked higher than NIT Durgapur and stands out for its historic legacy, modernized infrastructure, and superior research output, attracting a vibrant peer group and leading to strong outcomes both for direct placements and future studies. IIEST’s holistic environment and the ever-increasing demand for computer science skills further enhance long-term flexibility and career prospects compared to an ECE degree from NIT Durgapur.

Recommendation: CSE at IIEST Shibpur is the better choice, providing higher placement rates, superior national ranking, cutting-edge curriculum, broader job profiles, and greater growth opportunities. Unless your exclusive interest is ECE, IIEST Shibpur’s CSE offers a more secure and rewarding pathway for academic and career advancement. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x