How Much Tax Do I Pay on My Salary? (Interactive Calculator 2026)
Wondering what tax you'll pay on your salary? Use this interactive calculator to instantly see your tax breakdown, compare old vs new regime, and understand how deductions like HRA, 80C, and 80D impact your take-home pay in 2026.
Salary Tax Calculator 2026
Step 1: Enter Your Salary Details
Step 2: Choose Tax Regime
Step 3: Add Deductions (Old Regime Only)
Your Tax Calculation (FY 2025-26, AY 2026-27)
Gross Income
₹10,00,000
Standard Deduction
₹75,000
Total Deductions
₹0
Taxable Income
₹9,25,000
Income Tax
₹72,500
Health & Education Cess (4%)
₹2,900
Total Tax
₹75,400
Monthly Take-Home
₹77,050
Tax Slabs FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
New Tax Regime Slabs
| Income Slab | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹4,00,000 | 0% (Nil) |
| ₹4,00,001 - ₹8,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹8,00,001 - ₹12,00,000 | 10% |
| ₹12,00,001 - ₹16,00,000 | 15% |
| ₹16,00,001 - ₹20,00,000 | 20% |
| ₹20,00,001 - ₹24,00,000 | 25% |
| Above ₹24,00,000 | 30% |
Standard Deduction: ₹75,000 | Rebate u/s 87A: Full tax rebate if taxable income ≤ ₹12L (covers up to ~₹12.75L CTC)
Old Tax Regime Slabs
| Income Slab | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹2,50,000 | 0% (Nil) |
| ₹2,50,001 - ₹5,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹5,00,001 - ₹10,00,000 | 20% |
| Above ₹10,00,000 | 30% |
Standard Deduction: ₹50,000 | Allows deductions: 80C, 80D, HRA, NPS | Rebate u/s 87A: Full rebate if taxable income ≤ ₹3.5L
Understanding the Tax Breakdown
1. Gross Income (CTC)
Your annual salary from your employment contract. This includes base salary, bonuses, allowances, and other benefits.
2. Standard Deduction
New Regime: ₹75,000 (increased from ₹50,000 in old regime). This is a flat deduction everyone gets, no documentation needed.
Old Regime: ₹50,000
3. Additional Deductions (Old Regime Only)
- 80C (₹1.5L max): PPF, ELSS, LIC premiums, NSC, post office schemes
- 80D: Health insurance premiums (up to ₹25K individual, ₹50K family)
- HRA Deduction: Only if your employer doesn't give HRA benefit. Claim 50% of rent paid (max ₹7,500/month)
- 80CCD (₹2L extra): NPS contributions above 80C limit
4. Taxable Income
Gross Income - Standard Deduction - Additional Deductions = Taxable Income
5. Income Tax
Calculate using applicable tax slabs. The tax rate is progressive — you pay different rates on different portions of income.
6. Health & Education Cess
An additional 4% is charged on the total income tax amount (above 87A rebate if applicable).
7. Total Tax & Take-Home
Your monthly take-home = (Annual CTC - Total Tax) / 12
New Regime vs Old Regime — Which is Better?
| Criteria | New Regime | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Best for whom? | Most salaried employees ₹10-50L | High deduction claimers (₹2.5L+) |
| Standard Deduction | ₹75,000 | ₹50,000 |
| 80C, 80D, HRA, NPS Deductions? | No deductions allowed | Yes, all allowed |
| Lock-in Period | Once chosen, cannot switch for rest of FY | Once chosen, cannot switch for rest of FY |
| Tax Rate Below ₹10L income | 0% (Rebate u/s 87A) | 0-5% |
| Tax Rate Above ₹20L income | 20-30% | 30% |
FAQ
Can I switch tax regimes if I choose wrong?
No. Once you choose a regime in your ITR filing (or your employer withholds TDS under that regime), you're locked for that financial year. From the next financial year (April), you can switch. Plan wisely by using our calculator now!
What if my employer gives HRA?
If your employer provides HRA (Dearness Allowance or HRA component), you CANNOT claim HRA deduction in old regime. Instead, your HRA is already included in your CTC and taxed under the lower slabs of both regimes.
How do I claim 80C deduction?
80C deductions are claimed during ITR filing. You need investment proofs: PPF passbook, ELSS mutual fund purchase statements, LIC policy premium receipts, NSC certificates. Maintain all documents from April to March for the financial year.
Is new regime better even without any deductions?
Yes! The new regime has lower tax slabs and a higher standard deduction (₹75K). Even if you claim no deductions, new regime saves taxes for most earners. Old regime is only better if you can claim ₹2.5L+ in deductions (HRA + 80C + 80D + NPS combined).
Can I claim HRA if I pay rent?
Yes, but ONLY in old regime if your employer doesn't give HRA component. Claimable HRA = minimum of (50% of rent paid, ₹7,500/month, or 10% of salary). Keep rent receipts. If employer gives HRA, it's already part of your CTC and cannot be claimed separately.
What does "Rebate u/s 87A" mean?
Rebate u/s 87A is a government relief: if your taxable income is below ₹12L in new regime (or ₹3.5L in old regime), your tax liability becomes zero. It's an automatic relief — no form to fill.