Key Highlights
- First decision: New vs Old Regime — run the comparison before April 2026
- Standard deduction Rs 75,000: automatic in both regimes
- NPS employer contribution (Section 132): available in BOTH regimes — key salary restructuring tool
- Old Regime max deductions: Section 123 Rs 1.5L + Section 125(1B) Rs 50K + Section 126 Rs 25K + HRA + home loan interest + more
- New Regime benefit: no deduction tracking, simpler filing, beneficial if deductions <Rs 3.75L
- HRA only available in old regime — critical for high-rent city employees
1. New vs Old Regime: The First Decision
Every salaried employee must decide their tax regime at the start of the Tax Year (April) and inform their employer via Form 12BB. The default is the New Regime — if you want the Old Regime, you must actively opt in.
| Choose New Regime if | Choose Old Regime if |
|---|---|
| You have few deductions (no home loan, no HRA, minimal 80C investments) | You pay high rent and claim HRA |
| Your income is under Rs 12L (zero tax via Section 157) | You have home loan and claim Rs 2L interest deduction |
| You want simpler ITR filing | You have significant LIC, PPF, ELSS investments (Section 123) |
| Your employer contributes to NPS (Section 132) | Total deductions exceed Rs 3.75L |
2. Key Tax-Saving Strategies for Salaried (Old Regime)
Step 1: Exhaust Section 123 (Rs 1.5 Lakh)
Invest the full Rs 1.5 lakh in a mix of ELSS, PPF, life insurance, home loan principal. This alone saves Rs 45,000 (30% bracket) + cess.
Step 2: NPS Extra Rs 50,000 (Section 125(1B))
Invest Rs 50,000 in NPS Tier-I for the exclusive extra deduction. Saves additional Rs 15,600 (30% bracket) + cess annually.
Step 3: Health Insurance Rs 25,000 (Section 126)
Buy a Rs 25,000 health insurance policy for self/family — saves Rs 7,800 + cess. Add parents (Rs 25,000 or Rs 50,000 if senior) for additional savings.
Step 4: Home Loan Interest (up to Rs 2 Lakh)
Home loan interest on a self-occupied property is deductible up to Rs 2 lakh under Section 57 equivalent of ITA 2025. At 30% bracket = Rs 60,000 tax saving.
Step 5: HRA Exemption
If living in a rented accommodation in a metro, HRA exemption can significantly reduce taxable salary. Submit rent receipts and landlord PAN (if rent exceeds Rs 1 lakh/year) to employer.
3. Key Tax-Saving Strategies for Salaried (New Regime)
- Standard deduction: Rs 75,000 (automatic)
- Employer NPS (Section 132): Ask your employer to contribute to NPS — reduces taxable salary even in new regime
- No other Chapter VIII deductions — keep filing simple
- Section 157 rebate: if income is up to Rs 12 lakh, pay zero tax
4. Salary Restructuring Tips
- Ask employer to add employer NPS contribution component to CTC — tax-free up to 10% of Basic+DA
- Optimise HRA component if renting — needs to be at least 40%/50% of Basic for full exemption potential
- Take LTA component and actually travel domestically every 2 years to claim exemption
- Food coupons/meals: Rs 50/meal per workday (up to Rs 26,400/year) remains non-taxable
5. Annual Tax Planning Calendar
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| April | Submit Form 12BB to employer — declare regime and investments |
| April–January | Make monthly/quarterly investments in ELSS, PPF, NPS, LIC |
| January–February | Submit final investment proofs to employer |
| June | Collect Form 16 |
| July | File ITR — cross-check AIS before filing |
6. Why TaxClue
A personalised tax plan can save a 30% bracket salaried employee Rs 1–2 lakh every year. TaxClue provides ITR filing, regime comparison, and salary restructuring advisory. Contact us for complete salaried tax planning under ITA 2025.