Dr Vinod K. Singhania – Leader Taxmann’s Advisory & Research
CA. Mansi Jain – Assistant Manager Taxmann’s Advisory & Research
Rs. 12,75,000.
This is the figure for tax-free income for the assessment year 2026-27. This figure was quoted everywhere – on the Parliament Floor, in Government Press Releases, and in Newspapers. What if we tell you that this figure will be Rs. 12,50,000? This was an unexpected discovery.
But why? Let’s begin from the basics.
The tax-free income of Rs. 12.75 lakhs is not the sacrosanct relief available to all taxpayers. But only for small taxpayers. There is a different rule book for small taxpayers and large taxpayers. An employee earning up to Rs. 12.75 lakhs will be a small taxpayer and will not pay any tax on his income. This is not straightforward but broken down into the following –
• An employee is earning a salary of Rs. 12.75 lakhs.
• He opts for the alternate tax regime of Section 115BAC.
• He claims a standard deduction of Rs. 75,000 from the salary income instead of Rs. 50,000 allowed under the old tax regime.
• The tax on the remaining income of Rs. 12 lakhs will be Rs. 60,000 as per the tax rate announced in the budget.
• He claims a Section 87A rebate of Rs. 60,000, resulting in a net tax liability of nil.
Isn’t it a picture-perfect situation?
No, because the three characters in this story could not work together to deliver a picture-perfect situation. These characters are Section 16, Section 87A and Section 115BAC.
1. New Tax Regime Under Section 115BAC
Section 115BAC outlines the new income tax regime. It provides concessional slab rates compared to the old regime, with fewer deductions and exemptions. Sub-sections (1) and (1A) provide the tax rates for the taxpayers opting for the new tax regime.
Section 115BAC(1) applied from AY 2021–22 to AY 2023–24, offering a fixed set of tax rates.
Section 115BAC(1A), introduced by the Finance Act 2023 and modified subsequently, outlines revised rates applicable from AY 2024–25 onward. This sub-section contains three clauses defining the tax rates as follows –
(a) Clause (i) specifies the tax rates for the assessment year 2024–25
(b) Clause (ii) specifies the tax rates for the assessment year 2025–26
(c) Clause (iii) specifies the tax rates for the assessment year 2026–27 (inserted via the Finance Act 2025)
2. Rebate Under Section 87A
In a significant move aimed at easing the tax burden on the middle class, the Union Budget 2025 introduced key changes to the rebate structure under Section 87A. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the rebate amount under the new tax regime—from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000—effectively raising the tax-free income limit from Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh.
3. Standard Deduction Under Section 16
Though no deduction or exemption is allowed for taxpayers opting for the new tax regime, a standard deduction from salary income is allowed under the new tax regime. Typically, salaried employees are allowed a standard deduction of Rs. 50,000 under Section 16(ia). Recognising the need for parity and further incentivising the new tax regime, the Finance (No. 2) Act 2024 introduced a proviso to Section 16(ia) to allow an enhanced standard deduction of Rs. 75,000—but with a caveat.
The language of the proviso under Section 16(ia) specifies that the higher deduction applies only when income is computed under clause (ii) of Section 115BAC(1A)—i.e., for AY 2025–26. Unfortunately, the provision fails to mention clause (iii), which governs the tax rates for AY 2026–27. This limits the standard deduction to Rs. 50,000 in the AY 2026-27. Consequently, the actual tax-free income limit for AY 2026–27 stands at Rs. 12.50 lakh, not Rs. 12.75 lakh as initially communicated. It seems this is a drafting error as it contradicts the statements by the Finance Minister and the Income Tax Department. The situation calls for prompt clarification or correction to ensure the intended relief reaches taxpayers as promised.
A Glimpse of the People Behind Taxmann
Naveen Wadhwa
Research and Advisory [Corporate and Personal Tax]
Chartered Accountant (All India 24th Rank)
14+ years of experience in Income tax and International Tax
Expertise across real estate, technology, publication, education, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors
Contributor to renowned media outlets on tax issues
Vinod K. Singhania Expert on Panel | Research and Advisory (Direct Tax)
Over 35 years of experience in tax laws
PhD in Corporate Economics and Legislation
Author and resource person in 800+ seminars
V.S. Datey Expert on Panel | Research and Advisory [Indirect Tax]
Holds 30+ years of experience
Engaged in consulting and training professionals on Indirect Taxation
A regular speaker at various industry forums, associations and industry workshops
Author of various books on Indirect Taxation used by professionals and Department officials
Manoj Fogla Expert on Panel | Research and Advisory [Charitable Trusts and NGOs]
Over three decades of practising experience on tax, legal and regulatory aspects of NPOs and Charitable Institutions
Law practitioner, a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and also holds a Master's degree in Philosophy
PhD from Utkal University, Doctoral Research on Social Accountability Standards for NPOs
Author of several best-selling books for professionals, including the recent one titled 'Trust and NGO's Ready Reckoner' by Taxmann
Drafted publications for The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi, such as FAQs on GST for NPOs & FAQs on FCRA for NPOs.
Has been a faculty and resource person at various national and international forums
the UAE
Chartered Accountant (All India 36th Rank)
Has previously worked with the KPMG
S.S. Gupta Expert on Panel | Research and Advisory [Indirect Tax]
Chartered Accountant and Cost & Works Accountant
34+ Years of Experience in Indirect Taxation
Bestowed with numerous prestigious scholarships and prizes
Author of the book GST – How to Meet Your Obligations', which is widely referred to by Trade and Industry
Sudha G. Bhushan Expert on Panel | Research and Advisory [FEMA]
20+ Years of experience
Advisor to many Banks and MNCs
Experience in FDI and FEMA Advisory
Authored more than seven best-selling books
Provides training on FEMA to professionals
Experience in many sectors, including banking, fertilisers, and chemical
Has previously worked with Deloitte
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