Tax calculation FAQs
Straight answers to common calculation questions.
Reviewed 15 October 2026 · FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27 · independent educational guidance.
Which tax year do these calculators support?
Income-tax calculations use FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27 unless a tool states otherwise. They do not apply Tax Year 2026–27 rules. SIP is an investment projection, not a tax calculation.
Use the related calculator →How do I compare the old and new tax regimes?
Enter annual gross salary, other ordinary income and eligible deductions separately for each regime. Compare final tax after standard deductions, rebate, surcharge and cess. The lower result depends on your income and eligible deductions.
Use the related calculator →Should I enter monthly or annual salary?
Enter annual gross salary. For example, ₹1.5 lakh per month equals ₹18 lakh per year before bonuses or other income. Do not enter take-home pay unless the field specifically asks for it.
Use the related calculator →What is the tax on ₹1.5 lakh monthly salary?
For FY 2025–26, a resident under 60 earning ₹18 lakh annual salary, with ₹1.5 lakh eligible old-regime deductions and no other income or new-regime deductions, has estimated tax of ₹3,04,200 under the old regime and ₹1,50,800 under the new regime. Annual difference: ₹1,53,400. Both include standard deductions and 4% cess.
Use the related calculator →Should I include the standard deduction in my inputs?
No. Where a salary calculator applies it automatically, enter only the other eligible deductions asked for. In this financial year the salary standard deduction is up to ₹50,000 in the old regime and up to ₹75,000 in the new regime.
Use the related calculator →Is salary up to ₹12.75 lakh always tax-free?
No. The common example assumes a qualifying resident individual, salary standard deduction of ₹75,000 under the new regime and ordinary taxable income not exceeding ₹12 lakh. Other income and special-rate income can change the outcome.
Use the related calculator →Can I claim HRA under the new regime?
HRA exemption is generally available under the old regime, not the new regime. The exemption is the lowest of actual HRA, rent minus 10% of qualifying salary, and 50% of qualifying salary in the four specified metro cities or 40% elsewhere. Use amounts for the same period.
Use the related calculator →Is all health insurance spending deductible under section 80D?
No. Eligible premiums, medical expenditure and preventive check-ups have separate conditions and limits. Age, residency, family group, insurance status and payment method matter. Section 80D is not available under the new regime.
Use the related calculator →Does a zero tax result mean I do not need to file an ITR?
No. Filing obligations can arise even when tax after rebate is nil. Income, specified transactions, foreign assets and other conditions can trigger filing. Use the filing checker and verify your individual position.
Use the related calculator →Why might my calculator result differ from my return?
The result depends on the selected year and inputs. Special-rate income, loss adjustments, agricultural income, treaty relief, tax credits and other provisions may fall outside a tool’s scope. Read its assumptions and verify against the official return computation.
Use the related calculator →Are SIP returns guaranteed?
No. The SIP calculator projects a constant assumed return with beginning-of-month contributions. It converts an effective annual return to a compounded monthly rate and excludes tax, fees and inflation. Actual returns fluctuate and losses are possible.
Use the related calculator →Are my income details saved?
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