Salary tax planning · ₹15 lakh · FY 2025-26
Tax planning for a ₹15 lakh salary
On a ₹15 lakh salary, the new regime is cheaper for a typical filer — about ₹97,500 in tax for FY 2025-26. Here is the full old-vs-new comparison and the deductions worth claiming.
Your tax at a glance
New regime
₹97,500
After ₹75,000 standard deduction
Old regime (full deductions)
₹1,24,800
With ₹4,25,000 of deductions
Cheaper for you
New regime
Lower tax: ₹97,500
₹15 lakh salary: old vs new, side by side
| Scenario | Taxable income | Tax (incl. 4% cess) |
|---|---|---|
| New regime (₹75k standard deduction) | ₹14,25,000 | ₹97,500 |
| Old regime — 80C only (₹1.5L) | ₹13,00,000 | ₹2,10,600 |
| Old regime — full stack (₹4.25L) | ₹10,25,000 | ₹1,24,800 |
Your break-even
Which regime should you pick?
At ₹15 lakh, the new regime is cheaper for a typical filer: about ₹97,500 versus ₹1,24,800 under the old regime even with a full ₹4,25,000 deduction stack. The old regime only pulls ahead once your total deductions exceed roughly ₹5,45,000 — realistic mainly if you have significant HRA on top of a home loan and full 80C, NPS and 80D. Run your real numbers before deciding.
Deductions a ₹15 lakh earner should not miss
- Section 80C (₹1.5 lakh) and 80CCD(1B) (₹50,000 NPS) used in full
- Section 24(b) — up to ₹2 lakh home-loan interest if you own a self-occupied home
- HRA — claimed correctly against actual rent if you rent in a metro
- Section 80D for self and senior-citizen parents
- 80CCD(2) — employer NPS contribution, deductible even under the new regime
These figures are illustrative. The exact answer depends on your real Form 16, your rent and your investments — which is what a DrishtiTax review computes for you.
Frequently asked questions
Educational information
This page is general information for salaried taxpayers in India, not legal, financial or chartered-accountancy advice. Tax outcomes depend on your full, individual circumstances. Figures use FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) rules and may change. Verify against official sources or a qualified professional before acting.
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