Old vs New Tax Regime for ₹15 Lakh Salary
At ₹15 lakh, the new-regime tax is ₹97,500. The old regime wins in this example only because 80C, 80D, HRA and NPS add up to ₹4.65 lakh beyond the standard deduction.
Difference in this scenario
₹-16,380 saved under old regime
Old regime: ₹1,13,880. New regime: ₹97,500.
Side-by-side result
The HRA input is ₹2.40 lakh, along with ₹1.50 lakh under 80C, ₹25,000 under 80D and ₹50,000 under 80CCD(1B).
| Regime | Deductions | Taxable income | Total tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| New | ₹75,000 | ₹14,25,000 | ₹97,500 |
| Old | ₹5,15,000 | ₹9,85,000 | ₹1,13,880 |
Your decision line
Replace the example HRA with your exemption, not your rent. Add only deductions you will actually claim. If the old-regime result stays below the new-regime result, the difference is your annual saving.
A payroll declaration is not the final tax choice for a salaried person. The selected regime in the return determines the final liability, subject to the applicable filing rules.
Check the official rules
Tax rules depend on the financial year and the facts of your return. Verify the current provisions on the Income Tax Department portal before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regime is better at ₹15 lakh?
Does the new regime allow a standard deduction?
Can HRA be claimed in the new regime?
Related Reads
Exact old and new regime tax on a ₹12 lakh salary, with 80C, NPS and health-insurance deductions tested in the calculator.
HRA Exemption for Bangalore, Mumbai and DelhiCompare the HRA exemption formula for Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi with a ₹15 lakh salary example.
Written by Amir Khan, a contributor to RupeeReality: free financial calculators for Indian investors. All calculations use standard financial formulas cross-referenced against established platforms. Numbers updated for FY 2026-27. Not financial advice.