Section 115BAC New Tax Regime 2026: Slabs, Deductions, Exemptions & Benefits

By Ektha Surana

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Updated on: Feb 6th, 2026

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6 min read

Section 115BAC of the Income Tax Act or the new tax regime, offers relaxed tax slab rates ensuring tax savings for the taxpayers. However, new tax regime does not allow various deductions & exemptions compared to the old tax regime. For FY 2025-26, the new tax regime is the default tax regime but taxpayers can still opt for old tax regime while filing ITR. 

Key Highlights of the New Tax Regime

  • Individuals and HUFs are eligible for the New Tax Regime.  
  • New Tax Regime offers a basic exemption of Rs. 4 lakh and a tax rebate of up to Rs. 60,000.
  • Taxpayers enjoy tax-free income up to Rs. 12 lakh and salaried individuals enjoy tax-free income up to Rs. 12.75 lakhs.
  • Deductions & Exemptions such as HRA, 80C, 80D and many more are not allowed. 

Income Tax Slab Rates Under Section 115BAC

Under Section 115BAC, the new tax regime tax slabs for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) are as follows:

New Tax Slabs FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)New Tax Rates FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
Up to Rs. 4 lakhNil
Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh5%
Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh10%
Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 16 lakh15%
Rs. 16 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh20%
Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 24 lakh25%
Above Rs. 24 lakh30%

The new tax regime offers a standard deduction of Rs. 75,000 to salaried individuals. 

Rebate Under New Tax Regime

Resident taxpayers can pay zero tax if their taxable income is below certain income limits. A taxpayer opting for the new tax regime, is eligible for a tax rebate of up to Rs. 60,000. Therefore, under the new tax regime, taxable income of up to Rs. 12 lakh is tax-free with zero tax liability. 

However, for salaried individuals the new tax regime offers tax-free income up to Rs. 12.75. This is due to the standard deduction available. 

New tax Regime Under Section 115 BAC for salaried and non salaried taxpayer

Section 115BAC Deductions & Exemptions Allowed

Under the New tax regime, you can claim only the following tax exemptions and deductions:

Chapter VI A Deductions

  • Deduction for employer’s contribution to NPS account [Section 80CCD(2)]. A deduction of up to 14% of salary can be claimed.
  • Deduction for additional employee cost (Section 80JJA)
  • Deduction against amount paid or deposited in the Agniveer Corpus Fund under Section 80CCH(2)

Salary

  • Section 80CCD(2) - Employer's Contribution towards pension fund - up to 14% of the salary can be claimed as deduction
  • Standard deduction of Rs 75,000.
  • Exemption on voluntary retirement 10(10C), gratuity u/s 10(10) and Leave encashment u/s 10(10AA)
  • Certain allowances such as transport allowance for specially-abled employees, conveyance allowance for job-related travel, travel compensation for tours or transfers, and daily allowances for duty-related expenses away from the workplace are exempt under specific conditions.
  • Perquisites for official purposes.

House Property

  • Interest on Home Loan on let-out property (Section 24) can be claimed without any limit. 

Other Sources

  • Gifts up to Rs 50,000.
  • Deduction of Rs 25,000 against Family Pension.

Section 115BAC Deductions & Exemptions Not Allowed

The New Tax Regime disallows most of the deductions. The following are the deductions that are not available under Section 115BAC. 

Chapter VI A Deductions

  • The deduction under Section 80TTA/80TTB 
  • Section 80C, 80D, 80E and so on, except Section 80CCD(2) and Section 80JJAA
  • Exemption or deduction for any other perquisites or allowances including food allowance of Rs 50/meal subject to 2 meals a day
  • Employee's (own) contribution to NPS
  • Donation to Political party/trust, etc

Salary

House Property

  • Interest on housing loan on the self-occupied property or vacant property (Section 24)

Other Sources

  • Minor child income allowance

Business or Profession

  • Additional depreciation under section 32(1)(iia)
  • Deductions under section 32AD, 33AB, 33ABA
  • Various deductions for donation for or expenditure on scientific research contained in section 35(2AA) or 35(1)(ii) or (iia) or (iii)
  • Deduction under section 35AD or section 35CCC
  • Exemption under section 10AA for SEZ units 

Old and New Tax Regime for FY 2025-26 - Comparison of Deductions

The below table outlines the deductions & exemption that are allowed and disallowed under the old and new tax regimes:

Deduction/ExemptionOld RegimeNew Regime 
Section 80C (Investment in PPF, NSC, Life Insurance Premium, ELSS, etc.)Available up to Rs. 1.5 lakhNot available
House Rent Allowance (HRA)Available (based on actuals)Not available
Standard Deduction (for salaried individuals)Rs. 50,000Rs. 75,000 
Section 80D (Health insurance premium)AvailableNot available
Interest on Housing Loan (Section 24) (for self-occupied property)Deduction up to Rs. 2 lakhNot available
Section 80G (Donations to charitable institutions)AvailableNot available
Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)AvailableNot available
Section 80E (Interest on education loan)AvailableNot available
Section 80TTA/80TTB (Interest on savings bank account/interest for senior citizens)AvailableNot available
Professional Tax (for salaried individuals)AvailableNot available
Entertainment AllowanceAvailableNot available
Transport Allowance (for specially abled)AvailableAvailable
Children’s Education AllowanceAvailableNot available
Income from House Property Loss Set-offAllowed (set off with other income)Not available
Additional Depreciation (Section 32(1)(iia))AvailableNot available

House Property Deductions and Business Losses Under the New Tax Regime

Deduction / Loss claimedOld RegimeNew Regime
Self-Occupied House PropertyInterest on housing loan up to ₹2 lakh deductible; loss can be set off.No deduction for interest; no set-off of loss.
Let-Out House PropertyInterest fully deductible; excess loss can be set off/carry forward.Deduction limited to taxable rent; no set-off or carry forward of excess loss
Business Loss / Unabsorbed DepreciationSet-off and carry forward allowed if conditions are metNot allowed if linked to deductions not available under the new regime.(e.g., Sec. 35)
Example: Sec. 35 Deduction LossCan be carried forward and set off in future yearsCannot be set off if deduction not allowed under new regime

Can I Switch Out of New Tax Regime?

The new tax regime is the default tax regime for FY 2025-26. However, taxpayers can opt out and still file taxes under the old tax regime if it is beneficial by filing Form 10-IEA

ParticularsSalaried TaxpayerNon-Salaried Taxpayer
Opting out of New Tax RegimeAllowedAllowed
Action requiredChoose Old regime while filing ITRFile Form 10-IEA
Form 10-IEA applicabilityNot applicableMandatory
Form 10-IEA filing frequencyNot requiredOnce (valid for future years)
Switching back to New regimeAllowed anytimeAllowed only once in lifetime

New Tax Regime Calculator

Use ClearTax Income Tax Calculator and assess your tax liability and tax savings under the New Tax Regime for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27. 

Income Tax Calculation Under New Tax Regime

Mr. Rakesh has a salary income of Rs. 25 lakhs for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

The taxable income of Mr. Rakesh for FY 2025-26 under the new tax regime will be calculated as follows:

ParticularsAmount
Income from Salary25,00,000
(-) Standard Deduction-75,000
Taxable Income24,25,000

The tax liability of Mr. Rakesh will be as follows:

Tax RegimeTax Liability
New Tax Regime3,19,800
Old Tax Regime5,69,400

By opting for the New Tax Regime, Mr. Rakesh will be able to save Rs. 2,49,600 in taxes. 

Also Read:
1. Income Tax Slab For Women FY 2025-26
2. How To Save Taxes Under The New Regime FY 2025-26?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 80C applicable in new tax regime?

No, Section 80C deductions are not available under the new tax regime.

Is HRA allowed in new tax regime?

No, HRA exemption is not allowed in the new tax regime.

Which deductions are allowed in new tax regime?

Some deductions are allowed such as standard deduction, amount paid to Agniveer Corpus Fund, expenses towards income from family pension under Section 57(iia), transport allowance for specially abled persons, employer’s contribution to NPS account, additional employee cost and a few more listed in the above section of this article. 

Which deductions are not allowed in new tax regime?

Many deductions are not allowed such as: Chapter VIA - Section 80C, 80D (premium on health insurance), 80E and so on, except Section 80CCD(2) and Section 80JJAA, and those listed in the above section of this article.

What is Section 115BAC – The New Tax Regime?

The Budget 2020 introduced Section 115BAC - a new tax regime with lower tax rate with fewer exemptions and deductions. It was further amended in the Budget 2023, changing the slab rates and the new regime was made the default regime.

Is there any change in the new tax regime?

No, as per Budget 2026 there are no change in the New Tax Regime provisions. 

Has the deduction on Employers contribution to a pension scheme has increased?

Yes. From the FY 2024-25, the deduction on employers contribution to the pension scheme under section 80CCD(2) has been increased in the Budget 2024 to 14% of the salary + DA  from 10% of salary +DA.

Can I claim deduction on interest on home loan for self occupied property under the new regime?

No. For self occupied property, interest on housing loan cannot be claimed for self occupied property under the new tax regime u/s 115BAC.

Are there relaxed slab rates for senior citizens under the new tax regime?

No. Unlike under the old regime, the relaxed slab rates especially for senior citizens are not available under the old regime.

Should I filr Form 10-IEA before filing ITR if I have to opt for old regime?

Only if you have business income, you are mandatorily required to file Form -10IEA if you want to opt for old regime. Other cases, it is not required.

About the Author
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Ektha Surana

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Multitasking between pouring myself coffees and poring over the ever-changing tax laws. Here, I've authored 100+ blogs on income tax and simplified complex income tax topics like the intimidating crypto tax rules, old vs new tax regime debate, changes in debt funds taxation, budget analysis and more. Some combinations I like- tax and content, finance & startups, technology & psychology, fitness & neuroscience. Read more

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