Indian Income Tax Slab 2010
📅 2026 Update: India's Income Tax Slabs Today
This section was added in October 2026. The slabs below are from 2010 and are no longer used. Here are the current slabs and the new law behind them. The original article follows below, unchanged.
📜 A new law from April 1, 2026
India replaced the Income-tax Act, 1961 with the Income-tax Act, 2025. It took effect on April 1, 2026.
The new law drops the confusing pair "previous year" and "assessment year." It uses one term: tax year. Income earned from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 is Tax Year 2026-27.
Income earned in FY 2025-26 is still assessed under the 1961 Act, even though that return is filed in 2026.
🆕 New-regime slabs (unchanged in Budget 2026)
The new tax regime is the default. Budget 2026, presented February 1, 2026, kept these slabs:
- 🟢 Up to ₹4,00,000: nil
- ₹4,00,001 to ₹8,00,000: 5%
- ₹8,00,001 to ₹12,00,000: 10%
- ₹12,00,001 to ₹16,00,000: 15%
- ₹16,00,001 to ₹20,00,000: 20%
- ₹20,00,001 to ₹24,00,000: 25%
- 🔴 Above ₹24,00,000: 30%
🎉 Zero tax up to about ₹12.75 lakh for salaried people
Under the new regime, a rebate wipes out tax for resident individuals with taxable income up to ₹12 lakh. Salaried people also get a ₹75,000 standard deduction. Together, salaried income up to about ₹12.75 lakh carries no income tax.
⚖️ How this compares with 2010
In 2010, the basic exemption for most individuals was ₹1,60,000. Women and seniors had higher limits. The top rate of 30 percent applied above ₹8 lakh.
Today, the 30 percent rate starts only above ₹24 lakh under the new regime. The first ₹4 lakh is tax-free for everyone. Separate slabs for women no longer exist.
🧓 The old regime still exists
Taxpayers can still choose the old regime, which keeps deductions such as Section 80C, HRA, and home loan interest. Its slabs are less generous. People with large deductions sometimes still come out ahead under it.
📆 Key 2026 deadline
For income earned in FY 2025-26, ITR-1 and ITR-2 were due 31 July 2026. Belated returns can be filed until 31 December 2026.
📌 Key Points at a Glance
- 📜 The Income-tax Act 2025 applies from April 1, 2026.
- 🧮 Budget 2026 kept the new-regime slabs unchanged.
- 💰 Salaried income up to about ₹12.75 lakh can be tax-free under the new regime.
- ⚖️ The new regime is the default. The old regime must be chosen.
- 🗓️ The usual due date for most individuals is July 31.
💡 Practical Tips for Using India's Current Slabs
These tips are general information, not legal or tax advice. A chartered accountant can review your situation.
🧮 Run both regimes
Add up the deductions you would claim under the old regime. Then calculate tax both ways. The official e-filing portal has a calculator. Choose the lower result, within the rules for your income type.
💼 Salaried? Tell your employer
Your employer deducts TDS based on the regime you declare. If you do not declare, the new regime applies by default. A wrong choice now can mean a large balance at filing time.
📈 Remember special-rate income
Capital gains and some other income are taxed at special rates, not the slab rates. The ₹12 lakh rebate does not cover all special-rate income. Check how your gains are taxed before assuming zero tax.
🔢 Use current section numbers
From Tax Year 2026-27, forms and notices cite the 2025 Act's new section numbers. Older calculators and guides may still use 1961 numbers.
🗃️ Match AIS before filing
Your Annual Information Statement lists income the department already knows about. Compare it with your own records to avoid notices.
🧾 Keep proof for old-regime claims
If you pick the old regime, keep rent receipts, insurance premiums, and investment proofs. They may be requested later.
🗂️ What to Gather Before You File
- 🪪 PAN linked with Aadhaar.
- 📄 Form 16 from your employer.
- 📊 Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) from the portal.
- 🏦 Bank account details, pre-validated on the portal for refunds.
- 📈 Capital gains statements from brokers and mutual funds.
- 🧾 Proof of deductions if you choose the old regime, such as 80C investments and health insurance.
- 🏠 Home loan interest certificate, if it applies.
🏆 Indian Tax Planning and Filing Services, Ranked by User Reviews (2026)
These platforms help compare regimes, plan tax, and file returns. The list ranks them mainly by Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Indian platforms have small Trustpilot samples, so other sources are noted.
This is not a recommendation. Small samples can change fast. Read each note.
🥇 1. Income Tax Department e-filing portal (free)
The official portal offers a free tax calculator and free self-filing with pre-filled data for many filers. It has no Trustpilot profile. Users often report slow performance near deadlines.
🥈 2. TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy has been rated 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot across about 85 reviews. It has been known for expert-assisted filing and tax planning sessions. Reviewers praise personalized advice. Some mention a slow first assigned expert.
🥉 3. Quicko
Quicko has no meaningful Trustpilot profile. Its Google business listing shows about 4.8 out of 5 across roughly 1,500 reviews. It has been known for a clean interface and optional CA consultations. Some users report import errors in peak season.
4. Tax2win
Tax2win has been rated 3.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot across about 35 reviews. It offers both self-filing and CA-assisted plans. Recent complaints mention slow support.
5. Zolvit (formerly Vakilsearch)
Zolvit has been rated about 3.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot across roughly 1,000 reviews. It has been known for business compliance, GST, and registration services, with personal ITR filing as one option.
6. ClearTax
ClearTax is widely known and publishes many free tax guides and calculators. On Trustpilot it has been rated 1.8 out of 5 across about 40 reviews, a small and mostly negative sample.
🔎 How to Compare Filing Services in India
- 📋 ITR forms covered. Make sure the service supports your ITR form.
- ⚖️ Old vs. new regime. A good service compares both regimes for you before you file.
- 📈 Capital gains. If you sold shares or property, check that this is supported.
- 🧑💼 Expert review. Ask if a chartered accountant reviews the return, and the cost.
- 🔄 New Act readiness. From April 1, 2026, the Income-tax Act 2025 applies. Check the service has updated forms and guides.
⚠️ Red Flags
- 🚩 Requests for OTPs or passwords by phone or SMS.
- 🚩 Claims of "guaranteed" refunds.
- 🚩 Filing without showing you the final return first.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income tax slabs for 2026 in India?
Under the new regime: nil up to ₹4 lakh, then 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% in ₹4 lakh steps, and 30% above ₹24 lakh.
Is income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free?
Under the new regime, the rebate removes tax on taxable income up to ₹12 lakh for resident individuals. Salaried people effectively pay nothing up to about ₹12.75 lakh because of the standard deduction. Some special-rate income is treated differently.
Do women still get a higher exemption?
No. The separate higher limit for women seen in 2010 no longer exists.
Which law applies to my 2026 return?
Income earned in FY 2025-26 is under the 1961 Act. Income earned from April 1, 2026 is under the 2025 Act.
Can I switch between old and new regimes?
Salaried individuals can generally choose each year. People with business income face stricter limits on switching.
Which regime is the default?
The new tax regime is the default. You must choose the old regime if you want it.
Is the e-filing portal free?
Yes. The official Income Tax Department portal is free.
Can salaried people switch regimes every year?
Yes. Salaried people without business income can choose each year when filing.
How long does an Indian tax refund take?
Refunds are usually issued after the return is processed and e-verified. Check the status on the official e-filing portal. The bank account must be pre-validated.
What should I do if I get a tax notice in India?
Log in to the official e-filing portal and check the notice under pending actions. Respond by the deadline shown. Do not reply to links in emails or SMS messages.
Do senior citizens get a higher exemption?
Under the old regime, yes. Under the new regime, the slabs are the same for all ages.
Do I need to file if my income is below the taxable limit?
Often it is still useful. Filing lets you claim a refund of TDS and builds a record that banks and visa offices may ask for. Some people must file even with low income, such as those with foreign assets or high spending.
ℹ️ Disclosure
LAWS.com may receive compensation when readers use links to some of the services listed on this page. Compensation does not affect the order of the list above. Rankings are based on public user review data as of the date shown. This article is general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.
End of October 2026 Update
Tax Slabs
What are the Tax Slabs for 2010?
The federal income tax in India is a progressive model where those individuals who earn higher wages are taxed at a higher percentage and vice versa. The Tax Slabs represent the divisions at which tax rates are implemented; these rates will change based on a given fiscal year in accordance with inflation and the macro-economic standing of the country.
In essence, the Tax Slabs represent cutoff values for an earner’s taxable income—incomes past a certain point will be taxed at the next available tax bracket. The tax slabs in India are classified based on the gender of the taxpayer, the age of the taxpayer, and the taxpayer’s filing status.
Additionally the tax rates will fluctuate for individuals who file separately or for those couples who file joint returns. The tax rate is dependent on income, meaning the amount of money an individual earns from his or her job; however, the tax rates will also fluctuate given the delivery of tax deductions, tax credits, and the status of the filing.
The following brackets will elucidate on the taxable incomes of American earners and the separate filing statuses that are present in the Federal income taxation system.
2011-2012 Tax Slabs in India are as follows: