ITR Filing: Tax Deductions and Exemptions Under Old vs New Tax Regime

During the Income Tax Return Filing, taxpayers can claim deductions, rebates, and exemptions allowed under the old tax regime and the new tax regime. Let us know about the income tax benefits and deductions under the New Tax Regime for FY 2025-26, the New Tax Regime for FY 2024-25, and the Old Tax Regime for FY 2024-25.

Rebate Under Section 87A

This rebate is allowed to taxpayers to provide them relief from the Income Tax if their income is below the rebate limit. The tax rebate is 100% if the tax amount is below the threshold value. For FY 2025-26 (New Regime), the tax-free income limit is increased to Rs 12,00,000, and for FY 2024-25 (New Regime), the tax-free limit is Rs 7,00,000. On the other hand, in FY 2024-25 (Old Regime), the tax-free limit is Rs 5,00,000.

Rebate on STCG

Section 111A allows taxpayers to claim a rebate on short-term capital gains under the old tax regime for FY 2024-25. However, in the new regime, this rebate is not allowed.

Rebate on LTCG

Section 112A allows taxpayers to claim a rebate on long-term capital gains. This rebate is not allowed in any of the tax regimes.

Standard Deduction

Under the New Tax regime for FY 2024-25 and 2025-26, a standard deduction of up to Rs 75,000 is allowed. While under the old tax regime, the standard deduction is Rs 50,000.

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

If you live in a rented house, you can claim House Rent Allowance (HRA), which you receive from your employer as a deduction in the old regime. In the new regime, this is not allowed.

Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)

LTA is an allowance given to the employee by an employer to cover travel expenses. Taxpayers can claim an exemption on LTA only under the old tax regime.

30% Additional Employee Cost (Section 80JJAA)

This benefit is for businesses hiring new employees. They can claim 30% of the additional employee cost for three years. It is available under both tax regimes.

Food Allowance

Food allowances are allowed as a deduction only in the old regime and not in the new tax regime.

Professional Tax

Employees paying professional tax can claim it as a deduction, but only under the old system.

Reimbursement of Office Expenses

If an employer compensates their employee for office-related expenses like internet or travel, it is exempt from tax in all regimes.

Home Loan Interest (for Rented Property)

If your house is rented out, the interest you pay on a home loan can be claimed as a deduction in both the new and old tax regimes.

Home Loan Interest (for Self-Occupied House)

Interest paid on a home loan for your own residence can only be claimed under the old regime. It is not allowed in the new tax regime.

LIC/PPF/PF/80CDeductions

This is the most popular deduction. You can claim up to Rs 1.5 lakh by investing in Life Insurance, Public Provident Fund, Employee PF, ELSS, tuition fees, etc. However, these deductions are only allowed under the old regime.

 NPS Employer’s Contributions

If your employer contributes to your NPS, it can be claimed as an exemption. Govt employees get up to 14% exemption under the old tax regime for FY 2024-25, while non-Govt employees get up to 12% under the old regime for FY 2024-25. In the new regime for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26, everyone gets the 14% limit.

NPS Employee Contribution

Contributions made by an employee towards the National Pension System (NPS) are tax-deductible only in the old regime and not in the new tax regime.

Mediclaim under Section 80D

The payment towards the health insurance premium can be claimed as a deduction under section 80D only in the old tax regime.

Disabled Individual Deduction

Under the old tax regime, if a taxpayer is disabled, they can claim deductions under 80U. However, this deduction is not allowed in the new tax regime.

Education Loan

Under Section 80E, payments towards Interest on loans for higher education can be claimed as a deduction only in the old regime.

Electric Vehicle Loan

Under Section 80EEB, if a taxpayer pays Interest on loans taken for buying an electric vehicle, then they can claim it as a deduction only in the old tax regime.

Donations

Taxpayers can claim deductions on donations made to eligible charitable institutions and funds under section 80G. Similarly, if a donation is made toward political parties, then it can also be claimed under Section 80GGC. However, deduction under sections 80G and 80GGC can only be claimed in the old tax regime.

Savings Bank Interest

Section 80TTA allows individuals and HUFs to claim a deduction on interest income earned from savings accounts held in banks, post offices, or cooperative societies. While Section 80TTB allows senior citizens to claim a deduction. Tax benefits under Section 80TTA and Section 80TTB can only be claimed under the old tax regime.

Family Pension Deduction

If you receive a family pension, you get a deduction on it for up to Rs 15,000 in the old tax regime. Under the new tax regime for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26, this limit has been increased to up to Rs 25,000.

Voluntary Retirement Scheme

Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) is a scheme designed to allow employees to retire early before the usual retirement age. Section 10(10C) allows employees to claim exemption on compensation received at the time of voluntary retirement under all tax regimes.

Gratuity Exemption

Section 10(10) allows an exemption for gratuity received on retirement or resignation. This exemption is allowed in all tax regimes.

Leave Encashment

When an employee is paid for unutilised leave at retirement, this amount is tax-exempt under Section 10(10AA), and this exemption is allowed under both tax regimes.

Transport Allowance for Specially-Abled

Specially abled individuals who are blind, deaf, dumb, or orthopaedically handicapped can claim a deduction on transport allowance in both old and new regimes.

Tax Benefit: Old Tax vs New Tax Regime Comparison Table