Income tax calculation for salaried employees involves a step-by-step process to determine the tax liability based on gross income, applicable exemptions, deductions, and tax rates. The calculation also varies depending on the chosen tax regime—old or new. Below is a detailed guide to calculating income tax for salaried individuals under old tax regime, along with an example for better understanding.
Step 1: Determine Gross Salary
Gross salary includes all earnings from employment, such as:
Basic Salary: Fixed monthly or annual pay.
Allowances: HRA, Special Allowance, Transport Allowance, and others.
Perquisites: Benefits such as company-provided accommodation, car, or health insurance premiums paid by the employer.
Bonuses: Annual or performance bonuses.
For instance, let’s assume the following annual income components for an employee:
Step 2: Deduct Exemptions Under Section 10
Certain components of the salary are exempt from tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act. These exemptions reduce the taxable portion of the salary. Examples include:
HRA: Exemption depending on the rent paid, basic salary, and city of residence.
Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): Exemption for travel within India (as per certain rules).
HRA Calculation:
The exempt amount is the least of the following:
Actual HRA received: ₹3,00,000
50% of basic salary (metro city): ₹4,00,000 (50% of ₹8,00,000)
Rent paid minus 10% of basic salary: ₹2,00,000 (₹2,80,000 - ₹80,000)
Thus, in this case, the exempt HRA is ₹2,00,000.
Taxable HRA = ₹3,00,000 - ₹2,00,000 = ₹1,00,000
Assuming no other exemptions, the taxable income becomes:
Gross Salary - Exemptions = ₹12,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 = ₹10,50,000
Step 3: Deduct Standard Deduction
Every salaried individual is eligible for a standard deduction of ₹50,000. It reduces the taxable income further:
₹10,50,000 - ₹50,000 = ₹10,00,000
Step 4: Deduct Eligible Deductions Under Chapter VI A
Under the old regime, deductions under Chapter VI A can be claimed to reduce taxable income. Some common deductions include:
Section 80C: Investments in ELSS, PPF, life insurance premiums, and home loan principal repayment (maximum ₹1,50,000).
Section 80D: Medical insurance premiums (up to ₹25,000 for individuals below 60).
Section 80E: Interest paid on an education loan.
Assume that the employee invests ₹1,50,000 in PPF under Section 80C and pays ₹20,000 as a health insurance premium under Section 80D.
The deductions are ₹1,50,000 + ₹20,000 = ₹1,70,000
Taxable Income = ₹10,00,000 - ₹1,70,000 = ₹8,30,000
Step 5: Apply the Tax Slabs
Under the old regime, the following slabs apply for individuals below 60:
Up to ₹2,50,000: Nil
₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,000: 5%
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000: 20%
Above ₹10,00,000: 30%
For a taxable income of ₹ 8,30,000, the calculation is:
First ₹2,50,000: Nil
Next ₹2,50,000 (₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,000): 5% of ₹2,50,000 = ₹12,500
Remaining ₹3,30,000 (₹5,00,001 – ₹8,30,000): 20% of ₹3,30,000 = ₹66,000
Tax Before Cess = ₹12,500 + ₹66,000 = ₹78,500
Step 6: Add Health and Education Cess
A 4% cess is levied on the total tax payable:
Cess = 4% of ₹78,500 = ₹3,140
Total Tax Liability = ₹78,500 + ₹3,140 = ₹81,640