Old vs New Regime Calculator (with HRA)

⚡ In shortMost regime comparisons quietly leave out HRA — and for a salaried person paying real rent in a metro, the HRA exemption is frequently the single largest deduction, big enough to flip the answer. The new regime is the default: a ₹75,000 standard deduction, wider slabs, and income up to ₹12 lakh effectively tax-free through the §87A rebate — but no HRA, no 80C, no 80D and no §24(b). The old regime has narrower slabs and a ₹50,000 standard deduction, but allows all of them. This calculator first computes your HRA exemption under §10(13A) — the least of the actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of Basic+DA, and 50% of Basic+DA in a metro (40% elsewhere) — then feeds that into the old regime alongside 80C, 80D and home-loan interest, and compares the result against the new regime. As a rough rule the old regime only wins once your total deductions are large, which for most renters means a high rent plus a full 80C plus meaningful home-loan interest.

Open the free Old vs New Regime Calculator (with HRA) →

How it is calculated

The new regime is the default: a ₹75,000 standard deduction, wider slabs, and income up to ₹12 lakh effectively tax-free through the §87A rebate — but no HRA, no 80C, no 80D and no §24(b). The old regime has narrower slabs and a ₹50,000 standard deduction, but allows all of them. This calculator first computes your HRA exemption under §10(13A) — the least of the actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of Basic+DA, and 50% of Basic+DA in a metro (40% elsewhere) — then feeds that into the old regime alongside 80C, 80D and home-loan interest, and compares the result against the new regime. As a rough rule the old regime only wins once your total deductions are large, which for most renters means a high rent plus a full 80C plus meaningful home-loan interest.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim HRA under the new tax regime?

No. The HRA exemption under §10(13A) is available only under the old regime. The new regime gives a larger standard deduction and wider slabs instead.

How much rent do I need for the old regime to win?

There is no fixed number — it depends on your salary, Basic, and other deductions. Run both with your real figures; the old regime typically needs a large HRA exemption plus a full 80C before it beats the new slabs.

Do I need my landlord's PAN?

Yes, if your annual rent exceeds ₹1,00,000. Keep rent receipts either way — HRA claims are a common item in scrutiny.

Can I switch regimes every year?

A salaried person with no business income can choose afresh each year while filing. Someone with business income who opts out of the new regime can generally return to it only once.

Related reading

India Law Simplified is an AI-assisted tool, not a substitute for a licensed CA or advocate. Tax rules and limits change with each Finance Act — verify before relying on any figure.