13 Lakh Salary in India: How Much Tax Will You Really Pay in 2025–26?
One of the most searched queries every year is: “How much tax will I pay if my salary is ₹13 lakh?” The answer depends on whether you choose the Old Tax Regime or the New Tax Regime in India. With the government pushing the new regime, it’s crucial to understand both systems to calculate your take-home pay. This guide provides detailed calculations, tables, and strategies for tax saving.
Basic Understanding
For FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27):
- Old Regime exemption limit: ₹2.5 lakh (general category)
- New Regime exemption limit: ₹3 lakh (all taxpayers)
- Section 87A rebate: Available for income up to ₹5 lakh (old) or ₹7 lakh (new)
Income Tax on ₹13 Lakh – Old Regime (Without Deductions)
| Slab | Tax Rate | Taxable Amount | Tax Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – ₹2.5 lakh | 0% | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹0 |
| ₹2.5 – ₹5 lakh | 5% | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹12,500 |
| ₹5 – ₹10 lakh | 20% | ₹5 lakh | ₹1,00,000 |
| ₹10 – ₹13 lakh | 30% | ₹3 lakh | ₹90,000 |
| Total Tax | ₹2,02,500 | ||
| + 4% Cess | ₹8,100 | ||
| Net Tax Payable | ₹2,10,600 | ||
Income Tax on ₹13 Lakh – New Regime (Without Deductions)
| Slab | Tax Rate | Taxable Amount | Tax Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – ₹3 lakh | 0% | ₹3 lakh | ₹0 |
| ₹3 – ₹7 lakh | 5% | ₹4 lakh | ₹20,000 |
| ₹7 – ₹10 lakh | 10% | ₹3 lakh | ₹30,000 |
| ₹10 – ₹12 lakh | 15% | ₹2 lakh | ₹30,000 |
| ₹12 – ₹13 lakh | 20% | ₹1 lakh | ₹20,000 |
| Total Tax | ₹1,00,000 | ||
| + 4% Cess | ₹4,000 | ||
| Net Tax Payable | ₹1,04,000 | ||
Tax Saving with Old Regime Deductions
Suppose you claim deductions like:
- 80C – ₹1.5 lakh (PPF, ELSS, LIC, PF)
- 80D – ₹25,000 (Health Insurance)
- HRA or Home Loan Interest – ₹1 lakh
Your taxable income reduces to ₹10.25 lakh. New tax calculation:
| Slab | Tax Rate | Taxable Amount | Tax Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – ₹2.5 lakh | 0% | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹0 |
| ₹2.5 – ₹5 lakh | 5% | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹12,500 |
| ₹5 – ₹10 lakh | 20% | ₹5 lakh | ₹1,00,000 |
| ₹10 – ₹10.25 lakh | 30% | ₹25,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Total Tax | ₹1,20,000 | ||
| + 4% Cess | ₹4,800 | ||
| Net Tax Payable | ₹1,24,800 | ||
Takeaway: With deductions, the Old Regime can save you more tax compared to the New Regime for a ₹13 lakh salary.
Monthly Take-Home Pay (Approx.)
- Old Regime (no deductions): ~₹90,783/month
- Old Regime (with deductions): ~₹96,033/month
- New Regime: ~₹91,167/month
Smart Tips to Reduce Tax on ₹13 Lakh Salary
- Maximise Section 80C investments (PF, ELSS, PPF, life insurance).
- Claim HRA exemption if you live in rented accommodation.
- Buy health insurance for 80D benefit.
- Opt for NPS contributions for additional deduction under 80CCD(1B).
- Choose Old vs New regime wisely based on your deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much tax on a ₹13 lakh salary in 2025–26?
In the Old Regime (no deductions), you pay about ₹2.10 lakh. In the New Regime, about ₹1.04 lakh.
2. Which regime is better for ₹13 lakh salary?
If you have high deductions (80C, 80D, HRA), the Old Regime is better. If not, the New Regime usually results in lower tax.
3. How much will be monthly take-home for ₹13 lakh salary?
Approx. ₹90k–96k per month depending on regime and deductions.
4. Can I pay zero tax with ₹13 lakh salary?
No, unless you have very high deductions. You will pay some tax, though it can be reduced significantly.
5. Do senior citizens get extra benefit on ₹13 lakh salary?
Yes, under the Old Regime, they get a higher exemption limit. But in the New Regime, no special benefit applies.