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Microlesson · 5-min read

Regular (optional) tax regime slab rates and the basic exemption limit by age/residential status

# Regular / Normal Tax Regime — Slab Rates (A.Y. 2025-26)

These slabs apply to an Individual/HUF/AOP/BOI/AJP that has opted out of the default regime. The basic exemption limit (BEL) depends on age (for residents) and residential status.

## Resident — Normal citizen (below 60)

SlabTax
Up to ₹2,50,000NIL
₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,0005% of income over ₹2,50,000
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000₹12,500 + 20% of income over ₹5,00,000
Above ₹10,00,000₹1,12,500 + 30% of income over ₹10,00,000

## Resident Senior Citizen (≥60 but <80)

SlabTax
Up to ₹3,00,000NIL
₹3,00,001 – ₹5,00,0005% over ₹3,00,000
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000₹10,000 + 20% over ₹5,00,000
Above ₹10,00,000₹1,10,000 + 30% over ₹10,00,000

## Resident Very Senior Citizen (≥80)

SlabTax
Up to ₹5,00,000NIL
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,00020% over ₹5,00,000
Above ₹10,00,000₹1,00,000 + 30% over ₹10,00,000

## Important notes

  • Non-residents: BEL is always ₹2,50,000 regardless of age — the higher senior/very-senior limits are only for residents.
  • Age determination (CBDT Circular 28/2016, dt. 27-07-2016): A person born on 1st April is treated as attaining that age on 31st March (the day before the birthday).
  • Example: a resident whose 60th birthday is on 1 April 2026 is deemed to have attained 60 years on 31 March 2026 (P.Y. 2025-26), qualifying for the ₹3 lakh BEL for that year.

Worked example

### Example 1

Example (born on 1 April): Mr. R turns 60 on 1 April 2026. Per CBDT Circular 28/2016, he is deemed to attain 60 on 31 March 2026, falling within P.Y. 2025-26. Hence he gets the senior-citizen BEL of ₹3,00,000 for A.Y. 2026-27.

### Example 2

Example (non-resident senior): Mr. S is a 70-year-old non-resident. Despite his age, his basic exemption limit is only ₹2,50,000 (the higher ₹3 lakh limit applies only to resident senior citizens).

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Giving a non-resident the higher senior/very-senior BEL — non-residents always get ₹2,50,000 irrespective of age.
  • Misapplying the age rule for those born on 1 April — they are deemed to attain the age on 31 March (previous day), shifting them into the higher-BEL category one year earlier.
  • Using new-regime slabs (₹4 lakh BEL) for the regular regime — the regular regime starts at ₹2,50,000/₹3,00,000/₹5,00,000 by age.
Reference: — Income-tax Act, 1961; CBDT Circular No. 28/2016 dated 27-07-2016
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