How to Calculate Income Tax in India (Simple Guide for 2025 + Salary Examples)

Understanding how to calculate income tax in India can feel difficult for many people. Most of us only check our salary slip or bank balance and fear that a part of our income goes to the government as tax. But once you master the basics, income tax becomes simple, safe, and even rewarding with smart planning.
you will learn:

• ✅ What is income tax in India
• ✅ Who introduced income tax and its history
• ✅ How many people pay income tax in India
• ✅ NRI income tax rules
• ✅ How to calculate income tax in India on salary (Step-by-step)
• ✅ 2025 tax regime explained (Old vs New)
• ✅ Real salary examples
• ✅ Tips to save tax legally

By the end of this article, you’ll clearly know how to calculate your income tax in India in 2025.

What is Income Tax in India?

Income tax in India is a tax that the government collects from individuals and businesses based on their annual income. It is one of the main sources of revenue for the Indian government and is used to fund:

• Roads, railways, and infrastructure
• Hospitals and schools
• Defense and security
• Welfare schemes

In simple words:If you earn income in India, you may have to pay a part of it as tax to the government.

Income Tax in India Was Introduced By

So, the full fact is: Income tax in India was introduced by Sir James Wilson in the year 1860

This is an important point and often asked in exams and interviews.

History of Income Tax in India (Short & Simple)

Here is a quick timeline for you:

• 1860 – Income tax was first introduced by Sir James Wilson
• 1918 – The Income Tax Act was expanded
• 1961 – The Income Tax Act of 1961 was passed (still used today)
• Every year – Budget changes tax slabs and rules

This is the short and clean history of income tax in India.

How Many People Pay Income Tax in India?

This might surprise you.

India has a population of more than 146 crore (1.46 Billion ), but only around 6–8 crore(60 -80 Million) people actually pay income tax.

That is less than 10% of the population.

Main reasons:

• Many people earn below the taxable limit
• Many work in agriculture (agricultural income is tax-free)
• Some people avoid or don’t file returns

That’s why the government keeps improving the tax system to make it fair and digital.

NRI Income Tax in India (Very Important)

If you are an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), your income tax rule is simple:

✅ Income earned in India = Taxable in India

❌ Income earned outside India = Not taxed in India

Examples:

• Rent from Indian property → Taxable
• Salary from Indian company → Taxable
• Income from India stock market → Taxable

If an NRI earns income only abroad and nothing in India, they do not pay income tax in India.

How To Calculate Income Tax in India (2025) — Step-by-Step

A simple, mobile-friendly guide that shows you how to calculate income tax on salary with clear examples. Use the free calculator for instant results.

Follow these 5 easy steps

Step 1: Calculate your total annual income

Add all sources of income: Salary, freelancing/part-time, rent, interest from bank/FD and any side income.

Example: Your salary = ₹8,00,000 per year

Step 2: Choose your tax regime (Old or New)

In 2025 India has two tax systems. Choose the one that fits you:

• Old Tax Regime — Allows deductions (80C, 80D, HRA). Good for investors but more complex.
• New Tax Regime — No deductions, simple slabs. Good for people with no investments.

Step 3: Apply income tax slabs (New Regime 2025 example)

Only the amount above each slab is taxed. Example slab table (new regime):

Tip: Slabs may be updated by the government — always check the latest budget if unsure.

Step 4: Calculate tax for each slab (Only the amount above each slab)

Compute tax for the portion of income that falls in each slab and add them up to get total tax before cess.

Step 5: Add cess and rebates (if applicable) and subtract deductions (old regime)

After base tax, add health & education cess (usually 4%) and apply any tax rebates or deductions if you are on the old regime.

How to Calculate Income Tax in India on Salary (Real Examples)

Example 1: Salary = ₹6,00,000 per year

First ₹3,00,000 = No tax. Next ₹3,00,000 = 5% tax ⇒ Tax = ₹15,000

So, tax on ₹6 lakh salary ≈ ₹15,000.

Example 2: Salary = ₹8,00,000 per year

First ₹3,00,000 = No tax. Next ₹3,00,000 = 5% ⇒ ₹15,000. Next ₹2,00,000 = 10% ⇒ ₹20,000.

Total tax = ₹35,000 approx.

Example 3: Salary = ₹12,00,000 per year

Up to ₹6,00,000 = ₹15,000. Next ₹3,00,000 = 10% ⇒ ₹30,000. Next ₹3,00,000 = 15% ⇒ ₹45,000.

Total = ₹90,000 approx.

Note: Results above are illustrative. The calculator applies exact slab math, cess, and rebates automatically for precise numbers.

Best Way to Save Income Tax in India Legally

If you use Old Tax Regime, you can save tax using:

• 80C – PPF, ELSS, LIC (₹1.5 lakh)
• 80D – Health Insurance
• HRA – Rent Benefit
• NPS – Extra ₹50,000 deduction
• Home Loan Interest

This can reduce your tax by ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000+ per year legally.

Why You Should Use an Income Tax Calculator (Like SITNIT)

Instead of doing all this manually, smart people use online tools.

A good Income Tax Calculator in India can:

✅ Show tax in seconds

✅ Compare old vs new regime

✅ Help in tax planning

✅ Save time

✅ 100% free & simple

Frequently Asked Questions – Income Tax in India (2025)

How to calculate income tax in India for 2025?

First, calculate your total annual income from salary, rent, interest, freelancing, or any business income. Then choose either the Old or New tax regime. Finally, apply income tax slab rates only on the amount that falls into each slab.

How to calculate income tax in India on salary?

Add your total yearly salary and choose a tax regime. Then apply slab rates. For example, on a ₹8,00,000 salary in the new regime, your tax is approximately ₹35,000 per year.

Which tax regime is better in 2025 – Old or New?

If you don’t claim many deductions, the New Regime is usually better. If you claim deductions like 80C, HRA, 80D, etc, then the Old Regime might save more tax.

How many people pay income tax in India?

Only around 6–7% of India’s population pays income tax. Most people fall below the taxable income limit or are part of the unorganised sector.

Is NRI income taxable in India?

NRIs are only taxed on the income earned or received in India. Foreign income earned outside India is not taxable in India.

Is there an easy way to calculate income tax in India?

Yes — you can instantly calculate it using the Free Income Tax Calculator by SITNIT .