Published Jun 18, 2026 3 mins read

Introduction

The new income tax regime was introduced to make tax calculation simpler and reduce tax rates for many individuals. It is especially useful for people who do not actively claim multiple deductions and exemptions every year.


One important thing to understand is that most common tax-saving deductions, including life insurance premium deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961/ Section 123 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 (New Act), are not available under the new tax regime. This means your decision to buy life insurance should focus more on financial protection, long-term planning, and family security rather than only tax savings.


In this article, you will understand the key benefits of the new income tax regime, who should choose it, and how life insurance fits into your financial planning under this system.


What is the new income tax regime?


The new income tax regime is an alternative tax system that offers lower tax slab rates with fewer deductions and exemptions. It was introduced to simplify income tax filing and reduce the need for complex tax planning.

Under this regime, taxpayers can pay tax at lower slab rates without investing in multiple tax-saving instruments. However, deductions like Section 80C/ 123 (New Act) for life insurance premiums, ELSS, PPF, and tax-saving fixed deposits are mostly not available.

This makes the new regime more suitable for individuals who prefer flexibility in managing their money instead of investing mainly for tax-saving purposes.


Secure your family’s future while optimising your tax savings. Explore life insurance options today – Get quote!


Key benefits of the new income tax regime


The new tax regime offers several practical benefits, especially for salaried individuals and taxpayers with limited deductions.


  • Lower income tax rates: The new regime offers reduced slab rates compared to the old regime. This may help many individuals lower their total tax liability. 
  • Simplified tax filing: Since most deductions and exemptions are removed, tax filing becomes easier and less time-consuming. 
  • Higher take-home salary: Individuals who do not invest heavily in tax-saving products may get more disposable income every month. 
  • More financial flexibility: You can decide where to invest your money instead of making investments only for tax deductions. 
  • Useful for young earners: Young professionals who have fewer investments, loans, or deductions may find the new regime more beneficial. 
  • Less documentation: You may not need to maintain multiple investment proofs for deductions that are not applicable under the new regime. 

Maximise your financial freedom with tax-efficient life insurance plans. Get a customised quote now!

New income tax slab rates for FY 2026-27

The following table explains the tax slab rates under the new income tax regime for FY 2026-27:

Annual incomeTax rate
Up to Rs. 4,00,000Nil
Rs. 4,00,001 – Rs. 8,00,0005%
Rs. 8,00,001 – Rs. 12,00,00010%
Rs. 12,00,001 – Rs. 16,00,00015%
Rs. 16,00,001 – Rs. 20,00,00020%
Rs. 20,00,001 – Rs. 24,00,00025%
Above Rs. 24,00,00030%

The lower slab structure may help taxpayers reduce overall tax burden depending on their income and deductions.


Who should choose the new tax regime?


The new regime may work better for certain types of taxpayers depending on their income pattern and investment habits.


  • Salaried individuals with fewer deductions: If you do not claim deductions like home loan interest, Section 80C/ 123 (New Act) investments, or HRA benefits, the new regime may reduce your taxes. 
  • Young professionals: Individuals starting their careers often have limited investments and may benefit from simpler taxation. 
  • People preferring flexibility: Some taxpayers prefer keeping their money accessible instead of locking it into tax-saving products. 
  • Individuals without major tax-saving investments: If you are not investing heavily in PPF, ELSS, or life insurance mainly for tax deductions, the new regime may suit you better. 
  • Freelancers or changing-income professionals: A simplified structure may make tax planning easier for people with fluctuating income. 

Are deductions still allowed under the new tax regime?

Most deductions and exemptions available under the old tax regime are not allowed under the new regime. This includes Section 80C/ 123 (New Act) deductions commonly claimed for life insurance premiums.

This means premiums paid towards traditional life insurance plans, ULIPs, PPF, and tax-saving investments generally cannot be claimed for deduction under the new regime.

However, life insurance still plays an important financial role even without tax benefits. A life insurance plan can help provide financial protection for your family, support long-term savings goals, and create financial stability during uncertain situations.

Certain benefits like employer contribution to NPS and standard deduction for salaried individuals may still continue under the new regime, subject to applicable tax rules.

Explore tax-efficient life insurance plans tailored to your needs. Get a quote now!


New tax regime vs. old tax regime: A quick comparison


The table below highlights the key difference between both tax systems:

FeatureOld tax regimeNew tax regime
Tax ratesHigherLower
Section 80C / 123 (New Act) deductionAvailableNot allowed
Life insurance premium deductionAllowedNot allowed
Tax filingMore detailedSimpler
Suitable forHigh deductions and investmentsFewer deductions

Before choosing a regime, compare your deductions, salary structure, investments, and financial goals carefully.


Evaluate your financial priorities before choosing a regime. Life insurance can provide dual benefits of savings and tax efficiency under both systems. Compare life insurance plans today and get quote!

How to choose between the old and new tax regime

Choosing the right tax regime depends on your income structure and annual deductions.


  • Calculate total deductions first: Add deductions like life insurance premiums, PPF, EPF, home loan benefits, and HRA under the old regime. 
  • Compare tax liability under both systems: Check how much tax you pay under the old and new regimes after considering deductions. 
  • Understand your financial goals: If you invest mainly for long-term wealth creation and protection, the old regime may sometimes offer higher tax benefits. 
  • Do not buy life insurance only for tax savings: Under the new regime, life insurance may not give Section 80C / 123 (New Act) deduction benefits, but it still helps protect your family financially. 
  • Review every financial year: Salaried individuals should review their income, deductions, and financial commitments before selecting a regime. 

Conclusion


The new income tax regime offers lower tax rates, simpler filing, and greater financial flexibility for many taxpayers. It is especially suitable for individuals who do not rely heavily on deductions and exemptions.

At the same time, it is important to understand that life insurance premiums generally do not qualify for deduction under the new regime. Even then, life insurance remains valuable for financial protection, long-term planning, retirement preparation, and family security.

Before choosing between the old and new tax regime, compare your income, deductions, investments, and financial goals carefully to make an informed decision.


Explore life insurance plans tailored to your needs and tax-saving goals. Start securing your future today! Get quote!

Frequently asked questions

Is the new tax regime better than the old regime?

The answer depends on your income and deductions. The new regime may suit individuals with fewer tax-saving investments, while the old regime may benefit those claiming deductions like home loan interest and life insurance premium deductions under Section 80C / 123 (New Act).

What is the tax-exempt income limit under the new tax regime in FY 2026-27?

Income up to Rs. 4 lakh is tax-free under the slab structure. Additionally, eligible individuals may get rebate benefits under applicable tax provisions based on taxable income conditions.

Can I claim 80C deductions under the new tax regime?

No, life insurance premium deductions under Section 80C / 123 (New Act) are generally not available under the new tax regime. However, life insurance still remains important for financial security and long-term family protection.

Can salaried employees switch between old and new tax regimes every year?

Salaried employees cannot switch regimes every year while filing their ITR. Once an employee opts for the new regime, it will apply to all subsequent years and the employee cannot switch back to the old regime.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finance App for All Your Financial Needs and Goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finance App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals. 

You can use the Bajaj Finance App to: 

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more. 
  • Explore and apply for co-branded credit cards online. 
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app. 
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers. 
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions. 
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs. 
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators 
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finance App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Disclaimer

*T&C Apply. Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Life Insurance Limited (Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Bajaj General Insurance Limited(Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company Limited, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure & policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also distributor of other third party products from Assistance service providers such as CPP Assistance Services Private Limited, Bajaj Finance Health Limited. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, value added services etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective Insurance company or the respective Assistance provider company.

Note- While we have made all the efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective products sales brochure and policy/membership wordings before concluding sales.