Published Oct 27, 2025 3 mins read

Introduction

The new income tax regime introduced in Budget 2025 has brought significant changes for taxpayers earning Rs. 5 lakh annually. With simplified tax slabs and fewer deductions, this regime aims to make tax filing easier while offering potential savings. For individuals seeking to optimise their finances, understanding these updates is crucial.


Additionally, tools like the Human Life Value (HLV) calculator and products like life insurance plans can help you plan your financial goals effectively. Learn how these changes and smart financial tools can benefit you.


What is the Budget 2025 update on the income tax?


Here is what has changed under the Budget 2025 for taxpayers earning Rs. 5 lakh annually:


  • Simplified tax filing process: 


The new regime eliminates the need for multiple deductions, making filing your taxes more straightforward.
 

  • Zero tax on Rs. 5 lakh income: 


As per the updated tax slab, individuals earning up to Rs. 5 lakh annually will continue to enjoy tax exemption under the new regime.
 

Key benefits for taxpayers:
 

  • Ease of compliance: 


The simplified structure reduces the complexities of tax filing.


  • Savings opportunity: 


With fewer deductions, taxpayers can focus on direct savings through investments like life insurance plans.


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What has not changed from the old income tax slabs?

While the new tax regime introduces several updates, some aspects remain unchanged:


  • Tax exemption on Rs. 5 lakh income: 


Under Section 87A, individuals earning up to Rs. 5 lakh can still claim a rebate and pay zero tax.
 

  • Deductions Under Section 80C: 


Investments in life insurance, ULIPs, and other tax-saving instruments remain eligible for deductions under the old regime.
 

For instance, life insurance policies not only provide financial security but also offer tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act. These deductions can help you reduce your taxable income while securing your family’s future.


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Key budget highlights for high-income earners

If you earn more than Rs. 10 lakh annually, Budget 2025 has introduced updates that could impact your financial planning:


  • Higher standard deduction: 


Salaried individuals can claim a standard deduction of Rs. 50,000, providing additional relief.
 

  • Investment Opportunities: 


High-income earners can explore ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) for wealth accumulation and tax savings. ULIPs combine the benefits of investment and insurance, making them ideal for long-term financial growth.
 

Why ULIPs are beneficial:
 

  • Tax efficiency: 


Returns from ULIPs are tax-exempt under Section 10(10D).
 

  • Wealth growth: 


ULIPs offer market-linked returns, enabling wealth accumulation over time.
 

For high-net-worth individuals, Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers reliable life insurance options tailored to your financial goals.


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How to save tax for salary above 5 lakh?

 Optimising taxes for a salary above Rs. 5 lakh requires strategic planning. Here are actionable methods to save tax:

 

1. Investments under Section 80C


Invest in tax-saving instruments like life insurance policies, ULIPs, or Public Provident Fund (PPF). These investments are eligible for deductions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually.

 

2. Health insurance premiums


Premiums paid for health insurance policies qualify for deductions under Section 80D. You can claim up to Rs. 25,000 for yourself and an additional Rs. 50,000 for senior citizen parents.

 

3. Critical illness riders


Add critical illness riders to your life insurance policy to secure your health and claim tax benefits simultaneously.

 

4. Retirement plans


Invest in retirement-focused plans like ULIPs or pension schemes to build a corpus while enjoying tax benefits.
 

Income tax slabs under old vs new income tax regime
 

Let’s break down the difference between the old and new tax regimes so you can decide what works best for you. Both come with their own set of slabs and benefits.

 

Old regime: Ideal for those claiming deductions
 

  • 0 – Rs. 2.5 lakh: No tax
  • Rs. 2.5 lakh – Rs. 5 lakh: 5%
  • Rs. 5 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh: 20%
  • Above Rs. 10 lakh: 30%

You can claim deductions like Section 80C (up to Rs. 1.5 lakh), HRA, home loan interest, LTA, etc.

 

New regime: Lower tax, fewer deductions


 

  • 0 – Rs. 3 lakh: No tax
  • Rs. 3 lakh – Rs. 6 lakh: 5%
  • Rs. 6 lakh – Rs. 9 lakh: 10%
  • Rs. 9 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh: 15%
  • Rs. 12 lakh – Rs. 15 lakh: 20%
  • Above Rs. 15 lakh: 30%

Fewer exemptions/deductions allowed (only a handful like NPS employer contribution, EPF, and standard deduction).


Which to choose?
 

Go with the old regime if you claim multiple deductions and investments. Choose the new regime if you don’t claim many exemptions and want simpler tax filing with potentially lower tax.

 

How to save tax on Rs. 5 lakh salary?
 

Now that you know the tax slabs, let’s look at smart ways to save taxes if your salary is Rs. 5 lakh per year.
 

  • Use section 80C fully:


Invest in ELSS funds, PPF, LIC premiums, or EPF to claim up to Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction.

These options help lower taxable income effectively.

 

  • Opt for standard deduction


You automatically get a Rs. 50,000 standard deduction on salary—no documentation needed.

 

  • Claim HRA if you are renting


If you live in a rented house and get HRA, you can claim exemption based on rent paid and city of residence.

 

  • Use 80D for health insurance


Premiums for health insurance (for you and your family) are eligible for deduction up to Rs. 25,000 under Section 80D.

 

  • Take advantage of Section 10(14) allowances


Reimbursements like telephone bills or internet charges provided by your employer may be partially tax-exempted.

 

  • Choose the right regime


If you claim deductions, the old regime could result in zero tax after rebates (like Section 87A for income up to Rs. 5 lakh).

With these options, you can save on taxes smartly while making useful financial decisions.
 

Conclusion


Planning your taxes for a Rs. 5 lakh salary under the new regime is simpler than ever. By leveraging tax-saving tools like life insurance policies and ULIPs, you can not only reduce your taxable income but also secure your financial future.


Life insurance is more than just a tax-saving instrument—it is a comprehensive financial tool that protects your family and helps you achieve long-term goals.
 

By integrating smart tax-saving strategies and leveraging life insurance products, you can simplify your tax planning while securing your financial future. Explore Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall to find tailored plans that suit your goals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the income tax rate for 5 lakh salary?

Under the new regime, individuals earning up to Rs. 5 lakh annually are exempt from paying income tax due to the rebate under Section 87A.

What is a 5 lakh tax exemption?

If your annual income is Rs. 5 lakh or less, you can claim a rebate under Section 87A, ensuring zero tax liability. Tax-exempt income can grow effectively when invested wisely in financial instruments.

Which tax regime is better for 5 lakh?

The new regime is simpler and offers zero tax liability for Rs. 5 lakh income earners. However, the old regime allows deductions under Section 80C, making it suitable for those with investments in life insurance and other instruments.

Do you get tax exemption on 5 lakh income?

Yes, under Section 87A, Rs. 5 lakh income is tax-exempt. Additionally, investing in life insurance can provide further tax benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D).

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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 Finserv 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.