Published Dec 31, 2025 3 mins read

Introduction

With the 2025 Budget updates in play, high-income earners—especially those making Rs. 60 lakh or more annually—are prioritising two key goals: reducing tax liabilities and securing long-term financial stability. Life insurance offers a smart way to achieve both.


It’s more than just a safety net—it’s a powerful tax-saving and wealth-building tool. By investing in life insurance, you not only protect your family’s future but also optimise your tax planning. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can claim deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually on life insurance premiums.
 

And with the latest tax reforms, understanding how life insurance fits into your strategy is more important than ever. Whether you're aiming to lower your tax burden or strengthen your financial roadmap, life insurance gives you the dual advantage of protection and savings—all in one plan.


Take charge of your financial future—Compare life insurance plans now and get quote!
 

What is the Budget 2025 update on the income tax?


The 2025 Budget brought notable updates to India’s income tax structure, especially for high-income earners. Among the key changes are adjustments to tax slabs under the new tax regime, which aim to simplify taxation and benefit taxpayers who do not claim deductions.
 

Key highlights of the New Tax Regime:


 

  • Simplified tax slabs: 


The new regime offers lower tax rates but eliminates most deductions and exemptions.
 

  • Standard deduction retained: 


Salaried individuals can still claim a standard deduction of Rs. 50,000.
 

  • Focus on high-income earners: 


 

Taxpayers earning Rs. 60 lakh or more annually may benefit from reduced complexity in filing taxes under the new regime.
 

Life insurance plays a vital role here. While the new tax regime limits deductions, policies like ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) and pension plans still qualify for tax benefits under Section 80C. This makes life insurance an indispensable part of your tax-saving strategy.

What has not changed from the old income tax slabs?

Despite the introduction of the new tax regime, several provisions remain unchanged under the old regime. These include deductions and exemptions that high-income earners can still utilise to optimise their taxable income.
 

Key features of the old tax regime:
 

  • Section 80C benefits: Investments in life insurance premiums, EPF, PPF, and tax-saving fixed deposits continue to qualify for deductions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually.
  • Section 80D: Health insurance premiums remain eligible for tax deductions.
  • Home loan interest: Tax benefits on home loan interest payments under Section 24 are still applicable.


 

For high-income earners, the old regime may be more beneficial if you have substantial deductions to claim. By investing in life insurance, you can maximise your tax savings while securing your family’s future.
 

Key budget highlights for high-income earners


The 2025 Budget introduced several measures specifically targeting high-income earners, making tax planning more important than ever.
 

  • Revised tax slabs: 


The new regime offers streamlined slabs but removes deductions, impacting taxpayers who rely on exemptions.
 

  • Standard deduction retention: 


Salaried individuals can continue to claim Rs. 50,000 as a standard deduction.
 

  • Focus on simplification: 


The new regime aims to reduce the complexity of tax filing, benefiting high-income earners who prefer straightforward calculations.
 

How life insurance helps:


  • ULIPs and pension plans remain eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C.
  • Tax-exempt maturity benefits ensure that your investment grows without additional tax burdens.

How to save tax for salary above Rs. 60 lakh?

For individuals earning Rs. 60 lakh or more annually, tax planning is crucial to minimise liabilities and maximise savings. Life insurance policies offer a reliable way to achieve this.
 

Tax-saving strategies:
 

  • Invest in life insurance: 


Premiums paid towards life insurance policies qualify for deductions under Section 80C, up to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually.
 

  • Choose ULIPs: 
     

These policies combine investment and insurance, offering tax-exempt maturity benefits under Section 10(10D).
 

  • Opt for pension plans: 


Contributions to pension plans provide additional tax benefits while securing your retirement.
 

  • Utilise health insurance: 


Premiums paid for health insurance policies can be deducted under Section 80D.


By strategically investing in life insurance and other tax-saving instruments, you can significantly reduce your taxable income and achieve long-term financial security.
 

Check income tax for your salary range


 

Income tax on 55 lakh salaryIncome tax on 65 lakh salaryIncome tax on 85 lakh salary
Income tax on 70 lakh salaryIncome tax on 75 lakh salaryIncome tax on 80 lakh salary


 

Income tax slabs under old vs new income tax regime


 

Choosing between the old and new tax regimes can be challenging, especially for high-income earners. Below is a comparison to help you make an informed decision.
 

Old tax regime – Income tax slabs

Income Slab (Rs. )Tax Rate
Up to Rs. 2,50,000Nil
Rs. 2,50,001 to Rs. 5,00,0005%
Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 10,00,00020%
Above Rs. 10,00,00030%


 

New tax regime – Income tax slabs

Income Slab (Rs. )Tax Rate
Up to Rs. 3,00,000Nil
Rs. 3,00,001 to Rs. 6,00,0005%
Rs. 6,00,001 to Rs. 9,00,00010%
Rs. 9,00,001 to Rs. 12,00,00015%
Rs. 12,00,001 to Rs. 15,00,00020%
Above Rs. 15,00,00030%

How to save tax on Rs. 60 lakh salary?

Reducing taxable income is essential for high-income earners. Life insurance policies offer an effective way to achieve this while providing financial security.


 

Step-by-step tax-saving guide:
 

  • Assess your deductions: 


Calculate eligible deductions under Section 80C, 80D, and other applicable sections.
 

  • Invest in life insurance: 


Choose policies like ULIPs and pension plans to maximise tax exemptions and secure your future.
 

  • Utilise health insurance: 


Pay premiums for health insurance to claim deductions under Section 80D.
 

  • Plan retirement wisely: 


Invest in pension plans to ensure a comfortable retirement while reducing taxable income.
 

By implementing these strategies, you can save taxes efficiently and build a solid financial plan.
 

Start saving today—Compare life insurance plans and get instant quotes!
 

Conclusion


Life insurance is a versatile financial tool that offers high-income earners dual benefits—tax savings and financial security. With the 2025 Budget introducing new tax provisions, leveraging life insurance policies has become even more important for optimising your tax planning.
 

Take the first step towards securing your future and saving taxes effortlessly. Compare life insurance plans and get instant quotes today!
 

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Frequently asked questions

What is the income tax rate for 60 lakh salary?

Under the new tax regime, individuals earning Rs. 60 lakh annually are taxed at 30%, with no deductions. Under the old regime, the same rate applies, but deductions under Sections 80C and 80D can reduce taxable income.

What is a 60 lakh tax exemption?

Tax exemptions for a Rs. 60 lakh income include deductions under Section 80C (life insurance premiums, EPF, etc.), Section 80D (health insurance premiums), and Section 24 (home loan interest).

Which tax regime is better for 60 lakhs?

The choice depends on your deductions. If you claim significant exemptions, the old regime may be better. If you prefer simplicity, opt for the new regime.

Is 60 lakh income tax exempted?

No, Rs. 60 lakh income is not tax exempted. However, exemptions under Sections 80C, 80D, and others can reduce your taxable income.

How do I know the surcharge applicable on a Rs. 65 lakh salary?

Surcharge is calculated on your income tax amount, not on total income. For a Rs. 65 lakh salary (old regime), a 10% surcharge applies once taxable income crosses Rs. 50 lakh. The surcharge is added to the tax payable, and then cess is calculated on the final amount.

Does earning Rs. 65 lakh place me in the top tax slab?

A Rs. 65 lakh income falls under the highest 30% tax slab in both regimes. Under the old regime, surcharge begins after Rs. 50 lakh, while in the new regime it applies only after Rs. 50 lakh taxable income. Actual tax outgo can vary based on deductions and exemptions you claim.

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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.