India's new Income Tax Act, explained in plain language
The Income Tax Act, 1961 was replaced by the Income Tax Act, 2025 on 1 April 2026 — India's biggest tax law overhaul in 65 years. We break it all down for taxpayers, salaried professionals, freelancers, and NRIs.
Even though the Income Tax Act 2025 took effect on 1 April 2026, your ITR for FY 2025-26 (due July/August 2026) is still filed under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new section numbers apply from Tax Year 2026-27 onwards. Full explanation →
What the new Income Tax Act 2025 actually changes
The law is new. The taxes are (mostly) the same. Here's what actually shifted — and what did not.
Section numbers changed completely
Section 80C is now Section 123. Section 44AB is Section 63. 819+ old sections reorganised into 536 clear, sequential sections with no alphabetic suffixes.
See full mapping →
Tax rates did NOT change
The slab rates, rebate under 87A, ₹12 lakh zero-tax limit, and standard deduction of ₹75,000 all remain identical to what Budget 2025 introduced.
New vs old regime →
Form names and deadlines updated
ITR forms have new names under the 2025 Act. Some filing deadlines extended. Self-employed non-audit cases now get 31 August instead of 31 July.
Full ITR filing guide →Everything you need to know about Income Tax 2025
In-depth, original guides covering every aspect of India's new Income Tax Act.
Income Tax Act 2025 vs 1961: What Changed?
The definitive comparison. Section mapping, structural changes, new terminology, and what taxpayers must know for the transition.
New vs Old Tax Regime: Which Saves More?
Side-by-side comparison with worked examples at every income level. When to stick with old regime, when to switch to new.
Income Tax Slabs FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
All slab rates, rebate under Section 87A (formerly 87A), ₹12 lakh zero-tax, and marginal relief — with calculation examples.
How to File Your ITR Online in 2026
Step-by-step guide to filing your income tax return, choosing the right form, using the income tax portal, and verifying your return.
Tax Deductions & Exemptions Under New Act
Section 123 (80C), Section 124 (80D), HRA, NPS, home loan interest — every major deduction mapped to its new section number.
TDS & TCS Under Income Tax Act 2025
All TDS rates with new section numbers, due dates, how to check Form 26AS and AIS, and what to do if excess TDS is deducted.
Calculate your exact income tax for FY 2025-26
Our free calculator compares your liability under both the old and new tax regime in seconds. Salary, HRA, Section 123 (80C), and more.
- New regime vs old regime comparison
- Standard deduction of ₹75,000 applied automatically
- Section 87A rebate (₹12L zero tax) calculated
- HRA exemption estimator included
Salary, capital gains, freelancers, NRIs
Independent. Accurate. Plain language.
No government affiliation
We are entirely independent. Our content is based on publicly available law and official government circulars — not sponsored positions.
Continuously updated
As the Income Tax Department issues new circulars, notifications, and forms under the 2025 Act, we update our guides to reflect them.
Plain language always
Tax law is dense. We translate every provision into clear, practical English — with examples that match your actual situation.