On a salary of ₹18 lakh in FY 2026-27 (AY 2027-28), you pay ₹1,50,800 under the New regime versus ₹3,51,000 under the Old regime (standard deduction only). The New regime saves you ₹2,00,200. The Old regime becomes cheaper only if your total deductions - 80C + 80D + NPS + home-loan interest + HRA combined - exceed ₹6,41,652.
₹18 lakh salary - tax at a glance
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross salary | ₹18,00,000 |
| Tax - New regime (incl. cess) | ₹1,50,800 |
| Tax - Old regime, standard deduction only | ₹3,51,000 |
| Recommended regime | New (saves ₹2,00,200) |
| Break-even deduction (Old beats New above this) | ₹6,41,652 |
| Monthly in-hand (New regime) | ₹1,37,433 |
How the tax is calculated (New regime)
Taxable income after the ₹75,000 standard deduction = ₹17,25,000. It falls into these slabs:
| Slab · rate | Tax |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹4,00,000 · 0% | ₹0 |
| ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 · 5% | ₹20,000 |
| ₹8,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 · 10% | ₹40,000 |
| ₹12,00,000 – ₹16,00,000 · 15% | ₹60,000 |
| ₹16,00,000 – ₹17,25,000 · 20% | ₹25,000 |
| Tax on slabs | ₹1,45,000 |
| Health & Education cess (4%) | ₹5,800 |
| Total tax (New regime) | ₹1,50,800 |
Should you pick the Old or New regime at ₹18 lakh?
For most salaried people at ₹18 lakh the new regime wins because reaching ₹6,41,652 in deductions needs a home loan plus rent plus a maxed 80C - uncommon without a housing EMI. If you have all of those, run your exact figures below.
Your real tax depends on your 80C, HRA, NPS and home-loan interest. Add them and compare both regimes in seconds.
Calculate your exact tax →Frequently asked questions
How much income tax on a ₹18 lakh salary in FY 2026-27?
Under the new regime you pay ₹1,50,800 on a ₹18 lakh salary (after the ₹75,000 standard deduction). Under the old regime with only the standard deduction it is ₹3,51,000.
Which tax regime is better for a ₹18 lakh salary?
The new regime, unless your total deductions exceed ₹6,41,652. Below that, the new regime is cheaper by ₹2,00,200.
What is the monthly in-hand for a ₹18 lakh salary?
About ₹1,37,433 per month under the new regime, before any employer PF or other deductions.