Overview: Tax on ₹15 Lakh CTC

A ₹15 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum) salary is one of the most common compensation milestones for experienced Indian professionals. Under FY 2026-27 tax rules, your tax liability varies drastically depending on whether you pick the New or Old Tax Regime.

1. ₹15 LPA Under New Tax Regime

Under the New Tax Regime with ₹75,000 Standard Deduction: - **Gross Salary:** ₹15,00,000 - **Less: Standard Deduction:** ₹75,000 - **Taxable Income:** ₹14,25,000 - **Tax Calculation:** - ₹0 to ₹4,00,000: ₹0 - ₹4,00,001 to ₹8,00,000 (5%): ₹20,000 - ₹8,00,001 to ₹12,00,000 (10%): ₹40,000 - ₹12,00,001 to ₹14,25,000 (15%): ₹33,750 - **Total Tax + 4% Cess:** **₹97,500** - **Monthly In-Hand:** **~₹1,02,000–₹1,05,000** (after PF)

2. ₹15 LPA Under Old Tax Regime (With Full Deductions)

To beat the New Regime's ₹97,500 tax, you must claim: 1. **Standard Deduction:** ₹50,000 2. **Section 80C (PPF/ELSS/EPF):** ₹1,50,000 3. **Section 80D (Health Insurance):** ₹25,000 4. **Section 80CCD(1B) (NPS):** ₹50,000 5. **HRA Exemption (Rent paid in metro):** ₹1,80,000

• **Total Deductions:** ₹4,55,000
• **Taxable Income:** ₹10,45,000
• **Tax + Cess in Old Regime:** **₹82,680**
• **Tax Saved in Old Regime:** **₹14,820**

3. Action Plan for 15 LPA Earners

If you pay rent exceeding ₹20,000/month and exhaust 80C + 80D + NPS, select the **Old Regime**. Otherwise, select the **New Regime** to avoid locking ₹2 Lakh in investments.