Income Tax Slab for Women

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Income Tax Slab for Women

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For Indian women—whether they are entrepreneurs, investors, or salaried professionals—understanding income tax slabs is essential for effective financial planning. The income tax slab defines the tax rates applicable based on annual earnings.

While there was a time when women had lower tax slabs than men, the current tax structure treats all individual taxpayers equally, regardless of gender. However, various deductions, exemptions, and tax-saving options can help women reduce their tax burden.

In this article, we will break down the income tax slabs for women in India for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), compare the old and new tax regimes, and highlight the best tax-saving strategies for women entrepreneurs and investors.
 

Income Tax Slab for Women in India (FY 2024-25)

India follows a progressive tax system, meaning higher income leads to higher tax rates. Women, like all individual taxpayers, can choose between:

  • Old Tax Regime (with deductions and exemptions)
  • New Tax Regime (with lower rates but no deductions)

1. Income Tax Slab for Women (New Tax Regime - FY 2024-25)

The New Tax Regime has lower tax rates but does not allow common deductions like 80C (PPF, ELSS, Life Insurance), 80D (Health Insurance), and HRA.

Annual Income Tax Rate
Up to ₹3 lakh Nil
₹3 lakh - ₹6 lakh 5%
₹6 lakh - ₹9 lakh 10%
₹9 lakh - ₹12 lakh 15%
₹12 lakh - ₹15 lakh 20%
Above ₹15 lakh 30%

 

Key Features of the New Regime:

  1. No tax on income up to ₹7 lakh (due to standard rebate under Section 87A)
  2. Simplified structure with lower tax rates

No deductions for 80C, 80D, HRA, or home loan interest

Revised Income Tax Slabs for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27):

Income Range (₹) Tax Rate (%)
Up to 4,00,000 Nil
4,00,001 to 8,00,000 5
8,00,001 to 12,00,000 10
12,00,001 to 16,00,000 15
16,00,001 to 20,00,000 20
20,00,001 to 24,00,000 25
Above 24,00,000 30

Standard Deduction: Increased to ₹75,000 for salaried individuals.

2. Income Tax Slab for Women (Old Tax Regime - FY 2024-25)

The Old Tax Regime allows multiple deductions and exemptions, making it beneficial for women who invest in PPF, ELSS, insurance, home loans, and medical expenses.

Annual Income Tax Rate
Up to ₹2.5 lakh Nil
₹2.5 lakh - ₹5 lakh 5%
₹5 lakh - ₹10 lakh 20%
Above ₹10 lakh 30%

Key Features of the Old Regime:

  1. Tax deductions under Section 80C, 80D, HRA, and home loan interest
  2. Rebate under Section 87A makes income up to ₹5 lakh tax-free
  3. Higher tax rates compared to the new regime

Which one to choose?

  • Women earning below ₹12 lakh should opt for the New Regime (due to rebate benefits).
  • Women with higher investments in tax-saving schemes should opt for the Old Regime (to claim deductions).
     

Income Tax Slabs for Women Below 60 Years (FY 2025‑26)

Old Tax Regime

In the old tax regime, women below 60 are taxed in progressive brackets with a basic exemption limit of ₹2,50,000. Deductions like 80C and 80D can still be claimed here.

Income Range Tax Rate
Up to ₹2,50,000 Nil
₹2,50,001 to ₹5,00,000 5%
₹5,00,001 to ₹10,00,000 20%
Above ₹10,00,000 30%

New Tax Regime

The new regime for FY 2025–26 features a more granular slab structure and a higher basic exemption of ₹4,00,000. Deductions and exemptions are largely foregone for simpler computation.

Income Range (₹) Tax Rate
Up to 4,00,000 Nil
4,00,001 – 8,00,000 5%
8,00,001 – 12,00,000 10%
12,00,001 – 16,00,000 15%
16,00,001 – 20,00,000 20%
20,00,001 – 24,00,000 25%
Above 24,00,000 30%
 

Key Highlights

  • The new regime increases the basic exemption to ₹4 lakh, offering relief especially to middle-income women. 
  • Income Tax India
  • Under the old regime, popular deductions like Section 80C apply.
  • The new regime simplifies taxation but removes most exemptions.

Income Tax Slabs for Women Between 60-80 Years (FY 2025-26)

Old Tax Regime

Women aged 60–80 qualify as senior citizens under Indian tax law and enjoy a modestly higher exemption limit in the old regime.

Income Range (₹) Tax Rate
Up to 3,00,000 Nil
3,00,001 – 5,00,000 5%
5,00,001 – 10,00,000 20%
Above 10,00,000 30%

New Tax Regime

Under the new tax regime, senior citizens are taxed under the same slab structure as other taxpayers. There is no age-based distinction for slab rates in the new regime.

Income Tax Slab for Super Senior Citizens (Women Above 80 Years) (FY 2025-26)

Women aged above 80 enjoy the highest basic exemption limit under the old regime, reflecting the government’s intent to ease tax burden on super senior citizens.

Income Range (₹) Tax Rate
Up to 5,00,000 Nil
5,00,001 – 10,00,000 20%
Above 10,00,000 30%

Tax Benefits for Women in India

Women taxpayers can legally reduce their tax burden by claiming deductions under various sections. Here’s how:

1. Tax Deduction Under Section 80C (Up to ₹1.5 Lakh)
Women can save up to ₹46,800 in taxes by investing in:

  • Public Provident Fund (PPF)
  • Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS)
  • Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
  • National Savings Certificate (NSC)
  • Life Insurance Premiums

2. Home Loan Benefits for Women

  • Deduction on Home Loan Interest (Section 24(b)): Up to ₹2 lakh per year
  • Deduction on Principal Repayment (Section 80C): Up to ₹1.5 lakh per year
  • Lower Stamp Duty for Women Buyers: Many states offer 1%-2% lower stamp duty for female property owners.

3. Health Insurance Deduction (Section 80D)
Women can claim tax deductions on medical insurance premiums:
Up to ₹25,000 for self & family
Additional ₹50,000 for parents (if senior citizens)

4. Tax Exemption on Maternity Benefits

  • Paid maternity leave of 26 weeks is tax-free
  • Women entrepreneurs can deduct maternity expenses as business expenses

5. Business Deductions for Women Entrepreneurs
Women running businesses can claim tax deductions on:

  1. Office rent & utilities
  2. Depreciation on equipment
  3. Marketing & operational costs
     

How Women Investors Can Save Tax?

1. Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax Benefits

  • Stock Market & Mutual Funds:
    • No tax on LTCG up to ₹1 lakh per year
    • 10% tax on LTCG above ₹1 lakh
  • Real Estate Investments:
    • If profit is reinvested in another property (Section 54), LTCG is tax-free
    • Investing in capital gain bonds (Section 54EC) reduces tax liability

2. Tax-Free Returns on PPF & Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

  • PPF: 7.1% tax-free returns
  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (for daughters): 8% tax-free returns

3. Tax-Saving Fixed Deposits (FDs)

  • 5-year tax-saving FD qualifies for Section 80C deduction
  • Interest is taxable, but women in lower tax brackets benefit
     

Tax Planning Tips for Women in India

Here’s how women can legally reduce tax liability and grow wealth:

Choose the right tax regime:

  • If you don’t invest much → New Regime
  • If you invest in 80C & 80D schemes → Old Regime

Maximize 80C & 80D deductions:

  • Invest in PPF, ELSS, Life Insurance, NPS, Health Insurance

Use Section 87A rebate:

  • Keep taxable income below ₹7 lakh (New Regime) to pay zero tax

Buy a house in your name:

  • Lower stamp duty + home loan tax benefits

Consider business income deductions:

  • Claim expenses like rent, phone bills, travel, and marketing

Invest in tax-free instruments:

  • PPF, EPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, & ULIPs

Conclusion

While income tax slabs for women are the same as men, women can still save taxes through investments, business deductions, and smart tax planning. Whether you are a salaried professional, entrepreneur, or investor, understanding tax benefits can help you retain more earnings and grow wealth effectively.

By choosing the right tax regime, claiming deductions, and investing wisely, Indian women can legally reduce their tax burden and achieve financial independence.
 

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. For detailed disclaimer please Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the government removed separate tax slabs for women in 2012. Women now pay the same tax as men under both old and new regimes.
 

  • If you invest in 80C, 80D schemes, the Old Regime is better.
  • If you don’t claim deductions, the New Regime is simpler & has lower tax rates.
     

Women can save tax by:
Investing in ELSS, PPF, Tax-saving FDs
Using LTCG tax exemptions on stocks & real estate
Buying a home in their name for extra benefits
 

Yes, homemakers with rental income, FD interest, or stock market gains must file ITR if their income crosses ₹2.5 lakh per year.

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