Zero Tax Threshold Raised: Income up to ₹12–12.75 Lakh Becomes Tax-Free Under the New Regime via Enhanced Rebate under Section 87A
India’s personal income tax landscape is undergoing a decisive recalibration. One of the most impactful changes under the new tax regime is the effective zero-tax threshold being raised to the ₹12–12.75 lakh range, achieved not by altering slabs alone, but through a significantly enhanced rebate under Section 87A.
This move quietly but powerfully reshapes how middle-income taxpayers experience taxation—less through exemptions and paperwork, more through direct relief embedded into the computation itself.
Understanding the Concept of “Zero Tax Threshold”
At its core, a zero-tax threshold refers to the level of income up to which an individual ends up paying no income tax, even though the income may technically fall within taxable slabs.
Under the new regime:
Income is first computed using slab rates
Tax is calculated as per those slabs
Section 87A rebate is then applied
The rebate wipes out the entire tax liability up to a specified income level
As a result, individuals earning up to ₹12–12.75 lakh effectively pay nil tax, provided they opt for the new tax regime and satisfy the rebate conditions.
This approach preserves the slab structure while delivering relief through a targeted mechanism.
Section 87A: From Minor Relief to Central Pillar
Historically, Section 87A was a modest provision, offering limited relief to lower-income taxpayers. Under the new regime, it has been elevated into a cornerstone of tax policy.
Instead of juggling exemptions, deductions, and proofs, the rebate now functions as a clean offset—simple, automatic, and system-driven.
Key characteristics of the enhanced rebate:
Applied after tax computation
Directly reduces tax payable
No separate claim or documentation required
Integrated into return filing systems
This makes the benefit transparent and predictable, especially for salaried individuals.
Why the Threshold Is Shown as ₹12–12.75 Lakh
The variation between ₹12 lakh and ₹12.75 lakh arises due to the interaction of multiple elements:
Basic slab rates under the new regime
Standard deduction available to salaried taxpayers
Marginal relief mechanics
Rebate ceiling under Section 87A
In practical terms, many salaried taxpayers with income up to ₹12.75 lakh may find their final tax liability reduced to zero once all built-in adjustments are applied.
The key takeaway is not the exact rupee figure, but the substantial widening of the tax-free income band compared to earlier regimes.
Shift from Exemptions to Embedded Relief
This reform marks a philosophical shift in tax design.
Earlier approach:
Numerous exemptions (HRA, LTA, 80C, 80D, etc.)
Heavy documentation
Complex tax planning
High dependency on structuring
New regime approach:
Fewer exemptions
Lower slab rates
Higher rebate under Section 87A
Relief delivered automatically
The zero-tax threshold via rebate reflects this transition—from negotiated tax planning to system-delivered fairness.
Who Benefits the Most?
The raised zero-tax threshold is particularly beneficial for:
Salaried professionals in the ₹8–13 lakh income range
First-generation taxpayers
Young professionals and startup employees
Individuals without heavy investment-linked deductions
Taxpayers seeking compliance simplicity
For these groups, the new regime often results in higher take-home income with minimal effort.
Impact on Take-Home Pay and Cash Flow
The immediate, tangible benefit is improved liquidity.
When tax liability drops to zero:
Monthly TDS reduces or disappears
Net salary increases without renegotiation
Refund dependency reduces
Financial planning becomes more predictable
This has a cascading effect on consumption, savings flexibility, and household cash flow.
Reduced Litigation and Fewer Errors
By routing relief through a rebate rather than conditional deductions, the scope for disputes narrows:
No interpretation issues
No disallowance risks
No mismatch between employer and employee claims
Lower chances of notices related to deductions
From the tax administration’s perspective, this also means cleaner data and faster processing.
New Regime vs Old Regime: A Practical Contrast
While the old regime may still suit taxpayers with substantial deductions, the raised zero-tax threshold under the new regime shifts the balance.
For many individuals, the question is no longer “How much deduction can I claim?” but rather “Do I even need to?”
This simplification reduces cognitive and compliance burden—an often-overlooked cost of taxation.
Strategic Considerations for Taxpayers
Taxpayers should reassess their choices annually:
Compare old vs new regime outcomes objectively
Avoid emotional attachment to deductions
Factor in time, effort, and compliance costs
Consider long-term income growth
As income rises beyond the rebate range, planning strategies may evolve—but for those within it, simplicity often wins.
A Subtle but Powerful Reform
Raising the zero-tax threshold to ₹12–12.75 lakh through an enhanced Section 87A rebate is not a headline-grabbing rate cut. It is more strategic than that. It delivers relief quietly, efficiently, and without distortion.
By embedding fairness directly into the tax calculation, the new regime reduces friction between taxpayers and the system. For millions of individuals, this translates into something very real: no tax, no claims, no complexity—just clarity.
As India’s tax framework continues to modernize, this reform stands out as a reminder that sometimes, the most effective changes are the simplest ones.