India Income Tax Calculator AY 2021-22
Calculate your tax liability for Assessment Year 2021-22 (Financial Year 2020-21) under both old and new tax regimes
Comprehensive Guide to Income Tax Calculator for India AY 2021-22 (FY 2020-21)
The Income Tax Act in India undergoes changes every financial year, and Assessment Year (AY) 2021-22 (Financial Year 2020-21) introduced several important modifications. This guide provides a detailed explanation of the income tax slabs, deductions, exemptions, and calculation methods for both the old and new tax regimes.
Understanding Assessment Year (AY) 2021-22
Assessment Year (AY) 2021-22 corresponds to the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21, which ran from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. The Union Budget 2020 introduced a new optional tax regime with lower tax rates but without most exemptions and deductions. Taxpayers could choose between the old regime (with deductions) and the new regime (without most deductions).
Key Features of AY 2021-22 Tax Structure
- Optional Tax Regimes: Taxpayers could choose between the old regime (with deductions/exemptions) and the new regime (lower rates but no deductions).
- New Tax Slabs: The new regime introduced revised tax slabs with lower rates for different income ranges.
- Standard Deduction: Available only in the old regime (₹50,000 for salaried individuals and pensioners).
- Section 80C Limit: Remained at ₹1,50,000 under the old regime.
- Rebate under Section 87A: Increased to ₹12,500 for income up to ₹5,00,000 (both regimes).
- Surcharge Rates: Remained the same with 10% for income between ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, 15% for ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore, 25% for ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore, and 37% for above ₹5 crore.
- Health and Education Cess: Continued at 4% on income tax plus surcharge.
Income Tax Slabs for AY 2021-22
Old Tax Regime (with Deductions and Exemptions)
| Income Range (₹) | Tax Rate (Below 60 years) | Tax Rate (60-80 years) | Tax Rate (Above 80 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,50,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2,50,001 – 5,00,000 | 5% | 5% | Nil |
| 5,00,001 – 10,00,000 | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Above 10,00,000 | 30% | 30% | 30% |
New Tax Regime (Lower Rates, No Deductions)
| Income Range (₹) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 2,50,000 | Nil |
| 2,50,001 – 5,00,000 | 5% |
| 5,00,001 – 7,50,000 | 10% |
| 7,50,001 – 10,00,000 | 15% |
| 10,00,001 – 12,50,000 | 20% |
| 12,50,001 – 15,00,000 | 25% |
| Above 15,00,000 | 30% |
Deductions and Exemptions Available in AY 2021-22
Old Regime Deductions
- Standard Deduction: ₹50,000 for salaried individuals and pensioners.
- Section 80C: Up to ₹1,50,000 for investments in PPF, EPF, ELSS, life insurance premiums, tuition fees, etc.
- Section 80D: Up to ₹25,000 for medical insurance premium (₹50,000 for senior citizens). Additional ₹25,000 for parents (₹50,000 if parents are senior citizens).
- Section 80G: Donations to approved charitable institutions (50% to 100% deduction depending on the organization).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Exemption available based on actual HRA received, rent paid, and city of residence.
- Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): Exemption for travel expenses within India (actual expenditure or block-wise limits).
- Section 24(b): Deduction on home loan interest up to ₹2,00,000 (for self-occupied property).
- Section 80E: Deduction on interest paid on education loan (no upper limit).
- Section 80TTA/80TTB: Deduction on interest income from savings accounts (₹10,000) or for senior citizens (₹50,000).
New Regime Deductions (Limited)
Under the new tax regime, most deductions and exemptions were not available. However, the following were still allowed:
- Standard deduction of ₹50,000 (introduced in Budget 2023, but not available in AY 2021-22 for new regime)
- Deduction under Section 80CCD(2) for employer’s contribution to NPS
- Deduction under Section 80JJAA for employment of new employees
- Transport allowance for differently-abled individuals
- Conveyance allowance for expenditure incurred for official duties
How to Calculate Income Tax for AY 2021-22
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
- Determine Gross Total Income: Sum up all sources of income (salary, house property, capital gains, business/profession, other sources).
- Claim Deductions (Old Regime Only):
- Subtract standard deduction (₹50,000 for salaried)
- Subtract Section 80C investments (max ₹1,50,000)
- Subtract other applicable deductions (80D, 80G, HRA, etc.)
- Arrive at Taxable Income: Gross Total Income minus deductions/exemptions.
- Apply Tax Slabs: Use the appropriate tax slabs based on age and chosen regime.
- Calculate Tax: Apply the slab rates to the taxable income.
- Add Surcharge (if applicable):
- 10% for income between ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore
- 15% for ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore
- 25% for ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore
- 37% for above ₹5 crore
- Add Health and Education Cess: 4% of (Income Tax + Surcharge).
- Apply Rebate under Section 87A (if eligible): Full rebate for income up to ₹5,00,000 (max rebate ₹12,500).
- Final Tax Liability: (Income Tax + Surcharge + Cess) – Rebate.
Example Calculation
Scenario: Mr. Sharma, age 35, has a total income of ₹12,00,000. He has made the following investments:
- PPF: ₹1,50,000 (Section 80C)
- Medical Insurance: ₹25,000 (Section 80D)
- HRA: ₹3,00,000 (actual HRA received)
- Rent Paid: ₹2,40,000
Old Regime Calculation:
- Gross Total Income: ₹12,00,000
- Standard Deduction: ₹50,000
- Section 80C: ₹1,50,000
- Section 80D: ₹25,000
- HRA Exemption: Minimum of:
- Actual HRA: ₹3,00,000
- 50% of Basic (assuming 50% of ₹12,00,000 = ₹6,00,000)
- Rent paid minus 10% of basic: ₹2,40,000 – (10% of ₹12,00,000) = ₹1,20,000
- Taxable Income: ₹12,00,000 – ₹50,000 (SD) – ₹1,50,000 (80C) – ₹25,000 (80D) – ₹1,20,000 (HRA) = ₹8,55,000
- Income Tax:
- Up to ₹2,50,000: Nil
- ₹2,50,001 to ₹5,00,000: ₹12,500 (5%)
- ₹5,00,001 to ₹8,55,000: ₹71,000 (20%)
- Total Tax: ₹83,500
- Cess (4%): ₹3,340
- Total Tax Liability: ₹86,840
- Rebate u/s 87A: Nil (income > ₹5,00,000)
- Final Tax: ₹86,840
New Regime Calculation:
- Taxable Income: ₹12,00,000 (no deductions except standard deduction which wasn’t available in AY 2021-22 for new regime)
- Income Tax:
- Up to ₹2,50,000: Nil
- ₹2,50,001 to ₹5,00,000: ₹12,500 (5%)
- ₹5,00,001 to ₹7,50,000: ₹25,000 (10%)
- ₹7,50,001 to ₹10,00,000: ₹37,500 (15%)
- ₹10,00,001 to ₹12,00,000: ₹50,000 (20%)
- Total Tax: ₹1,25,000
- Cess (4%): ₹5,000
- Total Tax Liability: ₹1,30,000
- Rebate u/s 87A: Nil (income > ₹5,00,000)
- Final Tax: ₹1,30,000
Comparison: In this case, the old regime results in lower tax (₹86,840 vs ₹1,30,000). However, the choice depends on individual circumstances and investment patterns.
Surcharge and Cess in AY 2021-22
Surcharge Rates
Surcharge is an additional tax levied on the amount of income tax. The rates for AY 2021-22 were as follows:
| Total Income Range | Surcharge Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹50 lakh | Nil |
| ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore | 10% |
| ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore | 15% |
| ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore | 25% |
| Above ₹5 crore | 37% |
Health and Education Cess
The Health and Education Cess is levied at 4% on the total of income tax plus surcharge. This cess is used to fund education and health initiatives in the country.
Marginal Relief
Marginal relief is provided to ensure that the additional income tax payable (including surcharge) on income exceeding certain thresholds is limited. The formula for marginal relief is:
Marginal Relief = (Total Income – Threshold Limit) × (Surcharge Rate + 4%)
For example, if your income is ₹50,10,000 (just above the ₹50 lakh threshold), the surcharge would be calculated as:
- Normal surcharge: 10% of income tax
- Marginal relief: (₹50,10,000 – ₹50,00,000) = ₹10,000 × 10.4% (10% surcharge + 4% cess) = ₹1,040
- Final surcharge: Lower of normal surcharge or marginal relief amount
Rebate under Section 87A
Section 87A provides a rebate to resident individuals with total income up to ₹5,00,000. The rebate is 100% of the income tax or ₹12,500, whichever is lower. This means:
- If your total income is ≤ ₹5,00,000, your tax liability becomes zero after rebate.
- The rebate is available under both old and new tax regimes.
- For incomes between ₹5,00,000 and ₹5,25,000, partial rebate is available.
Which Regime to Choose: Old vs New
The choice between the old and new tax regimes depends on your income level, investments, and eligibility for deductions. Here’s a comparative analysis:
When to Choose the Old Regime
- You have significant investments under Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, life insurance, etc.)
- You pay high rent and can claim substantial HRA exemption
- You have a home loan and can claim interest deduction under Section 24(b)
- You make charitable donations eligible for Section 80G
- You have medical insurance premiums eligible for Section 80D
- Your taxable income after deductions falls into lower tax slabs
When to Choose the New Regime
- You have minimal investments or deductions to claim
- Your income is relatively high (above ₹15 lakh) where new regime rates are beneficial
- You prefer simpler tax filing without tracking multiple deductions
- Your employer doesn’t provide HRA or other allowances
- You’re a freelancer or self-employed with limited eligible deductions
Comparison Table: Old vs New Regime
| Feature | Old Regime | New Regime |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Slabs | 3 slabs (5%, 20%, 30%) | 6 slabs (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%) |
| Standard Deduction | ₹50,000 | Not available in AY 2021-22 |
| Section 80C | Available (₹1.5 lakh) | Not available |
| Section 80D | Available | Not available |
| HRA Exemption | Available | Not available |
| Home Loan Interest (Section 24) | Available (₹2 lakh) | Not available |
| Rebate u/s 87A | Available | Available |
| Surcharge | Applicable | Applicable |
| Cess | 4% | 4% |
| Best for | Those with significant deductions | Those with minimal deductions or high income |
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing ITR for AY 2021-22
- Choosing the Wrong Regime: Not evaluating which regime (old or new) is more beneficial based on your income and deductions.
- Incorrect Reporting of Income: Not reporting all sources of income (interest, freelance, capital gains, etc.).
- Missing Deduction Deadlines: Investments for Section 80C must be made before March 31 of the financial year.
- Incorrect HRA Calculation: Not calculating HRA exemption correctly based on actual rent paid and city of residence.
- Not Claiming All Eligible Deductions: Missing out on deductions like 80D (medical insurance) or 80G (donations).
- Wrong PAN or Aadhaar Linking: Ensuring your PAN is linked with Aadhaar before filing.
- Not Verifying Form 26AS: Not cross-checking TDS details with Form 26AS before filing.
- Incorrect Bank Account Details: Providing wrong bank account information for refunds.
- Not Filing on Time: Missing the due date (July 31 for most individuals) and attracting late fees.
- Not Disclosing Foreign Assets: If applicable, not disclosing foreign assets in Schedule FA.
How to Use Excel for Income Tax Calculation
While online calculators are convenient, creating your own Excel sheet for tax calculation gives you more control and understanding. Here’s how to set one up:
Step 1: Create Input Section
- Total Income
- Age Group (for slab selection)
- Standard Deduction
- Section 80C investments
- Section 80D (Medical Insurance)
- HRA Received
- Rent Paid
- Other Deductions
- Regime Choice (Old/New)
Step 2: Create Calculation Section
- Taxable Income (Old Regime):
=Total Income – Standard Deduction – Section 80C – Section 80D – HRA Exemption – Other Deductions
- Tax Calculation (Old Regime):
Use nested IF functions to apply the correct tax slab based on taxable income and age group.
Example formula for income up to ₹5,00,000:
=IF(TaxableIncome<=250000, 0, IF(TaxableIncome<=500000, (TaxableIncome-250000)*0.05, ...))
- Taxable Income (New Regime):
=Total Income (no deductions except those specifically allowed)
- Tax Calculation (New Regime):
Use nested IF functions for the new slab rates.
- Surcharge Calculation:
=IF(TaxableIncome<=5000000, 0, IF(TaxableIncome<=10000000, IncomeTax*0.1, ...))
- Cess Calculation:
= (IncomeTax + Surcharge) * 0.04
- Rebate Calculation:
=IF(TaxableIncome<=500000, MIN(IncomeTax, 12500), 0)
- Final Tax:
= (IncomeTax + Surcharge + Cess) – Rebate
Step 3: Add Comparison Section
Create a side-by-side comparison showing:
- Taxable income under both regimes
- Income tax under both regimes
- Total tax liability under both regimes
- Difference in tax amount
- Recommended regime based on lower tax
Step 4: Add Data Validation
- Use data validation for age group (dropdown with options)
- Use data validation for regime choice (Old/New)
- Add input message for each cell explaining what to enter
Step 5: Add Conditional Formatting
- Highlight the recommended regime in green
- Use red for high tax amounts
- Use yellow for fields that need attention
Sample Excel Formulas
HRA Exemption Calculation:
=MIN(HRA_Received, Rent_Paid-0.1*Basic_Salary, 0.5*Basic_Salary) [for metro cities]
=MIN(HRA_Received, Rent_Paid-0.1*Basic_Salary, 0.4*Basic_Salary) [for non-metro cities]
Tax Calculation (Old Regime for <60 years):
=IF(TaxableIncome<=250000, 0,
IF(TaxableIncome<=500000, (TaxableIncome-250000)*0.05,
IF(TaxableIncome<=1000000, 12500+(TaxableIncome-500000)*0.2,
112500+(TaxableIncome-1000000)*0.3)))
Tax Calculation (New Regime):
=IF(TaxableIncome<=250000, 0,
IF(TaxableIncome<=500000, (TaxableIncome-250000)*0.05,
IF(TaxableIncome<=750000, 12500+(TaxableIncome-500000)*0.1,
IF(TaxableIncome<=1000000, 37500+(TaxableIncome-750000)*0.15,
IF(TaxableIncome<=1250000, 75000+(TaxableIncome-1000000)*0.2,
IF(TaxableIncome<=1500000, 125000+(TaxableIncome-1250000)*0.25,
187500+(TaxableIncome-1500000)*0.3))))))
Frequently Asked Questions about AY 2021-22 Income Tax
1. Can I switch between old and new regimes every year?
For AY 2021-22, taxpayers could choose between regimes each year. However, from AY 2024-25 onwards, the new regime became the default with the option to opt out for the old regime, but with some restrictions on switching.
2. Is the standard deduction available in the new regime for AY 2021-22?
No, the standard deduction of ₹50,000 was not available under the new tax regime in AY 2021-22. It was only available in the old regime. The standard deduction was later introduced in the new regime from AY 2024-25.
3. How is HRA exemption calculated?
HRA exemption is the minimum of:
- Actual HRA received
- 50% of basic salary (for metro cities) or 40% (for non-metro)
- Rent paid minus 10% of basic salary
4. What is the maximum deduction under Section 80C?
The maximum deduction under Section 80C is ₹1,50,000. This includes investments in PPF, EPF, ELSS, life insurance premiums, tuition fees, principal repayment of home loan, etc.
5. Can I claim both HRA and home loan benefits?
Yes, you can claim both HRA exemption and home loan benefits (under Section 24 and Section 80C) if you meet the conditions:
- You're living in a rented house (for HRA)
- You own another house for which you're paying EMI (for home loan benefits)
- The rented house and owned house are in different locations
6. How is capital gains tax treated under both regimes?
Capital gains tax is treated separately and is not affected by the choice of tax regime. The tax rates for capital gains remain the same:
- Short-term capital gains (STCG):
- Equity shares/equity-oriented funds (STT paid): 15%
- Other assets: Added to income and taxed as per slab
- Long-term capital gains (LTCG):
- Equity shares/equity-oriented funds (STT paid): 10% on gains exceeding ₹1 lakh
- Other assets: 20% with indexation or 10% without indexation
7. What is the due date for filing ITR for AY 2021-22?
The due date for filing income tax returns for AY 2021-22 (FY 2020-21) was:
- July 31, 2021 - For individuals not requiring audit
- October 31, 2021 - For businesses requiring audit
- November 30, 2021 - For transfer pricing cases
8. Can I file a belated return for AY 2021-22?
Yes, belated returns could be filed until December 31, 2022, with payment of late fees. The late filing fee is:
- ₹5,000 if filed after due date but before December 31
- ₹10,000 if filed after December 31 (but reduced to ₹1,000 if total income ≤ ₹5 lakh)
9. How is income from multiple sources taxed?
Income from all sources (salary, house property, capital gains, business/profession, other sources) is aggregated to calculate total income. The tax is then calculated on this total income after applicable deductions. However, some incomes have special tax rates:
- Capital gains (as mentioned above)
- Dividend income: Taxed at slab rates (no DDT from FY 2020-21)
- Lottery/winnings: Flat 30% tax + cess
- Interest on savings account: Taxable as per slab (₹10,000 deduction under 80TTA)
10. What documents are needed for ITR filing?
Essential documents for filing ITR for AY 2021-22 include:
- Form 16 (from employer)
- Form 16A (for TDS on other incomes)
- Form 26AS (tax credit statement)
- Bank statements/passbook
- Investment proofs (for deductions)
- Rent receipts (for HRA)
- Home loan statement (for interest deduction)
- Capital gains statements
- Aadhaar card and PAN card
- Previous year's ITR acknowledgment (if applicable)