Income Tax Slab for Women in India

Are Income Tax Slabs Different for Males and Females?

Earlier, the Indian government provided a higher basic income tax exemption for women to encourage female participation in the workforce. However, this provision was discontinued after FY 2012-13, and a uniform tax structure was introduced for both men and women. As per the Union Budget 2025, there is still no separate female income tax slab, meaning the tax rates remain the same for all individuals regardless of their gender.

However, women continue to benefit from various financial incentives, including concessional interest rates on home loans, lower stamp duty on property registration, and special deductions that help reduce taxable income for women while filing income tax return. These provisions aim to support financial independence and economic growth among women in India.

Categories Under Income Tax

The Indian tax system classifies individual taxpayers into different categories based on their age to determine applicable tax rates and exemptions. As per the Union Budget 2025, the categories remain as follows:

• Individuals: Residents and non-residents below 60 years of age.
• Senior Citizens: Individuals between 60 and 79 years of age.
• Super Senior Citizens: Individuals of 80 years and above.

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

In India, the income tax slab for women below 60 years of age for the fiscal year 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27) is structured under two regimes: the old tax regime and the new tax regime. Both regimes apply uniformly to all individuals, irrespective of gender. Taxpayers have the option to choose between the old and new tax regimes based on their financial situations and the deductions or exemptions they wish to claim.

Old Tax Regime

Note: An additional 4% Health and Education Cess is applicable to the total tax amount.

New Tax Regime:

Note: An additional 4% health and education cess is applicable to the total tax amount for both the old and new tax regime.

Key Highlights

• The basic exemption limit under the new tax regime has been increased to ₹4,00,000, up from the previous ₹3,00,000.
• Due to enhanced rebates and standard deductions, individuals earning up to ₹12,00,000 are effectively exempt from paying income tax.
• The new tax regime offers reduced tax rates and simplified slabs, aiming to provide relief to taxpayers and encourage compliance.

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

The income tax slab for women between the ages of 60 and 80 years in India differs slightly in terms of providing additional benefits. The revised slabs provide higher exemptions for senior citizens, ensuring financial relief and promoting better tax compliance. The old and new women income tax slab 2025 are as follows:

Old Tax Regime

New Tax Regime

Note: An additional 4% health and education cess is applicable to the total tax amount for both the old and new tax regimes.

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

Taxpayers above 80 years are classified as super senior citizens. The women's tax slab for old and new regimes in India offers higher tax exemption benefits. The updated tax rates for FY 2025-26 are:

Old Tax Regime

New Tax Regime

Note: An additional 4% health and education cess is applicable to the total tax amount for both the old and new tax regime.

Additional Surcharge Rate For Women Taxpayers - New and Old Tax Regime

In India, there is no added surcharge rate for women either under the new or old tax regime. Rates like surcharge are based on income level, not gender.

Old Tax Regime

New Tax Regime

Income Tax Rebate for Women

Like their male counterparts, women taxpayers are eligible for a rebate under Section 87A. If their total annual income does not exceed ₹5,00,000, they can claim a rebate of up to 100% of the income tax payable or ₹12,500, whichever is lower.

Under the new tax regime, this rebate increases to up to 100% of the income tax payable or ₹25,000, whichever is lower, for those with a total annual income not exceeding ₹7,00,000.

Income Tax Exemptions for Women Taxpayers in India

Income tax for women can be reduced by taking advantage of specific benefits and rebates outlined in the Act. The income tax exemption limit for females and the benefits available to women taxpayers are listed below.

If a woman taxpayer opts for the new tax regime, these deductions must be forgone. Additionally, home buyers can claim a deduction of ₹2,00,000 under section 24(b) for interest paid on home loans, but only if they choose the old regime.

Benefits available to salaried women employees under the old tax regime include:

• Standard deduction of ₹50,000
• Leave Travel Concession, etc.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)

The amount of deduction for HRA is the least of the following:

• Actual HRA received
• 50% of basic salary + DA (for those living in metro cities)
• 40% of basic salary + DA (for those living in non-metro cities)
• Excess of rent paid over 10% of basic salary

Special Tax Considerations for Women Entrepreneurs

If you are a woman running your own business, there are a few special benefits you can take advantage of. These are not exactly direct tax breaks, but they can help reduce your overall tax burden:

• Startup India Benefits: Women-led startups registered under the Startup India program may get a 3-year tax holiday, provided they meet certain conditions.
• Government Loan Schemes: Schemes like Stand-Up India and Mudra Yojana offer loans to help women start or grow their businesses. While the loan itself is not tax-free, the interest paid on it can be claimed as a business expense.

These benefits encourage more women to become entrepreneurs and help reduce some of the financial pressure, especially in the early stages.

Strategies to Save Tax for Women

For women, tax planning is not just about saving money; it is also about making smart moves to build wealth over time. With the right mix of tax-saving investments, you can reduce your taxable income and create a strong financial future. Thankfully, India offers several options that not only help you save on taxes but also encourage long-term financial growth. These strategies can help you strike the perfect balance between tax savings and wealth creation.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

A go-to option for many women, PPF is ideal if you prefer safe and stable returns. It is a long-term investment backed by the government, and the best part is that it is completely tax-free. You can invest up to ₹1.5 lakh annually and claim deductions under Section 80C. With guaranteed interest and tax-free maturity, this scheme is perfect for conservative investors.

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

Every woman should plan for a stress-free retirement, and NPS helps you do just that. You can save up to ₹2 lakh in taxes, ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C, and an extra ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B). It is great for working professionals and self-employed women who want to build a reliable pension while also cutting down their taxable income.

Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

If you are okay with taking a little risk for higher returns, ELSS might suit you. Women who want to grow their money faster can invest up to ₹1.5 lakh and save tax under Section 80C. Plus, ELSS has just a 3-year lock-in, the shortest among all tax-saving options. It is perfect if you are financially savvy and want to grow wealth alongside saving tax.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

If you are a mother or guardian of a girl child, this scheme is made just for you. SSY is a government-backed savings plan that helps secure your daughter’s future while offering tax benefits under Section 80C. It is tax-free from start to finish and gives you peace of mind knowing your little one’s future is financially protected.

Tax-Saving Fixed Deposits (FDs)

If safety is your top priority, tax-saving fixed deposits could be your pick. You can invest up to ₹1.5 lakh in a 5-year FD and claim a deduction under Section 80C. It is great for women who prefer guaranteed returns with no market risks. Just remember: while the investment saves tax, the interest earned is taxable.

Health Insurance - Section 80D

As women, you often care for everyone else, so it is time to care for yourself, too. By investing in health insurance, you can protect your health and save on taxes under Section 80D. You can claim deductions for premiums paid for yourself, your spouse, children, and parents. It is a smart, practical way to stay protected and reduce your taxable income.

Home Loan Tax Benefits

You can claim up to ₹2 lakh on interest paid under Section 24(b), and up to ₹1.5 lakh on principal repayment under Section 80C if you are buying a house. If you are a first-time homeowner, these deductions can really help ease the financial load while helping you build an asset.

Tax-Free Bonds

If you are looking for a safe and steady income, consider tax-free bonds issued by government-backed agencies like NHAI or PFC. These give you regular interest income that is completely tax-free. They are a great option if you are nearing retirement or just want low-risk investments that will not add to your tax burden.

To Sum Up

Even though the income tax slab for women is the same as for men, there are many ways women can reduce their tax burden. Women in the workforce not only uplift themselves but also bring change to the community. Hence, the government initiates subsidies and tax rebates to strengthen women financially. These steps have shown positive results in past years and, therefore, have continued to date.

Understanding the tax system is your superpower, whether you are a young professional, a senior citizen, or a woman entrepreneur. You can lower your tax and keep more of your hard-earned money with the right mix of deductions, rebates, and smart investments. 

FAQs on Income Tax Slab for Women in India