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What is Marginal Tax Rate?

The marginal tax rate is the tax rate applied to your last rupee of income. In simple terms, as your income increases, the amount of tax you pay on the next rupee earned also increases. This system is designed to tax higher incomes at higher rates, ensuring that those who earn more contribute more in taxes. For instance, if your income falls into multiple tax brackets, the rate you pay on the highest bracket of income is your marginal tax rate. Understanding how this works can help you manage your tax liability more effectively.

Understanding Marginal Tax Rate in India

In India, the marginal tax rate follows a progressive system, meaning that income is taxed at different rates based on specific slabs. The first slab typically has the lowest tax rate, and as your income increases, you move into higher tax brackets with higher rates. The marginal tax rate is only applied to the portion of income that falls within the highest tax bracket. This approach helps maintain tax fairness, as those who earn more pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes.

For instance, let's say you earn ₹21,75,000 annually under the new income tax slabs for FY 2025-26. The tax calculation would be as follows:

  • Up to ₹4,00,000: 0% – No tax

  • ₹4,00,001 – ₹8,00,000: 5% – ₹4,00,000 × 5% = ₹20,000

  • ₹8,00,001 – ₹12,00,000: 10% – ₹4,00,000 × 10% = ₹40,000

  • ₹12,00,001 – ₹16,00,000: 15% – ₹4,00,000 × 15% = ₹60,000

  • ₹16,00,001 – ₹20,00,000: 20% – ₹4,00,000 × 20% = ₹80,000

  • ₹20,00,001 – ₹21,75,000: 25% – ₹1,75,000 × 25% = ₹43,750

Total Tax Payable: ₹20,000 + ₹40,000 + ₹60,000 + ₹80,000 + ₹43,750 = ₹2,43,750

In this example, the marginal tax rate applicable is 25%, which applies to income earned between ₹20,00,000 and ₹24,00,000. If the income exceeds ₹24,00,000, the next tax slab of 30% will apply.

How is Marginal Tax Rate Calculated?

Now that you know what is marginal tax rate is, let’s see how you can calculate it:

  • Step 1: Identify your total taxable income.

Add up all sources of income, such as salary, business income, interest from fixed deposits, and any other taxable earnings.

  • Step 2: Determine your tax bracket.

Check the applicable tax slab for your income level. In India, tax slabs vary based on income levels and filing status.

  • Step 3: Calculate the tax on the incremental income.

Identify the portion of your income that falls into the highest tax bracket. The marginal tax rate applies only to this portion.

  • Step 4: Apply the tax rate.

Once you determine the incremental income, apply the specific tax rate to calculate the tax amount.

  • Step 5: Consider deductions and rebates.

Include deductions from instruments like PPF, ELSS, and NPS to reduce your overall taxable income and effectively manage your marginal tax rate.

Marginal Tax Rate vs. Effective Tax Rate

Basis for Comparison

Marginal Tax Rate

Effective Tax Rate

Definition

Tax rate on the last rupee of income

Average tax rate on the total taxable income

Scope

Only applies to income in the highest bracket

Applies to all income, calculated as a percentage

Planning

Useful for projecting tax on additional income

Helps in understanding the overall tax liability

Impact of Marginal Tax Rate on Financial Planning

  • Tax Planning:

    Knowing your marginal tax rate can help you plan investments strategically to avoid moving into a higher tax bracket.

  • Investment Decisions:

    Certain investments like ELSS, NPS, and PPF offer tax deductions that can reduce your marginal tax rate and overall liability.

  • Salary Negotiations:

    If a salary hike pushes you into a higher tax bracket, understanding your marginal tax rate can help you negotiate more effectively.

Marginal Tax Rate for Corporates

In India, corporations are also subject to marginal tax rates based on income slabs. The corporate tax rate varies depending on the size of the company and its annual income. Companies earning above certain thresholds may face higher tax rates, including surcharges and cess. The rates are periodically updated by the Finance Act.

The corporate tax rates applicable for AY 2025–26 in India vary based on the turnover and tax regime chosen by the companies. Domestic companies with a turnover not exceeding ₹400 crore in the previous year are subject to a base tax rate of 25%. Additionally, a surcharge of 7% applies if the taxable income exceeds ₹1 crore but is capped at ₹10 crore. For incomes above ₹10 crore, the surcharge increases to 12%. An additional Health and Education Cess of 4% is levied on the aggregate of income tax and surcharge, leading to an effective maximum marginal tax rate of 29.12% for such companies.

For companies opting for the concessional tax regime under Section 115BAA, the base tax rate is reduced to 22%, with a uniform surcharge of 10% and a 4% cess, resulting in a lower effective tax rate. This concessional regime is available to companies that forgo specified deductions and exemptions, aiming to provide a more straightforward and competitive tax structure.

Marginal Tax Rate in the Indian Context

In India, the maximum marginal tax rate for individuals earning above ₹5 crore is 42.744% under the old tax regime, including a 37% surcharge and 4% cess. Under the new tax regime, the maximum marginal tax rate is capped at 39%, including a 25% surcharge and 4% cess. For those earning lower incomes, the marginal tax rate decreases progressively, ensuring a fair tax distribution based on earnings.

Conclusion

Marginal tax rate is a crucial component of tax planning in India. By understanding how it applies to your income, you can plan your investments, salary increments, and financial strategies more effectively. This knowledge helps in reducing tax liability through deductions, exemptions, and strategic investment planning.

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