BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
NSDL IPO is Open!
Apply for the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) IPO through UPI in just minutes.
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

What Is Marginal Tax Rate?

Understanding the marginal tax rate is essential when you calculate your tax liability, especially if your income varies across financial years. In India, income tax follows a progressive system where higher income levels attract higher tax rates. This means that different parts of your income are taxed at different rates instead of one flat percentage. Whether you are a salaried employee, freelancer, or self-employed, this concept affects how much tax you ultimately pay. Knowing how marginal tax brackets function can help you plan deductions like PPF, national pension scheme contributions, and tax rebate claims while income tax return filing.

Understanding Marginal Tax Rate

The marginal tax rate is the percentage of tax you pay on the next rupee of income you earn. In India, income is divided into slabs, with each slab taxed at an increasing rate. You do not pay a flat rate on your entire income. Instead, only the portion that falls into a higher bracket is taxed more. For example, if your income is Rs. 9,50,000, only the income above Rs. 9,00,000 is taxed at the 15% rate. This structure ensures progressive taxation, where individuals with higher income contribute more in taxes proportionately.

Marginal Tax Rate – Income Tax Slabs in India (Fy 2025–26)

Income tax in India is applied in a slab format under the new regime. The marginal tax rate increases with each income bracket. You should calculate your tax based on the slab your income crosses into, while only taxing the amount within that slab at the applicable rate.

Please refer to the table below for the marginal tax rates in FY 2025–26:

(See attached table: Marginal Tax Rate Slabs in India (FY 2025–26))

How Does Marginal Taxation Work?

Marginal taxation ensures that only the income exceeding each threshold is taxed at the next higher rate. This tiered approach does not mean your entire income is taxed at the highest rate you reach. For example, if your annual income is Rs. 10,00,000, your tax liability is calculated progressively—first slab at 0%, next at 5%, and so on. This helps avoid penalising people for earning slightly more. You benefit from deductions like PPF, national pension scheme contributions, and eligible tax rebates, which can reduce your taxable income and keep you in a lower marginal bracket during income tax return filing.

Maximum Marginal Tax Rate in India (Fy 2025–26)

Before discussing the example, you must understand what contributes to the maximum marginal tax rate. It combines income tax, surcharge, and cess.

The following points outline the components of the maximum rate:

  1. Base tax on highest income slab

    The highest tax slab of 30% applies to income exceeding Rs. 15,00,000 in the new tax regime. This is the base rate on the top income portion you earn.

  2. Surcharge on high-income groups

    Surcharge applies if your income exceeds specified limits—ranging from 10% to 25% based on total income. For instance, 25% surcharge applies if your income is above Rs. 5 crore.

  3. Health and education cess

    A 4% health and education cess is applied on the total of income tax and surcharge, increasing your overall tax liability marginally.

Importance of marginal tax rate

The marginal tax rate helps you make informed financial and investment decisions, especially when you want to minimise tax burden while staying compliant with the income tax system.

Here are a few reasons this rate is important:

  1. Helps optimise tax planning

    Knowing the marginal rate helps you plan investments in PPF or national pension scheme to lower the taxable portion of your income efficiently.

  2. Encourages tax-saving behaviour

    It motivates you to explore deductions, exemptions, and tax rebate options—so that your final income tax return filing reflects lower liability.

  3. Affects marginal decision-making

    Whether to take additional income or defer it, the rate impacts decisions on salary hikes, bonuses, or freelance work based on the extra tax you will pay.

Marginal tax rate vs. effective tax rate

It is important to distinguish between the marginal and effective tax rate as they represent different aspects of your tax liability. The marginal tax rate tells you how much tax you pay on your last rupee earned, while the effective rate shows what percentage of your total income you pay as tax.

Basis

Marginal tax rate

Effective tax rate

Definition

Tax rate on the next rupee of income

Total tax paid divided by total income

Varies across income slabs

Yes

No

Planning relevance

Helps plan deductions at slab cut-offs

Helps assess overall tax burden

Calculation basis

Based on slab crossing

Based on total tax liability

Example of Maximum Marginal Tax Rate Calculation

Let us consider an example to calculate the maximum marginal tax rate for a high-income individual using the new regime. This includes base tax, surcharge, and cess.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Assume income of Rs. 6 crore

    This income level places the individual in the 30% tax slab. The base tax on income above Rs. 15 lakh is calculated at this rate.

  2. Apply 25% surcharge

    As the income exceeds Rs. 5 crore, a 25% surcharge on the tax amount is added, significantly increasing the tax payable.

  3. Add 4% cess

    The final step is applying 4% health and education cess on the total tax + surcharge, resulting in a maximum marginal rate of 39%.

How to lower your tax liability?

If you are concerned about your marginal tax rate, there are legal ways to reduce your taxable income. These deductions help keep you within lower tax brackets.

Here are the ways to consider:

  1. Invest in PPF and national pension scheme

    Contributions to PPF and NPS are eligible under Section 80C and 80CCD(1B) respectively. They reduce your taxable income during income tax return filing.

  2. Utilise Section 87A rebate

    If your income is below Rs. 7 lakh (new regime), you can claim a full tax rebate under Section 87A, effectively reducing tax liability to zero.

  3. Opt for exemptions and allowances

    House Rent Allowance (HRA), Leave Travel Allowance (LTA), and standard deduction from salary help reduce the taxable portion under old regime options.

Conclusion

The marginal tax rate is central to how the Indian tax system works. It affects how each additional rupee of income is taxed, which in turn shapes your investment, savings, and income decisions. Whether you are salaried or self-employed, understanding this rate ensures you optimise tax planning and avoid miscalculations during income tax return filing. Knowing when your income enters a higher slab can help you plan PPF or national pension scheme contributions to stay efficient with your tax outgo. In short, it is not just about how much you earn—but how well you plan your taxes.

Share this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon
investment-card-icon

Marginal Tax Rate

Marginal Tax Rate explained with real examples for FY 2025-26. Know the highest rate, its role in income tax slabs, and smart tips to minimize your tax burden.

investment-card-icon

What is Corporate Tax

Corporate tax applies to a company's income. Get complete details on current rates, major deductions, latest Budget 2025 updates, and key benefits in one place.

investment-card-icon

80C in Income Tax

Maximize your tax savings under Section 80C with eligible investments, exemptions, and smart calculation tips. Check which deductions you can claim today.

investment-card-icon

GST on Car

Confused about GST on cars? Get updated GST rates, exemptions, and fuel-wise tax breakdowns to make smarter vehicle purchase decisions. Read full details now!

investment-card-icon

Difference Between Direct Tax vs Indirect Tax

Direct vs indirect taxes impact your finances differently. Know their types, benefits, and how they affect your tax planning for better financial management.

investment-card-icon

Unlisted Shares Taxation in India

Know how unlisted shares are taxed in India with detailed steps for investing, calculating gains, and reporting in your ITR to stay compliant and maximize benefits.

investment-card-icon

ITR 1 vs ITR 2- Which Income Tax Form Should You Use?

Compare ITR 1 vs ITR 2 with clear key differences. Find out which form suits your income type and how to file your income tax return easily online today.

investment-card-icon

Section 194A- TDS on Interest Other than Interest on Securities

Get a clear guide on Section 194A TDS on interest income, rates, timelines, exemptions, and how to comply effectively without missing crucial tax details.

investment-card-icon

Types of TDS in India: A Comprehensive Guide

TDS on various payments like salary, commission, rent, and lottery explained with section-wise details and applicable rates. Simplify tax deductions with this guide.

investment-card-icon

What are 5 Heads of Income Tax in India?

A complete guide on the 5 heads of income tax covering salary, house property, business income, capital gains, and other income to help you file taxes right.

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.2 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|