New Delhi, April 10 -- Imagine earning a CTC of Rs.15.85 and still legally owing zero income tax. For FY 2026-27, the new income tax rules, 2026, have made meal vouchers a powerhouse under the new tax regime. Thus, effectively lifting the zero-tax ceiling from Rs.12 lakh to Rs.15.85 lakh.

This can be a boon for salaried individuals and market professionals working in IT, finance, and media, aiming to maximise their take-home salary without exceeding the 30% slab. The core concept applied here is employer-provided meal vouchers (such as Sodexo cards), now exempting up to Rs.200 per meal, as defined under Section 115BAC. If planned correctly, it carves out real taxable income. Let us look at the meal voucher breakdown and an example to bet...