A Reddit user’s candid dilemma over a lucrative ₹75 lakh per annum job offer has struck a chord with thousands online. The user, who currently earns ₹48 lakh annually with 20 years of experience, posted about their hesitation to accept the new role — not because of the work, but because of the steep rise in tax liability that comes with the higher salary.
Why should I pay more tax?
At present, the user pays around ₹12 lakh in income taxes. With the new compensation, the tax outgo would nearly double to ₹22 lakh, primarily due to the 10% surcharge applicable on income exceeding ₹50 lakh under India’s personal income tax laws. This means while the gross jump in income appears impressive, the effective gain in take-home pay is only about 50%, after taxes eat away a large chunk.
The user also mentioned that the new offer provides no flexibility to include tax-saving components, such as allowances or benefits, which could have softened the blow. “Why should I work significantly harder just to pay more to the government, without receiving any additional tangible benefits compared to those who pay little or no tax?” the post questioned.
Viral response reflects middle-class frustration
The post quickly went viral, with many Indian professionals expressing similar concerns about India’s steep tax structure, particularly for salaried individuals with little room for deductions. Commenters pointed out that the lack of proportional public services — like healthcare, infrastructure, and safety — makes high taxpayers feel disillusioned.
Some suggested negotiating variable pay structures, stock options, or perks in lieu of a higher fixed salary. Others advised rejecting the offer entirely if the mental and physical toll isn’t worth the marginal increase in savings.
The post has sparked a broader conversation on whether India’s taxation system disincentivizes career growth beyond a certain threshold. Many are now questioning whether climbing the salary ladder is truly worth it — especially when the government’s slice of the pie grows disproportionately larger.