What is Salary Slip ?

The basic salary component in any salary pay slip is the total monthly take home. It is usually 30-50% of the total salary offered to an individual. However, there isn't any particular guideline on what percentage this component of a salary slip should be. Hence it differs. This element of a salary pay slip is vital because the other parts of your salary are calculated based on the basic salary.

For example, [1] let us assume that in an individual's new offer letter, the total cost to company (CTC) is Rs. 8 lakh rupees. In this case, the basic Salary could vary from Rs. 2.4 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh annually. This comes down to roughly Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 33,333, every month. It is recommended that one should always negotiate for a higher basic salary.

Additionally, the essential salary element of your salary pay slip is what is usually considered by banking institutions before they grant any kind of loans.

Similarly, unless an individual has negotiated for a higher basic salary, any annual increment on the present Salary will usually result in a smaller take-home monthly salary. Hence, it is crucial to make sure that the basic Salary constitutes a minimum of 40% of your total CTC, if not more. This ensures a considerable accumulation of gratuity or any accrued benefits in the future. insurance plan.

The house rent allowance (HRA) component of a salary slip forms the second largest portion of the total Salary. The HRA is usually 40-50% of your basic Salary and is calculated based on the same (basic Salary).

This component is included in a salary slip for efficient tax structuring. In the example given above, if the basic salary per month is affixed at Rs. 20,000, then the HRA will be Rs. 10,000 (calculated at 50% of basic Salary).

The transport allowance component of a salary slip denotes if and any stipend is given to cover up job-related travel expenditures.

The medical allowance in an employee salary slip is a permanent amount that an employer pays its employees. This amount is entirely taxable when it is in employee's possession.

The special allowance component of a salary pay slip denotes the remaining portion of the total Salary and is entirely taxable. If a company offers any tax saving option like a free meal pass, it is advised that you choose them under this component of a salary slip. If any, the remainder of the balance amount, gets credited as a part of the total take-home salary.

The variable component of an employee salary slip indicates any kind of incentive or bonus that is linked directly to performance. Typically, this constitutes 10-15% of the total CTC, therefore it reduces your fixed CTC element. This component of a salary slip is entirely taxable and gets either paid on a mid-year or annual basis. One can try and negotiate with the HR for a lower variable component, mainly because it gets paid only once or twice a year. In case an individual left the organization before the completion of a financial year, you don't receive the bonus.

This component of a salary pay slip denotes the contribution that an employer and the employee make towards the provident fund. As per the current law provisions, an employer must deduct 12% of the basic salary every month. Additionally, the employer is also supposed to make the same contribution and submit the same into the employee's provident fund account.

The accumulations over the years gain interest every year at an announced rate as declared by the government. This component of a salary slip receives tax exemption. This component of a salary slip is extremely important as the provident fund is supposed to be for post-

retirement expenses. Hence, it is a part of your investment portfolio and is also a tax saving instrument.

The professional tax component of a salary slip is a tax that is charged by the state government. It is charged by the state government to allow an individual to practice a specific profession in that particular state. Under this component of a salary pay slip, the maximum amount payable is Rs. 2500 per year. In India, the professional tax, as mentioned in a salary slip varies from state to state.

This component of the salary slip is a mandate for every company. The gratuity is a portion of the basic salary that is deducted by your employer. The deducted amount is contributed towards the gratuity fund. The eligibility of an employer to receive gratuity benefits depend on their tenure in the company. If an employee has completed five years of service, they can avail the gratuity.

The income tax component of a salary pay slip is the calculated tax on the final amount after considering all deductions and exemptions, based on the tax slab an individual fall under. It is also the most complex component of the salary slip.

For example, if an individual's monthly Salary, after all, deductions, is Rs. 45,ooo. The income tax deductions will get based on this amount (Rs. 50,000).

One can also save taxes by showing their investments and tax saving portfolios like an insurance policy, provident fund and other loans (personal or home).

Hence, when an individual joins a new company and receives their first salary pay slip, they must do these three things:

• Compare all the components of the salary slip with their employment agreement
• Accurately calculate the number of days they have worked and the number of days that they have been paid for
• Make sure the insurer has a high claim settlement ratio
• Suitable policy is one which is affordable
• Finally, tally all the tax deductions

Once an individual does this, they'd be able to master the art of reading their salary slip.

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• Regular Individual
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