Payroll Terminologies You Should Know

Whether you’re an HR professional, a payroll executive, or a fresher entering the corporate world, understanding basic payroll terminology is essential. Payroll is not just about salaries—it involves tax laws, deductions, benefits, and a lot of calculations. But don’t worry, we’re going to break down all the jargon into plain and simple language.

Let’s get started!

1. CTC (Cost to Company)

CTC is the total amount a company spends on an employee in a year. This includes basic salary, house rent allowance, bonus, gratuity, employer PF, and other benefits.

Example: If your CTC is ₹6,00,000 per annum, it doesn’t mean your take-home salary is ₹50,000 per month. You need to understand the components.

2. Gross Salary

This is your total earnings before deductions. It includes basic pay, HRA, special allowances, bonuses, and any other earnings.

Formula:
Gross Salary = CTC – (Employer’s PF + Employer’s ESI + Gratuity)

3. Net Salary (Take-Home Pay)

This is the amount that actually gets credited to your bank account after all deductions like PF, ESI, TDS, and professional tax.

🔹 Also known as: In-hand salary
🔹 Formula

Net Salary = Gross Salary – All Deductions

4. Basic Salary

The fixed component of your salary. Many other allowances and deductions are calculated based on this.

Tip: A higher basic means a higher PF deduction but better retirement savings.

5. House Rent Allowance (HRA)

HRA is paid to employees living in rented houses. It can also help you save taxes under section 10(13A).

Tax Benefit: Yes, if you pay rent and meet certain conditions.

6. Dearness Allowance (DA)

Mainly for government or public sector employees, DA helps employees cope with inflation.

7. Special Allowance

This is a balancing figure in salary structure. It has no fixed calculation base and is fully taxable.

8. Provident Fund (PF)

A retirement benefit scheme. A part of your salary (usually 12% of basic) is deducted, and the employer contributes the same.

🔹 Employee + Employer contribution = PF Balance
🔹 Withdrawable after leaving job or during retirement

9. Professional Tax (PT)

A small amount deducted by the state government from your salary. The rate varies by state (e.g., ₹200 in Maharashtra per month).

10. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)

This is the income tax deducted by your employer based on your salary and investment declarations.

Tip: Submit proof of investments (under 80C, 80D, etc.) to reduce TDS.

11. ESI (Employee State Insurance)

Applicable if your gross salary is less than ₹21,000. It provides medical benefits to employees and their families.

Contribution: Employee 0.75%, Employer 3.25%

12. Gratuity

A benefit given if you’ve worked in the company for at least 5 years. It’s like a thank-you bonus for long-term service.

Formula:
Gratuity = 15/26 × Last Drawn Salary × Years of Service

13. LWF (Labour Welfare Fund)

A small contribution (where applicable) for the welfare of workers. Deducted only in some states.\

14. Payslip / Salary Slip

A monthly document that shows your earnings, deductions, and net salary. Always download or save your payslips!

15. Form 16

A certificate issued by the employer every year showing how much salary was paid and how much tax was deducted. It is useful while filing income tax returns.