Salary Structure & Components

• Posted By Amritesh
• On September 7th, 2019
• Comments: 12 responses

Individuals may be able to increase their take home salary by smart planning. This is possible by availing sops intended at providing relief to the Salaried Individuals.

Salary Structure & Components: Difference between CTC, Gross Salary and Net Salary

Cost to Company (CTC) may be defined as the compensation and benefits extended to the employees by the respective Employers. This is the cost incurred by the organizations to retain an employee. CTC comprises of number of components which includes Salary, Perks, Incentives, Medical Insurance Premium, Bonuses, Employers Contribution to the Statutory Funds (EPF, ESI), etc. Thereby it is inclusive of Cash, Non Cash and Statutory Benefits.

Gross Salary is the aggregate compensation offered by the Employer to the Employee in lieu of service, before deductions. The notable deductions from Gross Salary are the contribution to Statutory Funds (EPF, ESI, etc) and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

Net Salary is the actual take home salary available to the employees. It is available after making due deductions towards EPF, ESI, Professional Tax (If applicable) and TDS (Income Tax). Salaried Individuals also are required to make contribution towards their Social Security Benefits.

Let’s understand the notable components of the Salary.

Salary Structure & Components: Break-Up

Basic Salary: It is the base or the primary component of the Salary. The contribution to the Statutory Funds is also on the basic salary. Generally, Basic forms the 1/3 portion of the Gross Monthly Salary. Gratuity computation is also based on the Basic Salary. The component is fully taxable.

Dearness Allowance (DA): Allowance is paid to meet the rising cost of living. Generally, DA component is available to the Government & Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Employees. However, few private companies also include DA in the salary. DA is also taken into consideration while calculating contribution to Statutory Funds and is fully taxable.

Special Allowance: The allowance is provided in lieu of DA, commonly included in salary by non government sectors. As it allowed Organisations to reduce the cost, since Statutory Contribution is not calculated on Special Allowance. However, a recent ruling by the Supreme Court requires Organization to include Special Allowance with Basic while computing contribution to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).

Conveyance Allowance: Transportation Cost is incurred on daily commute to office. The allowance is paid in lieu of expenses incurred on transportation by an Individual. Allowance up to Rs 19,200/- was exempted from Income Tax till the Financial Year of 2017-18. However, no such benefit is available from the Financial Year 2018-19. Instead Standard Deduction is introduced from Financial Year 2018-19.

House Rent Allowance (HRA): One of the common components of the Salary, the allowance is provided to meet the accommodation expenses. As per the provisions of the Section 10 (13A) of the Income Tax Act, tax deduction on such allowance is available to the Salaried Individuals staying in rented apartment.

Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): Allowance is provided to the Employee covering travelling expenses of self and family when on leave from work. LTA is exempt from income tax U/S 10 (5) of the Income Tax Act. However, only 2 domestic travels in a block of 4 years are exempted from tax. Current block years are 2018-21.

City Compensatory Allowance: Cost of living is comparatively higher in metropolitan and urban areas. To minimize the impact of additional outgo, Employees are paid City Compensatory Allowance. The amount is taxable.

Children Education/Hostel Expense Allowance: Allowance is intended to meet the expenses related to child’s education. Income Tax relief on such allowance is available. Income Tax deduction of Rs 1200/- per annum for each child, subject to maximum of 2 children is available.

However, if the child is required to stay in a hostel/boarding to complete his/her education additional deduction up to Rs 3,600/- for each child is admissible annually. The deduction is available for maximum of 2 children.

Uniform Allowance: Certain types of employment require Employees to wear specific uniforms while performing their work/duty. The allowance is paid towards maintenance of uniforms. The expense incurred on maintenance of uniform is eligible for deductions.

Income Tax Calculation for Various Income Slabs

Bonus/Ex Gratia: Bonus is paid to Employees based on the performance or productivity. The bonus rate or amount is governed by the provisions of the “Payment of Bonus Act”. The bonus payout may be fixed or variable. The amount is fully taxable. For Employees not covered under the Bonus Act, Ex Gratia is provided. Ex Gratia is also provided to Individuals employed in non profit organizations such as Hospitals, NGO’s, etc.

Daily/Tour Allowance: Tour allowance is provided for business tours undertaken by the Employees for work related assignments. The allowance is paid for expenses incurred on tour. The expense bills need to be produced in order to claim tax deduction on the allowance received.

Food Coupons: It is common for Organizations to provide food vouchers to the employees. These meal coupons are exempted from tax. However, the exemption limit is restricted to two meals during office hours of Rs 50 each (Not exceeding Rs 135 per day).

Gift Vouchers: Employers may provide gifts or gift vouchers to Employees. Such perks up to the value of Rs 5,000/- is exempted from Income Tax.

Salary Structure & Components: Reimbursement of Expenses

Reimbursement does not form part of the Salary. But following expenses may be reimbursed by the Employer as per the Employment Agreement or as per the company policy and practices.

Mobile & Internet Reimbursement: Mobile and Internet Bills may be reimbursed by the organization provided that same is being used for official work. The actual bill or the minimum amount fixed by the Employer for such expenses is reimbursed. The reimbursement is exempted from Tax.

Books and Periodicals Reimbursement: Expenses incurred on purchases such as books, periodicals, etc related to office work may also be claimed as reimbursement on submission actual invoice. The reimbursement again is exempted from Tax.

Car Allowance: Based on the purpose for which car is used tax exemption may be claimed on the expenses incurred as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act. If the car is used solely for official purpose, the expenses reimbursed are not taxable. However, the Employer is required to maintain complete record of such expenses incurred.

However, if the vehicle is used for both, official and personal purpose irrespective of the ownership (Expenses on maintenance reimbursed by the Employer). Tax implication is calculated as per the following method.

Statutory Deductions from the Salary

Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF): Employees’ contribute 12% of their Salary (Basic + DA or Spcl. Allowance) to the EPF every month. Employers also make equal contribution to the Employees’ Fund. Employees’ contribution share to EPF is available for Tax Deduction U/S 80C up to maximum of Rs 1,50,000/-.

Employees’ State Insurance (ESI): ESI is the health insurance benefit for Employees with salary/wage up to Rs 21,000/- per month. Employees covered under the Scheme and their dependents are eligible to receive medical treatment in ESI hospitals across country. Employer has to contribute 3.25% whereas Employees’ has to contribute 0.75% towards the ESI Fund.

Professional Tax: Professional Tax is levied by the respective State, wherein the business is located or the Employee is employed. The maximum professional tax rate is Rs 2,500/- based on the Income Slab of an Individual. However, not all States levy the Professional Tax. The amount paid as Professional Tax is also exempted from Taxable Income.

Medical Premium: Individuals not eligible under ESI may be covered under Group Health Insurance scheme provided by the Employer. The premium is based on the extent of cover provided under the plan. Employee may be required to make partial contribution to such Scheme. Tax Deduction is available on Employee’s share.

Tax Deducted At Source (TDS): TDS is deducted by the Employer on the Salary, as prescribed under the Income Tax Act.

Salaried Individuals may also avail the Tax Deductions available under various sections of the Income Tax Act to minimize the Tax Liability.

Income Tax Deductions and Exemptions

This article is for informational purpose only. Readers are advised to research further to have detailed knowledge on the topic. It is very important to do your own analysis and consult your Financial Advisor before arriving at any conclusion.