Young employees often get confused between different salary terms. It is important to understand these concepts when joining a new company. We will clarify these terms and provide an example of take-home salary calculation to help you understand salary structures.

The focus is on ‘take-home salary’, which is the number that matters the most to employees.

The take-home salary is crucial for managing day-to-day expenses, making lifestyle decisions, and planning for loan installments. It represents the actual amount you receive after all deductions have been made from your gross salary.

CTC (Cost to Company) is the total amount a company spends on an employee in a year. This includes the gross salary, plus benefits like bonuses, insurance, and other perks.

Take home salary or in-hand salary is the amount that an employee gets after all the deductions are made to his gross salary.

So there are 3 terms to understand. CTC, gross salary, and take home salary.

It is important to understand that ‘salary package’ generally means more or less the CTC or the Cost To Company. And not an employee’s take-home salary.

Calculating your take-home salary involves understanding your gross salary, deductions, and allowances. Here’s a step-by-step guide using an example of a salary package of ₹8,00,000 (8L) per annum.

Salary Structure Breakdown for CTC of Rs 8 Lakhs Per Annum

1. Basic Salary:
   Typically, the basic salary is around 40-50% of the CTC.
   • Basic Salary: ₹3,20,000 (40% of CTC)
2. House Rent Allowance (HRA):
   Usually 50% of the basic salary for metropolitan cities.
   • HRA: ₹1,60,000 (50% of Basic Salary)
3. Provident Fund (PF):
   Employee contributes 12% of basic+ DA; employer contributes 12% as well.
   • Employer PF Contribution: ₹38,400 (12% of Basic Salary)
4. Special Allowance:
   This component can vary and is used to make up the remaining CTC after fixed components.
   • Special Allowance: ₹2,45,200
5. Gratuity:
   Calculated at 4.81% of basic salary; becomes applicable after 5 years of service.
   • Gratuity: ₹15,360 (4.81% of Basic Salary)

To calculate the take-home salary from a CTC of 8 lakhs (800,000 INR), it is necessary to account for the deductions applied to the gross salary.

Calculation Steps–

1. Gross Components:
   • Basic Salary: ₹3,20,000
   • HRA: ₹1,60,000
   • Special Allowance: ₹2,66,240
   • Total Gross Salary: ₹3,20,000 + ₹1,60,000 + ₹2,66,240 = ₹7,46,240
2. Employer Contributions:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
   • Employer PF Contribution: ₹38,400 (not deducted from the take-home)
   • Gratuity: ₹15,360 (not deducted from the take-home)
3. Deductions:
   • Employee PF Contribution: ₹38,400
   • Professional Tax: ₹2,500
   • Total Deductions: ₹38,400 + ₹2,500 = ₹40,900
4. Taxable Income Calculation: To determine the income tax liability:
   • Total Gross Income = ₹7,46,240
   • Less: Deductions for EPF (₹38,400) and Professional Tax (₹2,500)
   • Net Taxable Income = ₹7,46,240 – ₹40,900 = ₹7,05,340
5. Income Tax Calculation (Using FY 2023-24 tax slabs):
   Total Income Tax = ₹12,500 + ₹36,800 = ₹49,300
   • Up to ₹2.5 lakh: No tax
   • From ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh: 5% on ₹2.5 lakh = ₹12,500
   • From ₹5 lakh to ₹7.05 lakh: 20% on ₹2.05 lakh = ₹41,068
6. Total Deductions Including Tax:
   • Total Deductions = Employee PF + PT + Income Tax
   • Total Deductions = ₹38,400 + ₹2,500 + ₹53,693 = ₹94,593
7. Take-Home Salary Calculation:
   • Take-Home Salary = Total Gross Salary – Total Deductions
   • Take-Home Salary = ₹7,46,240 – ₹94,593 = ₹6,51,647

The estimated take-home salary for a CTC of 8 lakhs would be approximately ₹6,51,000 per annum.

Smart employees often look for ways to increase their take-home salary. Here are some strategies:

1. Maximize Tax Deductions: Utilize sections like 80C for investments in PF or ELSS.
2. Negotiate Allowances: Ask for higher allowances like HRA or travel reimbursements.
3. Review Insurance Policies: Opt for policies that can provide tax relief while ensuring coverage.
4. Plan Investments Wisely: Engage in investments that offer tax benefits to reduce taxable income.
5. Consider Flexible Benefits: Work with HR to structure your salary package for optimal take-home pay.