Salary Slip: What is Salary Slip? Types, Components & Overview on Salary Slip
Who Gets a Salary Slip?
Employees receive a financial document known as a "salary slip" from their company when they collect their salary. Their employer or affiliated organisation issues this essential proof of compensation exclusively to them.
Every employee on the company roster receives a salary payslip every month. Many companies have a computerised system where the salary slip is given to the employee when the salary is disbursed. You can also ask for a salary certificate from the company if they fail to provide one.
What is a Payroll number?
Employees are given a unique indentation number when they join an organisation. This unique number helps identify an employee when the salary is being disbursed. This number is called a payroll number. It can be found on the payslip.
How can a Salary Slip help you Estimate Tax Savings?
A salary slips is essentially a breakdown of the various components of your salary. They prove to be beneficial not only in understanding your income but also estimating your tax savings.
A salary slip will have various components mentioned. Some of them will and can get an exemption from your tax calculation. The first thing you will need to know is that the components can fall under these 3 categories:
- Fully Taxable
- Partially Taxable
- Fully Exempt.
Based on this, you can categorise whether the component can help in tax saving or not.
- Your Basic Salary, Dearness Allowance, Medical Allowance, Special Allowance are Fully Taxable
- Conveyance, House Rent Allowance, and any Transport Allowance are Partially Taxable
- The Employers Provident Fund or NPS Contribution is fully exempt, but only up to Rs 2.5 lakhs per year. Employees' Contribution to PF/NPS is also Fully Exempt.
How much Tax can you Save?
There are multiple sections in the Income Tax Act, 1961 that can help in saving tax. However, you will first need to understand what the taxable component is from your income and need for investments.
Below are some of the sections that can help in Tax Saving:
Section | Amount | Description |
---|---|---|
Section 80C, Section 80CCC, Section 80 CCD (1) | A combined limit if Rs 1.5 lakhs per financial year | Contribution to PPF, Investment in Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), 5-Year Tax Saving Deposits, premium paid on life insurance, premium paid on ULIPs, etc |
Section 80CCD(1B) | Rs 50,000 additional exemption | Contribution to the National Pension Scheme. The contribution should exceed 10% of the annual income for the salaried. |
Section 80D | Up to Rs 1 lakh, depending on the age criteria applied. | Premium paid on medical insurance for self, spouse, children and parents |
Section 80G | Contribution done to registered social and political organisations. |
Income Tax Slabs and Brackets for FY 2023-24:
The income tax slabs and brackets for the financial year 2023-24 (Assessment Year 2024-25) in India are structured as follows under the new tax regime:
Income Range (₹) | Tax Rate (%) |
---|---|
Up to 3,00,000 | 0 |
3,00,001 - 6,00,000 | 5 |
6,00,001 - 9,00,000 | 10 |
9,00,001 - 12,00,000 | 15 |
12,00,001 - 15,00,000 | 20 |
Above 15,00,000 | 30 |
These rates are applicable under the new tax regime, which offers lower tax rates but forgoes various exemptions and deductions available in the old regime. Taxpayers have the option to choose between the new and old regimes based on their financial planning and the deductions they want to avail.
Example of Tax Calculation:
Here's a simplified example of tax calculation for different income levels under the new tax regime for FY 2023-24 in India:
For an annual income of ₹4,00,000:
Taxable Income: ₹4,00,000
Slab: ₹3,00,001 - ₹6,00,000
Tax Rate: 5%
Tax Payable: 5% of ₹1,00,000 = ₹5,000
For an annual income of ₹8,00,000:
Taxable Income: ₹8,00,000
Slab: ₹3,00,001 - ₹6,00,000
Tax Rate: 5%
Slab: ₹6,00,001 - ₹9,00,000
Tax Rate: 10%
Tax Payable: 5% of ₹3,00,000 and 10% of ₹2,00,000 = ₹35,000
For an annual income of ₹16,00,000:
Taxable Income: ₹16,00,000
Slab: ₹3,00,001 - ₹6,00,000
Tax Rate: 5%
Slab: ₹6,00,001 - ₹9,00,000
Tax Rate: 10%
Slab: ₹9,00,001 - ₹12,00,000
Tax Rate: 15% Slab: ₹12,00,001 - ₹15,00,000 Tax Rate: 20%
Slab: Above ₹15,00,000
Tax Rate: 30%
Tax Payable: 5% of ₹3,00,000, 10% of ₹3,00,000, 15% of ₹3,00,000, 20% ₹3,00,000 and 30% of ₹1,00,000 = ₹1,80,000
For detailed calculations, visit income tax calculator.
Format of Pay Slip
Every organisation will have their own salary slip format. There are some basic things that will be mentioned in every salary slip. These include:
- Details of the company: Name, address, logo, if any.
- Salary Slip month and year
- Employee details line name, employee code, designation, department.
- Employee’s PAN or EPF or Universal Account Number or UA
- Mode of Transfer of Salary
- Total number of working days and leaves taken
- List of earnings and deductions
- Gross Pay and Net Payable
What are the Components of a Salary Slip?
Income / Earning
The income or earnings section will have various components, including:
- Basic Salary: This forms the most important component of your monthly income. It is about 35-50% of the total income. Every company has its own rules and guidelines about the basic salary, and they differ for all.
- Dearness Allowance: It is a percentage of the basic salary. It is sometimes clubbed with the basic pay and may not always feature in the salary slip.
- House Rent Allowance: This is generally about 40-50% of the total salary and is calculated on the basis of the basic pay.
- Allowances: Multiple allowances like Travel, Medical, or any Special allowance will be mentioned here. There will be a separate section for every allowance that is being given by the company.

Additional Coverage on Salary Slip Components
- Common Deductions: Beyond Provident Fund and Professional Tax, deductions can include medical insurance premiums, Section 80C investments, etc.
- Industry and Level Variances: Salary slip components can vary across industries or employee levels, including bonuses and performance-linked incentives.
- Managing Salary Advances and Loan Deductions: Address how salary advances or deductions for loan repayments are reflected in salary slips.
Importance of a Salary Slip
What is the importance of a salary slip, and do you really need it?
Works as a Proof of Employment
A salary slip is a legal document that has been issued by an organisation stating that you work for them. It is proof of employment and can be submitted by you when you are asked for proof of income.
Becomes the Basis for Income Tax Payment
You can use your salary slip for tax planning and tax payment. With the various categorisations, it becomes a little easier for you to plan your investments to maximise tax savings.
Aids in Seeking Future Employment
Having a salary slip gives you an idea about the various components that are included. Based on this, you can negotiate a job offer and assess how a new salary structure may impact your taxation.
Helps Avail Loans
Every financial institution will ask for proof of income when you apply for a loan. Providing a salary slip shows that you have the income to repay the loan and that you can manage to pay the EMI.
Required as Income Proof for Insurance and Credit Cards
While applying for a credit card, you will need to show that you have the income to repay the monthly outstanding that may be accrued against the card. A salary slip becomes an important document while applying for a credit card.
FAQs on Salary Slip
How can I access my salary slip online?
At the time of disbursal of your salary, your employer may provide you with a hard copy of the salary slip. You can also ask them to send it to you via mail or access it through an internal system if there is one.
How do I download my payslip?
Your pay slip will be provided to you by your employer. If you have a company-affiliated employee management tool, you can access and download the document from there with your company login.
Do banks also ask for salary slips?
If you are applying for a loan or a credit card, you will be asked for your salary slip by the bank or the financial institution.
Are handwritten payslips legal?
there is a signature of the authorised or designated partner of the company along with the company seal, it can work for you.