N. Betharia & Associates

Chartered Accountants


Payroll Management Guide 2024

Comprehensive Guide for Salary Processing and Compliance

Last Updated: August 4, 2025

Important Disclaimer

This payroll guide is for general reference and educational purposes only. Payroll calculations and compliance requirements may vary based on state laws, industry specific regulations, and company policies. This document is prepared based on current labor laws, Income Tax Act provisions, and EPF/ESI regulations as applicable in 2024. Employers are advised to consult qualified HR professionals and Chartered Accountants for specific payroll implementations. N. Betharia & Associates does not assume responsibility for payroll errors or compliance issues arising from use of this guide. This document follows ICAI professional guidelines.

💰 Salary Structure Components

1. Basic Salary Components
Earnings
  • Basic Salary (40-60% of CTC)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • Conveyance Allowance
  • Medical Allowance
  • Special Allowance
  • Performance Incentives
  • Overtime (if applicable)
Deductions
  • Provident Fund (PF)
  • Employee State Insurance (ESI)
  • Income Tax (TDS)
  • Professional Tax
  • Loan EMIs
  • Advance Recovery
  • Leave Deductions
  • Other Deductions

📊 Statutory Compliance

2. Provident Fund (PF) Calculation
Applicability: Organizations with 20+ employees
Employee Contribution: 12% of Basic + DA
Employer Contribution: 12% of Basic + DA
Maximum Limit: ₹15,000 per month (for PF contribution)

Example Calculation:
Basic Salary: ₹25,000
DA: ₹5,000
PF Base: ₹15,000 (capped at ₹15,000)
Employee PF: ₹15,000 × 12% = ₹1,800
Employer PF: ₹15,000 × 12% = ₹1,800
3. Employee State Insurance (ESI)
Applicability: Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month
Employee Contribution: 0.75% of gross salary
Employer Contribution: 3.25% of gross salary

Example Calculation:
Gross Salary: ₹18,000
Employee ESI: ₹18,000 × 0.75% = ₹135
Employer ESI: ₹18,000 × 3.25% = ₹585
4. Income Tax (TDS) Calculation
Annual Calculation:
• Calculate annual gross salary
• Deduct standard deduction (₹50,000)
• Deduct Section 80C investments (max ₹1,50,000)
• Deduct other allowable deductions
• Apply tax slabs
• Divide by 12 for monthly TDS

Tax Slabs (New Regime):
Up to ₹3,00,000: Nil
₹3,00,001 to ₹6,00,000: 5%
₹6,00,001 to ₹9,00,000: 10%
₹9,00,001 to ₹12,00,000: 15%
Above ₹12,00,000: 20%/30%

📅 Payroll Processing Calendar

Activity Timeline Responsible
Attendance Compilation 1st-3rd of month HR Department
Leave Reconciliation 3rd-5th of month HR Department
Salary Processing 5th-10th of month Payroll Team
Management Approval 10th-12th of month Management
Salary Credit 15th of month Accounts
Payslip Distribution 15th-20th of month HR Department

📋 Monthly Statutory Returns

5. PF Returns and Payments
  • ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return): 15th of next month
  • PF Payment: 15th of next month
  • Form 5 (Annual Return): 30th April
  • Form 3A (Annual Accounts): 30th April
6. ESI Returns and Payments
  • Monthly ESI Contribution: 15th of next month
  • Half-yearly Return: January & July
  • Annual Return: 30th April
7. TDS Returns
  • Form 24Q (Quarterly): 31st July, 31st Oct, 31st Jan, 31st May
  • TDS Payment: 7th of next month
  • Form 16 Issue: 15th June

📊 HRA Exemption Calculation

HRA Exemption is least of:
1. Actual HRA received
2. 50% of Basic (Metro) / 40% of Basic (Non-Metro)
3. Actual rent paid minus 10% of Basic

Example:
Basic: ₹30,000, HRA: ₹12,000, Rent: ₹15,000 (Metro)
Option 1: ₹12,000
Option 2: ₹30,000 × 50% = ₹15,000
Option 3: ₹15,000 - (₹30,000 × 10%) = ₹12,000
HRA Exemption: ₹12,000 (minimum of above)

⚠️ Common Compliance Issues

Frequent Mistakes to Avoid
  • Incorrect PF calculation on allowances
  • Wrong HRA exemption computation
  • Late statutory payments leading to penalties
  • Incorrect TDS computation
  • Missing professional tax compliance
  • Inadequate payroll documentation

✅ Best Practices

Recommended Practices
  • Maintain detailed payroll registers
  • Regular reconciliation of statutory dues
  • Proper documentation of policy changes
  • Employee communication on salary structure
  • Regular payroll audits
  • Backup and security of payroll data
  • Training for payroll processing team
N. Betharia & Associates

Chartered Accountants
FRN: 117991W
Nagpur, Maharashtra

For payroll management services:
Email: ca.nbetharia@gmail.com
Phone: +91 712 2777 044