Salary Breakup Calculator
As per Code of Wages 2019 · EPF Act · Income Tax Act · FY 2026-27
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⚡ Key Takeaways — Salary Breakup 2026
- CTC ≠ In-hand: employer PF (12%), gratuity (4.81%) and your own PF (12%) reduce take-home significantly
- Code of Wages 2019: Basic salary must be ≥50% of gross — this calculator enforces it
- New Tax Regime: ₹75,000 standard deduction, ₹12L tax-free with rebate — better for most under ₹15L CTC
- Old Regime: claim 80C (₹1.5L), 80D, HRA exemption to reduce taxable income
- Employer PF (12% of Basic: EPS capped at ₹1,250/mo, remainder to EPF) is part of your CTC but not in-hand
- Professional Tax varies by state — up to ₹2,500/year, deductible under Section 16(iii)
✅ Who should use this calculator
- Job seekers evaluating a CTC offer — understand actual in-hand amount
- Employees choosing between New and Old tax regime
- HR teams verifying Code of Wages 2019 compliance
- Those planning salary restructuring to maximise take-home
⚠️ Limitations to know
- Does not include all allowances (LTA, medical, meal coupons)
- Professional tax shown as flat ₹200/mo — actual varies by state and slab
- HRA exemption assumes full rent paid = HRA received
- Surcharge applies above ₹50L income — not shown in result cards
✓ New Tax Regime — Pros
- ₹75,000 standard deduction (Budget 2025)
- Zero tax up to ₹12L income with rebate
- Lower rates — simpler, no need to track deductions
- Employer NPS contribution (80CCD(2)) still deductible
✗ New Tax Regime — Cons
- No HRA exemption, 80C, 80D deductions
- Higher tax for those with large 80C investments
- House loan interest (Sec 24b) not available
- Old regime better if deductions exceed ₹3.75L
| Component | Rule / Basis | Monthly (₹) | Annual (₹) | % Share |
|---|
On this page
What is CTC and How is it Different from Take-Home Salary?
CTC (Cost to Company) is the total annual expense an employer incurs for an employee — including not just your salary but also employer's PF contribution, gratuity provision, insurance, and other benefits. Your take-home (in-hand) salary is significantly lower than CTC because it excludes employer contributions and deductions like employee PF, TDS, and professional tax.
Many job seekers are surprised when their actual bank credit is far lower than their offered CTC. Understanding the salary structure helps you negotiate better and plan your finances accurately.
Typical Salary Structure Components
| Component | Basis | Taxability |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | ≥50% of gross (Code of Wages 2019) | Fully taxable |
| HRA | 40–50% of Basic (Metro/Non-metro) | Partially exempt (Old Regime) |
| Special Allowance | Balancing figure | Fully taxable |
| Employee PF | 12% of Basic (EPF Act — deducted) | Tax-free (Sec 80C) |
| Employer PF | 12% of Basic (part of CTC) | Tax-free upto ₹7.5L/yr |
| Gratuity (in CTC) | 4.81% of Basic | Tax-free up to ₹20L at exit |
Code of Wages 2019 — The 50% Basic Rule
The Code on Wages 2019 (effective 2021) mandates that an employee's basic wages and DA must constitute at least 50% of their total remuneration (gross wages). This rule was introduced to prevent employers from inflating allowances to reduce PF contributions and gratuity obligations. The impact: higher basic = higher PF deduction, higher gratuity, but also higher HRA exemption eligibility.
How to Negotiate Salary in India
- Negotiate basic salary specifically: Higher basic means higher PF, higher gratuity, and more HRA exemption. Employers often offer more via "special allowances" to keep fixed costs low — push back on this.
- Use market data: Research on LinkedIn Salary, Glassdoor, and AmbitionBox for your specific role, city, and years of experience. Data-backed negotiation is significantly more effective.
- Negotiate at offer stage: Your leverage is highest after receiving an offer but before accepting. Mid-tenure salary revisions are typically limited to annual appraisal cycles.
- Ask for variable pay flexibility: If base is firm, negotiate a higher performance bonus target — more flexible for employers, upside for you.
How to Increase Take-Home Salary Without a Raise
- Switch to New Tax Regime: For most employees under ₹15L CTC with limited deductions, the New Regime lowers TDS, directly increasing monthly in-hand pay.
- Claim all reimbursements: Meal coupons (₹2,200/month tax-free), mobile/internet bills, fuel, books and periodicals. Submitting bills to HR reduces taxable income at zero cost.
- LTA (Leave Travel Allowance): Fully tax-free twice in a 4-year block for domestic travel. Plan holiday travel to coincide with LTA claims.
- Employer NPS contribution: Ask HR to include employer NPS in your CTC restructuring. Deductible under Section 80CCD(2) even under the New Regime — reduces taxable income without extra employer cost.