Plain-English explanations of how Indian salaries, deductions, and taxes work. No jargon. Updated for FY2026-27.
Every component explained — basic, HRA, special allowance, PF, TDS. With a real example and 5 red flags to check.
Why ₹12 LPA CTC gives you only ₹78,000/month. The complete gap explained with employer PF, gratuity and TDS.
Why your PF is capped at ₹1,800/month even when basic is ₹50,000. The wage ceiling rule, employer contribution split, and 5 red flags to check.
Step-by-step HRA exemption formula for metro and non-metro cities. What documents to submit to HR and by when. Old vs new regime decision guide.
Word-for-word scripts for new offers, appraisals and counter-offers. How to anchor, use competing offers, and what to do when CTC won't move.
How the buyout is actually calculated — basic vs gross salary policy, the 26-working-day formula, and how to reduce the cost.
Inflation-adjusted raise calculator. See your real salary gain vs the headline percentage your manager quoted.
Exercise tax, perquisite value, capital gains and ITR filing steps for startup employees with stock options.
The exact gratuity formula, the 5-year eligibility rule, and how much of it is tax-free.
What each part of Form 16 means, how it differs from Form 26AS, and how to use it to file your ITR.
A ₹1 crore CTC returns ~₹5.86 lakh/month (~70%). The full breakdown, and why surcharge lowers take-home at high salaries.