Guides
Plain-language explainers on salary, tax and payroll in India. Updated for FY 2025-26.
Standard Deduction ₹75,000 Explained: Who Gets It in FY 2025-26
What the ₹75,000 standard deduction is, who gets it in FY 2025-26, new vs old regime amounts, why no proof is needed, and how it powers the 87A rebate.
Section 80C Deductions Guide FY 2025-26: Save Up to ₹1.5 Lakh
Complete Section 80C guide for FY 2025-26 — EPF, PPF, ELSS, life insurance, tuition fees, home loan principal, lock-in periods and common mistakes to avoid.
New vs Old Tax Regime FY 2025-26: Which One Saves You More Tax?
Compare new vs old tax regime for FY 2025-26 with worked examples at ₹8L, ₹12L, ₹18L and ₹30L salary, plus the break-even deduction rule that decides it.
ITR Filing FY 2025-26: Step-by-Step Guide for Salaried People
A practical ITR filing guide for salaried taxpayers for FY 2025-26 — documents, ITR-1 vs ITR-2, regime choice at filing, common mistakes, refund timeline.
Income Tax Free Up to ₹12 Lakh? Section 87A Rebate Explained
How the Section 87A rebate makes income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free in FY 2025-26, why salaried people get ₹12.75 lakh, and how marginal relief protects you.
Professional Tax in India: Who Pays, Slabs and the ₹2,500 Cap
What professional tax is, which states levy it, how the slabs work, the ₹2,500 yearly cap, and where PT shows up on your salary slip in India every month.
How to Read Your Salary Slip in India: Every Line Item Explained
Basic, HRA, special allowance, PF, PT, TDS — decode every line on your Indian salary slip, why basic pay matters most, and what to check every single month.
Gratuity Rules in India: Eligibility, Formula and Tax Limits
Gratuity in India explained: 5-year eligibility, the 15/26 formula with a worked example, the ₹20 lakh tax-free limit, and what happens when you resign.
EPF Explained: How Provident Fund Works for Indian Employees
How EPF works in India: the 12% + 12% split, EPS, the ₹1,800 cap, interest, UAN, withdrawal rules, and how EPF compares with PPF for retirement savings.
CTC vs Gross vs In-Hand Salary in India: Know the Difference
Confused between CTC, gross and in-hand salary? See what sits inside your CTC, a worked ₹12 lakh example, and the offer-letter traps to watch out for.
"Rent Receipts for HRA Proof: Rules, Format and Validity Guide"
"Everything about rent receipts for HRA proof: what a valid receipt contains, revenue stamp rules, landlord PAN requirement, and whether digital receipts count."
"Paying Rent to Parents for HRA: Rules, Tax Math, Proof Needed"
"Is paying rent to parents for HRA legal? Yes, if genuine. Learn the conditions, the family tax math, documents you need, and what triggers tax scrutiny."
"Metro vs Non-Metro HRA: The 50/40 Rule and Which Cities Count"
"Only Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai count as metros for HRA. See how the 50/40 rule changes your exemption, with a worked example and mid-year moves."
"Section 80GG: Claim Rent Deduction Without HRA in Your Salary"
"No HRA in your salary? Section 80GG lets you deduct rent under the old regime. Learn the three limits, Form 10BA, and why the Rs 5,000 monthly cap hurts."
"How HRA Exemption Works: The Complete Guide for Salaried India"
Learn how HRA exemption is calculated with the three-limb rule, a worked example, documents needed, old vs new regime rules, and common mistakes to avoid.
"CTC vs In-Hand Salary: Offer Letter Traps to Check Before Joining"
"Why your CTC looks bigger than your in-hand salary: variable pay, joining bonus clawbacks, ESOPs, gratuity in CTC, and questions to ask HR before signing."
"TDS on Salary Explained: Why Your Monthly Tax Deduction Varies"
"How employers calculate TDS on salary under Section 192, why deductions jump some months, regime choice, refunds via ITR, and checking Form 26AS and AIS."
"Salary Slips for Loan Applications: What Banks Check in India"
"Why banks ask for 3 months' salary slips, what they check before approving your loan, red flags to avoid, and options if you're self-employed in India."
"GST Invoicing for Freelancers in India: Registration and Rules"
"When freelancers need GST registration in India, the ₹20 lakh threshold, mandatory invoice fields, export of services rules, and late registration risks."
"Form 16 Explained: Part A, Part B and How to Read It Correctly"
"What Form 16 Part A and Part B contain, when employers issue it, fixing 26AS mismatches, filing ITR without Form 16, and what to do with multiple employers."