A salary slip (payslip) is the monthly statement of what an employee earned, what was deducted and what reaches the bank account. Banks, landlords and visa offices ask for it as proof of income, so it should be complete and easy to check. This guide lists the fields a good payslip carries and how the common numbers are worked out.
What a payslip should show
- Company details: name, address, logo, and ideally the CIN or registration number.
- Employee details: name, employee ID, designation, department, date of joining, PAN, bank account (masked), PF and UAN number where applicable.
- Pay period: the month and year, with days in the month, days paid and loss-of-pay (LOP) days.
- Earnings: basic, HRA, special or other allowances, bonus and any reimbursements, with a total (gross).
- Deductions: PF, ESI, professional tax, income tax (TDS), loan or advance recovery, with a total.
- Net pay in figures and words, and the payment date.
How the main numbers work
| Item | Usual rule |
|---|---|
| Gross salary | Total earnings before any deduction |
| Net pay | Gross − total deductions |
| Employee PF | 12% of basic wages (often limited to a ₹15,000 wage ceiling, which makes ₹1,800) |
| Employee ESI | 0.75% of gross wages, for employees earning up to ₹21,000 a month |
| Loss of pay | Monthly pay ÷ days in month × LOP days |
| Professional tax | Set by the state; some states charge none |
Example: gross ₹30,000, basic ₹15,000, PF 12% of basic = ₹1,800, professional tax ₹200. Net pay = 30,000 − 1,800 − 200 = ₹28,000. The generator has PF and ESI helpers and works out LOP for you.
Tips for a payslip that gets accepted
- Use the same company name, address and logo as on the offer letter.
- Make the components add up exactly, and write net pay in words.
- Keep one consistent format every month.
- Save as PDF; do not send a photo or screenshot.
Joining or leaving a job? See the Offer Letter Generator and the Experience and Relieving Letter Generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is a salary slip legally required?
Many states require employers to give wage slips, and it is good practice everywhere. It is also the document most lenders and embassies ask for.
Should a payslip be signed?
A system-generated payslip does not need a signature. Many employers still add a stamp or an authorised signatory line for formal use.