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What is a bonus? 7 most commonly offered bonuses in India
A well-crafted rewards and recognition program can boost employee productivity by up to 12%. In India, companies offer various types of bonuses as part of their rewards programs, each with specific rules and timing.
From performance-based incentives to statutory bonuses mandated by law, understanding the different types of bonuses—and knowing when to pay them—can help you structure your employees’ CTC effectively. This guide breaks down the common types of bonuses in India, when they should be paid, their tax implications, and more.
What is a bonus?
A bonus is an additional reward, typically in cash or benefits, given to employees on top of their regular salary. Companies grant this variable pay to recognize exceptional performance over the year, or sometimes to all employees as a general incentive. Employers may also offer bonuses to attract new talent or retain current employees.
Each company structures bonuses differently based on its financial performance, industry standards, and team-specific goals. For instance, a sales team in a multinational corporation might receive a higher percentage of commissions as part of their bonus, compared to someone in a similar role at a growing startup.
Types of bonuses
Some bonuses are paid quarterly, others annually, and some are one-time payments, while others are recurring. The type of bonus an employee receives depends on factors like job role, seniority, contributions, and the organisation’s structure.
Here is a look at some of the common types of bonuses, how they are paid, and their taxation rules:
Diwali bonus
The Diwali bonus is a traditional yearly bonus given by many companies in India around the Diwali festival. Typically, employees who have completed a few months of service and successfully completed their probation period are eligible for this bonus.
While calculation methods vary by company, most organizations set aside a fund for Diwali bonuses, which is then distributed among eligible employees.
Taxation of Diwali bonus
Diwali bonuses are considered a gift provided by employers. Any amount up to ₹5,000 is fully exempt from income tax. However, if the total bonus exceeds ₹5,000, it becomes taxable based on the employee’s income tax slab.
Employers are responsible for accurately deducting tax from the bonus payment and remitting the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) to the government.
Statutory bonus
The statutory bonus is a mandatory bonus governed by the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, which applies to businesses in India with 20 or more employees. This bonus is intended to reward employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month and having worked a minimum of 30 days within the financial year.
The bonus amount ranges from a minimum of 8.33% to a maximum of 20% of an employee’s monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance (DA). Statutory bonuses are generally paid out annually, typically after the company’s financial results are announced.
Calculation of statutory bonus
According to the 2015 amendment to the Payment of Bonus Act, if an employee’s combined monthly basic salary and dearness allowance is less than ₹7,000, the statutory bonus is calculated as follows:
Statutory bonus = (Monthly basic salary + dearness allowance) X Bonus percentage
For example, if an employee’s basic salary is ₹6,000 and their dearness allowance is ₹500, and the company’s bonus percentage is set at 10%, the bonus calculation would be:
Statutory bonus = (₹6,000 + ₹500) x 10% = ₹650
However, if the combined monthly basic salary and dearness allowance exceeds ₹7,000, the statutory bonus calculation is capped, and the formula becomes:
Statutory bonus = ₹7,000 x Bonus percentage
For instance, if an employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance add up to ₹9,000, and the bonus percentage is 10%, the bonus would still be calculated as:
Statutory bonus = ₹7,000 x 10% = ₹700
Use Zoho Payroll's free statutory bonus calculator to compute statutory bonuses for your employees accurately.
Taxation of statutory bonus
Statutory bonuses are considered fully taxable and form a part of the employee’s income. Employers must deduct accurate tax on these bonuses based on the employee's income tax slab and deposit with the government.
Learn more about this bonus in this comprehensive guide on statutory bonus.
Joining bonus
Employers offer a joining bonus as a monetary reward to new hires. This bonus can be provided as a single cash payment, in instalments over time, or occasionally in the form of stock options (ESOPs).
Calculation of joining bonus
A joining bonus typically amounts to around 10% or more of the new employee’s initial annual salary. Additionally, some firms provide a relocation package for employees moving to a different city for the role. For example, an organization may offer a new employee an annual salary of ₹6,00,000 along with a joining bonus of ₹30,000, payable upon joining. This ₹30,000 joining bonus is separate from the ₹6,00,000 salary.
Taxation of joining bonus
A joining bonus, like other forms of income, is taxable under the Income Tax Act in India. Employers must add the joining bonus to the employee’s total income for the financial year and tax it according to the employee's applicable income tax slab.
Learn in-detail about joining bonus here.
Retention bonus
A retention bonus is a one-time payment offered by employers to retain key employees. It’s especially useful for motivating employees to stay when they might be considering offers from other companies.
The calculation of a retention bonus can vary by industry, company, and employee role. Skilled, senior employees often receive a higher retention bonus than mid-level staff due to the value they bring to the team and their contributions to the company’s success.
Taxation of retention bonus
Retention bonuses are fully taxable. When an employee receives a retention bonus, it’s considered part of their income and is taxed according to the applicable tax slab. Employers must deduct tax on the bonus before payment.
Learn more about retention bonus.
Performance bonus
A performance bonus is an annual, one-time reward given to employees based on their individual achievements, team contributions, or the overall performance of the company. It’s a way to recognize and reward employees who meet or exceed specific goals or performance standards.
Calculation of performance bonus
Performance bonuses are typically calculated based on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the employee's role. Some companies categorise employees into performance bands based on their results, with the bonus amount varying by band.
Let’s say Kriti and Rahul have annual salaries of ₹6,00,000 and ₹7,00,000, respectively. The company awards a performance bonus of 30% of the annual salary to Kriti for exceeding performance benchmarks, while Rahul receives 10% for meeting the expected standards.
- Kriti’s performance bonus: ₹6,00,000 x 30% = ₹1,80,000
- Rahul’s performance bonus: ₹7,00,000 x 10% = ₹70,000
Taxation of performance bonus
Performance bonuses are fully taxable, just like regular salary income, and are added to the employee’s total taxable income for the year.
Referral bonus
A referral bonus is a reward given to employees who successfully recommend candidates for open positions within their company. When an employee refers a candidate who is later hired and meets specific conditions—such as completing a probation period—the referring employee receives a bonus.
These bonuses are typically offered as part of a structured referral program, with specific rules on how and when they are awarded.
Calculation and taxation of referral bonus
These bonuses usually range from ₹15,000 to ₹75,000, depending on the role's importance and the skills required. For example, if a company sets a referral bonus of ₹25,000, an employee who refers a new hire that joins the company would receive ₹25,000.
The taxation of referral bonuses depends on the referrer’s employment status and earnings. If the referrer is an employee, the referral bonus is taxable. Employers must include the bonus in the employee’s taxable income and deduct the necessary taxes, just as they do with regular wages.
Profit sharing
Profit sharing is a type of bonus where employees receive a portion of the company's profits, usually determined by the company's profitability and the employee's regular salary. It’s typically offered in cash or company stock.
Calculation and taxation
Most companies evaluate their yearly earnings at the end of the fiscal period and reserve a portion for the profit-sharing pool. Individual amounts are then calculated and distributed, factoring in each employee’s performance, salary, and years with the company.
Any amount received as profit sharing is added to an employee's net income and taxed according to the income tax slab the employee falls under.
Key takeaways
Understanding the different types of employee bonuses in India allows you to create a comprehensive compensation package for your team. From festive bonuses like the Diwali bonus to performance-based incentives, each type serves a unique purpose and can be tailored to fit your company's goals and financial situation. Keep in mind the tax implications and industry standards as you structure these bonuses to ensure they align with both your company’s objectives and employee expectations.
To manage these bonus payments efficiently, use Zoho Payroll. This cloud-based payroll software makes it easy to calculate, distribute, and track employee bonuses while also deducting accurate tax on bonuses that you offer. Try it for free for 14 days and see the difference yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What is the concept of a bonus in the company?
A bonus is a financial reward given to employees beyond their regular salary. Bonuses can serve various purposes, such as rewarding performance, achieving company goals, or recognizing employees' contributions to the organisation. They often aim to motivate employees, improve productivity, and foster loyalty.
What are the rules for bonuses?
Under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, employers are required to provide a minimum bonus of 8.33% of monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance to employees who have worked for more than 30 days and earn less than ₹21,000 per month.