Business October 28, 2026 • 2 min read

Payroll Compliance in India: PF, ESI, Professional Tax, LWF and TDS Made Simple

S
Software Development Team
Industry Expert Writer
Related: HR & Payroll Software
Payroll Compliance in India: PF, ESI, Professional Tax, LWF and TDS Made Simple

Indian payroll involves multiple statutory deductions and filings. Here is a simple overview and how software keeps you compliant.

Key Takeaways

  • Key statutory components: PF, ESI, Professional Tax, LWF and TDS on salary.
  • Rules vary by state and are updated periodically.
  • Payroll software calculates deductions, generates challans and tracks due dates.
  • Confirm current rates and thresholds with your CA or payroll advisor.

Payroll in India is not just salary calculation. Employers must deduct, deposit and report several statutory contributions accurately and on time.

Main components

ComponentWhat it isApplies to
Provident Fund (PF)Retirement savings via EPFOEligible establishments and employees
ESIHealth insurance via ESICEmployees under the wage ceiling in covered areas
Professional Tax (PT)State tax on employmentStates that levy it
Labour Welfare Fund (LWF)State welfare contributionStates with LWF laws
TDS on salaryIncome tax deducted at sourceEmployees with taxable income

How software helps

  • Automatic calculation using current rules
  • State-wise PT and LWF configuration
  • Challan and return file generation
  • Due date reminders
  • Form 16 and payslips
  • Audit-ready reports

Common mistakes

  • Wrong wage base for PF/ESI
  • Missing state-specific PT slabs
  • Late deposits attracting interest and penalties
  • Not updating for regulatory changes

See new labour codes and payroll.

Note: General information only; confirm current rules with a professional.

Planning a HR & payroll software project?

Light Animation has designed and built software and websites for brands like Godrej, Saras Jaipur Dairy and Jaipur Traffic Police. Share your requirement and get a free consultation and estimate.

Explore HR & Payroll SoftwareGet a Free Quote

Related reading: New Labour Codes & Payroll · HR & Payroll Software Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

What are statutory deductions in Indian payroll?

Common deductions include PF, ESI, Professional Tax, Labour Welfare Fund and TDS on salary, depending on applicability.

Is professional tax applicable in all states?

No, only in states that levy it, with state-specific slabs.

Can payroll software generate PF challans?

Yes, most payroll software generates ECR files and challans for EPFO.

What happens if PF is paid late?

Late payments can attract interest and damages; timely deposit is important.

Explore Studio Solutions

Need Enterprise Animation, Software, or Marketing?

Explore All Services →
INSTANT CONSULTATION

Start Your Digital Project

Discuss your vision with our senior architects & creative directors. NDA protected, 2-hour turnaround.

Free consultation

Start Your Digital Project

Share a few details and our team will get back to you with a plan and an estimate.

No spam. We only use your details to reply to this enquiry.