Payroll Settlement | Definition & Meaning

Every business owner finds it challenging to let go of an employee. It has a direct impact on day-to-day operations and the corporate culture. However, the organization must ensure the leave procedure is thorough once this decision has been made. A smooth payroll settlement process ensures legal compliance and demonstrates the company’s regard for its employees. Using payroll software can help provide seamless and effective payroll management.

Payroll settlement determines all dues owed to an employee who resigns, retires or is terminated by management. The settlement process includes both the employee's salary and deductions. In this blog, you will understand more about it.

What is Payroll Settlement?

When an employee's tenure with an organization ends, whether by resignation, termination, retirement, or any other circumstance, they are paid all dues for their service up to the last working day as FnF, payroll settlement, or complete and final settlement. This applies to any additional earnings or deductions as well.

FnF settlement is simply the final payment made by an employer to an outgoing employee to end the employee-employer relationship fairly and transparently. As per the Payment of Wages Act 1936, the employees should pay the wages due in 2 days of work after leaving. It is the final paycheck and contains all outstanding dues payable to the employee that are unpaid at the time of departure from the company.

Components That Are Part Of Payroll Settlement

Salary

This includes any pending salary for days completed during the last month of employment, valid until the last working day.

Bonuses/Incentives

Any applicable yearly bonuses, performance incentives, commissions, or other benefits that are awaiting payment at the time of departure. They are determined pro rata according to policy.

Gratuity

Available if an employee has completed 5 years of continuous service. It is computed as 15 days' current basic compensation for each completed year of service.

Leave Encashment

Leave encashment is the payment for any unused and accumulated leave, such as earned, sick, and so on, by business policies. The sum is computed using the number of unused leave days and the daily gross wage.

Retiral Benefits

These entail settling the employer's contribution to PF, pension, and other retirement funds, as well as any accrued interest.

Notice Pay

Notice Pay is payment for the notice period instead of the employee not serving it entirely before leaving.

Settlement of Arrears

Arrears refer to late payments or payments due after a term. Arrears usually occur when a debt, duty, or obligation is late. Payment for arrears occurs at the end of the period.

Reimbursements

Any outstanding claims for costs, travel bills, etc.

Other Payments

Any other ad hoc payments owing to the employee by corporate policy, such as outstanding debts to be excused, etc.

Points To Keep In Mind

Employers should consider the staff exit policy and also understand the following when calculating the value of the FnF settlement amount:

  • Clear records of all correspondence with the employee should be kept.
  • The applicable laws must estimate the settlement value.
  • FnF settlement should occur within a fair timeframe.
  • TDS should be deducted from taxable incomes.
  • Adhere to corporate policies consistent with severance, reduction, and other policies, as applicable.
  • Avoid illegal deductions, such as taxes and loan repayment, are permitted.
  • The Settlement must be made on the last day of work or within two days for employees who are fired or resign. Delays that exceed the specified deadline constitute a compliance breach.
  • Employees should be given detailed computations and an FnF settlement payslip.

Conclusion

Payroll settlement is a necessary process that signals the conclusion of an employment contract. Understanding the components involved allows firms to ensure correct and timely payouts for departing employees. Using payroll tools and encouraging open communication is essential for expediting FnF and keeping strong connections with former employees. Use factoHR payroll software to automate and ease your payroll functions. Schedule a demo today with our experts!

FAQs

How Many Days Does It Take To Complete An Employee Pay Settlement?

According to the Payment of Wages Act of 1936, earnings due to a dismissed employee must be paid within two working days of the termination. Although the Act does not specify a specific timeline for the settlement, most organizations generally believe that 30-45 days is an appropriate time frame.

What Is India’s Law For Payroll Settlement?

The Payment of Wages Act 1936, the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, and state-specific Shops and Establishment Acts are among India's key legislation governing Full and Final Settlement. These require prompt payment of all employee dues.

What Is The Procedure For Alerting An Employer Of A Full And Final Payroll Settlement?

Employees can tell their employer about a full and final settlement through their lawyer. Using this communication, they might request pending payments. Set a timeframe for the settlement.

What Is Payroll Tax Settlement?

Tax settlement is computed if an employee paid too much or too little tax throughout the year. The settlement calculation process is completed automatically during the December payroll run and cannot be calculated during any other pay period.

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