Wrong service dates
Using the joining date from an offer letter instead of the official employment start date, or using the resignation date instead of the contract end date, can change the result.
Wrong wage basis
Applying total salary to traditional gratuity or basic salary to every component can both be incorrect. The wage basis must be matched to the specific entitlement and jurisdiction.
Leave balance errors
Common problems include an outdated HR balance, missing partial-year accrual, treating taken leave as unpaid, or using a daily rate that does not match the applicable rule.
Deductions without reconciliation
Loans, advances, notice, equipment and overpayments should not be combined into one unexplained deduction. Check whether the amount was already recovered elsewhere.
Questions to ask HR or payroll
- Which input changed this number?
- Is the same amount deducted twice?
- Is the leave balance current through the last working day?
- Which daily-rate formula was used?
- Are prior payments shown separately?
Frequently asked questions
What is the first figure to verify?
Start with jurisdiction and dates. They determine which rules and service period should be used.
Are rounding differences important?
Minor rounding may be harmless, but a consistent unexplained difference should still be traced to the formula.
What if HR cannot provide a worksheet?
Request a written itemisation and keep the response. You need enough detail to understand what you are being asked to accept.
Official sources used
Rules can change and facts can be disputed. Review the source that applies to your jurisdiction and current circumstances.