Next duePayroll
31 OCTForm 24Q / 26Q · TDS return · Jul–Sep 2026in 2 days 7 NOVTDS / TCS deposit · Deducted in Oct 2026in 9 days 15 NOVPF & ESI · Contributions · Oct 2026in 17 days 15 JUNForm 16 · Salary TDS certificate · FY 2026-27in 229 days 30 OCTAOC-4 · Financial statements · FY 2025-26tomorrow 11 NOVGSTR-1 · Outward supplies · Oct 2026in 13 days 20 NOVGSTR-3B · Summary return · Oct 2026in 22 days 21 NOVITR filing · Audit cases · AY 2026-27 · extended from 31 Octin 23 days
All due dates

Payroll Compliance Checklist for Employers

Running payroll involves several statutory compliances. Here is a checklist for employers to stay compliant.

Published
Updated
Reading time
4 min
Questions
4 answered
  • High Complexity
Topic
Labour Laws
Published
August 20, 2026
Last updated
Aug 20, 2026
Reading time
4 min
0:00
Last updated: August 2026Verified against: Government sources

Running payroll involves several statutory compliances. Here is a checklist for employers to stay compliant.

Monthly compliance

  • Deduct and deposit TDS on salaries (by the 7th)
  • Deposit PF (by the 15th) and ESI (by the 15th)
  • Deduct professional tax where applicable

Periodic compliance

  • File quarterly TDS returns (24Q) and issue Form 16
  • File PF/ESI returns
  • Maintain wage registers and pay slips

Other

Comply with the Payment of Bonus, Gratuity, and Minimum Wages Acts, and the new labour codes as implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key payroll compliances?

TDS, PF, ESI, professional tax, and returns/registers under labour laws.

When is PF deposited?

By the 15th of the following month.

When is salary TDS deposited?

By the 7th of the following month.

What registers must employers maintain?

Wage registers, attendance and pay-slip records.

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Quick recapKey facts & short answers

Key Facts About Payroll Compliance Checklist for

  • Applies in: All states across India, under the relevant central law.
  • Mode: Mostly online via the official government portal.
  • Typical timeline: Ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
  • Non-compliance: May attract penalties, interest or late fees.
  • Expert help: TaxClue completes the entire process end to end for you.

What are the key payroll compliances?

TDS, PF, ESI, professional tax, and returns/registers under labour laws.

When is PF deposited?

By the 15th of the following month.

Good compliance is boring by design; the drama starts only when something has been skipped.

— TaxClue Compliance Desk

Payroll Compliance Checklist for: a key compliance topic in Indian tax and corporate law that businesses and individuals must understand to remain compliant.

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Why This Matters

Staying compliant with Indian regulations protects your business from penalties, interest and unnecessary legal trouble. It is always wise to maintain proper records and documentation so that any future scrutiny can be handled smoothly. Rules and thresholds in labour laws are revised periodically, so it helps to review your obligations at the start of each financial year. Professional guidance from a qualified CA, CS or advocate ensures that filings are accurate and submitted well before the due date.

Small businesses and startups especially benefit from setting up a simple compliance calendar to track recurring deadlines. Government portals now allow most applications and filings to be completed online, reducing paperwork and turnaround time. Keeping your PAN, registration certificates and board resolutions organised makes every subsequent filing faster. When in doubt, it is better to seek clarification early rather than risk a notice or a late-filing penalty later.

A clear understanding of the applicable law helps you make confident, well-informed business decisions. TaxClue's experts regularly assist businesses across India with end-to-end labour laws support at transparent, affordable pricing. Timely compliance also improves your credibility with banks, investors and government authorities. Reviewing your obligations with a professional at least once a year keeps your business audit-ready and stress-free.

Staying compliant with Indian regulations protects your business from penalties, interest and unnecessary legal trouble. It is always wise to maintain proper records and documentation so that any future scrutiny can be handled smoothly. Rules and thresholds in labour laws are revised periodically, so it helps to review your obligations at the start of each financial year. Professional guidance from a qualified CA, CS or advocate ensures that filings are accurate and submitted well before the due date.

Small businesses and startups especially benefit from setting up a simple compliance calendar to track recurring deadlines. Government portals now allow most applications and filings to be completed online, reducing paperwork and turnaround time. Keeping your PAN, registration certificates and board resolutions organised makes every subsequent filing faster. When in doubt, it is better to seek clarification early rather than risk a notice or a late-filing penalty later.

A clear understanding of the applicable law helps you make confident, well-informed business decisions. TaxClue's experts regularly assist businesses across India with end-to-end labour laws support at transparent, affordable pricing.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal or financial advice. Laws, rates and due dates change and can vary by individual case — always verify with the relevant government source (e.g. mca.gov.in, incometax.gov.in) or consult a qualified professional before acting. TaxClue accepts no liability for decisions taken based on this content.

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Questions, answered

Short, direct answers to the 4 questions readers ask most on this topic.

TDS, PF, ESI, professional tax, and returns/registers under labour laws.

By the 15th of the following month.

By the 7th of the following month.

Wage registers, attendance and pay-slip records.