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Author

HARI KRISHNAN S

Senior Developer

Updated on
14-05-2026

Understanding F&F in Payroll: An Essential Guide

What is F&F Settlement?

Full and Final (F&F) settlement is the process of settling all dues between an employer and employee when employment ends — whether due to resignation, termination, or retirement.

It is the last financial transaction between both parties, and it must be done accurately to avoid legal disputes.

Key Components

What the employee receives:

  • Pending salary — Salary for the last working month, calculated on a pro-rata basis
  • Leave encashment — Payment for unused earned leaves
  • Gratuity — Statutory benefit paid after 5+ years of service
  • Bonus — Any pending performance or statutory bonus
  • PF settlement — Provident Fund contributions for the last working month

What gets deducted:

  • Notice period shortfall (if employee didn't serve full notice)
  • Outstanding salary advances or loans
  • TDS (tax deducted at source)

How It's Calculated

Net F&F = (Pending Salary + Leave Encashment + Gratuity + Bonus) − (Deductions + TDS)

Gratuity formula: Last drawn Basic salary × 15/26 × Number of years of service

Leave encashment formula: (Basic salary ÷ 26) × Number of pending earned leave days

The Process — Step by Step

  1. Employee submits resignation → notice period begins
  2. Employee completes exit formalities and returns company assets
  3. All departments issue a no-dues clearance
  4. Payroll team calculates all earnings and deductions
  5. F&F statement is shared with employee for review
  6. Employee signs off → payment is transferred to bank account
  7. Relieving letter, experience letter, and Form 16 are issued

Legal Timelines (India)

Component Timeline
Final salary Within 30–45 days of last working day
Gratuity Within 30 days of separation
PF withdrawal 10–20 working days after claim
Statutory bonus Within 8 months of the accounting year close
Form 16 By 15 June of the following financial year

Note: Late gratuity payment attracts 10% simple interest per annum under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Delaying F&F beyond 45 days
  • Missing gratuity for employees with 4 years + 240 days of service (it qualifies, not just 5 full years)
  • Wrong leave balance calculation
  • Not deducting TDS on gratuity above ₹20 lakh
  • Issuing the relieving letter late
  • No written acknowledgement from the employee after F&F payment

Tax Treatment

Component Tax Rule
Pending salary Fully taxable as per income slab
Leave encashment Exempt up to ₹25L for govt employees; limited exemption for private sector
Gratuity Exempt up to ₹20L for private sector (Section 10(10))
VRS payout Exempt up to ₹5L under Section 10(10C)

Employee Checklist — What to Collect

  • Relieving letter
  • Experience letter
  • Itemised F&F settlement statement
  • Form 16 (Part A and Part B)
  • PF account details and UAN confirmation
  • No-dues certificate from all departments

Quick Summary

F&F settlement = last salary + leave encashment + gratuity + bonus − deductions − TDS

It must be processed within 30–45 days of the last working day. Both employer and employee should keep a signed copy of the F&F statement for their records.

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