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Rule 321Published

Rule 321: Limit on ordinary annual contributions to a gratuity fund

Rule 321 limits the employer's ordinary annual contribution to a gratuity fund. Rules 316 to 329 govern approved gratuity funds under Part B of Schedule XI to the Act. It must be on a reasonable basis approved by the approving authority, having regard to each employee's length of service, and must not exceed 8 1/3% of each employee's salary in each year.

Official notified Income-tax Rules, 2026

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This article is for general information. Read the official Rules and applicable Act amendments, including the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.

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Bare law

Rule 321 - Ordinary annual contributions

The ordinary annual contribution by the employer to a fund shall be made on a reasonable basis, as may be approved by the approving authority, having regard to the length of service of each employee concerned, but such contribution shall not exceed 8 1/3% of the salary of each employee during each year.

Rule breakdown

Limits

Reasonable basis approved by the approving authority.

Regard to length of service.

Not above 8 1/3% of salary of each employee each year.

Text note

The notified text prints the figure as a stacked fraction, which appears as 8 1/3%.

Key takeaways

8 1/3% cap

Per employee per year.

Reasonable basis

Approved by the approving authority.

Length of service

Relevant to the basis.

Practical checklist

  • Get actuarial support for a reasonable basis.

Avoid

  • Do not exceed 8 1/3% of salary per employee.

FAQs

What is the annual cap?

8 1/3% of each employee's salary per year (Rule 321).

Who approves the basis?

The approving authority.

Is there a past-service limit?

Yes, Rule 322.

Glossary

Ordinary annual contribution
Regular yearly employer contribution.
Approving authority
Defined in Rule 316(a).

Official sources