Salary vs Freelance · India Tax · In‑Browser
Freelancer vs Salary.
Find your better path.
Gross vs net — after expenses, tax, and EPF. Adjust the sliders and see the winner instantly. 100% private, no data stored.
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₹8.4L
💼 Salary Net
₹9.2L
💻 Freelance Net
+₹0.8L
📊 Difference
Freelance
🏆 Winner
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Compare your numbers
Drag the sliders — see the winner change in real time.
Your income scenariosDrag to compare in real time
Freelance wins
💼 Salary net / year₹8.4L
💻 Freelance net / year₹9.2L
📊 Difference+₹0.8L
💰 Salary in-hand / month₹70,000
💡 Insight: Adjust sliders to see which path works for your numbers.
Visual comparisonLive updates with every slider move
📊Net Annual Income
Gold: Salary · Blue: Freelance
💸Freelance: Gross vs Net
See what expenses and tax take away from gross income.
Your income comparisonBased on your current slider values
- Salary CTC: ₹12,00,000 → net ₹8.4L (₹70,000/month after EPF and tax).
- Freelance gross: ₹15,00,000 → expenses ₹2,00,000 → net ₹9.2L.
- Winner: Freelance by ₹80,000 annually.
- Key consideration: Salary includes EPF (12% of basic), gratuity, and health cover worth 10–15% of CTC. Track actuals in the Income Wallet.
Best practices before making the switchSix things to get right
- Compare net, not gross: Freelance must account for software, internet, travel, coworking. Use the Expenses Wallet to track every rupee.
- Salary hides real value: EPF (12% of basic), gratuity (~4.8%), paid leave, and health insurance add 10–15% to your CTC. Include these in your comparison.
- Freelance tax is different: Income taxed under “Profits & Gains.” You can deduct expenses but must pay advance tax if liability exceeds ₹10,000. See the Tax Regime Simulator.
- GST threshold: If freelance gross exceeds ₹20L, you must register for GST and charge 18% on invoices.
- Build first, then switch: Start freelancing while salaried. Build 12 months of pipeline and savings before going full-time.
- Bigger emergency fund: Freelance income is irregular. Maintain 12 months of expenses — not 6. Use the Emergency Fund Calculator to set your target.
💡 Run the numbers in real context
- After this comparison → track actual income sources in the Income Wallet
- After tracking business expenses → optimise them in the Expenses Wallet
- To check tax regime more precisely → use the Old vs New Tax Simulator
- To set your freelance emergency fund → use the Emergency Fund Calculator
Explore More
Freelance & Income Articles
Master the salary vs freelance decision with India’s most practical guides (2026).
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Read →Frequently asked questions
net incomefreelance taxEPFbusiness expensesadvance taxGSTstabilityregime comparison
📊 Net Income
Gross freelance income minus business expenses (₹2L) minus income tax on the remaining amount. There’s no TDS withheld — you’re responsible for advance tax payments.
Employer EPF (12% of basic), gratuity (~4.8%), paid leave, and often health insurance — together worth 10–15% of CTC. See the Wealth Wallet for tracking.
🧾 Tax Treatment
Freelance income is taxed as “Profits & Gains from Business or Profession.” The same slabs apply but you can deduct business expenses first. Compare regimes with the Tax Regime Simulator.
Yes — if your estimated tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 for the year, you must pay in four instalments (June, September, December, March). Missing instalments attracts interest under Sections 234B and 234C.
If your freelance gross income exceeds ₹20L in a financial year, GST registration is mandatory. You’ll need to charge 18% GST on invoices and file monthly/quarterly returns.
💼 Business Expenses
Internet, software subscriptions, equipment, coworking space, travel, phone bills, and professional development — all deductible. You’ve currently set ₹2L in business expenses. Track every rupee in the Expenses Wallet.
Yes — computers qualify for 40% depreciation under the Income Tax Act. If your laptop cost ₹80,000, you can deduct ₹32,000 in the first year as a business expense.
🎁 Stability & Planning
Maintain 12 months of essential expenses as an emergency fund. Budget on your 3-month rolling average. Use the Emergency Fund Calculator and track in the Wealth Wallet.
Almost always yes. Build 3–6 months of freelance revenue while salaried, save 12 months of expenses, then make the switch. The Savings Sprint Simulator can help you build that buffer faster.
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