Salary - gross and net remuneration

Starting a new job is an exciting venture, especially when it comes to your first paycheck. One of the key concepts that every new employee needs to understand are the basic concepts and elements of salary, gross net, the difference between gross and net salary.

Soaa, are your first paycheck and pay stub. But what does it show? Here you will find answers to questions like what is gross pay, net pay, deductions, etc. Who makes payroll deductions and why they make them.

If you want to achieve higher pay and a higher salary you can improve your knowledge with our training courses, which you can start at any time.

Wage elements in Bulgarian legislation

The wage elements are discussed in The Ordinance on the structure and organisation of salaries:

Gross salary: It consists of:

A basic salary which is remuneration for the performance of work tasks, duties and responsibilities.
Supplementary remuneration, which may be set out in the Labour Code, regulations, other legislation or a collective agreement.
Other remuneration not included in the first two categories.

Basic salary: It shall be determined on the basis of an assessment of jobs and positions and shall be negotiated in the employment contract. The job evaluation shall take into account the complexity, responsibility, workload and parameters of the working environment.
Additional remuneration: These may include:

Remuneration for overtime, night work, work on weekends and holidays.
Additional remuneration for educational and scientific degrees related to the work performed.
Additional remuneration for length of service and professional experience.

Types of additional remuneration: Different forms of additional remuneration may be negotiated through a collective agreement, an individual employment contract or may be determined by regulation or other statutory instrument.
Calculation of wages: The gross salary shall be calculated in accordance with the pay systems applied and as agreed in the individual employment contract.
Wage organisation: The employer shall establish internal rules on wages, which shall include general provisions on the organisation of wages in the enterprise, the determination and allocation of funds for wages, the determination of minimum values or ranges of basic wages by job level and the procedure and method for determining and amending additional wages.

In conclusion, the wage structure in Bulgaria is regulated by a number of rules, which include the determination of basic and supplementary wages, as well as various types of additional remuneration. These elements are part of the overall wage structure and are also regulated through individual and collective labour agreements.

Other terms used in colloquial language are :

Gross remuneration ( Gross salary) :

Gross wages are the total amount of money a worker receives from his employer before any deductions for taxes and other deductions. It includes various components which combine to make up the total value of the worker's labour. The components of gross wages may include:

Base wage: The fixed amount of money a worker receives for performing his or her basic job duties.

Bonuses: Additional remuneration that the worker may receive depending on performance, success or other criteria set by the employer.

Supplementary remuneration: Various additional cash benefits such as bonuses, night work allowances, etc.

Net pay: Net pay is the amount of money the worker actually receives after deductions from his or her salary for various taxes and other deductions from his or her gross pay. This process includes the withholding of income tax, health insurance contributions, social security, etc. Net pay is the net amount of money that a worker can use for personal needs and expenses.

Simply put, if gross remuneration is the total value of a worker's labour before deductions from wages, then net remuneration is the amount that a worker actually receives in his hands after making all necessary deductions and deductions.

Process of withholding taxes and other deductions from salary:

Income tax: income tax is a tax on personal income. The employer is responsible for withholding income tax from the employee's gross wages. This tax is calculated based on the worker's total income and current tax rates.
Health care contributions: These are contributions that provide access to health care and medications. The employer and employee contribute jointly to these contributions. Typically, these contributions are deducted from the worker's gross pay.
Social security contributions: These are contributions that provide social assistance for sickness, disability, unemployment and pensions. The employer and the worker contribute to these contributions. Usually, they are deducted from the worker's gross wages.

The role of the employer and the employee in wage employment:

The employer: has the responsibility to calculate, withhold and pay all necessary taxes and contributions from the worker's gross wages to the relevant government institutions. This includes keeping detailed tax records and social security contributions.

The worker: must provide accurate information about their income and personal circumstances to the employer. The worker also contributes to health and social security. He receives his net pay after deductions from wages

In general, this process of withholding taxes and deductions is important to the financial functioning of society, providing necessary funds for social programs and public services.

Gross wages provide a clear picture of the total value of a worker's labor, including base salary, bonuses, and other benefits. For workers, the gross wage can be a motivator, as it includes all components of their labour participation, including possible bonuses and fringe benefits. Offering a competitive gross salary can be an effective way to attract talent to the organization.

Employees often cannot clearly see the real value of their work because the gross salary does not accurately reflect the amount they are really earning.

Net pay reflects the exact amount a worker receives after deductions, showing the real value of their labor. Workers may have an inaccurate idea of the total value of their labour because the visible part (net wages) does not include all components of pay.

It is important that both parties : workers and employees have a good understanding of the pay structure and communicate effectively to avoid possible misunderstandings.

If you want to achieve higher pay and a higher salary you can improve your knowledge with our trainings that you can start at any time.

Wage legislation and regulations in Bulgaria:

In Bulgaria, legislation and regulations related to gross and net salary are governed by various laws and acts. Some of the key documents to consider when understanding these concepts include:

Labour Code: this law sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Bulgaria. It sets out the basic principles for the regulation of labour relations, including wage issues.

Social Security Act: This Act regulates contributions and insurance for various social benefits, including social insurance for pensions, sickness, etc.

Personal Income Tax Act: This Act regulates the taxation of personal income and includes provisions for the withholding of income tax by employers.

Ordinance implementing the Social Security Act: This ordinance contains specific provisions on how social security contributions are calculated and withheld.

Other laws and regulations.

Salary calculator

The salary calculator plays a key role for both employers and employees. Here are some of the most important roles this tool performs:

Gross and net salary transparency: the salary calculator provides transparency on how gross and net salaries are calculated. Employees can easily see how base salary, bonuses and deductions impact their salary.
Calculating taxes and social security contributions: the Salary Calculator helps to automatically calculate the various taxes and social security contributions that need to be deducted from the employee's gross salary. This includes income tax, social security contributions and other deductions.
Estimating net salary: Employers and workers can use the salary calculator to make accurate estimates of net salary after deductions. This helps workers plan their personal finances.
Comparison of different scenarios: the salary calculator allows employers and workers to benchmark different scenarios. For example, one can calculate what the salary would be under different levels of bonuses or changes in tax rates.
Facilitates the budget planning process: the salary calculator is a useful tool for workers as it helps them to plan their budget taking into account deductions and other financial aspects.
Compliance with legislation: Using a salary calculator helps employers to comply with legislation and regulations regarding salaries and taxes.

A payroll calculator is a valuable tool for transparency, accuracy and ease in managing finances for both employers and employees.

Payroll FAQ. Useful for new employees and employers

Question	Answer
What is the difference between gross and net pay?	- Gross salary is the total amount a worker receives before taxes and other deductions are withheld. - The net salary is what the worker actually receives after deductions.
How is income tax calculated?	- Income tax is calculated on personal income. The employer deducts a percentage of the gross salary and passes it on to the tax authorities.
What are the social security contributions?	- Social security contributions include health and social security contributions. These are paid by both the employer and the employee.
What are the advantages of gross salary transparency?	- Gross salary transparency provides a clear overview of all components of remuneration, including bonuses and benefits, which can incentivise workers.
What are the disadvantages of net pay for the employer?	- Employers may have difficulty predicting the exact costs, as taxes and contributions on net pay are determined individually for each worker.
What is the motivational effect of gross wages for workers?	- The gross wage may represent a greater motivational factor as it includes all aspects of remuneration and can be perceived as a greater value for labour.

These frequently asked questions and their answers can provide further clarity and information on gross and net pay.

Question	Answer
What affects the amount of my gross pay?	- The amount of your gross pay is affected by your base salary, bonuses, fringe benefits, and taxes withheld.
Why is my salary less than I expected?	- The salary received is less because it reflects the net amount after deductions for taxes, social contributions and other deductions.
What are the differences between gross and net salary?	- The gross wage is the total value of the work before deductions from wages, while the net wage is what the worker actually receives after deductions.
Why does my employer deduct taxes from my paycheck?	- Employers withhold taxes to pay for taxes and social contributions that are used to fund public services and social programs.
What are social security contributions and what are they used for?	- Social security contributions fund social programs such as health care, pensions and unemployment, providing protection and support in different areas of life.

These questions are appropriate for employees who are early in their careers and can help them better understand their payroll items and processing.

The article discusses the difference between gross and net pay. It defines the terms, explains the components of gross pay and the tax withholding process. Legislation and regulations in Bulgaria are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages for employers and employees are presented. Frequently asked questions are also introduced, and a salary calculator is presented as a key tool to facilitate calculations and budget planning.

You can see how to earn extra income in our Supplemental Income article. Ideas for earning extra income.