Learn how to read payslips in Finland

When employed in Finland, your employer must provide you with a payslip every time you are paid. A payslip is a detailed record of your salary, taxes, benefits, and any deductions made from your paycheck. Understanding your payslip is important as it helps you keep track of your finances, ensure you are being paid correctly, and avoid misunderstandings with your employer.

What information is included on a Finnish payslip?

Finnish payslips are pretty straightforward and include the following information:

General information in the payslip consists of your personal information, such as your name, social security number, job title, dates of employment, and employer's information. You may work at a physical location that does not handle your salary payments, so understanding this is crucial. It's worth noting that this is the same company that will provide you with a work certificate.

The salary period refers to the frequency at which you receive payment for your work, which may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

The salary payment date is when your employer transfers your salary to your account. Generally, employers pay on the date mentioned on your payslip, but it may take one or two days for the money to appear in your account, particularly if you have a different bank account.

Your gross earnings refer to your total salary before any taxes or bonuses are deducted. On the other hand, net salary is the amount you receive after deductions, such as taxes, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and union fees, have been made.

Employers can provide employees extra benefits such as cash or non-cash items like a company phone, lunch or exercise allowance, or even a car or accommodation. However, it's important to note that these benefits are subject to withholding tax. The inclusion of these benefits will depend on whether they are mandatory or provided by the employer.

Why are payslips important?

Payslips are important for many reasons. Apart from the fact that it is a legal requirement for your employer to provide one, payslips also help you keep track of your finances. When you receive your payslip, you can check that your salary, deductions, and taxes are correct. This avoids any misunderstandings with your employer.

In case of any contrast, you should contact your employer immediately and have the issue resolved. Your payslip is also important when you file your tax returns at the end of the year.

Taxation and payslip

Understanding taxation is important when checking your payslip. Taxes fund public services like healthcare and education. In Finland, income determines the percentage of taxes you pay - the more you earn, the higher the percentage.

When you receive your payslip, it shows how much tax has been deducted from your earnings. The payslip provides detailed information about how the total tax and other payments, such as insurance, pension, and social security fees, are calculated. This helps you to understand the amount of tax and other deductions that you need to report when filing your tax return.

If you have any questions about the taxes on your payslip, you can speak to a tax expert or contact the Finnish Tax Administration for further details.

At the end of the year, you'll need to file your tax return with the Finnish Tax Administration. This is where you report your total income for the year and any tax credits you may be eligible for. By keeping your payslips and knowing how much tax you have paid throughout the year, you'll be better prepared to report your tax return accurately.

Conclusion

To summarize, a payslip is mandatory in Finland and contains a comprehensive breakdown of your earnings, taxes, perks, and reductions. Being familiar with the information on your payslip is crucial to manage your finances and guarantee that you are receiving the correct payment. By organizing your payslips and comprehending how taxes are computed, you will be better equipped to file your tax returns at the end of the year. If you have any inquiries about your payslip, contact your employer or tax authorities for further clarification. Understanding and organizing your payslips is a valuable skill for all employees in Finland.