17 May 2025

Example of payroll with flexible compensation

example of a payroll

Table of contents

Did you know that you can improve the purchasing power of your employees without increasing the cost of wages?

In this article we show you a example of payroll with flexible remuneration, with products such as Ticket Restaurant, Childcare Ticket and Transport Ticket, to understand in a practical way how flexible remuneration is reflected in the payroll and how much can be saved.

What is a flexible payroll? 

A flexible payroll is a compensation model which allows employees to earmarking part of their gross salary for certain tax-advantaged items, without increasing costs for the company.

This system of flexible compensation is based on taking advantage of benefits provided for by the regulations that are exempt in whole or in part from personal income tax, This allows the employee to increase his or her purchasing power and the company to offer a more attractive value proposition.

How does flexible pay work in the payroll (real example)?

Let's look at a practical example to understand the economic impact of applying flexible remuneration:

Initial conditions:

  • Gross annual salary: 24,000 euros 
  • Children under 25 years of age: 2 (one under 3 years of age) 
  • Monthly expenses (for 11 months of the year):
    • Restaurant: 130 €/month
    • Childcare: 200 €/month
    • Mobility: 130 €/month

Example of a payroll without flexible remuneration:

  1. IRPF of 9,97% → 2.393,30 €.
  2. Net annual salary: 21.606,70 €.
  3. Expenses: €1,760 (restaurants) + €2,200 (childcare) + €1,430 (transport)
    → Money available: 16.216,70 €.

Example of a payroll with flexible remuneration:

  1. Restaurant Ticket: 1.760 €.
    Edenred Guardería: € 2,200
    Edenred Mobility: 1,430 €.
  2. Remaining gross amount: 18,610 €.
  3. Personal income tax of 6,08% → 1.131,37 €.
    → Money available: 17.478,63 €.

 

Annual savings: 1.261,93 €
I.e. an extra monthly allowance or a paid holiday.

How is flexible remuneration reflected in the payroll?

Flexible remuneration is shown on the payroll as specific items exempt from personal income tax, The taxable portion of the gross salary is allocated to tax-advantaged benefits.

As these amounts are excluded from the tax base, these amounts reduce taxes payable and increase net disposable income of the employee, at no additional cost to the company.

Calculate your savings with flexible remuneration

You can easily estimate your own savings with the Edenred's flexible remuneration calculator.

Enter your details and find out how much you could increase your purchasing power without changing your gross salary.

What about flexible remuneration in the income tax return?

The amounts allocated via flexible remuneration are already considered in the payroll as exempt or partially exempt from personal income tax, so that when the time comes to make the tax declaration it is not necessary to adjust them manuallyare already excluded from the taxable amount of earned income.

For more details on how they are reflected and what limits apply, please see this article: «Flexible compensation in income tax returns«.

What are the advantages of flexible remuneration?

  1. Economic savings for the company: The payroll with flexible remuneration reduces costs compared to other business benefits. In addition, Edenred's digital solutions simplify management, saving time and administrative resources.
  2. Increased purchasing power for the employee: The employee pays less tax and enjoys valuable services - meals, childcare or transport - without any change in their gross salary. This translates into more money available at the end of the month.
  3. Talent satisfaction and retention: By improving the quality of life and offering flexibility, flexible remuneration increases motivation and the fidelity team, reinforcing the employer brand.

How to implement a flexible payroll with Edenred?

At Edenred we offer you personalised advice on the options that best suit you and your employees' needs. With our experience and technological platform, we can help you to implementing a flexible payroll that benefits both parties.  

If you need more information to define your company's compensation strategy, We can work with you to design a tailor-made benefits package. that promotes job satisfaction and talent retention in your organisation. 

Discover our complete guide to Flexible Compensation!

Edenred Spain