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Free letter template · Word

Joining Bonus Letter

A joining bonus letter sets out a one-time sign-on bonus offered to a new hire, often to compensate for a bonus forgone at the previous employer, along with when it will be paid and the conditions for repayment if the employee leaves within a minimum period.

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Preview of the letter

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

JOINING BONUS LETTER

Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]

To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]

Subject: Joining Bonus – Annexure to Offer Letter dated [DD/MM/YYYY]

Dear [Candidate Name],
Further to our offer for the position of [Designation], we are pleased to offer you a one-time joining bonus of ₹[Amount] (Rupees [Amount in Words] only) on the following terms.

  1. Payment: [Percentage]% with the first month's salary after your [Date of Joining], and the balance [Percentage]% with the salary of [Month] after completing [Number] months of service.
  2. The joining bonus is a one-time payment and does not form part of your annual CTC of ₹[CTC].
  3. Minimum service: if you resign or your employment is terminated for misconduct within [Number] months of joining, you agree to repay the joining bonus received on a pro-rata basis for the unserved months.
  4. Any amount repayable may be adjusted from your full and final settlement, and any balance will be paid by you within [Number] days of your last working day.
  5. The bonus is subject to TDS as per applicable income tax rules.
TranchePayable OnAmount (₹)
FirstSalary of [Month YYYY][Amount]
SecondSalary of [Month YYYY][Amount]
Total[Amount]

Please sign below to confirm your acceptance of these terms. We look forward to welcoming you on [Date of Joining].

Regards,

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
Accepted by
[Candidate Name]
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Bonus amount and that it is outside CTC (or part of it)
  • Payment schedule in one or more tranches
  • Minimum service period
  • Pro-rata repayment rule on early exit
  • Consent to recover from final settlement
  • Tax treatment

When to use it

  • Attracting a candidate who loses an unpaid bonus by resigning
  • Closing a hard-to-fill role quickly
  • Buying out part of a notice period at the previous employer
  • Campus or lateral hiring drives with sign-on incentives

How to customise this template

  1. 1Decide whether to pay in one go or split (e.g. on joining and after 6 months)
  2. 2Set the minimum service period your policy uses
  3. 3Choose full or pro-rata repayment
  4. 4Attach it to the offer letter as an annexure

HR tips

  • Spell out the clawback clearly; vague wording causes disputes
  • Keep the clawback reasonable and proportionate
  • Do not include the joining bonus in the recurring CTC figure
  • Get the candidate's signature before the bonus is paid

Repayment and recovery clauses should be reasonable and consistent with applicable wage law and contract principles. Review with a legal adviser before use.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a joining bonus part of CTC?+

It is a one-time payment and is usually shown separately from recurring CTC. Some companies mention first-year CTC including the joining bonus; be clear which one you use.

Do I have to return a joining bonus if I resign?+

Only if the letter has a repayment clause. Typically, leaving before the minimum service period requires full or pro-rata repayment.

Is joining bonus taxable?+

Yes, it is taxed as salary in the year it is received, and TDS is deducted.