A. Introduction and Objectives

This Flexible Benefits Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “FBP”) rolled out by Ample Group is designed to provide flexibility to Amplites to re-structure a portion of their CTC (the said portion is hereinafter referred to as “Flexi Benefit Pay”), towards an optimum tax outlay. The FBP intends to provide Amplites with an option to allocate a defined portion of his/her respective Flexi Benefit Pay into components which the Amplite considers beneficial. These components may consist of allowances, reimbursement, benefits and perquisites as defined in the FBP (hereinafter referred to as “Components”):

For FBP, Cost to Company shall mean the portion of Amplite’s compensation as defined in the Offer Letter or Salary Revision Letter, as the case may be.

Purpose of FBP:

Adopt the industry best practices to attract and retain talent.
Optimizing the Tax outlay within the overall framework of Income tax law.
To assist the Amplites to choose the benefits / perquisites best suited to them.

B. Eligibility

- Full-time, Permanent Amplites are eligible for the FBP.
- The FBP is applicable to all Amplites, including those on probation. However, the Car Lease (EMI) component is applicable only to Managers and above.
- Consultants are not eligible for the FBP.
- Amplites in higher tax brackets are better placed to avail of the tax-saving options available under the FBP and can opt to re-allocate portions of their salary to nontaxable benefits, effectively reducing their taxable income.

Exceptions to the eligibility criteria above are to be considered on a case-to-case basis.

C. Key aspects of the FBP

The following are the key aspects of the FBP and shall be mandatorily applicable for availing the relevant benefits:

Existing Amplites: All the existing Amplites who wish to avail benefits under the FBP shall select the Components they wish to choose and the respective amounts, in the Zoho Portal at the beginning of every Financial Year (FY’) i.e., starting 01 April and ending 31 March. For this clause, Existing Amplite shall mean an individual who is on Ample’s payroll as on 1st April 2025.
New Amplites: New Amplites must select the FBP Components and amounts at the time of joining Ample. For this clause, New Amplite shall mean an individual who joins Ample after 1st April 2025. [For the 1 & 2 above, Amplites must give a Declaration in Zoho Portal.]
An Amplite shall mandatorily select the Components of FBP at the beginning of the Financial Year (The Zoho portal will be active from 1st April till 20th April for selecting the FBP components).
Amplites are required to submit, including but not limited to, supporting documents / records / bills / receipts (hereinafter referred to as “Documents”) for the respective Component. Ample at its sole discretion reserves the right to seek more Documents from an Amplite to check authenticity of the Documents submitted.
The FBP Component for which an Amplite does not submit Documents shall be paid as unclaimed and shall be subject to deduction of applicable income tax at source as per The Income Tax Act, 1961.
The Components under the FBP selected at the beginning of a Financial Year shall hold good for the entire Financial Year and cannot be changed during the Financial Year.
The various Components which Ample is offering under the FBP and the eligibility and applicability of the said Component with the details are provided in Clause B & D of this Policy.
FBP Components chosen by an Amplite will be reviewed and approved by Ample and upon approval shall form a part of his/her revised compensation structure.
Some of the Components are in form of benefits and perquisites and these are provided as reimbursements based on actual spend, against bills submitted.
All Documents (as defined under clause C (4)) submitted by an Amplite shall be self-certified by the Amplite concerned.
If any Document is not self-certified or found to be not authentic, Ample at its sole discretion reserves the right to reject the Document and/or demand re-submission of the Document. The decision of Ample shall be final in this regard.
If Ample has granted the exemption / deduction / beneficial tax rate for any Component and in an instance where the tax and / or any regulatory authorities are of the view that the Documents provided by the Amplite is not authentic or the exemption / deduction / beneficial tax rate considered by Ample is not acceptable; the liability to settle the tax, interest or penalty, as the case may be, shall be with the Amplite concerned, irrespective of whether he/she continues to be in employment with Ample or not.
In the event any Amplite is questioned by the tax and / or other regulatory authorities on the genuineness or authenticity of a Document, based on which Ample has granted an exemption / deduction / beneficial tax rate; the Amplite concerned shall prove the same to the authorities in his/her individual capacity.
In an instance where Ample is questioned by the tax and / or other regulatory authorities about the genuineness or authenticity of the Document/s provided by an Amplite, basis which Ample has granted an exemption / deduction / beneficial tax rate, the Amplite concerned shall prove the same independently and shall be held responsible to compensate Ample for any corresponding liabilities and / or damage on account of his/her failure to prove the same before the concerned authorities.
Amplites are advised to maintain all Documents and any other relevant material for a minimum period of 5 years, to address any probable enquiry from any tax and or regulatory authorities, by producing the Documents and substantiating the claim.
Ample expects every Amplite to abide by the relevant laws, rules and regulations of the land in this respect. Any ingenuine / incorrect / dishonest claim by an Amplite for reimbursement / deduction / exemption / beneficial tax rate and/or any other relief or to evade taxes or for any other reason shall be considered as violation of Company’ Code of Conduct and Ample reserves the right to take necessary disciplinary action against the Amplite concerned. Ample shall adopt the appropriate action against an Amplite including but not limited to recovery of necessary taxes and other consequential payments and / or demotion and / or monetary penalty and / or termination of employment.
In case of Amplite’s separation from Ample, he/she shall submit the Documents on or before the last working day. Any unclaimed amount will be paid as taxable income.
For claiming the benefit under FBP; the expenses shall be incurred within the Financial Year and the bill date shall also be with in the same financial year. For new joiners, this will be from the date of joining till the end of Financial Year.

D. Components of the FBP, Provisions of law governing them and Procedure to be followed by Amplites to avail the benefits:

The total Cost to Company (CTC) will be paid / incurred by Ample as below:

(i) Basic Salary – 40% of the Gross
(ii) House Rent Allowance – 10% to 50% of Basic Salary
(iii) FBP
(iv) Balance salary (after contribution to Provident Fund, Gratuity etc.) and any unclaimed FBP will be paid as Grade Allowances.
(v) Variable Pay

Under the FBP, Ample offers the following Components (Both Allowance and Reimbursement) to Amplites to select:

Allowance

Reimbursement

An allowance is a fixed amount of money provided to an Amplite for a specific purpose, such as Basic, HRA, or Grade / Special Allowance, etc., It is generally paid regularly as part of the salary or compensation package. Amplite may use it for the intended purpose and doesn’t need to submit any receipts.

Example: HRA rent receipt: Amplite submits rent receipts in Zoho portal, he/she can claim a tax exemption. Failure to submit the proof will result in the entire amount being considered taxable income.

HRA will be disbursed on a monthly basis.

Reimbursement is where Ample repays an Amplite for expenses they have already incurred for business-related purposes. To claim reimbursement, the Amplite needs to submit receipts or other documentation proving the expenses incurred.

Amplite selecting the FBP reimbursement will be paid monthly based on the submission of proof / bills. Any unclaimed/undisbursed amount will be paid at the end of the financial year as taxable income.

Example:

* An Amplite opted for fuel reimbursement of ₹50,000 per annum.
* He/she submit bills worth ₹30,000 until February.
* ₹30,000 is reimbursed as NonTaxable Income based on the submitted bills.
* The Balance ₹20,000 will be disbursed at the end of the financial year (i.e., March), as taxable income.

Note: Tax exemptions on allowances are applicable only under the Old Tax Regime, while reimbursements are exempt under both regimes.

a. Components of FBP (Fixed)

1. House Rent Allowance
2. Leave Travel Allowance
3. Food Coupon

b. Components of FBP (Optional)

1. Professional Development Reimbursement
2. Car Lease (Car EMI)
3. Fuel Reimbursement
4. Vehicle Reimbursements (Maintenance & Insurance)
5. Driver Salary Reimbursement

The above list of Components may be changed by Ample at its sole discretion with a prior notification to Amplites.

The provisions of law governing HRA and the Components of FBP, documentation and the procedure to be followed by Amplites are defined below.

a. (1). House Rent Allowance (HRA)

HRA is an allowance granted specifically to meet the expenditure incurred on payment of rent for residential accommodation occupied by an Amplite. Ample provides a minimum of 10% and up to a maximum limit to 50% of the Basic Salary as HRA.

Amount of Exemption (only under Old Tax Regime): House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption is calculated as under:

Place where the accommodation is situated

Quantum of Exemption

Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata & Chennai

Least of the following:

• Actual HRA received
• 50% of Basic salary
• Excess of rent paid over 10% of Basic salary

Any other cities (including Bangalore)

Least of the following:

• Actual HRA received
• 40% of Basic salary
• Excess of rent paid over 10% of Basic salary

When an Amplite does not pay any rent or stays in his/her own residence, HRA exemption will not be permissible.

Documentation:

Amplite is required to provide the following documents in order to claim the HRA exemption:

(i) Copies of Rent Receipts with the address of the property signed by the landlord.
(ii) If the annual rent paid by Amplite exceeds INR 1,00,000, Amplite has to mandatorily submit the PAN of the landlord to Ample.
(iii) At the end of the year, Amplite is also required to provide the details in Form12BB the same shall be available in Zoho Portal.

a. (2). Leave Travel Assistance (LTA)

Value of travel assistance or concession would be provided by way allowance to an Amplite for himself and his family in connection with proceeding on leave to any place in India.

The amount allowed is up to 20% of the Basic salary or actual LTA.

The exemption is allowable (only under Old Tax Regime) for the actual amount of expenditure incurred by Amplite for self and family members for travel to any place in India.

Conditions for computing the actual amount of travel expenses under LTA:

a. Where the journey is performed by air, an amount not exceeding the air economy fare of the national carrier by the shortest route to the place of destination.

b. Where the journey is performed by rail, an amount not exceeding the air conditioned first-class fare by the shortest route to the place of destination.

c. Where the place of origin of journey and destination or part thereof are not connected by rail and journey performed between such places, the amount of exemption will be as under:

i. Where a recognized public transport system exists, an amount not exceeding the 1st class or deluxe class fare, as the case may be, to the shortest route to the place of destination; and

ii. Where no recognized public transport system exists, an amount equivalent to the air-conditioned first-class rail fare for the distance of the journey by the shortest route.

iii. Amplites to apply Annual Leave in Zoho portal.

Documentation:

The following documents / declaration are to be provided by Amplites:

(i) Actual tickets and boarding pass in the case of travel by air; train / bus
tickets in the case of travel by train / bus; actual bill along with proof of fare
for the distance travelled in case of travel by any other mode.
(ii) Since travel to a destination only within India is exempt, a declaration shall be submitted by Amplite that he/she has not travelled abroad as the next leg of the travel.
(iii) Declaration regarding the family members – that the persons
accompanying the Amplite during the travel are his/her family members;
and
(iv)Declaration regarding his/her LTA claim during his/her previous
employment, if any, since the exemption is available for only 2 travels in a block of 4 years.

For the purpose of tax exemption, ‘family’ in relation to an Amplite, means:

a. Spouse and children of the individual; and
b. Parents, brothers and sisters of the individual or any of them, wholly or
mainly dependent on the individual.

Other points to be noted

1. Exemptions for leave travel expenses can be claimed only against valid bills. 2. Providing exemption for the Indian leg of an international tour is not permissible.
3. Expenses on stay and food cannot be included in the claim.
4. Exemption for travel by car or personal vehicle or personal transport arrangements will not be granted.

a. (3). Food Coupon

Ample will provide non-transferable Food Coupon for a value of INR 31,200/- per financial year.

(i) A prepaid card will be issued to Amplites, with INR 2600/- loaded every month.

(ii) Amplites must submit the documents and complete the KYC formalities.

(iii) Cards should be used for meal expenses in the food joints.

Documentation:

In case of Food Coupon, the Amplite shall give a declaration at the end of the financial year, that he/she has not transferred these Food coupons to anyone and has used by them only at eating joints.

b. (1). Professional Development Reimbursement

Ample will reimburse the expenses of the Amplites for purchasing the products listed below, subject to a limit of INR 1,50,000 per financial year.

SL No

Eligible Product Categories

Smartphones & Accessories

Laptops/Desktops & Accessories

Tablets

For more details on eligibility, purchase limit & procedure, refer to the Amplite Purchase Program Policy (APP) in the Zoho portal.

Documentation:

(i) Copy of the bills / receipts of purchased products in the name of the Amplite.
(ii) Bills / receipts shall pertain to the Financial Year in which the reimbursement
is claimed

b. (2) Car Lease (Car EMI)

Ample provides a car leasing facility to Amplites under the FBP, offering significant tax savings and convenience for Amplites. Amplites can select the FBP – Car Lease component from their Grade Allowance based on the Car EMI amount, subject to approval by the leasing company.

Key Points about Car Leasing:

(i) Ample Leases the Car: Under the FBP, Ample leases the car on behalf of the Amplite and the car is registered in the name of Amplite for Official or personal use.

(ii) Lease Amounts: The lease amount paid by Ample to the leasing company forms a part of Amplite’s CTC (Grade Allowance). Amplites can choose the amount they want to pay as EMI, subject to approval from the leasing company. The amount will be deducted from the Amplite’s taxable income, thereby reducing the overall tax liability.

(iii) Tax Exemption on EMI: EMI’s which are paid under the car lease agreement will be considered for the purpose of tax exemption.

(iv) Tax Savings: Since the lease payment (EMI) is not taxed, it effectively reduces taxable income, depending on the individual’s tax bracket and the value of the car.

(v) Taxable Perquisites: When a car is used for personal purposes, it may be subject to tax on the perquisite value. The details are provided below in Valuation of Perquisites:

For more details of eligibility, purchase limit & procedure, refer to the Car Lease Policy in the Zoho portal.

Documentation:

(i) Lease Agreement – A triparty agreement between Ample, the leasing company, and Amplite, defining the lease terms, including duration,EMI payments, and other relevant terms & conditions.

(ii) Declaration from Amplite specifying whether the use is official, personal
or both.

b. (3). Fuel Reimbursement

Amplites can claim reimbursement for their fuel bills by submitting the bills to Ample. Amplites can select the FBP Fuel reimbursement component from their Grade Allowance, subject to a maximum value of INR 1,50,000 per year. This reimbursement is applicable only to four-wheeler vehicles.

Documentation:

(i) Proof of ownership of the vehicle (i.e. copy of Registration Certificate in
the name of the Amplite) to be submitted once a year along with the 1st claim.

(ii) Bills / invoices / receipts for actual expenditure incurred on fuel.

(iii) Declaration form for vehicles used for Official / Personal purposes to be
submitted once a year along with the 1st claim.

b. (4). Vehicle Reimbursement (Maintenance & Insurance)

Amplites can claim reimbursement for routine vehicle maintenance expenses, including Insurance paid, servicing, repairs and replacement of parts, provided the vehicle is used for official purposes. Amplites can select the FBP reimbursement component from their Grade Allowance, subject to a maximum value of INR 1,00,000 per year.

Documentation:

(i) Proof of ownership of the vehicle (i.e. copy of Registration Certificate
in the name of the Amplite) to be submitted once a year along with the
1st claim.

(ii) Submit original invoices or bills along with a brief description of the work done on the vehicle.

(iii) A copy of the vehicle insurance policy, including the premium payment
receipt, must be submitted for reimbursement.

(iv) Proof of payments (Invoices, Receipts, bank transfer, etc.).

b. (5). Driver’s Salary Reimbursement

Amplite’s employing a driver exclusively for official duties are eligible to claim reimbursement for the driver’s salary and select the FBP reimbursement component from their Grade Allowance, subject to a maximum value of INR 1,80,000 per year.

Documentation:
(i) Proof of payment to the driver (e.g., salary slips, bank transfers, etc.).
(ii) Declaration for vehicles used for Official purpose.
(iii) Copy of Driving License of the Driver.

Valuation of Perquisites:

General Clauses:

• Ample reserves the right to amend, repeal and modify this Policy at any time.
• Any Tax liability arising out of the FBP shall be borne by the Amplite. This includes any future change in the relevant tax legislation.
• For any clarifications on the Policy, Amplites are requested to reach out to the payroll team.