If you’re employed in India, chances are you have a Provident Fund (PF) account. The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a government-backed savings scheme, and your employer contributes to this fund to help secure your financial future. But what if you need to find your PF account number? Whether you’re changing jobs, planning your retirement, or just want to check your balance, knowing how to locate your PF account number is essential.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to find your PF account number easily.
What is PF Account Number?
A Provident Fund (PF) Account Number, also referred to as the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account number, is a 22-digit alphanumeric code provided by an employer when an EPF account is opened for an employee. This unique number is crucial for managing your retirement savings, as it allows you to track your EPF contributions, check your account balance, and make withdrawals. Whether you’re changing jobs or reviewing your savings, your PF account number provides access to the funds you’ve saved for retirement. Understanding how your PF account number functions is essential for effectively managing your EPF and securing your financial future.
With the introduction of the Universal Account Number (UAN), managing multiple PF accounts has become much easier. The UAN is an 11-digit unique identifier provided to each employee, serving as a central reference for all their PF accounts throughout their career. Each PF account number assigned by an employer is linked to the employee’s UAN, meaning that even if you change jobs and receive a new PF account number, it will still be connected to the same UAN. This simplifies the process of tracking contributions, managing accounts, and accessing your retirement savings, no matter how many employers you’ve had.
6 Ways to Find PF Account Number?
1. Check Your Salary Slip
Finding your PF account number on your salary slip is one of the easiest ways to access this important information. Most employers include the PF account details as part of the salary breakdown. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate your PF account number using your salary slip:
Step 1: Get a Copy of Your Salary Slip
Obtain your most recent salary slip from your employer. This could be in printed form or a digital copy (PDF or via email).
If you haven’t received it, you can request a copy from your HR department or download it from your company’s employee portal, if available.
Step 2: Identify the Deductions Section
Once you have your salary slip, look for the section that lists deductions. This section typically outlines the amounts deducted from your gross salary, including contributions to your Provident Fund (PF).
Step 3: Look for the EPF/PF Contribution Line
In the deductions section, you will usually find an entry labeled “PF”, “EPF” (Employee Provident Fund), or simply “Provident Fund”.
Next to this label, you should see the amount contributed towards your EPF for the month.
Step 4: Locate the PF Account Number
Directly beside or under the PF/EPF contribution entry, you should find your PF account number. This is a 22-digit alphanumeric code, which contains information about your employer, the state, and your regional EPFO office.
Step 5: Note Down the PF Number
Write down or save the PF account number for future use. You’ll need it to track your contributions, transfer accounts, or make withdrawals from your EPF account.
2. Through the UAN Portal
Finding your PF account number through the UAN (Universal Account Number) portal is a straightforward process that allows you to manage your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate your PF account number using the UAN portal:
Step 1: Access the UAN Member Portal
Open your web browser and go to the UAN Member e-Sewa portal.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
On the portal’s homepage, look for the “Login” section.
Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password.
If you haven’t registered yet, click on “Activate UAN” to create your account.
Step 3: Navigate to the “View” Section
Once logged in, you will be directed to your member dashboard.
Look for the “View” option in the top menu.
Step 4: Select “Service History”
Under the “View” menu, click on “Service History.”
This section displays all the employment details linked to your UAN, including your PF account numbers.
Step 5: Check Your PF Account Numbers
In the Service History section, you will see a list of all your linked PF account numbers along with details such as the establishment code and the date of joining.
Your PF account numbers will typically be displayed in a 22-digit alphanumeric format.
Step 6: Note Down the PF Account Number
Write down or save the PF account number(s) you need for future reference. This number is essential for tracking contributions, making withdrawals, or transferring funds when switching jobs.
3. Ask Your HR Department
Your company’s HR department is responsible for handling your Provident Fund contributions. They can easily provide you with your PF account number if you request it.
Simply send an email or visit the HR desk to ask for your PF account details, and they should be able to retrieve it for you.
4. Check Your PF Passbook Online
Accessing your PF passbook online is an efficient way to find your PF account number. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provides a service to view your passbook, which contains your PF account details, including your account number. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your PF passbook online:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Passbook Portal
Open your web browser and go to the EPFO Passbook Portal.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
On the passbook portal homepage, you will see the login section.
Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to activate your UAN first.
Step 3: Verify Your Details
After entering your UAN and password, you might be asked to enter a CAPTCHA code for verification.
Complete the CAPTCHA and click on the “Login” button.
Step 4: Access Your Passbook
Once logged in, you will be directed to your PF passbook page.
Here, you can view all transactions related to your EPF account.
Step 5: Find Your PF Account Number
In the passbook, you will see details of your PF contributions, withdrawals, and interest credited.
Your PF account number will typically be displayed at the top of the passbook or under the account details section.
Note that the passbook may show multiple PF account numbers if you have had more than one employer.
Step 6: Save or Print Your Passbook
If you need a physical copy, you can choose to print your passbook directly from the portal.
Alternatively, you can take a screenshot or save the page for your records.
5. Use the EPFO App
The EPFO app provides a convenient way to access your PF account details, including your PF account number. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can retrieve essential information about your Employee Provident Fund (EPF). Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding your PF account number using the EPFO app:
Step 1: Download the EPFO App
Go to the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).
Search for the “EPFO” app and download it. The official app is called “UMANG – Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance.“
Android Mobile App link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.umang.negd.g2c&hl=en_IN
Apple App Store (iOS) link- https://apps.apple.com/in/app/umang/id1236448857
Step 2: Open the App
Once the app is installed, open it on your device.
If prompted, allow the necessary permissions for the app to function correctly.
Step 3: Register or Log In
If you are a new user, you may need to register using your mobile number linked to your UAN.
For existing users, enter your mobile number and click on “Login.“
Step 4: Navigate to the EPFO Section
After logging in, look for the EPFO services or “Employee” section on the homepage.
Tap on this section to explore various EPFO services available.
Step 5: Select “View Passbook”
Within the EPFO section, select the option labeled “View Passbook.“
This will require you to enter your UAN and a verification code, if prompted.
Step 6: Access Your Passbook
Once you’ve entered the required information, you will be able to view your PF passbook.
The passbook displays all your transactions, contributions, and the details of your PF account.
Step 7: Find Your PF Account Number
Your PF account number will typically be shown at the top of the passbook or under the account details.
If you have multiple PF accounts linked to your UAN, all of them will be listed here.
Step 8: Note Down Your PF Account Number
Write down or save your PF account number for future reference. This information is crucial for managing your EPF account and making withdrawals.
6. Check Your PF Number on Form 16
Form 16 is a crucial document for employees in India, as it serves as a certificate of tax deducted at source (TDS) and provides a summary of your income and tax deductions for the financial year. Many employers include the PF account number on this form, making it a useful resource for finding your PF account number. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to locate your PF account number on Form 16:
Step 1: Obtain Your Form 16
Request Form 16 from your HR department if you haven’t received it. Employers typically issue this form at the end of the financial year or when you leave the organization.
Check your email as some employers may send Form 16 electronically.
Step 2: Open Your Form 16
If you have received a physical copy, take it out. If it’s in PDF format, open the file on your computer or mobile device.
Step 3: Identify the Relevant Sections
Form 16 consists of two parts: Part A and Part B.
Part A contains details about your employer, your income, and the tax deducted. Part B provides a detailed breakup of your salary and deductions.
Step 4: Look for the Deductions Section
In Part B, find the section that lists various deductions under the heading “Deductions under Chapter VI-A” or “Employee Provident Fund”.
The PF account number is often mentioned next to the PF contribution details.
Step 5: Locate Your PF Account Number
Look for a line item labeled “EPF”, “Provident Fund“, or “Employee Provident Fund“.
The PF account number will typically follow the label, formatted as a 22-digit alphanumeric code.
Step 6: Note Down the PF Account Number
Write down or save the PF account number for your records. This number is essential for managing your EPF account, checking your balance, or making withdrawals.
Why is it Important to Know Your PF Account Number?
Knowing your PF account number is crucial for managing your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account effectively. This unique identifier not only helps you track your contributions but also plays a vital role in ensuring your financial security during retirement. Here are several reasons why it is important to know your PF account number:
1. Tracking Contributions
Your PF account number allows you to monitor your contributions over time. By regularly checking your account, you can ensure that the correct amounts are being deposited by your employer, helping you stay informed about your savings.
2. Accessing Your Balance
To check your EPF balance, you will need your PF account number. Knowing this number enables you to access real-time information about your savings, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding your financial future.
3. Making Withdrawals
Whether you are changing jobs, retiring, or facing financial emergencies, knowing your PF account number is essential for processing withdrawals. You’ll need this number to fill out forms and submit requests for your funds.
4. Transferring Your Account
If you change jobs, you may want to transfer your PF account to your new employer. Knowing your PF account number simplifies this process, ensuring that your contributions are seamlessly transferred to your new account.
5. Claiming Benefits
In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, having your PF account number handy allows you to claim benefits quickly. This is especially important for employees who rely on their provident fund for financial support during challenging times.
6. Taxation and Documentation
Your PF account number is essential for tax-related documentation and filing. It is often required when you need to provide proof of contributions for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
7. Managing Multiple Accounts
If you have worked with multiple employers, you may have several PF accounts linked to your UAN (Universal Account Number). Knowing each PF account number allows you to manage these accounts effectively and ensure all contributions are tracked under one umbrella.
PF Account Number Format
The PF account number is a unique identification number assigned to each employee’s Provident Fund (PF) account in India. It typically follows a specific format that helps identify the employee, the employer, and the regional EPF office managing the account. Here’s a breakdown of the PF account number format:
A PF account number is a unique identifier assigned to employees who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) in India. This number consists of both letters and digits, containing essential information about the account holder.
Example of a PF Account Number
Consider the PF number “TNBLR00345670000001234”. This number reveals the following details:
- 1. State Code (2 Letters):
Description: The first two letters indicate the state where the EPF office is located. For example, UP stands for Uttar Pradesh, KA for Karnataka, and TN for Tamil Nadu.
2. Regional PF Office Code (3 Letters):
Description: The next three letters represent the code for the specific regional PF office, helping identify which office manages the employee’s PF account.
3. Establishment ID (7 Digits):
Description: The first seven digits signify the establishment ID of your employer, which is unique to the organization and indicates where the employee is registered.
4. Extension Code (3 Digits):
Description: The following three digits denote the extension code of the establishment ID, further specifying the branch or division of the employer’s establishment.
5. Employee-specific Account Number (7 Digits):
Description: The last seven digits indicate the actual EPF account number, which is unique to the employee. This number is used for managing PF contributions and withdrawals.
UAN (Universal Account Number): With the introduction of the UAN system, employees can have multiple PF account numbers linked to a single UAN. The UAN itself is an 11-digit number that remains constant throughout an employee’s career, making it easier to manage multiple accounts.
Understanding the format of your PF account number is essential for accessing your PF account, checking your balance, and managing your retirement savings effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding the format and significance of your PF account number is essential for effective management of your Employee Provident Fund. This unique identifier not only facilitates tracking your contributions and checking your balance but also plays a crucial role in the withdrawal process and transferring your account when changing jobs. By familiarizing yourself with the details encoded in your PF account number, you empower yourself to make informed decisions regarding your retirement savings. Always keep this information handy, as it is a key component in ensuring your financial security and a smooth transition through your professional journey. Taking the time to understand your PF account number can lead to better financial planning and peace of mind for your future.
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