The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a savings plan meant to ensure financial stability for employees when they retire. It’s widely used by salaried workers in India as a key tool for building retirement savings.
The EPF is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). Both employees and employers contribute to this fund every month, helping employees grow a solid financial base for their future.
Why Should You Care About EPF?
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) goes beyond simple savings—it’s a key tool for long-term financial security. It not only helps employees plan for a stable retirement but also offers insurance and pension benefits, making it a well-rounded solution for future financial needs.
With mandatory contributions from employers, EPF boosts the growth of savings, making it easier to build a significant fund for life after retirement. Plus, the tax benefits associated with EPF make it an essential part of any salaried individual’s financial strategy.
EPF Withdrawal- When You Can Access Your EPF Funds
Conditions for EPF Withdrawal
The main goal of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is to provide financial security after retirement. However, there are certain situations where you can access your funds before reaching retirement age. These withdrawals fall into two categories: partial withdrawals, which are allowed for specific purposes like medical emergencies or education, and full withdrawals, which are permitted upon retirement or in cases of unemployment. Let’s explore these options:
1. Full EPF Withdrawal
You can fully withdraw the balance in your EPF account under the following conditions:
- Retirement: Upon reaching the retirement age of 58, you can withdraw your full EPF corpus.
- Unemployment: If you are unemployed for more than two months, you can withdraw the full EPF balance. However, this will require certification from a gazetted officer.
- Pre-mature retirement (due to illness or disability): In case of serious illness or permanent disability, you may also be eligible for full withdrawal.
It’s important to note that if you withdraw your EPF balance before completing five years of continuous service, the withdrawn amount may be subject to tax.
2. Partial EPF Withdrawal
Under specific circumstances, partial withdrawals from the EPF corpus are allowed. These withdrawals are purpose-driven and have certain limits:
Condition | Service Tenure | Withdrawal Limit | Other Conditions |
Construction/Purchase of house | 5 years | For land – Up to 24 times of monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance For house – Up to 36 times of monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance, The above limits are restricted to the total cost | i. The asset, i.e. land or the house should be in the name of the employee or jointly with the spouse. ii. It can be withdrawn just once for this purpose during the entire service. iii. The construction should begin within 6 months and must be completed within 12 months from the last withdrawn instalment. |
Medical treatment | No limitation | 6 times the monthly basic salary or the total employee’s share plus interest, whichever is lower. | Medical treatment of self, spouse, children, or parents |
Education | 7 Years | Up to 50% of employee’s share of contribution to EPF | Least of below: 1. Up to 36 times of monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance 2. Total corpus consisting of employer and employee’s contribution with interest. 3. Total outstanding principal and interest on housing loan Max limit-90% of the amount that can be withdrawn |
Repayment of Home Loan | 3 Years | For land – Up to 24 times of monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance For house – Up to 36 times of monthly basic salary plus dearness allowance, The Above limits are restricted to the total cost | i. The property should be registered in the name of the employee or spouse or jointly with the spouse. ii. Withdrawal permitted subject to furnishing of requisite documents as stated by the EPFO relating to the housing loan availed. iii. The accumulation in the member’s PF account (or together with the spouse), including the interest, has to be more than Rs 20,000. |
Renovation of House | 5 Years | Least of the below: Up to 12 times the monthly wages and dearness allowance, or Employee contribution with interest, or Total cost | i. The property should be registered in the name of the employee or spouse or jointly held with the spouse. ii. The facility can be availed twice: a. After 5 years of the completion of the house b. After the 10 years of the completion of the house |
Wedding | 7 Years | 50% of the employee’s contribution with interest can be withdrawn | For the marriage of self, son/daughter, and brother/sister |
Unemployment | The employee after 1st month of unemployment | 75% after 1st month and 25% after 2nd month of unemployment | Once the employee reaches 54 years withdrawal should be within one year of retirement/superannuation |
Partial withdrawal before retirement | Either for the account holder’s education or the child’s education (post-matriculation) | Up to 90% of accumulated balance with interest | NA |
How to Withdraw Your PF Amount: Online and Offline
Withdrawing your Provident Fund (PF) amount can be done either online or offline, depending on your preference. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods:
Offline Process to Withdraw PF Amount
For those who prefer the offline method or are facing issues with the online process, you can still withdraw your PF using physical forms.
Steps to Withdraw PF Offline:
- Download the Claim Form:
Download the appropriate claim form (Form 19, 10C, or 31) from the EPFO website or collect it from your nearest EPFO office.
- Fill in the Form:
Fill in your details such as UAN, Aadhaar, bank account number, and other personal information.
- Attach Documents:
Attach self-attested copies of your Aadhaar card, bank account passbook/cancelled cheque, and PAN card (if necessary).
- Submit to EPFO Office:
Submit the duly filled form and attached documents to the nearest EPFO office or via your employer.
- Wait for Processing:
Once the EPFO receives the form, it will verify your details, and if everything is correct, your claim will be processed.
You will receive the PF amount in your linked bank account in 20-30 days.
Online Process to Withdraw PF Amount
To withdraw your PF amount online, you must have an active Universal Account Number (UAN), which should be linked with your Aadhaar, bank account, and PAN.
Eligibility for Online Withdrawal:
Before proceeding, verify that you meet the conditions for withdrawal. You can withdraw:
- Partially, for specific purposes such as medical emergencies, marriage, education, home loan repayments, etc.
- You must be unemployed for more than two months or have met the retirement age.
- Your UAN should be activated and Aadhaar verified.
- KYC (Know Your Customer) information such as PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details must be linked.
11 Steps to Withdraw PF Online:
Step1: Login to the EPFO Portal:
Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal
Step 2: Enter your UAN, password, and captcha code, and log in.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Manage’ tab and select ‘KYC’ to verify if your KYC details, including Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account information, are updated and validated.
Step 4: After your KYC details are verified, navigate to the ‘Online Services’ tab and select the option ‘Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: The next screen will show your member details such as name, date of birth, and UAN number, KYC details, and other service information. Enter your bank account number linked with your UAN for verification.
Step 6: Click ‘Yes’ to confirm and sign the certificate of undertaking, then proceed.
Step 7: After confirmation, click on “Proceed for Online Claim”
Step 8: Select the claim you wish to file:
PF withdrawal (Form 19), Pension withdrawal (Form 10C), or Partial withdrawal (Form 31).
If you are withdrawing for purposes like home purchase, education, marriage, etc., select Form 31 (Partial Withdrawal).
Further, provide the purpose of such advance, the amount required and the employee’s address.
Step 9: Submit Claim Information:
Enter the details for your withdrawal, including the reason and amount. You might need to upload relevant documents depending on the purpose of your claim.
Step 10: Complete Verification
Click on ‘Get Aadhaar OTP’ to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Enter the OTP to authenticate and submit the request.
A reference number will be generated, and the claim status can be tracked online.
Step 11: Receive Payment
After your request is processed, the funds will be transferred directly to your registered bank account. Processing time generally takes between 7 to 30 days.
EPF Withdrawal Taxability
The taxability of your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal depends on several factors, primarily your period of continuous service and the reason for withdrawal. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. EPF Withdrawal Before 5 Years of Continuous Service
If you withdraw your EPF before completing 5 years of continuous service, the amount may be taxable. The following components will be taxed:
- Employer’s Contribution to the EPF and the interest earned on it are treated as taxable income under the head “Income from Salary.”
- Employee’s Contribution is not taxed, as it was made from your income (which is already taxed). However, the interest earned on the employee’s contribution is taxed under the head “Income from Other Sources.”
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS): TDS at 10% is deducted on EPF withdrawal amounts exceeding ₹50,000 if PAN is provided. If PAN is not available, TDS is deducted at a rate of 30%.
Exceptions to TDS Deduction:
- TDS is not deducted if the withdrawal amount is less than ₹50,000.
- TDS is not applicable if Form 15G or Form 15H (for senior citizens) is submitted, indicating that the total income is below the taxable limit.
2. EPF Withdrawal After 5 Years of Continuous Service
If you withdraw your EPF after completing 5 years of continuous service, the amount is tax-exempt. The entire withdrawal, including both employer and employee contributions and the interest earned, is tax-free.
3. Premature EPF Withdrawal for Specific Purposes
Partial withdrawals made for specific reasons such as medical treatment, house purchase, marriage, or education are generally not taxable. These withdrawals are subject to specific conditions set by the EPFO but do not attract taxes if they qualify under the mentioned criteria.
4. Situations Where EPF Withdrawal Is Non-Taxable
- Unemployment: If an employee withdraws their EPF after being unemployed for more than 2 months, the withdrawal may still be taxable if it occurs before 5 years of service.
- Retirement or Employment Termination Due to Disability: In case of retirement after 58 years of age or termination of employment due to disability, EPF withdrawal is tax-free, irrespective of the service period.
5. How to Declare EPF Withdrawal in ITR
If your EPF withdrawal is taxable, you need to include it in your Income Tax Return (ITR) under the respective heads (Income from Salary or Income from Other Sources) and pay the applicable tax on it.
Example: EPF Withdrawal Taxability
Let’s assume someone is withdrawing ₹5 lakhs from their EPF before completing 5 years of continuous service. Here’s how the taxability would be calculated:
1. Breakdown of ₹5 Lakhs EPF Withdrawal:
The total EPF corpus consists of three components:
- Employer’s contribution: Part of the amount contributed by the employer.
- Employee’s contribution: Part contributed by the employee.
- Interest earned on both contributions.
Let’s say for this example:
- Employer’s contribution is ₹2 lakhs.
- Employee’s contribution is ₹2.5 lakhs.
- Interest earned on both contributions is ₹50,000.
2. Tax Treatment of Each Component:
Employer’s Contribution & Interest:
Employer’s contribution (₹2 lakhs) and the interest earned on it are treated as income from salary and will be added to the total taxable salary of the individual for that financial year.
Employee’s Contribution:
Employee’s contribution (₹2.5 lakhs) is not taxable, as it was already made from taxable income at the time of contribution.
Interest on Employee’s Contribution:
The interest earned on the employee’s contribution (₹25,000) will be taxed under the head “Income from Other Sources.”
3. Total Taxable Amount:
The following amounts are taxable:
- Employer’s contribution + Interest (₹2 lakhs + ₹25,000) = ₹2,25,000 (Income from Salary).
- Interest on Employee’s Contribution = ₹25,000 (Income from Other Sources).
4. Tax Deducted at Source (TDS):
TDS at 10% will be deducted on the total amount of ₹5 lakhs (since it exceeds ₹50,000), provided the employee’s PAN is available. If PAN is not available, TDS will be deducted at 30%.
- TDS at 10% on ₹5,00,000 = ₹50,000.
5. Tax Liability Calculation:
Let’s calculate the approximate tax liability for an individual in the 20% tax slab with a total income of ₹10 lakhs (after adding the EPF withdrawal). This is a general example, and actual tax liability depends on specific tax slab rates:
Before EPF Withdrawal:
- Tax on ₹10,00,000 income (as per the 2023-24 tax slab):
- ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,00,000: 5% tax = ₹12,500.
- ₹5,00,001 to ₹10,00,000: 20% tax = ₹1,00,000.
Total tax before EPF withdrawal = ₹12,500 + ₹1,00,000 = ₹1,12,500.
After Adding EPF Taxable Amount (₹2,50,000):
- Add ₹2,25,000 (from employer’s contribution + interest) to salary.
- Add ₹25,000 (interest on employee’s contribution) to other income.
Total taxable income becomes ₹12,25,000:
- Tax on income up to ₹10,00,000 (as above) = ₹1,12,500.
- Tax on ₹10,00,001 to ₹12,25,000: 20% of ₹2,25,000 = ₹45,000.
- Total tax after EPF withdrawal = ₹1,12,500 + ₹45,000 = ₹1,57,500.
6. Final Tax Payable:
If TDS of ₹50,000 has already been deducted:
- Total tax payable = ₹1,57,500 – ₹50,000 (TDS) = ₹1,07,500.
This would be the additional tax liability after accounting for the TDS already deducted on the EPF withdrawal.
Key Takeaways:
- ₹2,25,000 (employer’s contribution and interest) is taxed as salary.
- ₹25,000 (interest on employee’s contribution) is taxed as other income.
- TDS at 10% is deducted from the withdrawal amount if PAN is available.
- The final tax liability depends on the individual’s total income and tax slab rate.
Documents required for EPF withdrawal
Whether you are withdrawing your EPF online or offline, certain documents are required to ensure your withdrawal process is smooth and successful. Here is a list of the key documents needed for both methods:
1. Documents for Online EPF Withdrawal
When withdrawing EPF online through the EPFO portal, most of the details are linked with your UAN (Universal Account Number), so the document requirements are minimal:
- Aadhaar Card (should be linked with UAN).
- Bank Account Details (bank account number linked with UAN and verified with IFSC).
- PAN Card (required if service is less than 5 years or withdrawal exceeds ₹50,000).
If these details are already verified and linked with your UAN, you typically do not need to submit physical copies, as the system will automatically retrieve the necessary information.
2. Documents for Offline EPF Withdrawal
For offline EPF withdrawal, a few additional documents may be required since the process involves manual submission:
- Duly Filled EPF Withdrawal Form:
- Form 19 for final PF settlement.
- Form 10C for pension withdrawal.
- Form 31 for partial withdrawal.
- Aadhaar Card (copy with self-attestation).
- PAN Card (if applicable).
- Cancelled Cheque or Bank Passbook Copy (to verify your bank details—account number, IFSC, etc.).
- Two Months’ Unemployment Proof (in case of withdrawal due to unemployment).
- Employer’s Attestation (in cases where the UAN is not Aadhaar-verified or the KYC is not updated).
If you are withdrawing due to medical emergencies, education, marriage, or home purchase, you may need to provide additional documents, such as:
- Medical certificate from a doctor or hospital for medical withdrawals.
- Fee receipts for education withdrawals.
- Proof of property purchase (like sale deed, agreement, or receipts) for home purchase withdrawals.
The process to enter the exit date for EPF withdrawal
The exit date is an essential requirement when applying for a full EPF withdrawal. It marks the last working day with your previous employer, and it needs to be updated in the EPFO portal to process your withdrawal claim. There are two ways to update the exit date: either by your employer or by you as the employee.
Method 1: Employer Updates the Exit Date
Usually, your employer is responsible for updating the exit date in the EPFO records. However, if it is not updated, you can request your employer to do so. Once the employer updates the exit date, you can proceed with the withdrawal.
Method 2: Employee Updates the Exit Date
If the employer hasn’t updated it, you can update your exit date yourself through the EPFO portal, provided your UAN is Aadhaar-seeded and verified.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Steps to Enter Exit Date for PF Withdrawal (Employee Self-update)
Step 1: Log in to EPFO Portal:
- Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal
- Log in using your UAN, password, and the captcha code.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Manage’ Section:
- Once logged in, click on the ‘Manage’ tab in the top menu.
- From the drop-down menu, select ‘Mark Exit’.
Step 3: Select Your Employer:
- You will see a list of all your previous employers if you have multiple employment records.
- Select the EPF account for which you want to enter the exit date.
Step 4: Enter the Exit Date:
- You will be prompted to enter the last working day with the employer.
- The exit date should match the date mentioned on your relieving letter or last salary slip.
Step 5: Enter Reason for Exit:
- Choose the appropriate reason for exit (e.g., resignation, retirement, etc.) from the list of options.
Step 6: Submit the Exit Details:
- After entering the exit date and selecting the reason for leaving, click ‘Submit’.
Step 7: Confirmation:
- A confirmation message will appear on the screen, indicating that the exit date has been successfully updated.
Step 8: Check the Update:
- To verify, you can go to the ‘Service History’ section under the ‘View’ tab and confirm if the exit date is correctly reflected.
Important Points:
- Aadhaar-seeded UAN is mandatory to self-update the exit date. If your UAN is not Aadhaar-verified, you will need to request your employer to update it.
- The exit date should be accurate and match your employer’s records to avoid rejection of your claim.
- The exit date should be at least two months old to claim full EPF withdrawal unless withdrawing due to retirement, disability, or special circumstances.
- Once the exit date is updated, you can proceed to apply for PF withdrawal through the EPFO portal by selecting the appropriate claim form.
How to check EPF withdrawal status
You can easily track the status of your EPF (Employee Provident Fund) withdrawal application online through multiple platforms. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Check PF Withdrawal Status on the EPFO Portal
The easiest way to check your PF withdrawal status is via the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal. Follow these steps:
Steps:
- Visit the EPFO Portal:
- Go to EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal.
- Log in to Your Account:
- Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number), password, and captcha code to log in.
- Go to ‘Online Services’:
- From the top menu, click on the ‘Online Services’ tab.
- Worry-free EPF status check
- Select the option ‘Track Claim Status’ from the drop-down menu.
- You will be able to see the status of your EPF withdrawal claim, including the claim submission date, current processing stage, and whether it has been approved or rejected.
2. Check PF Withdrawal Status via the UMANG App
You can also use the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app to track your PF claim status.
Steps:
- 1. Download the UMANG App:
- If you don’t have it, download the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- UMANG App link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.umang.negd.g2c&pcampaignid=web_share
- 2. Login or Register:
- Register using your mobile number or UAN-linked credentials.
- 3. Select ‘EPFO’ Service:
- In the app, find and select the ‘EPFO’ option.
- 4. Verify your claim status in minutes:
- Under the EPFO services, click on ‘Track Claim’.
- Enter your UAN and you will see your claim status, whether it’s under process or completed.
3. Check PF Status via the EPFO Helpdesk (Missed Call/SMS)
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can check your PF withdrawal status via a missed call or SMS service.
Missed Call Method:
- Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number (linked with UAN).
- You will receive an SMS with details about your EPF account and claim status.
SMS Method:
- Send an SMS to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.
- Format: EPFOHO UAN ENG (replace ENG with your preferred language code, such as HIN for Hindi, MAR for Marathi, etc.).
- You will get an SMS response showing your claim status.
4. Check PF Status through the EPFO Toll-Free Number
You can call the EPFO toll-free number to inquire about your claim status:
- EPFO Helpdesk Number: 1800 118 005
- Provide your UAN and other necessary details to the representative for assistance.
5. Check Status Using the EPF Passbook Portal
Another way to monitor the status is via the EPF Passbook Portal.
Steps:
- 1. Visit the EPFO Passbook Portal
- 2. Log in using your UAN and password.
- 3. Check Transaction Entries: Any withdrawal made from your account will be shown in the passbook with details of credit or debit along with the date.
EPF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here’s a collection of common questions and answers about EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) withdrawal, claim status, and related procedures:
1. What is EPF?
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a government savings scheme where both employees and employers contribute a percentage of the employee’s salary every month. The accumulated amount, along with interest, can be withdrawn upon retirement or under specific conditions.
2. Who is eligible to withdraw EPF?
EPF can be withdrawn in full upon retirement (after 58 years), or partial withdrawals are allowed under specific circumstances such as medical emergencies, home purchase, education, or after two months of unemployment.
3. How can I withdraw my EPF online?
To withdraw your EPF online:
Log in to the UAN Member e-Sewa portal.
Go to the ‘Online Services’ tab.
Select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’ and follow the instructions to complete the withdrawal.
4. What documents are required for EPF withdrawal?
For online withdrawal, your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details should be linked and verified in the EPFO portal. For offline withdrawal, additional documents like Form 19, Form 10C, and a cancelled cheque may be required.
5. How long does it take for the EPF claim to be processed?
EPF claims are generally processed within 5-20 working days after the claim is submitted, provided all details are correct and verified.
6. How can I check my EPF withdrawal status?
You can check your EPF withdrawal status through:
The EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.
The UMANG app.
SMS or missed call to EPFO’s service number.
Contacting the EPFO toll-free helpline.
7. Is EPF withdrawal taxable?
Yes, EPF withdrawals are taxable if you withdraw before completing 5 years of continuous service. TDS may be deducted if the amount exceeds ₹50,000, and PAN is mandatory for such withdrawals.
8. What is Form 19, Form 10C, and Form 31?
Form 19: Used for final settlement of EPF balance.
Form 10C: For withdrawal of pension under the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS).
Form 31: For partial withdrawals (advance) from EPF.
9. How can I update my exit date for EPF withdrawal?
You can update the exit date either through your employer or by logging into the UAN Member e-Sewa portal, going to the ‘Mark Exit’ section, and entering your last working day.
10. What happens if my EPF withdrawal claim is rejected?
If your claim is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason for rejection. Common reasons include mismatched or incomplete KYC details, incorrect exit date, or unlinked Aadhaar. Correct the discrepancies and reapply for withdrawal.
11. How much EPF can I withdraw for home purchase or construction?
You can withdraw up to 90% of your EPF balance for purchasing or constructing a house. The property must be registered in your name, your spouse’s name, or jointly.
12. Can I withdraw my EPF during unemployment?
Yes, you can withdraw 75% of your EPF balance after 1 month of unemployment and the remaining 25% after 2 months of unemployment, or you can leave the balance until you are re-employed.
13. What is UAN, and why is it important?
UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit number assigned to every EPF member. It helps consolidate multiple PF accounts under one ID and is required for tracking and managing EPF contributions, withdrawals, and transfers.
14. Can I withdraw my EPF balance after retirement?
Yes, after retirement (58 years and above), you can withdraw the entire EPF corpus, including both employee and employer contributions, plus interest accrued.
15. Can I withdraw the entire EPF balance before retirement?
You cannot withdraw the entire EPF balance before retirement, except in specific cases like permanent disability, medical emergencies, or two months of unemployment.
16. Can I withdraw my EPF balance for medical treatment?
Yes, EPF allows for partial withdrawal for medical treatment. You can withdraw up to 6 times your basic salary or your entire employee contribution, whichever is lower. This can be done for yourself, your spouse, children, or dependent parents.
17. How often can I withdraw from my EPF account?
The number of times you can withdraw from your EPF account depends on the reason for withdrawal. For example:
Medical Emergencies: No limit on the number of withdrawals.
Home Purchase/Construction: Only once in your lifetime.
Children’s Education/Marriage: You can withdraw up to 50% of your contribution, and it’s allowed up to three times for different occasions.
18. What should I do if I forget my UAN?
If you forget your UAN, you can retrieve it by visiting the EPFO portal, selecting the ‘Know Your UAN Status’ option, and entering your Aadhaar, PAN, or EPF Member ID. You will receive your UAN via SMS on your registered mobile number.
19. Can I nominate someone for my EPF account?
Yes, you can nominate a family member (spouse, children, or dependent parents) for your EPF account. The nomination can be made online via the EPFO portal under the ‘Manage > e-Nomination’ section.
20. What happens to my EPF account if I change jobs?
When you switch jobs, your new employer will open a new EPF account under the same UAN. You can transfer the balance from your previous EPF account to your new account using the EPFO portal’s online transfer facility. It’s essential to keep your UAN active and ensure your KYC details are updated.
21. What is the interest rate on EPF contributions?
The interest rate on EPF contributions is decided by the EPFO each financial year. For FY 2023-24, the interest rate is set at 8.15%. The interest is compounded annually and credited to your EPF account.
22. Can NRIs withdraw their EPF balance?
Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can withdraw their EPF balance online. However, the withdrawal amount is subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source). NRIs must have their UAN, Aadhaar, and PAN linked to avoid higher TDS.
23. What is the TDS rate on EPF withdrawals?
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is applicable on EPF withdrawals if:
The withdrawal is before completing 5 years of service.
The withdrawal amount exceeds ₹50,000.
If PAN is provided, the TDS rate is 10%.
If PAN is not provided, TDS is deducted at 30%. However, no TDS is deducted for withdrawals after 5 years of continuous service or for amounts below ₹50,000.
24. Can I transfer my EPF balance from my previous employer to the current one?
Yes, you can transfer your EPF balance from your previous employer to your current employer’s EPF account. This can be done online through the EPFO portal using the ‘One Member – One EPF Account’ service.
25. Can I withdraw my EPF balance for children’s higher education?
Yes, EPF allows partial withdrawal for children’s higher education. You can withdraw up to 50% of your own contribution, provided you have completed 7 years of service. This withdrawal is allowed for your children’s education after passing Class 10.
26. How can I link my Aadhaar with my UAN?
You can link your Aadhaar with your UAN by:
Logging into the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.
Going to the ‘Manage’ section and selecting ‘KYC’.
Entering your Aadhaar details and submitting them for verification. Once verified by UIDAI, your Aadhaar will be linked with your UAN.
27. What happens if my EPF account remains inactive for a long period?
If your EPF account remains inactive (no contributions) after leaving employment, it will become an inoperative account. Interest will still be credited to the account for up to 3 years of inactivity. After that, no interest will be earned unless you withdraw or transfer the balance.
28. Is it mandatory to have Aadhaar linked for EPF withdrawals?
Yes, as per EPFO guidelines, your Aadhaar must be linked and verified in the EPFO system to apply for an EPF withdrawal or transfer online.
29. What is the difference between EPF and EPS?
EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund): The retirement savings scheme where both the employee and employer contribute. The employee can withdraw the total balance upon retirement.
EPS (Employee Pension Scheme): The pension component of the EPF, funded by a portion of the employer’s contribution. It provides a monthly pension to employees after retirement, provided they have completed at least 10 years of service.
30. Can I withdraw both EPF and EPS together?
Yes, you can withdraw both EPF and EPS together by submitting Form 19 for EPF withdrawal and Form 10C for EPS withdrawal. However, you can only withdraw your EPS amount if your service is less than 10 years. If you’ve worked for 10 years or more, you will receive a pension under the EPS scheme.