Employees’ Provident Fund – EPF Interest Rate 22-23, Withdrawal, Login, Passbook

The interest rate on EPF is reviewed annually. EPF interest rate for FY 2022-23 is 8.15%. Once EPFO notifies the interest rate for a financial year and the year ends, interest rate is calculated for the month-wise closing balance and then for the entire year.

The year in which the new interest rates are announced stays valid for the next financial year i.e. from the year starting on 1st April of one year to the year ending on 31st March of the next year. Here are a few important facts to know about EPF Interest Rate:

• The rate of interest i.e. 8.15% is valid and will be applicable only on EPF deposits made between the months of April 2022 and March 2023.
• The interest, even though calculated on a monthly basis, is transferred to the Employees’ Provident Fund account only on a yearly basis on 31st March of the applicable financial year.
• The transferred interest is summed up with the next month i.e. April’s balance and is then again used for calculation of the interest.
• If the contribution is not made into an EPF account for thirty-six months continuously, the account becomes dormant or inoperative.
• Interest is offered on inoperative accounts of employees who have not attained the retirement age.
• Interest is not provided on the amount deposited in inoperative accounts of retired employees.
• The interest earned on inoperative accounts is taxable as per the member’s slab rate.
• For contributions made towards the Employees’ Pension Scheme by the employer, the employee shall not receive any interest. However, a pension is paid out of this amount after the age of 58.

Let’s suppose that an employee started his contributions from the month of April 2022.

The balance calculation for the next month (May) will be done in the given manner:

• Balance carried forward from April 2022= Rs. 2,350
• Interest earned for the month of April 2022 = Rs. 15.95
• Balance at the end of May 2022 = Rs. 2,350 + Rs. 2,350 = Rs. 4,700

Note: Although interest has been earned in April 2022, it will be credited at the end of the financial year on 31st March 2023.

The employer and employee make equal contributions to the EPF account as shown below.

Key Points about EPF Contribution:

• 12% Employer’s contribution includes 3.67% EPF and 8.33% EPS
• 10% EPF share is valid for the organizations where there are 20 or less than 20 employees /organizations with losses incurred more than or equal to the net worth (at the end of financial year) /organizations declared sick by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
• Total contribution made by the employer is distributed as 8.33% towards Employees’ Pension Scheme and 3.67% towards Employees’ Provident Fund.
• All contributions are updated in the EPF member passbook
• The contribution made by the employee goes totally towards the provident fund of the employee.
• Apart from the above-made contributions, an additional 0.5% towards EDLI has to be paid by the employer.
• Certain administration costs towards EDLI and EPF standing at the rate of 1.1% and 0.01% respectively also have to be incurred by the employer. This means that the employer has to contribute a total of 13.61% of the salary towards this scheme.

Employee’s Contribution towards EPF

In general, the contribution rate for the employee is fixed at 12%. However, the rate is fixed at 10% for the below-mentioned organizations:

• Organizations or firms employing a maximum of 19 workers
• Industries declared as sick industries by the BIFR
• Organizations suffering an annual loss much more as compared to their net value
• Coir, guar gum, beedi, brick and jute industries
• Organizations operating under the wage limit of Rs. 6,500

Employer’s Contribution towards EPF

The minimum amount of contribution to be made by the employer is set at a rate of 12% of Rs. 15,000 (although they can voluntarily contribute more). This amount equals Rs. 1,800 per month. It means that both the employer as well as the employee has to contribute Rs. 1,800 each per month towards this scheme. Initially, this amount was set at 12% of Rs. 6,500, which would equal Rs. 780 to be contributed by both the employer and the employee.

• The contribution from both the parties is deposited into the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation)
• This is a long-term investment fund for the contributors which helps them continue an independent life after retirement

• Employees need to become active members of the scheme in order to avail of benefits under this scheme
• Employees of an organization are directly eligible for availing Provident Fund, insurance benefits as well as pension benefits since the day they join the organization
• Any organization employing a minimum of 20 workers is liable to give EPF benefits to the workers
• This scheme does not cater to the needs of people residing in Jammu and Kashmir

Follow the process given below for EPF registration:

1. Visit the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) website
2. Go to the section of ‘Establishment Registration’ that opens up a new page with ‘Instruction Manual’. It will explain the process of Employer Registration, followed by registration of DSC [Digital Signature Certificate] of the Employer which is a prerequisite for fresh application submission.
3. Accept ‘I have read the instruction manual’ tickbox to proceed and fill in the details to register.
4. An email e-link is sent which is to be activated and a mobile PIN is also sent. You need to upload certain documents to register.
5. Those who are already registered can log in using their Universal Account Number (UAN).

You need to visit the member website of EPF, i.e. EPF e-SEWA/EPF Members Portal and on the right side, you have the option to login using UAN. However, UAN must have been activated earlier.

What is UAN

Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit number that is provided to each member of the Employees’ Provided Fund Organisation (EPFO) through which he can manage his EPF accounts. It helps the person to get all Provided Fund (PF) information in one place irrespective of the organization he works for. With the help of UAN, the employee can easily withdraw and transfer funds through the UAN login portal.

EPF UAN Activation Online

To avail facilities of EPF online, one has to activate UAN through the EPF member login portal. In order to activate your UAN, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the member website of EPF i.e. EPF e-SEWA/EPF Members Portal

Step 2: Click on the “Activate UAN” option present in the right corner of the page

Step 3: As the EPF member home dashboard opens up, enter your UAN/member ID along with your Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, and mobile number according to EPFO records

Step 4: Enter the captcha code and get an authorization PIN on your mobile number registered with EPFO

Step 5: Use the One Time Password (OTP) to validate and activate the UAN online

Step 6: Another message will be sent to confirm the activation of the UAN

Step 7: Once UAN is activated, you can log in using it to check the status of the Provident Fund

How to File EPF e-Nomination Online

EPFO has made it mandatory for members to file EPF nomination details. It is to make sure that in case of an unfortunate incident of the member’s demise, the family gets the adequate savings that the member has generated during the work tenure. This can be done both online and offline. UAN members, who have not filed their e-nominations will not be able to access their EPF passbook online as well.

An EPFO member needs the following details to file e-nomination – Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, gender, relation, address, bank account details, and photograph. Submitted details then have to be verified using the e-Sign facility.

Even though the last date for EPF e-nomination filing was 31^st December 2021, EPFO has extended the date for e-filing but has requested all members to do it at the earliest.

Steps to Update EPF KYC Online

Step 1: Visit EPF Members Portal and log in using UAN & Password

Step 2: As the new page opens up, under the section of ‘Manage’, click on KYC from the dropdown menu

Step 3: Update the details like name and number of PAN, Aadhar, Bank documents, etc.

Step 4: Save it and it will show as Pending KYC as long as it is verified from the other end

A member can check the EPF balance accumulated in the account online by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit EPF’s website at www.epfindia.gov.in

Step 2: Go to ‘For Employees’ under the “Services” section

Step 3: Click on the ‘Member Passbook’ option

Step 4: Now enter your ‘UAN’, password and captcha code and login to your EPF account

Step 5: Select the ‘Member ID’ to view your passbook

Step 6: Your UAN passbook will be displayed with complete details in the document

The member can also check his EPF balance by sending an SMS to ‘7738299899‘ in the format EPFOHO <UAN> ENG

EPF balance check can also be done by giving a missed call on the EPF balance check number- 011-22901406.

Read in Detail: How to Check EPF Balance

Different EPF forms are mandatory for all activities that employees wish to undertake in their accounts; the activities include registration, withdrawal, transfer of PF, availing loans from an existing EPF account or for any other reason.

EPF can be partially or completely withdrawn. Complete withdrawal is allowed when an individual retires or if he/she remains unemployed for more than 2 months. Whereas, partial EPF withdrawal is allowed under certain circumstances. You can make a withdrawal claim by filling the EPF withdrawal form online. However, you can use the online withdrawal claim facility only if your Aadhaar is linked with your UAN.

Follow the steps given below to fill the EPF withdrawal form and initiate a claim online:-

Step 1– Sign in to the UAN Member Portal with your UAN and Password.

Step 2- From the top menu bar, click on the ‘Online Services’ tab and select ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’ from the drop-down menu.

Step 3– Member Details will be displayed on the screen. Enter the last 4 digits of your bank account and click on ‘Verify‘

Step 4– Click on ‘Yes’ to sign the certificate of undertaking and proceed further

Step 5– Now click on the ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ option

Step 6– Select ‘PF Advance (Form 31)’ to withdraw your funds online

Step 7 – A fresh section of the form will open, wherein you have to select the ‘Purpose for which advance is required’, the amount required and the employee’s address

It is worth noting that all options for which the employee is not eligible for withdrawal will be mentioned in red.

Step 8 – Tick on the certification and submit your application

Step 9 – You may have to submit scanned documents depending on the purpose for which you have filled the form

Step 10 – Your employer has to approve your withdrawal request after which the money will be withdrawn from your EPF account and deposited in the bank account mentioned at the time of filling the withdrawal form.

SMS notification will be sent to your mobile number registered with EPFO. Once the claim is processed, the amount will be transferred to your bank account. Although no formal time limit has been provided by the EPFO, the money usually gets credited within 15-20 days.

Read more: How to Check EPF Claim Status

Step 1: Log in to the EPFO members’ portal using your UAN and password

Step 2: Go to the ‘Online Services’ tab on the main menu of the home page and select ‘Transfer Request’ to generate an online transfer request

Step 3: A new dashboard displaying all your personal details will be shown. Verify all of that like DOB, EPF and date of joining, etc. so as to claim the process

Step 4: Once you verify, go to Step 1, select the option of previous or present employer and then provide the details of the previous employer through which you want to claim

Step 5: Submit the details, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. You need to authenticate your identity by entering the OTP, then only the request will be submitted and an online filled-in form will be generated. You need to sign the form and send it to your present or previous employer

Step 6: The employer will also get an online notification about the EPF transfer request. EPFO Office will process the claim only after employer digitally forwards the claim to the EPFO after verifying your employment details

Post submission of the request, you can check the status of your EPF transfer claim under the ‘Track Claim Status’ menu, which is under the ‘Online Services’ menu

You can easily link your Aadhaar to your EPF account online. Follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit EPFO member portal and login using your credentials

Step 2: Go to the ‘Manage’ option from the menu bar

Step 3: From the drop-down list, select ‘KYC’ option

Step 4: Select ‘Aadhaar’ from the list of documents

Step 5: Enter your Aadhaar Number and Name as per Aadhaar

Step 6: Save and proceed

Step 7: Your Aadhaar data will be verified with UIDAI’s data

On successful approval, your Aadhaar will be linked with your EPF account and you can see the Verified status written against your Aadhaar details.

EPF deposits and interest were completely exempt from tax until the year 2020. However, in Budget 2021, the government has announced that starting FY22 if the deposits in EPF and VPF (Voluntary Provident Fund) exceed Rs. 2.5 Lakh in a financial year, then the interest earned on the contributions above Rs. 2.5 Lakh will be taxable. In case no contribution is made to the EPF account by the employer, then the interest component will be exempt upto the deposit of Rs. 5 Lakh in the said financial year. 

For this purpose the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) has said that two separate PF accounts have to be maintained – one for taxable contributions and the other for non-taxable contributions from FY 2021-22. This entails that PF contributions above the threshold will be deposited in the taxable account and the interest earned on it will be taxed starting April 1, 2022. Furthermore, this move has come into effect as an attempt to rationalise the tax exemptions available to high-income earning individuals.

In case of any doubts or discrepancies, please contact the customer care line of EPFO:

Helpdesk- 1800118005 (Toll Free)

Head Office:

Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan,
14, Bhikaji Cama Place,
New Delhi- 110066

Lodging EPF Grievances

The EPFO also provides for a grievance system, EPF grievance portal, which enables members to register their complaints.

• The members may lodge their complaints by clicking on the ‘Register Grievance’ tab at EPFiGMS.gov.in.
• Members have to fill in all the relevant details pertaining to their account along with the description of the grievance that they have been facing
• Relevant files related to the grievance being faced can be uploaded on the site
• EPF grievance status may also be tracked by the member by clicking on the ‘View Status’ tab.

Read More: How to Register EPF Grievance Online

Mobile users can avail services provided by the EPF through the Umang app. The portal has five separate sections:

EPF scheme is among one of the largest and biggest saving schemes available to Indian employees. The key benefits of the scheme are mentioned below:

Long-Term Financial Security: Funds deposited in this account cannot be withdrawn easily and hence, helps in ensuring savings.

Retirement Period: The accumulated fund under this scheme may be used at the time of retirement of the employee. This provides relief to the retired employee in the form of monetary security.

Unseen circumstances: The accumulated fund can be used by the employee in case of any kind of emergency. The employee may choose to withdraw his/her fund prematurely. The scheme provides for such pre-term withdrawals in certain special cases.

Unemployment/Income Loss: In case, where the employee loses his/her current job owing to any reason, then these funds may be used to meet expenses.

Resignation/Quitting of Job: The employee post-resignation is free to withdraw his/her 75% of the EPF fund after one month of the date of having quit the job and remaining 25% after 2 months of unemployment.

Death: In case of death of the employee, the collected amount along with the interest is given to the employee’s nominee thus helping the family tide through difficult times.

Disability of the employee: If the employee is no longer in the position to work then he/she may use these funds to help him/her get over the difficult time.

Lay-off: In cases of sudden layoffs or retrenchment from the job, this fund may be used by the employee until the time he/she gets another suitable job.

Pension Scheme: The employer not only contributes towards the PF fund but also makes the necessary contributions towards the employee’s pension which can be later used by the employee post-retirement.

Insurance Scheme: The act also provides for certain provisions whereby, the employer is required to make certain contributions towards an employee’s life insurance where group insurance cover is not present. This scheme ensures that the employees are properly insured.

Accessible All Over: With the help of the Universal Account Number (UAN), employees can easily get access to their PF account via the EPF member portal. They can transfer their accounts whenever they make a shift in their current jobs.

I have withdrawn a part of my EPF corpus. Will I continue getting interest on the withdrawn amount as well?

No, You will not get interest on the withdrawn amount. However, the amount remaining in the EPF account will continue earning interest.

How is UAN assigned?

When you join a company having more than 20 employees, you become entitled to EPF benefits. EPFO allots a unique 12-digit permanent number known as Universal Account Number (UAN) to the member. All PF accounts of a member are linked with his UAN. In case you want to avail online services through the EPF portal, you have to link your UAN with Aadhaar and PAN.

Will I have to activate my UAN for transferring PF online?

You have to activate UAN by registering at the EPF member portal before you can process claims or withdraw funds online. You can do it easily by visiting the EPF member portal.

I have switched my job. Should I get a new UAN?

No, the UAN allotted to a member remains the same throughout the service period. A new PF account will be opened by the new employer which will be linked to the UAN of the member.

I have switched my company. Should I withdraw EPF corpus or transfer my fund?

It is recommended that you transfer your fund from the old PF account to a new one. If you withdraw the amount before 5 years of service, the withdrawn amount is taxable and should be mentioned under income from other sources while filing ITR.

I am currently unemployed and need funds. Can I withdraw my EPF corpus?

Yes, you can withdraw 75% of your EPF corpus after one month of unemployment. In case you remain unemployed for 2 consecutive months, you can withdraw the remaining 25% of the fund.

Is it still mandatory for members to link Aadhaar with EPF to avail online services? If not, is there a way to delink Aadhaar with UAN?

As per the recent circular released by the EPFO, UIDAI has clarified that EPFO can continue to avail Aadhaar based authentication services for EPF schemes. So, in a way, you can not avail your EPF online services in case you delink your Aadhaar with UAN, as for now.

The circular also goes on to say that if a member visits the EPFO office for an offline claim using Aadhaar KYC, the PRO will facilitate Aadhaar seeding facility on the spot in order to make the EPF claim online.

Further, employees with their Aadhaar seeded with the UAN may not be allowed to raise offline claims from now on.

Are both the employee’s and employer’s contributions to my EPF account tax-exempt?

Contributions made to the EPF are tax exempt, however, the tax calculations are different. The employer’s contribution to the EPF account is not considered as part of your taxable income. So the employer’s contribution is tax-exempt at its source.

Whereas, the employee’s contribution is counted as part of his/her taxable income. However, the employee’s contribution is tax deductible under section 80C upto a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum. So an employee’s contribution towards the EPF account is eligible to for tax-exemption but only under section 80C.

Also, in case you withdraw your EPF fund before 5 years of contributions, then both employee’s, as well as employer’s share, become taxable.

How much percentage is EPF deduction from salary?

12% of the employee’s salary goes towards contribution to Provident Fund. Also, Employee State Insurance Corporation(ESIC) is deducted on gross salary which is 1.75% from the employee contribution & 4.75% from the employer contribution.

How much EPF amount can be withdrawn?

EPF can be withdrawn only at the time of retirement or in case of unemployment and certain emergencies. Full withdrawal can be done after retirement or unemployment for two months. As per the new rule, EPFO allows withdrawal of 75% of the EPF corpus after 1 month of unemployment. The remaining 25% can be transferred to a new EPF account after gaining new employment.

What If someone dies a natural death or due to health related issues. Will any of his/her family member get the EPF amount?

In case, if the EPF subscriber expires, the nominee or the legal heir or the guardian in case of a minor can get the EPF amount. For that he needs to go claim the EPF money by submitting all required documents like Death Certificate and EPF Composite Form. Guardian Certificate is also required if it is claimed by a guardian of a minor other than natural guardian.

How to withdraw Employee Provident Fund?

You need to have an activated UAN and registered mobile number for withdrawal. Assuming that you have these prerequisites, go to EPF Member Portal and log in using UAN. Do check if your documents are verified as KYC in the ‘Manage’ section. Go to ‘Online Services’ and click on ‘Claim’ from the drop-down menu which displays all your personal details. Then, click on ‘Proceed for Online Claim’ to claim your withdrawal and select the claim you want to make under ‘I want to apply for’ like EPF Settlement or EPF Partial Withdrawal.

How to claim Employee Provident Fund?

As explained above, one needs to go to EPF Member’s Portal or e-SEWA Portal to login using UAN and go to ‘Online Services’ to claim and withdraw the fund.

What are the key objectives of EPF?

Some key objectives of EPF are:

• It helps create a retirement corpus for the employee
• It acts as an emergency fund which can be partially withdrawn prematurely
• It can also be withdrawn completely if the employee remains unemployed for more than 2 months
• Also, the employees’ contribution up to Rs. 1.5 lakh to EPF is tax deductible under section 80C of the Income Tax Act and can help save on taxes