EPF Withdrawal Rules 2024

The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) provides a mandatory savings scheme where employees contribute a portion of their salary each month. The EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organization) has updated its rules for EPF withdrawals to accommodate various needs and situations. Here’s a detailed overview of the EPF withdrawal rules and procedures for 2024:

New EPF Withdrawal Rules 2024

Withdrawal Eligibility

• Pre-Retirement Withdrawals: You can withdraw 90% of your EPF corpus one year before retirement if you are at least 54 years old. For unemployment due to lockdown or retrenchment, you can withdraw 75% of the corpus after one month of unemployment. The remaining 25% must be transferred to a new EPF account upon new employment.
• Partial Withdrawals: Permitted for emergencies such as medical treatment, higher education, house purchase, or construction.

Taxation Rules

• Tax Exemption: EPF withdrawals are tax-exempt if you have contributed for five continuous years.
• Premature Withdrawals: Subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): 10% if PAN is submitted, otherwise 30% plus tax.

Online Status Check

• Eligibility: You can check EPF status online if UAN and Aadhaar are linked and approved by the employer. You must declare unemployment to withdraw EPF funds.

Old Rules

• Previously, 100% EPF withdrawal was allowed after 2 months of unemployment.

Steps for EPF Withdrawal Online

1. Visit the EPFO Member Portal:
   • Access the EPFO member portal.
2. Navigate to Services:
   • Choose ‘For Employees’ under the ‘Our Services’ tab.
3. Select Online Services:
   • Click ‘Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP)’.
4. Log In:
   • Enter your UAN, password, and Captcha code.
5. Verify KYC Details:
   • Click on ‘KYC’ under the ‘Manage’ tab and ensure details are correct.
6. Proceed with Claim:
   • Click on ‘Online Service’ and then ‘CLAIM (FORM-31, 19 & 10C)’.
7. Enter Bank Details:
   • Provide the last 4 digits of your bank account number and verify.
8. Certificate of Undertaking:
   • Confirm and proceed.
9. Choose Claim Type:
   • Select ‘PF ADVANCE (FORM - 31)’ and specify the reason for withdrawal.
10. Complete Application:
    • Fill in the required fields, agree to terms, and submit.
11. Upload Documents:
    • If required, upload scanned documents.
12. Await Approval:
    • Once approved by the employer, the amount will be deposited into your bank account. You will receive an SMS notification upon settlement.

Requirements for PF Withdrawal

• Active UAN: Ensure your UAN is active and linked with your mobile number.
• Aadhaar Seeding: Your Aadhaar card details must be seeded with your PF account.
• Bank Account Details: Your bank account details and IFSC code must be integrated.
• PAN Details: For withdrawals before 5 years, PAN details must be provided.

PF Withdrawal Rules

• Taxability: Withdrawals before completing 5 years of continuous service are taxable. Withdrawals after 5 years are tax-free.
• Exemptions: Tax is not applicable if withdrawals are made due to illness, if the amount is less than ₹50,000, or if Form 15G/15H is submitted.
• Tax Rates: 30% TDS applies if PAN is not provided; 10% TDS if PAN is provided.
• Account Transfers: Funds transferred to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) are not taxed.

Steps to Enter Exit Date

1. Log In:
   • Access the UAN portal with your credentials.
2. Mark Exit:
   • Click ‘Manage’ and then ‘Mark Exit’.
3. Enter Details:
   • Select the employer, and input your date of birth, date of joining, and date of exit as per your resignation letter.

Tax-Free Limits for PF Withdrawals

• After 5 Years: Withdrawals are tax-free.
• Before 5 Years: Tax applies unless for medical emergencies, amount is below ₹50,000, or if Form 15G/15H is submitted.

Online Grievances Portal

1. Register Grievance:
   • Click ‘Register Grievance’, fill out the form with PF number, establishment details, and grievance specifics.
2. Follow Up:
   • Track and send reminders if the grievance is unresolved.

Types of PF Withdrawals

• PF Final Settlement: When leaving employment or retirement.
• PF Partial Withdrawal: For specific purposes like medical or educational needs.
• Pension Withdrawal Benefit: For pension claims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I withdraw PF funds while still employed?
  Partial withdrawals are permitted for emergencies such as medical needs, education, or house construction.
• What is the process if I change jobs?
  You can transfer your EPF account to the new employer or withdraw it based on your situation.
• How is the EPF amount taxed upon withdrawal?
  Withdrawals before 5 years of continuous service are taxable. Tax rates vary based on PAN submission.
• Can I track my PF withdrawal status online?
  Yes, if your UAN is linked with Aadhaar and approved by the employer, you can check the status online.
• What should I do if my PF withdrawal request is delayed?
  Ensure the exit date is correctly entered in the UAN portal. If delays persist, you can file a grievance online.

This guide covers the updated EPF withdrawal rules, procedures, and frequently asked questions for 2024.