EPF withdrawal rules 2024: A complete guide to withdrawing your provident fund

Stay updated with the latest EPF withdrawal rules for 2024. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, taxation, and online withdrawal processes, including step-by-step instructions for withdrawing your Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

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.


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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, the amount is below ₹50,000, or if Form 15G/15H is submitted.

Online Grievances Portal

  1. Register Grievance:
    • Click ‘Register Grievance,’ and 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.