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ACT NO. 19 OF 19521. [4th March, 1952.]

An Act to provide for the institution of provident funds 2[,3[pension fund] and deposit-linked insurance fund] for employees in factories and other establishments.

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a social security initiative introduced under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, in India. It aims to provide financial stability to employees during their retirement years by encouraging savings during their working life. EPF is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a government body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Under the EPF scheme, both the employer and the employee contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance every month to the EPF account. Of the employer’s contribution, 8.33% is directed towards the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), while the remainder is added to the EPF. This joint contribution accumulates over time, along with annual interest declared by the EPFO, forming a substantial corpus for the employee.

Employees can withdraw the accumulated balance in their EPF account under specific conditions, such as retirement, unemployment, or for specified purposes like education, medical emergencies, or home loans. Partial withdrawals are allowed under these circumstances, subject to conditions set by the EPFO. Full withdrawal of the EPF balance is permitted after retirement at the age of 58 or after two months of unemployment.

The EPF scheme also offers a life insurance benefit under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme. In the unfortunate event of the employee’s demise, their family members receive a lump-sum insurance payout. This makes EPF a comprehensive scheme providing retirement savings, pension, and life insurance benefits to employees.

Long-Term Savings

EPF ensures disciplined savings throughout an employee's career. The monthly contributions from both the employer and employee accumulate over time, creating a substantial corpus by the time of retirement or withdrawal.

Retirement Security

EPF provides financial stability post-retirement, allowing individuals to maintain their lifestyle and meet expenses when their regular income ceases.

Employer Contribution

An employer contributes an amount equal to the employee’s contribution (12% of basic salary + dearness allowance), effectively doubling the savings. A portion of this goes toward the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), ensuring additional pension benefits.

Tax Benefits

Contributions made by both the employee and employer, as well as the interest earned on the EPF, are generally tax-exempt under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Withdrawals after five continuous years of service are also tax-free.

Partial Withdrawals

Employees can make partial withdrawals from their EPF accounts for specific needs, such as: Medical emergencies Higher education Marriage expenses Home construction or purchase This provides financial flexibility while retaining the overall savings.

Life Insurance Coverage

The EPF includes a life insurance benefit under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme. In case of the employee’s demise, the family receives an insurance payout up to ₹7 lakhs, providing additional security to dependents.

The eligibility criteria for the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) are defined under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and include specific conditions for employees and employers. Here’s a detailed explanation:

  • For Employees:

    • Mandatory for salaried employees earning up to ₹15,000 per month (basic + DA).
    • Employees earning more than ₹15,000 can join voluntarily with employer consent.
    • No age limit, but pension benefits under EPS apply only until age 58.
    • Excludes apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and certain trainees.
  • For Employers:

    • Applicable to establishments with 20 or more employees (mandatory).
    • Voluntary registration is allowed for establishments with fewer than 20 employees.
    • Covers industries like manufacturing, services, IT, healthcare, etc.
  • Universal Account Number (UAN):

    • Required for employees to participate in EPF and manage accounts across employers.
  • Exemptions:

    • Employers with approved private provident fund schemes or exempted categories like certain apprentices.
  •  

Checklist for EPF Registration and Compliance

  •  Eligibility Verification

    • Confirm if your organization has 20 or more employees (mandatory registration).
    • For fewer than 20 employees, determine if voluntary registration is desired.
    • Check if all employees earning up to ₹15,000/month (basic + DA) are covered.
    • Ensure employees above ₹15,000 who opt for EPF voluntarily have submitted their consent.

Documents Required for Registration

  • Employer’s Documents:

    • PAN of the organization.
    • Certificate of Incorporation (for companies).
    • Partnership deed (for partnerships).
    • Proof of business activity (GST registration, trade license, etc.).
    • Address proof of the registered office (utility bill, rent agreement, etc.).
  • Employee’s Documents:

    • KYC documents: PAN card, Aadhaar card, and bank account details.
    • Salary details: Basic salary and dearness allowance.
    • Joining dates and personal details of employees.
    • Previous UAN (if applicable for employees who already have an EPF account).

Documents necessary for filing SPICe+ form (INC-32) for the registration of a private limited company are outlined as follows:

A. For Indian Nationals serving as directors and subscribers:
  • Affidavit on stamp paper: a declaration by all subscribers affirming their intention to become shareholders of the company
  • Office address proof like the Rental Agreement or Ownership Deed
  • Electricity bill, water bill and other utility bills of the last two months
  • Copy of approval if required
  • Trademark registration details
  • NOC from property owner
  • Proof of identity and address
B. Required Documents For Foreign Nationals serving as directors/Shareholders
  • Passport: Proof of identity
  • Address proof: Accepted documents include a driving license, residence card, bank statement, or government-issued identification with a valid address.

Types of Employee Provident Fund

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) system consists of several schemes catering to different purposes, providing comprehensive benefits to employees. Here are the main types of EPF schemes:

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)

This is the primary scheme under the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)

Introduced in 1995, EPS is part of the EPF contribution system. 8.33% of the employer's contribution is allocated to EPS (subject to a cap on basic salary of ₹15,000 per month).

Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI)

This scheme offers life insurance coverage to employees. Employers contribute 0.5% of the basic salary to this scheme (up to the ₹15,000 salary cap).

Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF)

An extension of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme in India. It allows employees to voluntarily contribute more than the mandatory 12% of their basic salary

Here is a summary of the key characteristics of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF):

  • Purpose:
    The EPF is a savings scheme aimed at providing financial security to employees post-retirement or during times of need.

  • Mandatory Contribution:
    Both the employee and employer must contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance to the fund.

  • Interest Rate:
    The EPF earns interest at a rate decided annually by the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation).

  • Tax Benefits:
    Contributions to the EPF are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, and the accumulated fund is tax-free if withdrawn after 5 years of continuous service.

  • Withdrawal:
    Partial withdrawals are permitted under specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies, education, or purchasing a home. Full withdrawal is allowed upon retirement, unemployment for more than two months, or after reaching the age of 58.

  • Employer’s Contribution:
    A part of the employer’s contribution (8.33% of basic salary and DA) goes to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS).

  • Portability:
    EPF accounts are linked to the employee’s Universal Account Number (UAN), ensuring easy portability when changing jobs.

  • Compliance:
    Organizations with 20 or more employees are required to register under the EPF scheme.

To register for the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) in India, there are separate processes for employers and employees. Here’s how to register:

step

Employers must register their establishment with the EPFO if they have 20 or more employees.

Steps:

  1. Visit the EPFO Website:
    Go to the EPFO Employer Portal.

  2. Register Your Establishment:

    • Click on “Establishment Registration” under the “Services” section.
    • Read the instructions carefully and proceed to register.
  3. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):
    Ensure you have a valid DSC registered for the authorized signatory, as it is mandatory for the registration process.

  4. Fill Out the Details:

    • Provide details of the establishment, such as name, type of industry, PAN, address, and date of setup.
    • Enter employee information, including the number of employees, salaries, and coverage start date.
  5. Submit the Form:
    After filling in the details, submit the form online using the DSC.

  6. Receive Establishment ID:
    Once approved, the employer will receive an Establishment ID to manage EPF contributions for employees.

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