Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a scheme controlled by the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. It is regulated under the umbrella of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). PF registration is applicable for all establishment which employs 20 or more persons. PF registration can also be obtained voluntarily by establishments having less than 20 employee.
The PF contribution paid by the employer is 6% of (basic salary + dearness allowance + retaining allowance). An equal contribution is payable by the employee. In case of establishments which engage less than 20 employees or meet certain other conditions, as per the EPFO rules, the contribution rate for both employee and the employer is restricted to 10%. For most employees working in the private sector, it’s the basic salary on which the contribution is calculated.
It is obligatory that employees’ drawing less than Rs 15,000 per month, to become members of the EPF. As per the guidelines in EPF, employee, whose ‘basic pay’ is more than Rs. 15,000 per month, at the time of joining, is not required to make PF contributions. Nevertheless, an employee who is drawing a pay of more than Rs 15,000 can still become a member and make PF contributions, with the consent of the Employer.
Important Aspects Relating to PF Registration
PF Return
Provident fund return must be filed by all entities having PF registration every month. PF return is due on the 25th of each month. Further, a final PF return is due on the 25th of April for the year ended on 31st March.
PF Payment
Provident Fund (PF) payments are due on the 15th of each month. The employer must deposit a total of 12% or 10% of the employee wages towards PF on or before this date every month. For most entities, the PF rate of 12% would be applicable.
Unified Portal
To improve ease of doing business, all services relating to provident fund like PF registration, PF return filing and payment of PF contribution has been made available online through the Unified Portal.
UAN
The Employee Provident Fund has launched the Unified Portal to streamline and simplify all aspects of provident fund for both employers and employees. Employees who have the newly allotted UAN can use the Unified Portal for various services.
PF Withdrawal
Employees who have contributed to PF can withdraw money in their PF account for various reasons by applying on the Unified Portal. PF can be withdrawn for house purchase, medical reasons, marriage or education of family members.
How we help with PF registration
Requirement Gathering
An Purminder Kaur & Associates Expert will discuss your business requirements and collect relevant employee data and documents to begin the process for applying for PF registration.
Application Submission
The PF registration application will be submitted for the organisation in the prescribed format.
Registration
Purminder Kaur & Associates expert will provide the PF registration number for your business and the UAN number for your employees.