Obox Hr: Business Registrations

EPF – A Saving Tool for Your Employees

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a government-managed savings scheme introduced under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Act, 1952. It is administered and managed by the Central Board of Trustees that consists of representatives from three parties, namely, the Government, the employers and the employees. EPFO works under the direct jurisdiction of the Government and is managed through the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The application for PF Registration is made with the Digital Signature of one director or the Authorised Signatory of the company. We assist you to ascertain the coverage and applicability of the PF and file application for registration on your behalf to the PF Office, draft all documents and do a follow-up with the department for issuance of the registration number.

Applicability

Any establishment or factories that have 20 or more employees has to obtain this registration within 30 days of reaching this number, and this stays irrespective of the salary. Organisations are required to contribute a fixed amount towards PF out of employee salary. Also, an establishment with less than 20 employees, with the consent of its employees, can seek voluntary coverage and avail the benefits of Provident Fund.

EPF Benefits

It is an important investment plan for the Employees’ future needs and is made mandatory by the Government for employees drawing a basic salary less than INR 15000/-.
The fund that is accumulated is tax-free & gives employees long-term financial security.
If the withdrawal is made after 5 years of registration, then the maturity amount with interest will also be tax-free.
The employees are eligible to withdraw the partial amount for expenses dealing with house construction, daughter’s wedding and in case of crisis and illness.

FAQs

Who is an International Worker (IW) as per the EPF Act?

An International Worker (IW) is any employee who is a foreign national working in India under an employer registered with the EPFO or an Indian employee who is working in a foreign country with which India has a Social Security Agreement (SSA).

What is a Social Security Agreement (SSA)?

A Social Security Agreement is a bilateral instrument to protect the social security interests of workers posted in another country. Being a reciprocal arrangement, it generally provides for equality of treatment and avoidance of double coverage

Are the foreign nationals exempted from making contributions towards PF?

Foreign nationals who are contributing towards the Social Security Scheme in their home country (country of origin), are exempted from making contributions towards the PF in India, provided that the following conditions are satisfied: a. India has an SSA with that foreign country; and b. The IW has submitted the Detachment Certificate issued by the Social Security Office of his/her country of origin.

For an IW, what is the cap on salary up to which the contribution is made by the employer and the employee to the PF and EPS?

There is no cap on the salary. Contribution towards the EPF and EPS is payable on gross wages

What are the contributions payable by the employer and employee?

The contributions payable by the employer and the employee under the scheme are 12% of PF wages. From the employer’s share of contribution, 8.33% is contributed towards the Employees’ Pension Scheme and the remaining 3.67% is contributed to the EPF Scheme. Employer’s contribution towards Employees’ Deposit-linked Insurance Scheme is 0.50% and the administrative charges are 0.50%.

List of compliances after registration of Employees Provident fund

Enrolment of all eligible employees

Deduct PF every month and pay deposit on time with EPFO

File monthly returns

Employee KYC

What if EPF registration is not done?

As per the Rule within one month of EPF Scheme applicability on employer, it is the legal obligation of the employer to get register with EPFO and open and EPF account (UAN) of all employees drawing monthly salary upto RS 15,000. PENALTY APPLY FOR DELAY REGISTRATION.

Is the contribution to PF compulsory for employers & employees?

Yes, any employer employing more than 19 employees is required to contribute 12% of each employee's salary and deduct equal amount from the employee.

What is Mandatory and Voluntary PF registration?

The provident fund is a social security scheme having the government guarantee to its members. The provisions of the PF Act applies to the establishment based on the number of employees. Registration with the Provident Fund Organisation is mandatory for establishments employing 20 or more employees.

However, However, it can also be taken on a voluntary basis with the consent of its employees. A copy of the declaration by the majority of the employee of opting for voluntary registration is attached with the Form.

Can an employee opt out from the Schemes under EPF Act?

An employee with a basic salary of over Rs. 15,000 and who has never been a member of EPF can opt out of the scheme. But once they become a member, they cannot opt out of the scheme.

Can an employer restrict his share of contribution to the wage ceiling limit of Rs. 15,000?

An employer is under no obligation to contribute over and above the PF wage celling limit. The employer may, however, voluntarily contribute on higher wages