PROVIDENT FUND REGISTRATION

Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme was set up under The Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (“Act”) applicable pan-India for the purpose of providing a post retirement benefit for the employees or a class of employees or their legal heirs in case of death, employed under an establishment to which this Act applies.

Subject to the provisions contained in section 16, EPF SCHEME applies to following establishment

1. To every establishment which is a factory engaged in any industry specified in Schedule I and in which 20 or more persons are employed, and
2. To any other establishment employing 20 or more persons or class of such establishments which the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf: Provided that the Central Government may, after giving not less than two months’ notice of its intention so to do, by notification in the Official Gazette, apply the provisions of this Act to any establishment employing such number of persons less than 20 as may be specified in the notification
3. Notwithstanding anything contained in of section 16(3), where it appears to the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, whether on an application made to him in this behalf or otherwise, that the employer and the majority of employees in relation to any establishment have agreed that the provisions of this Act should be made applicable to the establishment, he may, by notification in the Official Gazette, apply the provisions of this Act to that establishment on and from the date of such agreement or from any subsequent date specified in such agreement
4. An establishment to which this Act applies shall continue to be governed by this Act notwithstanding that the number of persons employed therein at any time falls below 20.

 An establishment having less than 20 employees can register themselves voluntarily under the Act. The employer is responsible for deducting PF from the salary as per applicable rates and liable to deposit the same within due time to the government. The employer must obtain the registration within one month of attaining the strength, failing which penalties will be applicable. PF account can be transferrable if any member changes employment from one establishment to another where such Provident Fund scheme is applicable.

The employees covered under the schemes of the Act are entitled for the following benefits

1. Employees can take advances or make withdrawals.
2. PF amount of a deceased member is payable to the nominees or legal heirs.
3. The employer not only contributes towards the PF but also makes the necessary contributions towards the employee’s pension which can be used by the employee post-retirement
4. Under the EDLI Scheme employees are properly insured in order to avail the lump sum benefit at the time of death while in service.
5. EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) tax benefit under the Income Tax Act enables tax-free returns for the employees.
6. Employees receive special benefits in the form of added income to their savings in the form of interest.

The following documents need to be attached for “Registration of EPFO” by the employer- 

• PAN Card of the Proprietor/Partner/Director.
• Proof of address such as the Electricity Bill or Water Bill or Telephone Bill of the Registered Office (not older than 2 months).
• Aadhar Card of Proprietor/Partner/Director.
• Shop and Establishment Certificate/GST Certificate/ any License issued by the government for the establishment.
• Digital Signature of the Proprietor/Partner/Director.
• Cancelled Cheque or Bank Statement of Entity.
• Hired/Rented/Leased Agreement, if any.
• License Proof issued by the Identifier/Licensing Authority.
• Employee Details like date of birth, mobile number, Postal address Name of nominee, grade, salary, designation, ID proof (Aadhaar Card and PAN Card), Bank A/c number with IFSC code.