The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is a social security fund designed to cater to the well-being of employees. Its primary objective is to furnish retirement benefits and manage provident funds. Operating as the employer of last resort, EPFO steps in to provide funds to workers when their employers face challenges in doing so. This proves invaluable for individuals who, due to old age or disability, find themselves unable to secure alternative employment.
As per the advancing technology, EPFO has undergone digitisation. While this technological shift streamlines processes, it may pose some confusion for certain individuals. In this blog, we shall see the benefits of EPFO digitisation.
Understanding EPF Registration and EPFO
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is an autonomous body operating under the purview of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Its primary objective is to furnish financial security to employees across India. The EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) is a structured provident fund scheme wherein both employers and employees contribute through deductions from their respective wages or salaries.
The withdrawal limit from the EPF is contingent upon the duration of one’s employment and the corresponding salary package during that period.
Understanding EPFO Digitisation
In the wake of technological advancements, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation has undergone a significant transformation through digitisation. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a circular outlining the details of EPFO Digitisation, exemplified by the digitalisation of Form 19.
Process for Digitisation
Mentioned below are the steps for digitising Form 9:
1. Scanning and Upload: Form 19 is now required to be scanned and uploaded into the system.
2. Approval and Data Availability: Subsequently, the scanned copy of Form 19 undergoes approval, and the associated data becomes accessible within the system.
3. Indexing for Future Reference: The scanned Form 9 is indexed for future reference, streamlining record-keeping processes.
Previously, various applications for withdrawal, transfer, or loans necessitated the submission of physical forms, with the fund office having the authority to accept, reject, or send back claims. With the benefits of EPFO digitisation, these cumbersome procedures have become a thing of the past, leading to expedited application processing.
Several benefits of EPFO digitisation include:
- Universal Account Number (UAN): One of the major benefits of EPFO digitisation is that EPFO introduces the UAN, a unique ID enabling users to log in to the provident fund portal, access services, and facilitate balance transfers and account linking.
- Simplified Registration: The need for a new registration process for each provident fund-related activity is alleviated, streamlining user experience.
- SMS Service: Utilising the UAN, an SMS service allows employees to easily check PF details, providing quick access to information.
- Digital Passbook: Further among the benefits of EPFO digitisation is EPFO’s digital passbook feature which simplifies record-keeping, offering an electronic and user-friendly alternative for monitoring provident fund transactions.
So, as part of the benefits of EPFO digitisation is enhanced transparency in the provident fund process as well as making transactions more comprehensible for employees in India.
Benefits of EPFO Digitisation in India
Recognising the significance of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation in an employee’s financial portfolio, it is imperative to understand the manifold benefits of EPFO. EPFO not only secures funds for retirement but also proven invaluable for unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies or educational expenses. Mentioned below are some key benefits of EPFO digitisation, emphasising its role in financial well-being:
1. Assured Returns:
EPFO stands as a reliable investment avenue, ensuring a prefixed interest on the deposit, providing financial stability for contributors.
2. Retirement Corpus:
EPFO builds a substantial retirement corpus, serving as a crucial financial resource for employees’ post-retirement.
3. Dual Contribution:
Both the employer and the employee actively contribute to this investment, fostering a collaborative approach towards financial security.
4. Partial Fund Withdrawal:
EPFO offers the flexibility to withdraw partial funds during emergencies, such as medical conditions, weddings, or educational needs, providing a safety net for unforeseen expenses.
5. Tax Exemption:
Contributions and investments made towards EPFO are exempted from taxes. This extends to the maturity amount received after retirement, enhancing the overall financial benefit for the employee.
6. Simple Premature Withdrawal:
The premature withdrawal process of EPFO is streamlined and straightforward, allowing contributors to access funds swiftly in times of emergencies.
EPFO Digitisation complements these intrinsic benefits by enhancing accessibility and efficiency in managing provident fund accounts. The digital platform facilitates quick and seamless transactions, ensuring that employees can effortlessly leverage the advantages offered by EPFO to meet their financial needs throughout their professional journey.
Role of EPFO Forms
While the procedures for registering, withdrawing, and depositing funds in the Provident Fund are straightforward, they involve the completion of various forms. Mentioned below is a comprehensive list of EPFO forms, along with their respective purposes:
1. Form 9:
Declaration and nomination.
2. Form 5:
Used for the EPF registration process.
3. Form 5 IF:
Facilitates claims under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDL) scheme.
4. Form 10C:
Provides the scheme certificate or benefits for withdrawal.
5. Form 10 B:
Utilised for availing monthly pension.
6. Form 11:
Used for transferring the EPF account.
7. Form 14:
Employed for the purchase of LIC policies.
8. Form 15G:
Enables the availing of tax-saving benefits.
9. Form 19:
Used for settling the EPF.
10. Form 20:
In the event of an employee’s demise, this form is utilised for settling the Employees Provident Fund.
11. Form 31:
Employed for withdrawing from EPF.
Understanding the specific purpose of each form is crucial for ensuring a smooth and accurate handling of provident fund-related transactions. Whether it’s declaring nominations, registering, availing insurance claims, or settling funds in various scenarios, these forms play a vital role in navigating the EPFO services. Always make sure to use the appropriate form for the intended purpose to facilitate efficient processing.
Final Thoughts
The digitisation of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation has ushered in a transformative era, offering numerous benefits of EPFO digitisation for both employers and employees. The introduction of the Universal Account Number streamlines access to services, simplifying tasks like balance transfers and account linking. The digital platform enhances transparency, making provident fund processes comprehensible and easily accessible. EPFO digitisation ensures tax exemptions on contributions and maturity amounts, while the simplified withdrawal process caters to emergency financial needs. Overall, this technological leap fosters efficiency, accessibility, and financial security, marking EPFO as a progressive and employee-centric institution.
