Employee Provident Fund is essentially like a retirement benefit provided by the organization to its employees. EPF registration is mandatory for all firms that employ over 20 individuals. The scheme falls under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and is regulated under the purview of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Employers can access the registration form on the official website of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.
Employers need to follow the below steps for EPF registration:
Step 1: Register the establishment with EPFO Go to the website of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, India and register the organization with EPFO. In the home page, click on the option that reads “Establishment Registration”.
Step 2: Go through the User Manual After selecting “Establishment Registration”, the user will be directed to the Unified Shram Suvidha Portal, where there is the option of downloading a manual that contains instructions for registration.
Step 3: Register Digital Signature Certificate Employers who are already registered can login using their credentials i.e. with the Universal Account Number and password. New users can sign up by entering required details, like Name, Email and Mobile Number. This instruction manual will mention the process of Employer Registration that is to be followed by registration of DSC of the Employer. Getting DSC registered is necessary for submission of a fresh application for ERF registration.
Step 4: Input Employer’s Details Select “I have read the instruction manual” and then click on “Register Button”. After this, the user will be redirected to a new page, where he or she will have to provide certain details. Once the required information is submitted, an email link shall be sent to the user’s email address, which needs to be activated to enable the submission of application for online registration of Establishment.
Organizations that employee more than 20 individuals are required to mandatorily obtain PF registration. Smaller establishments that do not have the prescribed minimum strength can choose to voluntarily register themselves. Other companies with bigger workforce have to register themselves within a month of reaching the minimum strength. Penalties are applicable in case of any delay in registration.
Co-operative societies are required to register if their employee strength is 50 or more. Registered establishments have to continue following the rules and regulations of the Act, even when their overall work strength is less than the minimum specified number.
Following are the documents required for online EPF registration:
What are the documents required for EPF registration?
The documents required for EPF registration are as follows:
How many employees are needed for PF registration?
Registration is mandatory for companies that have a workforce of 20 employees or more. Co-operative societies are required to get registered if their employee strength is 50 or more.
Can an employer stop payment of Employees' Provident Fund contribution for a member who has reached the age of 55 or 60?
No. The employer has to contribute to the employee's EPF until the date of his or her leaving the service, irrespective of the member's age.
Can an employer reduce wages on account of payment to the EPF?
No. This is specifically not permitted under Section 12 of the EPF & MP Act, 1952.
How to submit the withdrawal application of provident fund if the employer does not attest the claim form?
It is the responsibility of the employer to attest the application form. Should any dispute arise, the member can attain attestation, possibly from the bank where the individual has maintained an account and then submit the same to the Regional PF Commissioner, stating the cause for not getting the employer's signature. The Commissioner shall pursue the matter with the employer, when necessary.
