Employee Provident Fund (EPF) Registration
Employees Provident Fund implemented by the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), being one of the main medium for savings for working class people whether in Government, Private or Public sector organizations.
Firms or Companies having employee capacity of not less than 20 are required to be registered with the Provident Fund Department. The strength of 20 also includes contract-based employees like security, housekeeping or other contractual workers required for the business entity. Companies not having the mentioned capacity of employees but are willing to register to owe to the benefits of Provident Fund for their employees can register voluntarily with the Regional Provident Fund Office. Registration has to be done within thirty days from the date of hiring 20 employees. Delay might result in a penalty.
Documents required for EPF Registration
- Certificate of Incorporation (Private Limited Company) and Certificate of Registration of the Firm (Partnership Firm)
- MOA & AOA (Private Limited Company) and Partnership Deed (Partnership Firm)
- Rental Agreement or Lease Agreement
- PAN Card of Company or Firm
- Address Proof
- ID Proof – Pan Card / Election Card / Passport / Driving License (Directors / Partners)
- List of Directors / Partners
- Registration copies with other Departments - VAT, PT; etc.
- First Invoice raised by the company
- A true copy of Board Resolution
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must Register with Employees Provident Fund Department?
Any entity, be it a government office, public sector or private sector entity which has 20 or more employees needs to get registered with the PF Department. The application must be filed within one month of reaching the employee count of 20. Where the employer wishes to provide the provident fund benefit to his / her employees, he may voluntarily apply for registration.
Should all the Employees get covered under the Act?
Employees drawing basic salary upto Rs. 15000/- have to compulsory contribute to the Provident fund and employees drawing above Rs. 15,001 have an option to become member of the Provident Fund.
While calculating the limit of 20 Employees, will every Employee and Labour force be counted?
The limit of 20 includes all permanent, semi permanent and other contract employees like housekeeping, security or other contractual workers in the business.
Suppose, an Employee’s basic pay is Rs. 50000, should he contribute 12% on this amount?
No. The Act prescribes to contribute PF on the basic limit i.e., Rs.15,000. However, if the employer wishes to contribute on Rs.50000, there is no restriction.
Suppose, Employer contributes his share of 12% on the basic limit of Rs. 15000; can the employee contribute more?
Yes. Employee has the option of contributing more (upto a maximum of Basic Salary) as Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF).