How Is Provident Fund (PF) Applicable?

Definition: Provident Fund (PF) is a savings scheme mandated by the government where both employees and employers contribute a portion of the salary to provide financial security upon retirement or in specific situations.

Applicability of Provident Fund (PF):

1. Applicability to Employees:
   • Coverage: PF is applicable to employees working in establishments that fall under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
   • Threshold: Mandatory for establishments with 20 or more employees. Smaller establishments may also opt for PF coverage.
2. Contributions:
   • Employee Contribution: Typically 12% of the employee’s basic salary.
   • Employer Contribution: An equal amount to the employee's contribution, including contributions to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) and Employee Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI).
3. Types of Provident Fund:
   • Employees' Provident Fund (EPF): Mandatory for employees under the EPF Act.
   • Public Provident Fund (PPF): A voluntary scheme available to the general public with tax benefits and fixed interest rates.
4. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Employees: Any employee in an organization covered under the EPF Act.
   • Voluntary Participation: Individuals can contribute to the PPF, regardless of their employment status.
5. Withdrawal and Claims:
   • Retirement: Employees can withdraw the accumulated PF balance upon retirement.
   • Pre-Retirement: PF balances can be withdrawn under specific circumstances such as resignation, medical emergencies, or housing needs, subject to conditions.
   • Loan Facility: Loans can be availed against PF balance for certain purposes.
6. Tax Benefits:
   • Tax Exemption: Contributions to EPF qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Interest earned is also tax-free.
   • Tax on Withdrawal: Withdrawal is tax-free if the employee has completed five years of continuous service. Otherwise, it may be subject to tax.
7. Compliance and Reporting:
   • Employer Obligations: Employers must deposit contributions regularly, file returns, and maintain records as per PF regulations.
   • Employee Rights: Employees should ensure regular deposit of their PF contributions and can track their PF balance through the official EPFO portal.

Summary: Provident Fund (PF) applies to employees in establishments covered under the EPF Act, involving mandatory contributions from both employees and employers. PF offers benefits like tax exemptions, retirement savings, and loan facilities, with strict compliance and reporting requirements for employers.