What is EPF Registration

Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is an initiative to give social benefits to employees; it is a scheme defined under Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 which is regulated by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). If the establishment has the strength of more than 20 employees then it is mandatory for the establishment to obtain Employer Identification Number. The total strength of employee Includes contractors or temporary employees like housekeeping staff, daily wage worker security or other temporary workers in the business. Even if a company has employee strength of less than 20 then the company can voluntarily apply for EIN. Company has to obtain EPF registration certificate within 30 days from the date of employment of 20 employees.

Following establishment registration is mandatory:-

● Factory, having 20 or more worker engaged in any industry.

● Having 20 or more persons or any other establishment which is specified by the Central Government.

● Central Government may make it compulsory for some establishment having less than 20 employees to obtain PF registration after providing not less than two months’ notice.

● Employer and majority of employees may voluntarily apply to the Central PF Commissioner to make the provisions applicable to the establishment.

● Central PF Commissioner may allow after passing the notification in the Official Gazette.

● After registration employees will be eligible for a provident fund from the date of their employment. It is the responsibility of the employer to deduct & make payment of provident fund.

● There will be an equal contribution of 12% by the employer and employee.

● Employer’s contribution = 12% of Basic Wages + Dearness Allowance + Retaining Allowance.

● The deduction rate will be 10%, in case of fewer than 20 employees.

● The following documents are required for PF registration:-

● Copy of PAN Card of firm/company/society/trust.

● Copy of Cancelled cheque (bearing pre-printed company/firm name & Current Account No).

● Partnership Deed (In case of Partnership Firm).

● Certificate of Registration (In case of Proprietorship/ Partnership/ Company / LLP).

● Certificate of Incorporation (In case of company/ society, trust/ NGO).

● Copy of PAN Card of Directors / Partner.

● Copy of Aadhaar Card/ Voter identity card of Director.

● The following processes are involved to register EPF

Step 1- Registration with EPFO - For PF registration, one has to visit the website first and there is on the option of “Establishment Registration” on the unified portal.

Step 2- Read the User Manual - Before the PF registration process, it is important to download and read the instruction manual for the new user. Once you click on the “Establishment Registration” you will get an “Instruction Manual”.

Step 3- DSC Registration - For ERF registration, DSC registration is pre-requisite. Registered employers can log in with their credentials like Universal Account Number [UAN] and password. To submit a fresh application, DSC registration is required.

Step 4- Fill the Employer’s Details - Once you read the instruction manual, you have to confirm that “I have read the instruction manual” and click on “Register Button”. After this, you will fall on the next page where you have to provide the employer’s details.