Employees who are looking to change or have joined a new company, understanding the process of transferring Provident Fund (PF) from the previous to the current employer is very important. In this article, we will provide information on PF transfer forms, downloading procedures, online and offline PF transfer. Understanding these aspects will help ensure a smooth transfer of PF and minimise any inconvenience.
What is PF Form 13?
EPF Form 13 is a transfer form provided by Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, which is available both online and offline. Just fill out the PF Transfer Form 13 and submit it to initiate the EPF account transfer.
Smart saving tip: As you plan for the future, remember that FDs can be a valuable asset alongside your PF contributions. Use FDs for specific goals like a down payment, education expenses, or to supplement retirement savings.
Why transfer your PF
Your Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique identifier for your EPF account. When you change jobs, instead of creating a new account, your existing EPF account is transferred to your new employer. This ensures a seamless transfer of your PF balance and continued growth of your retirement savings.
Why transfer your PF?
Once you start working for a PF-registered organisation, both you and your employer contribute to your PF account, which earns interest. If you switch jobs, you have two options for your existing PF account:
- Withdraw: If you're unemployed for more than 60 days, you can withdraw the accumulated funds.
- Transfer: It's generally advisable to transfer your PF balance to your new employer's PF account.
Why Transfer is Better:
- Consolidated Savings: Transferring your PF balance allows you to consolidate your savings in one place, making it easier to track and manage.
- Continued Interest: Your transferred balance continues to earn interest, ensuring your retirement savings grow.
- Tax Benefits: Withdrawing PF within 5 years of continuous service can attract tax implications. Transferring the balance avoids this.
By transferring your PF balance, you can maximise the benefits of this long-term savings scheme.
Details to Fill in EPF Form 13
Employee Details:
- Full name as per EPF records
- Father's name (or husband's name for married women)
- Previous employer's name and address
- Previous EPF account number
- Name of the PF authority (Regional PF Commissioner or PF Trust)
- Previous EPF account number (if applicable)
- Date of leaving the previous job
- Date of joining the new job
- Date of filling the form
- Employee's signature or left-hand thumb impression
Employer Details:
- Establishment's name and address
- New EPF account number
- New FPF account number (if applicable)
- Details of the PF authority (Regional PF Commissioner or PF Trust)
- Address of the PF authority
- Payee details
- Date of filling the form
- Authorized signatory's signature and company seal
Pro tip
Bajaj Finance launches a new variant, "FD Max", for investments upto Rs. 25,000 . Bajaj Finance is providing one of the highest interest rates of up to 8.85% p.a.for senior citizens and 8.60% p.a. for non-senior citizens , in this variant.
Steps for PF transfer online
- Log in to the EPFO members portal using your UAN number and password.
- After login, select 'One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)' under online services.
- Verify personal information and PF account for present employment.
- Click on ‘Get details’ to view PF account details of previous employment.
- Choose either previous or current employer for claim attestation based on authorised signatory availability.
- Click on 'Get OTP', enter the received OTP, and click on 'Submit'.
- After submission, note the tracking ID and PF account details. Take a printout of Form 13 and sign it.'
- Submit the signed form to your employer within 10 days for further processing and approval by both the employer and EPFO.
- Once approved you will receive a confirmation SMS for the same.
Steps for PF transfer offline
Following the are steps for offline PF transfer:
- Complete the printed Form 13 in detail and submit it to the current employer.
- The current employer then submits the form to the EPF office, which then sends it to the applicant’s previous employer for verification and attestation.
- Upon receiving the verified and attested copy from the previous employer, the EPF office initiates the transfer of the balance from the previous EPF account to a new EPF account.
- In the offline PF transfer method, the applicant is not required to provide their UAN and Aadhaar Card number.
- UAN (Universal Account Number), provided by EPFO, serves as a single identification number for multiple employee IDs given to the same individual.
Information or documents to prepare before online PF transfer
Before initiating the online PF transfer through the 'Unified Portal, website' ensure the following:
- Activate UAN on the EPF portal, and ensure the mobile number used for activation should be active.
- Link your bank account and IFSC code to your UAN. It is not mandatory to link Aadhar number and PAN to UAN for transfer claims.
- Ensure the employer has approved the e-KYC.
- Confirm that the previous/current employer has digitally registered authorised signatories in EPFO.
- Enter the PF account number for both previous and current employment in the EPFO database.
- Check that your personal details and PF account information in EPFO are accurate.
Also read: What is Form 10E
Fixed deposit variants
Documents required for PF transfer
- ID proof (PAN card, Aadhaar card, or driving licence)
- UAN (Universal Account Number)
- Bank account details
- PF account number
- Current and old PF account details
- Current employer's details
- Establishment number
Benefits of transferring EPF
When changing jobs, it's advisable to transfer your existing PF balance to your new employer's PF account. This long-term government-backed investment offers several benefits:
Tax advantages:
- Withdrawing PF within 5 years of continuous service is subject to tax.
- Transferring the balance avoids this tax implication.
Maximizing returns:
- EPF offers compound interest on your contributions.
- Withdrawing your balance prematurely can reduce potential returns.
By transferring your PF, you ensure that your savings continue to grow and remain tax-efficient.
Conclusion
Form 13, mandatory document for PF transfer, facilitates a smooth transition between existing and new employers. It simplifies the PF transfer process whether done online or offline. Understanding the calculation of Provident Fund deductions ensures clarity for both employees and employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Form 13 is used for Provident Fund transfer, allowing employees to request the transfer of their PF balance from one employer to another.
Form 13 is mandatory for PF transfer, and it needs to be filled out and submitted to the respective EPFO office for processing.
The duration for PF transfer varies, but it typically takes around 20 days for the transfer process to be completed by the EPFO.
You can transfer your PF online using the EPFO portal (UAN login required). Ensure your UAN is active and linked to your KYC details. Initiate a transfer request with the correct details of your previous and current employers.
Transferring your PF avoids a break in service, which can impact your pension eligibility and interest earned.
No, PF transfer does not happen automatically. Employees need to initiate the transfer process either online through the EPFO portal or offline by submitting Form 13 to ensure their EPF balance is transferred to their new account.
There is no specific time limit for submitting Form 13. However, it is advisable to initiate the transfer process soon after changing jobs to avoid any issues or delays in consolidating your EPF accounts.
Form 13 is required for transferring the EPF balance from your old account to your new account when you change jobs. It ensures that your provident fund contributions are consolidated, maintaining continuity in your retirement savings.
You can transfer your PF online through the EPFO member portal. Here's how:
- Login to the EPFO Portal: Use your UAN and password to access the portal.
- Navigate to 'Manage' Tab: Click on the 'Manage' tab and select 'Transfer Request'.
- Fill in Details: Provide the details of your previous and current PF accounts.
- Submit Request: Review the information and submit the transfer request.
- Form 11: This form is used to initiate a transfer request for your PF balance from your previous employer to your current employer.
- Form 13: This form is used to claim PF withdrawal or transfer of PF balance to a new employer.
You can usually download Form 13 from the EPFO member portal. Look for the option to download forms or request a physical copy.
To submit Form 13 offline, you'll need to fill it out and submit it to your current employer's HR department. They will then forward it to the concerned PF office.
No, PF transfer does not happen automatically. You need to initiate the transfer process by submitting the necessary forms and documents.
You can download Form 13 from the EPFO member portal. Log in to your account and look for the relevant option to download the form.
Your previous employer's HR department or the concerned PF office issues Form 13. You can also download it from the EPFO member portal.
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